Change in Fatty Acids Composition During Water stress in Cotton Plants. Relation With Drought Resistance Induced by Far Red Light

Abstract

The resistance of cotton to water stress can be modified by the photoperiod: plants grown under short day conditions are resistant to water stress, and FR enhances their resistance. It has been shown that FR improves water economy.

The determination of the composition of fatty acids during water stress was carried out under drought resistance induced by FR. In roots, FR treatment causes saturation of fatty acids. During water stress, there is a general decrease in the content of fatty acids, with saturation of fatty acids. This is true in 9 h light period and in 9 h light + FR. These changes can be related to variations in membrane fluidity.

Without FR, water stress causes a marked decrease in the content of the fatty acids in the buds. When FR is given, water stress has no effect on fatty acids content, which, under these conditions, is always lower than in non water stressed plants without FR.