The metabolic underpinnings of plant survival under severe drought-induced senescence conditions are poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the morphological, physiological and metabolic responses to sustained water deficit in Brachypodium distachyon, a model organism for research on temperate grasses. Relative to control plants, fresh biomass, leaf water potential, and chlorophyll levels decreased rapidly in plants grown under drought conditions, demonstrating an early onset of senescence. The leaf C/N ratio and protein content showed an increase in plants subjected to drought stress. The concentrations of several small molecule carbohydrates and amino acid-derived metabolites previously implicated in osmotic protection increased rapidly in plants experiencing water deficit.
Revised: December 21, 2020 |
Published: December 2, 2019
Citation
Ahkami A., W. Wang, T.W. Wietsma, T.E. Winkler, I. Lange, G.C. Jansson, and M.D. Lange, et al. 2019.Metabolic shifts associated with drought-induced senescence in Brachypodium.Plant Science 289.PNNL-SA-145496.doi:10.1016/j.plantsci.2019.110278