Canopy application of film antitranspirants over the reproductive phase enhances yield and yield-related physiological traits of water-stressed oilseed rape (Brassica napus)

摘要: Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) yield is strongly decreased by water deficit, and crop-management solutions are urgently required considering the emerging difficulties in breeding for drought-tolerant varieties. Film-forming antitranspirants (polymers) agrochemicals that, applied to crop canopy, mechanically block stomata decrease canopy transpiration. In this study, drought-protection efficacy of an adaxial-surface application at flowering stage two film-forming treatments (poly-1-p-menthene di-1-p-menthene) was investigated pot-grown, droughted oilseed over glasshouse experiments. Over drought period, compounds reduced leaf stomatal conductance (P < 0.001), as soil moisture deficit increased, they sustained carbon assimilation improved water-use efficiency with differing efficacy. Following antitranspirant treatments, ABA concentration leaves reproductive organs severely accompanied significant improvements flower–pod potential. Drought significantly seed dry matter production plants, 39% on average. The increased 13% (poly-1-p-menthene) 17% (di-1-p-menthene), average, compared unsprayed a result increase number pods per plant, 11% 13%, respectively. results suggest that may be useful tool avoid severe drought-induced losses improving plant status, thus alleviating signalling under deficit.