Effects of drought stress on growth and physiological characteristics of Sour Cherry cv. "Mykrez" saplings

Drought is one of the most important factors limiting plant growth. Due to climate changes, the orchards are at risk of drought stress in our country. In this study, we investigated the response of Sour cherry cv. "Mykrez" to different levels of water stress. A randomized complete block design experiment with three water stress treatments (control, -5 and -10 bar based on soil water tension) was performed. Growth traits, including growth rate of branches, number of leaves and leaf area and physiological parameters including leaf relative water content, proline and total carbohydrates, total soluble carbohydrates, membrane stability index and leaf chlorophyll content (a, b and total) were measured. The results showed that the growth of branches, number of leaves and leaf area were significantly decreased with increase in water stress level and there was a significant difference between the three treatments. Proline and total soluble carbohydrates were increased in – 5 bar and -10 bar drought stresses compared with the control. Total carbohydrates were significantly reduced in – 5 bar and -10 bar compared to control. RWC and chlorophyll (a, b and total) were decreased in water stress treatments. Based on the findings of this study, it seems that "Mykrez" Sour cherry cultivar increases leaf proline and total soluble carbohydrates content in order to overcome the adverse effects of water stress.