Differential response of water stress on leaf morphological anatomical structures of varied provenances Xanthocera sorbifolium

ObjectiveBy means of exploring the response of leaf anatomical structure of different yellow horn (Xanthocera sorbifolium) provenances to water stress, this paper aims to understand the difference of drought tolerance, and provide the basis for the selection of water-saving and drought-tolerant provenances.

MethodIn this paper, 3 different provenances of yellow horn seedlings distributed in North China were studied, and 4 water gradients including sufficient water W1, normal water supply W2, mild drought W3 and severe drought W4 were set by potted water control method. The anatomical structure of the plant leaf was observed with paraffin section technique.

ResultWith the intensification of drought stress, the yellow horn leaves of three provenances all had different degrees of xerophytic structure; compared with the X. sorbifolium of Henan provenances, the upper and lower epidermis, cuticle and leaf structure tightness (severe drought) of Shanxi and Hebei provenances had higher responsiveness. Shanxi provenance with thicker mesophyll tissue, Hebei provenance with more powerful vascular system and the ratio of palisade tissue to sponge tissue responded to drought stress.

ConclusionThe response of leaf anatomic structure to water stress is different in varied provenances. The X. sorbifolium of Shanxi and Hebei provenances belongs to water-saving and drought-tolerant type.