The impact of phytochemical, morpho-physiological, and biochemical changes of Lallemantia royleana (Benth.) on drought tolerance

ABSTRACT Water deficiency is the most prominent constraint for crop production worldwide which is exacerbated by climate change. Developing drought-resistant species is a cost-effective solution to resolve the water lack problems in arid and semi-arid regions. A two-year study was conducted with the aim of developing the cultivation of Lallemantia royleana drought-resistant ecotypes in desert climates. Drought treatments were included control (−0.5 atm), mild (−3.5 atm), moderate (−6.5 atm), and severe (−9.5 atm). Balangu ecotypes were collected from Kalat in Khorasan Razavi province, Zakheh in Kurdistan province, Kondor in Alborz province, and Jupar in Kerman province. The results showed that Kondor and Jupar were drought-resistant ecotypes, and Kalat and Zakheh were drought-sensitive ecotypes. Growth traits, RWC, photosynthetic pigments content, seed yield, seed oil amount, and omega-6 fatty acids contents in all ecotypes decreased in drought conditions. On the contrary, the content of seed mucilage and soluble carbohydrates, the activity of APX, CAT, SOD, and POX, and the amount of phenol and proline increased. However, the drought-tolerant ecotypes produced more dry matter and seed yield under drought conditions. They can use a large amount of photosynthetic energy for biomass and seed production up to −6.5 atm of soil water potential. However, this ability is retained up to −3.5 atm of soil water potential in drought-sensitive ecotypes. Graphical Abstratct