Abstract Detail

Pollination Biology

Perez, Pedro [1], Connet, Nicole M. [1], Arriola, Paul E. [2].

The effects of prolonged drought stress on the water status and pollen viability in pigmy torch amaranth.

The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological and reproductive response to prolonged drought stress on the pigmy torch amaranth (Amaranthus hypochodriacus L.). Plants were grown under greenhouse conditions where they were exposed to moisture stress levels of varying degrees ranging from 30% - 60% of FWC. Stress exposure was consistently applied from seedling stage through flowering and seed set. Plant growth response, leaf water conductance, stem water potential, and pollen viability were measured and compared with plants grown at 100 % FWC. Plants growing at 50% FWC appeared to represent the threshold for the plant’s ability to compensate for the stress as was determined by examination of several growth indicators. Measures of stomatal conductance for the 50% and 100%FWC were consistently different (p<0.001) among the treatment groups although the drought stressed plants did not always exhibit visible signs of deterioration. Further, measures of pollen viability by fluorescein diacetate assay demonstrated a consistent depression of viability in stressed plants as compared to fully watered plants (p=0.001). These data represent the first stage of an ongoing investigation to determine the impact on male sterility and increased outcrossing rate in water stressed plants.

1 - Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, Illinois, 60126, United States
2 - Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL, 60126, USA

Keywords:
amranth
experimental drought
pollen viability.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Pollination Biology Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PPL007
Abstract ID:550
Candidate for Awards:None