In Medicago truncatula Gaertn. cv. Jemalong plants some mechanisms involved in drought resistance... more In Medicago truncatula Gaertn. cv. Jemalong plants some mechanisms involved in drought resistance were analysed in response to a progressive water deficit imposed by suppression of soil irrigation. Withholding water supply until the soil had reached one-half of its maximum water content had no significant effect on leaf RWC, gas exchanges or chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Under severe drought conditions, the plants resistance to water shortage involved mainly drought avoidance mechanisms through a decrease in stomatal conductance. The consequent decrease in the internal CO 2 concentration (C i ) should have limited the net CO 2 fixation (A). Since A decreased slightly more than C i under severe water deficit, non-stomatal limitations of photosynthesis may have also occurred. Analysis of A/C i curves showed reduced carboxylation efficiency due to limitations in RuBP regeneration and Rubisco activity, confirming the presence of non-stomatal limitations of photosynthesis. Drought tolerance mechanisms involving osmotic adjustment and an increase in cell membrane integrity were also present. Altogether, these mechanisms allowed M. truncatula cv. Jemalong plants to still maintain a quite elevated level of net CO 2 fixation rate under severe water deficit conditions. These results may contribute to identify useful physiological traits for breeding programs concerning drought adaptation in legumes.
Andre M. Almeida 1,∗ , Enrique Villalobos 2 , Susana S. Araujo 1 , Barbara Leyman 3 , Patrick Van... more Andre M. Almeida 1,∗ , Enrique Villalobos 2 , Susana S. Araujo 1 , Barbara Leyman 3 , Patrick Van ... Dijck 3 , Luıs Alfaro-Cardoso 4 , Pedro S. Fevereiro 1,5 , Jose M. Torne 2 & Dulce M. Santos 6
Abstract A highly embryogenic line (M910a) of the model legume Medicago truncatula isolated at I... more Abstract A highly embryogenic line (M910a) of the model legume Medicago truncatula isolated at ITQB (Portugal, Oeiras) is being efficiently used in transformation for improved osmotic stress resistance. The M910a physiological responses to water deficit (WD) were analysed for ...
A protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated genetic transformation of Rhipsalidopsis cv. CB5... more A protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated genetic transformation of Rhipsalidopsis cv. CB5 was developed. Calluses derived from phylloclade explants and sub-cultured onto fresh callus induction medium over a period of 9-12 months were co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens LBA4404. Plasmid constructs carrying the nptII gene, as a selectable marker, and the reporter uidA gene were used. Transformed Rhipsalidopsis calluses with a vigorous growth phenotype were obtained by extended culture on media containing 600 mg l −1 kanamycin. After 9 months of a stringent selection pressure, the removal of kanamycin from the final medium together with the culture of the transformed calluses under nutritional stress led to the formation of several transgenic adventitious shoots. Transformation was confirmed by GUS staining (for uidA gene), ELISA analysis and Southern blot hybridization (for the nptII gene). With this approach, a transformation efficiency of 22.7% was achieved. Overall results described in this study demonstrate that Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is a promising approach for this cactus species.
In this article, we present the response of Medicago truncatula Gaert. cv. Jemalong plants expres... more In this article, we present the response of Medicago truncatula Gaert. cv. Jemalong plants expressing constitutively the Dsp22 gene from Craterostigma plantagineum to water stress and rehydration. The Dsp22 gene encodes an ELIP-like protein thought to protect the chloroplast against photooxidative damage during the dehydration and rehydration. The Dsp22 transgenic homozygous M. truncatula plants showed higher amount of chlorophyll (Chl), lower Chl a/Chl b ratio and higher actual efficiency of energy conversion in photosystem 2 (Φ PSII ) after rehydration, when compared to the wild type. The combined data from the Chl a fluorescence analysis, pigment quantification and biomass accumulation showed that transgenic M. truncatula plants are able to recover from water deprivation better than wild type plants.
Some species of the Lathyrus genus are among the most promising crops for marginal lands, with hi... more Some species of the Lathyrus genus are among the most promising crops for marginal lands, with high resilience to drought, flood, and fungal diseases, combined with high yields and seed nutritional value. However, lack of knowledge on the mechanisms underlying its outstanding performance and methodologies to identify elite genotypes has hampered its proper use in breeding. Chlorophyll a fast fluorescence transient (JIP test), was used to evaluate water deficit (WD) resistance in Lathyrus genus. Our results reveal unaltered photochemical values for all studied genotypes showing resistance to mild WD. Under severe WD, two Lathyrus sativus genotypes showed remarkable resilience maintaining the photochemical efficiency, contrary to other genotypes studied. Performance index (PIABS) is the best parameter to screen genotypes with improved performance and grain production under WD. Moreover, we found that JIP indices are good indicators of genotypic grain production under WD. Quantum yield of electron transport (ϕEo) and efficiency with which trapped excitons can move electrons further than QA (ψ0) revealed as important traits related to improved photosynthetic performance and should be exploited in future Lathyrus germplasm improvements. The JIP test herein described showed to be an expeditious tool to screen and to identify elite genotypes with improved drought resistance.
Genetic studies on taste sensitivity, and bitter taste receptors (T2R) in particular, are an esse... more Genetic studies on taste sensitivity, and bitter taste receptors (T2R) in particular, are an essential tool to understand ingestive behavior and its relation to variations of nutritional status occurring in ruminants. In the present study, we conducted a data-mining search to identify T2R candidates in sheep by comparison with the described T2R in cattle and using recently available ovine genome. In sheep, we identified eight orthologs of cattle genes: T2R16, T2R10B, T2R12, T2R3, T2R4, T2R67, T2R13 and T2R5. The in silico predicted genes were then confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. The sequencing results showed a 99% to 100% similarity with the in silico predicted sequence. Moreover, we address the chromosomal distribution and compare, in homology and phylogenetic terms, the obtained genes with the known T2R in human, mouse, dog, cattle, horse and pig. The eight novel genes identified map either to ovine chromosome 3 or 4. The phylogenetic data suggest a clustering by receptor type rather than by species for some of the receptors. From the species analyzed, we observed a clear proximity between the two ruminant species, sheep and cattle, in contrast with lower similarities obtained for the comparison of sheep with other mammals. Although further studies are needed to identify the complete T2R repertoire in domestic sheep, our data represent a first step for genetic studies on this field.
We developed an efficient method for in vitro selection of Medicago truncatula cv. Jemalong lines... more We developed an efficient method for in vitro selection of Medicago truncatula cv. Jemalong lines transformed with the nptII gene and subsequent confirmation of phenotype inheritance in these lines. For in vitro selection, the concentration of kanamycin inhibitory to embryogenic callus development and somatic embryo differentiation was identified by placing wounded leaves of non-transformed M. truncatula cv. Jemalong on Embryo Inducing Medium supplemented with 0, 85.8, 128.7, 171.6, 214.6, 257.5 and 343.3 µM of kanamycin. Differentiation of somatic embryos was inhibited with 171.6 µM of kanamycin but callus development was not altered. To confirm transgene inheritance, the kanamycin concentration to distinguish between resistant and non-resistant seedlings was identified by germinating non-transformed seeds of M. truncatula cv. Jemalong on 0.8% (w/v) water-agar plates containing 0, 171.6, 343.3, 514.9 and 686.6 µM of kanamycin. These concentrations did not impair seed germination since all the seedlings exhibited green cotyledons. The effect of kanamycin was only observed at 514.9 and 686.6 µM and on the first pair of leaves, which became white. Due to the high level of resistance to kanamycin of the seedlings the highest concentration is thought to be use to assure the selection efficiency. This optimised antibiotic selection scheme eliminates the regeneration of non-transformed escapes and discriminates between resistant and nonresistant seedlings, confirming the inheritance of the phenotype in transformed M. truncatula cv. Jemalong lines.
We have previously obtained several lines of tobacco transformed with a trehalose-6-phosphate syn... more We have previously obtained several lines of tobacco transformed with a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene of plant origin (Arabidopsis thaliana), involved in the first step of the biosynthesis of trehalose, a known osmoprotectant. Two showed distinct intensity of expression: high (B5H) and low (B1F). Such lines were analyzed for trehalose-6-phosphate content and the obtained results demonstrated to be in accordance with the expression results. In order to study the responses of photosynthesis to water deficit of transgenic lines in comparison to wild type (WT), three experiments were performed under different conditions: (1) Relative water (2) Leaf gas exchange (3) Modulated Chlorophyll a Fluorescence. Different responses in RWC of plant lines to water withdrawal were detected, with transgenic line B5H indicating less water loss after the water withdrawal period. Similar responses to water deficit regarding the leaf gas exchanges were recorded for the three lines. When subjected to water deficit stress situations, higher F v /F m , F PSII and qP were detected for the transgenic lines. Under a SWC of 20% where higher values for such parameters were detected with special relevance for the B5H line, indicating a possible higher ability to withstand severe drought stress and to resist to prolonged periods without water than the B1F and WT lines.
The photosynthetic performance of two transgenic Medicago truncatula lines engineered for water d... more The photosynthetic performance of two transgenic Medicago truncatula lines engineered for water deficit (WD) resistance and a non-transformed line was assessed in a growth chamber experiment in well-watered, WD and stress recovery conditions. Direct gas exchange measurements showed that the transgenic plants had lower photosynthetic rates under well-hydrated conditions when compared to the non-transformed line. Photosynthesis light curves confirmed this difference but more importantly showed a progressive change in photosynthetic behaviour with intensity of dehydration. Dehydration led to sharp decreases of maximum photosynthesis (A max ), photosynthetic apparent quantum yield ( ) and apparent light compensation point. The recovery rates showed that all plant lines had a similar capacity to regain control photosynthetic values. Furthermore, results suggested that light was more limiting for photosynthesis than atmospheric CO 2 concentration. The results are discussed in terms of the use of photosynthesis light response curves as a non-destructive and expeditious approach to select M. truncatula transformants with improved WD resistance.
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2007
typically physiologically dwarfed; characteristics include shorter (and often thicker) stems, red... more typically physiologically dwarfed; characteristics include shorter (and often thicker) stems, reduced leaf surface area and changes in leaf angle. With the exception of vibration, the growth responses to mechanical stress are similar. We have previously found that subjecting Arabidopsis plants to wind stress (fans), thigmic stress (touch) and seismic stress (shaking) results in the expected dwarfing of plants with respect to an unstressed control. In contrast, subjecting Arabidopsis seedlings or plants to vibration stress promotes growth. RT-PCR was used to look at gene expression in issues sampled from plants subjected to wind and other mechanical stresses. Candidate wind/mechanical stress genes; genes encoding plant cell wall proteins, genes involved in lignin biosynthesis and those encoding cell signalling pathway intermediates were found to be differentially expressed in plants subjected to these stresses. We are currently using the technique of gene silencing of selected candidate wind/mechanical stress genes by RNA interference (RNAi) to analyse the role of theses genes in the response and adaptation of plants to wind stress. RNAi constructs targeting Expansin 3, Cellulose synthase 3, Touch gene 4, Cinnamyl CoA reductase 2, and the Cinnamyl CoA reductase family of Arabidopsis have been generated.
In Medicago truncatula Gaertn. cv. Jemalong plants some mechanisms involved in drought resistance... more In Medicago truncatula Gaertn. cv. Jemalong plants some mechanisms involved in drought resistance were analysed in response to a progressive water deficit imposed by suppression of soil irrigation. Withholding water supply until the soil had reached one-half of its maximum water content had no significant effect on leaf RWC, gas exchanges or chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Under severe drought conditions, the plants resistance to water shortage involved mainly drought avoidance mechanisms through a decrease in stomatal conductance. The consequent decrease in the internal CO 2 concentration (C i ) should have limited the net CO 2 fixation (A). Since A decreased slightly more than C i under severe water deficit, non-stomatal limitations of photosynthesis may have also occurred. Analysis of A/C i curves showed reduced carboxylation efficiency due to limitations in RuBP regeneration and Rubisco activity, confirming the presence of non-stomatal limitations of photosynthesis. Drought tolerance mechanisms involving osmotic adjustment and an increase in cell membrane integrity were also present. Altogether, these mechanisms allowed M. truncatula cv. Jemalong plants to still maintain a quite elevated level of net CO 2 fixation rate under severe water deficit conditions. These results may contribute to identify useful physiological traits for breeding programs concerning drought adaptation in legumes.
In Medicago truncatula Gaertn. cv. Jemalong plants some mechanisms involved in drought resistance... more In Medicago truncatula Gaertn. cv. Jemalong plants some mechanisms involved in drought resistance were analysed in response to a progressive water deficit imposed by suppression of soil irrigation. Withholding water supply until the soil had reached one-half of its maximum water content had no significant effect on leaf RWC, gas exchanges or chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Under severe drought conditions, the plants resistance to water shortage involved mainly drought avoidance mechanisms through a decrease in stomatal conductance. The consequent decrease in the internal CO 2 concentration (C i ) should have limited the net CO 2 fixation (A). Since A decreased slightly more than C i under severe water deficit, non-stomatal limitations of photosynthesis may have also occurred. Analysis of A/C i curves showed reduced carboxylation efficiency due to limitations in RuBP regeneration and Rubisco activity, confirming the presence of non-stomatal limitations of photosynthesis. Drought tolerance mechanisms involving osmotic adjustment and an increase in cell membrane integrity were also present. Altogether, these mechanisms allowed M. truncatula cv. Jemalong plants to still maintain a quite elevated level of net CO 2 fixation rate under severe water deficit conditions. These results may contribute to identify useful physiological traits for breeding programs concerning drought adaptation in legumes.
Andre M. Almeida 1,∗ , Enrique Villalobos 2 , Susana S. Araujo 1 , Barbara Leyman 3 , Patrick Van... more Andre M. Almeida 1,∗ , Enrique Villalobos 2 , Susana S. Araujo 1 , Barbara Leyman 3 , Patrick Van ... Dijck 3 , Luıs Alfaro-Cardoso 4 , Pedro S. Fevereiro 1,5 , Jose M. Torne 2 & Dulce M. Santos 6
Abstract A highly embryogenic line (M910a) of the model legume Medicago truncatula isolated at I... more Abstract A highly embryogenic line (M910a) of the model legume Medicago truncatula isolated at ITQB (Portugal, Oeiras) is being efficiently used in transformation for improved osmotic stress resistance. The M910a physiological responses to water deficit (WD) were analysed for ...
A protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated genetic transformation of Rhipsalidopsis cv. CB5... more A protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated genetic transformation of Rhipsalidopsis cv. CB5 was developed. Calluses derived from phylloclade explants and sub-cultured onto fresh callus induction medium over a period of 9-12 months were co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens LBA4404. Plasmid constructs carrying the nptII gene, as a selectable marker, and the reporter uidA gene were used. Transformed Rhipsalidopsis calluses with a vigorous growth phenotype were obtained by extended culture on media containing 600 mg l −1 kanamycin. After 9 months of a stringent selection pressure, the removal of kanamycin from the final medium together with the culture of the transformed calluses under nutritional stress led to the formation of several transgenic adventitious shoots. Transformation was confirmed by GUS staining (for uidA gene), ELISA analysis and Southern blot hybridization (for the nptII gene). With this approach, a transformation efficiency of 22.7% was achieved. Overall results described in this study demonstrate that Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is a promising approach for this cactus species.
In this article, we present the response of Medicago truncatula Gaert. cv. Jemalong plants expres... more In this article, we present the response of Medicago truncatula Gaert. cv. Jemalong plants expressing constitutively the Dsp22 gene from Craterostigma plantagineum to water stress and rehydration. The Dsp22 gene encodes an ELIP-like protein thought to protect the chloroplast against photooxidative damage during the dehydration and rehydration. The Dsp22 transgenic homozygous M. truncatula plants showed higher amount of chlorophyll (Chl), lower Chl a/Chl b ratio and higher actual efficiency of energy conversion in photosystem 2 (Φ PSII ) after rehydration, when compared to the wild type. The combined data from the Chl a fluorescence analysis, pigment quantification and biomass accumulation showed that transgenic M. truncatula plants are able to recover from water deprivation better than wild type plants.
Some species of the Lathyrus genus are among the most promising crops for marginal lands, with hi... more Some species of the Lathyrus genus are among the most promising crops for marginal lands, with high resilience to drought, flood, and fungal diseases, combined with high yields and seed nutritional value. However, lack of knowledge on the mechanisms underlying its outstanding performance and methodologies to identify elite genotypes has hampered its proper use in breeding. Chlorophyll a fast fluorescence transient (JIP test), was used to evaluate water deficit (WD) resistance in Lathyrus genus. Our results reveal unaltered photochemical values for all studied genotypes showing resistance to mild WD. Under severe WD, two Lathyrus sativus genotypes showed remarkable resilience maintaining the photochemical efficiency, contrary to other genotypes studied. Performance index (PIABS) is the best parameter to screen genotypes with improved performance and grain production under WD. Moreover, we found that JIP indices are good indicators of genotypic grain production under WD. Quantum yield of electron transport (ϕEo) and efficiency with which trapped excitons can move electrons further than QA (ψ0) revealed as important traits related to improved photosynthetic performance and should be exploited in future Lathyrus germplasm improvements. The JIP test herein described showed to be an expeditious tool to screen and to identify elite genotypes with improved drought resistance.
Genetic studies on taste sensitivity, and bitter taste receptors (T2R) in particular, are an esse... more Genetic studies on taste sensitivity, and bitter taste receptors (T2R) in particular, are an essential tool to understand ingestive behavior and its relation to variations of nutritional status occurring in ruminants. In the present study, we conducted a data-mining search to identify T2R candidates in sheep by comparison with the described T2R in cattle and using recently available ovine genome. In sheep, we identified eight orthologs of cattle genes: T2R16, T2R10B, T2R12, T2R3, T2R4, T2R67, T2R13 and T2R5. The in silico predicted genes were then confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. The sequencing results showed a 99% to 100% similarity with the in silico predicted sequence. Moreover, we address the chromosomal distribution and compare, in homology and phylogenetic terms, the obtained genes with the known T2R in human, mouse, dog, cattle, horse and pig. The eight novel genes identified map either to ovine chromosome 3 or 4. The phylogenetic data suggest a clustering by receptor type rather than by species for some of the receptors. From the species analyzed, we observed a clear proximity between the two ruminant species, sheep and cattle, in contrast with lower similarities obtained for the comparison of sheep with other mammals. Although further studies are needed to identify the complete T2R repertoire in domestic sheep, our data represent a first step for genetic studies on this field.
We developed an efficient method for in vitro selection of Medicago truncatula cv. Jemalong lines... more We developed an efficient method for in vitro selection of Medicago truncatula cv. Jemalong lines transformed with the nptII gene and subsequent confirmation of phenotype inheritance in these lines. For in vitro selection, the concentration of kanamycin inhibitory to embryogenic callus development and somatic embryo differentiation was identified by placing wounded leaves of non-transformed M. truncatula cv. Jemalong on Embryo Inducing Medium supplemented with 0, 85.8, 128.7, 171.6, 214.6, 257.5 and 343.3 µM of kanamycin. Differentiation of somatic embryos was inhibited with 171.6 µM of kanamycin but callus development was not altered. To confirm transgene inheritance, the kanamycin concentration to distinguish between resistant and non-resistant seedlings was identified by germinating non-transformed seeds of M. truncatula cv. Jemalong on 0.8% (w/v) water-agar plates containing 0, 171.6, 343.3, 514.9 and 686.6 µM of kanamycin. These concentrations did not impair seed germination since all the seedlings exhibited green cotyledons. The effect of kanamycin was only observed at 514.9 and 686.6 µM and on the first pair of leaves, which became white. Due to the high level of resistance to kanamycin of the seedlings the highest concentration is thought to be use to assure the selection efficiency. This optimised antibiotic selection scheme eliminates the regeneration of non-transformed escapes and discriminates between resistant and nonresistant seedlings, confirming the inheritance of the phenotype in transformed M. truncatula cv. Jemalong lines.
We have previously obtained several lines of tobacco transformed with a trehalose-6-phosphate syn... more We have previously obtained several lines of tobacco transformed with a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene of plant origin (Arabidopsis thaliana), involved in the first step of the biosynthesis of trehalose, a known osmoprotectant. Two showed distinct intensity of expression: high (B5H) and low (B1F). Such lines were analyzed for trehalose-6-phosphate content and the obtained results demonstrated to be in accordance with the expression results. In order to study the responses of photosynthesis to water deficit of transgenic lines in comparison to wild type (WT), three experiments were performed under different conditions: (1) Relative water (2) Leaf gas exchange (3) Modulated Chlorophyll a Fluorescence. Different responses in RWC of plant lines to water withdrawal were detected, with transgenic line B5H indicating less water loss after the water withdrawal period. Similar responses to water deficit regarding the leaf gas exchanges were recorded for the three lines. When subjected to water deficit stress situations, higher F v /F m , F PSII and qP were detected for the transgenic lines. Under a SWC of 20% where higher values for such parameters were detected with special relevance for the B5H line, indicating a possible higher ability to withstand severe drought stress and to resist to prolonged periods without water than the B1F and WT lines.
The photosynthetic performance of two transgenic Medicago truncatula lines engineered for water d... more The photosynthetic performance of two transgenic Medicago truncatula lines engineered for water deficit (WD) resistance and a non-transformed line was assessed in a growth chamber experiment in well-watered, WD and stress recovery conditions. Direct gas exchange measurements showed that the transgenic plants had lower photosynthetic rates under well-hydrated conditions when compared to the non-transformed line. Photosynthesis light curves confirmed this difference but more importantly showed a progressive change in photosynthetic behaviour with intensity of dehydration. Dehydration led to sharp decreases of maximum photosynthesis (A max ), photosynthetic apparent quantum yield ( ) and apparent light compensation point. The recovery rates showed that all plant lines had a similar capacity to regain control photosynthetic values. Furthermore, results suggested that light was more limiting for photosynthesis than atmospheric CO 2 concentration. The results are discussed in terms of the use of photosynthesis light response curves as a non-destructive and expeditious approach to select M. truncatula transformants with improved WD resistance.
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2007
typically physiologically dwarfed; characteristics include shorter (and often thicker) stems, red... more typically physiologically dwarfed; characteristics include shorter (and often thicker) stems, reduced leaf surface area and changes in leaf angle. With the exception of vibration, the growth responses to mechanical stress are similar. We have previously found that subjecting Arabidopsis plants to wind stress (fans), thigmic stress (touch) and seismic stress (shaking) results in the expected dwarfing of plants with respect to an unstressed control. In contrast, subjecting Arabidopsis seedlings or plants to vibration stress promotes growth. RT-PCR was used to look at gene expression in issues sampled from plants subjected to wind and other mechanical stresses. Candidate wind/mechanical stress genes; genes encoding plant cell wall proteins, genes involved in lignin biosynthesis and those encoding cell signalling pathway intermediates were found to be differentially expressed in plants subjected to these stresses. We are currently using the technique of gene silencing of selected candidate wind/mechanical stress genes by RNA interference (RNAi) to analyse the role of theses genes in the response and adaptation of plants to wind stress. RNAi constructs targeting Expansin 3, Cellulose synthase 3, Touch gene 4, Cinnamyl CoA reductase 2, and the Cinnamyl CoA reductase family of Arabidopsis have been generated.
In Medicago truncatula Gaertn. cv. Jemalong plants some mechanisms involved in drought resistance... more In Medicago truncatula Gaertn. cv. Jemalong plants some mechanisms involved in drought resistance were analysed in response to a progressive water deficit imposed by suppression of soil irrigation. Withholding water supply until the soil had reached one-half of its maximum water content had no significant effect on leaf RWC, gas exchanges or chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Under severe drought conditions, the plants resistance to water shortage involved mainly drought avoidance mechanisms through a decrease in stomatal conductance. The consequent decrease in the internal CO 2 concentration (C i ) should have limited the net CO 2 fixation (A). Since A decreased slightly more than C i under severe water deficit, non-stomatal limitations of photosynthesis may have also occurred. Analysis of A/C i curves showed reduced carboxylation efficiency due to limitations in RuBP regeneration and Rubisco activity, confirming the presence of non-stomatal limitations of photosynthesis. Drought tolerance mechanisms involving osmotic adjustment and an increase in cell membrane integrity were also present. Altogether, these mechanisms allowed M. truncatula cv. Jemalong plants to still maintain a quite elevated level of net CO 2 fixation rate under severe water deficit conditions. These results may contribute to identify useful physiological traits for breeding programs concerning drought adaptation in legumes.
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Papers by Susana Araújo