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resistance is determined primarily by 'drought avoidance' (high plant water status maintained
The term drought resistance is sometimes confused with water use efficiency (WUE). Drought
the response for relatively long periods [4,5].
of these basic strategies, plants can respond quickly to environmental cues, often maintaining
namely morphological modifications and physiological adjustments. Through combinations
fied. Broadly speaking, these adaptive mechanisms can be divided into two major categories,
numerous strategies employed by plants leading to successful acclimation have been identi‐
especially challenging, since they are unable to relocate to avoid adverse conditions. As a result,
whether biotic such as pest related, or abiotic such as physically effected. For plants this is
All living organisms have evolved mechanisms for adapting to changes in their environment,
2. Water use efficiency and drought resistance
genetic control [1-3].
between anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, all of which are directly or indirectly under
the dry season). Drought adaptation in most plants is controlled by complicated interactions
accumulation of osmoprotectants) and drought escape (e.g., reproductive completion before
can be summarized as dehydration avoidance (e.g., deep rooting), dehydration tolerance (e.g.,
growing seasons is desirable is particular critical. For plants, the strategy choices for survival
water availability for agricultural crops where maintenance of high yields over variable
environments experience water-limited periods of various degrees and duration. The issue of
Water availability is the single most important factor determining plant survival. Many
1. Introduction
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/55537
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
Carole L. Bassett
Cultivated and Wild Apples
Water Use and Drought Response in
Chapter 8
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