Contrasting responses to soil and water salinity in stomata and canopy traits produced convergence of water-use in tomatoes (Solanum esculentum) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus): application to water management.

Background: Salinity constrains agricultural sustainability and crops differ in their response. We tested the hypothesis that contrasting responses in canopy and stomatal traits to salinity will cause convergence of water-use in okra and tomato.

Results: Stomata were found almost exclusively (>90%) on the lower leaf surface of tomato, but okra produced ~30% of stomata on the upper leaf surface.