Morpho-physiological parameters
The experiment lasted until the loss of turgidity in the leaves of the
stressed control. Firstly, the chlorophyll content measurement was
performed at the end of the trial, randomly measuring SPAD on 5 leaves
per plot. The SPAD index was significantly (p<0.05) lower in
drought-stressed plants, with a decrease of 25% compared to the watered
control (C). Also, both fresh and dry weights were significantly
(p<0.05) reduced in drought conditions (D), being about three
times lower than the control.
In parallel, an increase in leaf temperatures was registered. The
temperatures after four days (T4) were 10% higher compared to the C+D
at the starting point (T0) and +6% compared to C. Similarly, the
relative water content (RWC) after four days was reduced, resulting in
about half of the control.