Jatropha curcas L. responses to water deficit: biochemical and physiological characterization

Mestrado em Engenharia Agronómica - Instituto Superior de AgronomiaWater deficit places major limitations to plant productivity and it’s a factor to be taken into account in agriculture due to the global climate changes. In this work the main physiological and biochemical strategies involved in Jatropha curcas L. responses to water deficit were studied. Photosynthesis and stomatal conductance presented a significant decrease under water stress. With the increase of drought intensity non-stomatal limitations toke more importance than stomatal limitations. After soil rehydration those parameters showed a complete recover. A greater tolerance to oxidative stress induced by water deficit is suggested by the increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Chlorophyll content decreased significantly with drought stress but plant seems to be able to regenerate it after soil rehydration. Under water deficit amino acids and proteins decreased significantly. Lipid peroxidation significantly increased with drought stress conditions that can lead to damage in cellular compound caused by the increase of the ROS formation. Jatropha curcas L. plants demonstrated some resistance to water deficit and capacity to fight oxidative stress, using metabolic strategies to increase plant tolerance against oxidative damage