Physiological characterization and identification of genes differentially expressed in response to drought induced by PEG 6000 in Populus canadensis leaves.

We report here about the physiological and molecular responses of Populus canadensis (clone Dorskamp) to drought. The stress was applied to young rooted cuttings by PEG 6000 application over 30 days. This stress induces a decrease in predawn leaf water potential.

Physiological traits of two Populus x euramericana clones, Luisa Avanzo and Dorskamp, during a water stress and re-watering cycle.

We compared responses to drought and re-watering of greenhouse-grown cuttings of Populus x euramericana (Dode) Guinier clones, Luisa Avanzo and Dorskamp. Total leaf area, leaf number, leaf area increment and stomatal conductance were evaluated periodically during a 29-day drought period and for 16 days after re-watering. Soil water content and predawn leaf water potential (Psi(wp)) were measured on Days 29 and 45.