Aspectos fisiológicos de seis genótipos de cana-de-açúcar submetidos a estresse hídrico

Abstract

The soil water deficit is a problem that affects much of the cultivated areas in the world, especially those located in semi-arid regions. The sugarcane is a crop growing in northeastern Brazil, where the limitation of water availability affects growth and development of the plant, causing social and economic damage. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate, in a comparative way, the physiological aspects of six genotypes of cane sugarcane (RB931011, RB931013, RB72010, CL001, CL002 and CL003) submitted to water deficit during early vegetative growth under greenhouse conditions, at the Centre for Agrarian Sciences of the Federal University of Alagoas, Rio Largo, State of Alagoas, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized in factorial arrangement 6x3 with four replications. Water levels were defined as follows: control (80-100% of available water in soil - AW), mild stress (AW 40-60%) and severe stress (0-20% AW). Plants of 19 days were transplanted to pots. The treatments were applied to 80 days after transplanting and the pots were weighed daily to control of the humidity. Were taken periodically the SPAD readings, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (quantum efficiency potential - Fv / Fm and effective quantum efficiency - ΦPSII) and measurements of leaf area. At the end of the experiment were measured the leaf water potential, plant height, tiller number and dry weight of leaf, stem plus sheath and shoot. Were also quantified the levels of photosynthetic pigments, osmoregulators (soluble sugars, proline, N-amino and proteins) and the enzyme activity of oxidative defense. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and average test (Tukey, 5% probability). Overall, there was reduction in the levels of photosynthetic pigments according to the intensity of stress. The w was reduced by the drought stress, however, the cultivar RB931011 showed no significant reduction in the water levels in the predawn and at noon, showed the smallest reduction when subjected to moderate stress. The Fv/Fm ratio was reduced by the treatments for genotypes RB931011, RB72910 and CL002, at noon, with high recovery rate during the night time (readings at 4:00 am). The RB72910 showed the greatest reduction in ΦPSII, SPAD index, content of chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and ratio chla/chlb, but kept the carotenoids content. Regarding the osmoregulators, were increased the N-α-amino-soluble, free proline, soluble carbohydrate and were decreased the soluble protein amount, depending on water levels, independent of the genotypes. There was an increase in the level of malonilaldehyde (MDA) in response to water stress, more intense in RB931011 and RB931013 varieties. For the ascorbate peroxidase activity, there was a greater increase in CL002, even showing stability for catalase. Water stress reduced the initial growth and total dry matter production, and induced the activation of the oxidative defenses of sugarcane plants. RB72910 and CL001 genotypes showed higher tolerance to water deficit.