Biochemistry and physiology of water stress in cotton, corn, and sorghum

Date

1977-05

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Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of water stress on specific physiological and biochemical processes in field grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), com (Zea mays L.) , and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)o These three crops are distinctly different witli respect to their drought tolerance. Investigation of such processes as regulation of water use, photosynthesis and specific enzyme activity were conducted in order to ascertain whether these parameters were differentially affected by water stress in the three species. Elucidating the level of water stress required to inhibit a physiological process or identifying specific factors that confer drought tolerance to one species as opposed to another, may aid in enhancing agricultural productivity particularly in many arid and semi-arid environments. Furthermore, once specific limiting factors of growth under water stress situations are identified, these data can be utilized in a comprehensive effort toward producing more drought tolerant genotypes within a crop species.

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