Structural and metabolic changes in rhizophores of the Cerrado species Chrysolaena obovata (Less.) Dematt. as influenced by drought and re-watering.

The high fructan contents in underground organs of Cerrado species, high water solubility, and fast metabolism of these compounds highlight their role as carbon storage and as an adaptive feature in plants under drought. In this study, we showed that anatomical structure, in association with soluble compounds and metabolism of inulin-type fructans were modified in rhizophores of Crysolaena obovata submitted to water suppression and recovery after re-watering. Plants were subjected to daily watering (control), suppression of watering for 22 days (water suppression) and suppression of watering followed by re-watering after 10 days (re-watered).

Effect of drought and re-watering on fructan metabolism in Vernonia herbacea (Vell.) Rusby.

Vernonia herbacea (Vell.) Rusby, a native species from the Brazilian Cerrado, accumulates about 80% of fructans in the rhizophores, the underground reserve organs. Besides their role as reserve, fructans have been recognized as protective compounds against drought.