Modelling water use efficiency in a dynamic environment: An example using Arabidopsis thaliana.
S Vialet-Chabrand1, J S A Matthews1, O Brendel2
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK.
Plant Science : an International Journal of Experimental Plant Biology
|September 6, 2016
Summary
Improving plant water use efficiency (WUE) is key for agriculture. This study identifies key traits like stomatal density and photosynthetic capacity, revealing how stomatal closure and light sensitivity impact WUE.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Photosynthesis Research
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Intrinsic water use efficiency (Wi) is crucial for plant productivity and water conservation.
- Understanding the physiological traits influencing Wi is essential for targeted improvement.
- Fluctuating light conditions challenge plant water regulation due to differing temporal responses of CO2 assimilation (A) and stomatal conductance (gs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a model that predicts leaf-level gs and A under fluctuating light, dissecting Wi into key traits.
- To identify specific physiological and anatomical traits that can be targeted to improve Wi.
- To investigate the impact of leaf anatomy on the temporal dynamics of A, gs, and Wi.
Main Methods:
- A novel model was developed to scale stomatal behavior from the leaf level.
- The model simulates diurnal periods with natural light fluctuations to predict A and gs.
- The model was used to analyze the influence of stomatal density, photosynthetic capacity, stomatal closure, and light sensitivity on Wi.
Main Results:
- Stomatal density and photosynthetic capacity were confirmed as important determinants of Wi.
- Incomplete stomatal closure in darkness and light sensitivity significantly impact Wi.
- A high stomatal density leads to rapid gs response but can decrease Wi.
- Negative feedback from accumulated photosynthetic products explained the diurnal decline in A and gs.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully dissected Wi, highlighting the roles of stomatal traits and photosynthetic capacity.
- Leaf anatomy, particularly stomatal density, influences the temporal dynamics of gas exchange and Wi.
- Targeting stomatal closure mechanisms and light sensitivity, alongside photosynthetic capacity, offers potential for enhancing plant water use efficiency.
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