Water deficit exposure: physiological and biochemical changes in Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae)

The use of drought-tolerant species, such as Physalis angulata L., in regions subject to water scarcity is an important strategy for food security, although the duration of exposure to water deficit may affect plant performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological and biochemical aspects of Physalis angulata under water deficit conditions. Plants were subjected to different levels of water availability (20, 40, 60, and 80%) and evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, in a factorial design. Water status, gas exchange, and accumulation of organic solutes in the leaves were analyzed. There was interaction between the evaluated factors, with primary alterations in the plants' water status and gas exchange. Plants subjected to the most restrictive treatments showed reductions in relative water content, CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and internal CO2 concentration, but with increased water use efficiency in most of the evaluated periods. The accumulation of organic solutes, such as sugars and proline, increased under more severe water restrictions, with a peak on the fifth day of deficit, followed by a decline. Water deficit induced physiological and biochemical changes in P. angulata, with better responses observed in plants exposed to five days of water deficit.