Comparative leaf water relations and anatomical responses of three vetch species (Vicia narbonensis L., V. sativa L. and V. villosa Roth.) to cope with water stress

摘要: Plant growth and production are greatly affected by water deficit worldwide particularly in Tunisia. In this context, a study was conducted to analyse the response of three vetch species (Vicia narbonensis, V. sativa villosa) four treatments: 100% (Control), 80%, 60% 40% field capacity. Water stress led important changes both leaf physiology anatomy. narbonensis kept cells turgor adjusting osmotic potential without cell walls elasticity. showed most pronounced reductions lowest adjustment under although elasticity has not changed. However, villosa higher fraction apoplastic over that allowed it maintain despite rigidity its walls. Drought did affect lamina thickness but increased palisade parenchyma at expense spongy parenchyma. It characterised increase constant parenchyma: strategy cope with drought. Moreover, stomata were reduced size number order avoid loss.