The Effects of Drought Stress on Squash Plants

With competition for water resources increasing drastically around the globe agriculturally, industrially, and domestically, it is paramount that stores are utilized sustainably and responsibly (Jury & Vaux, 2005). Understanding the mechanisms at work behind a plant’s response to drought stress is crucial before we can integrate effective strategies for combating reduced availability of water. Drought affects plants differently depending on their inherited adaptations and their ability to acclimate. Investigating how different plants respond may give a better foundation for development of hardy breeds, appropriate irrigation techniques, and climatic placement. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the varying physiological changes that may occur when squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) plants experience drought as opposed to a control group of squash plants. Factors measured include specific leaf area, minimum transpiration, minimum conductance, water potential, soil to apical meristem height over time, true leaf count over time, and dry biomass