K+ starvation inhibits water-stress-induced stomatal closure

The effect of potassium starvation on stomatal. conductance was studied in olive trees and sunflower plants, two major crops with greatly differing botanical characteristics. In both species, K+ starvation inhibited water-stress-induced stomatal. closure. In olive trees, potassium starvation favoured stomatal. conductance and transpiration, as well as inhibiting shoot growth, in the three cultivars studied: 'Lechin cle Granada', 'Arbequina' and 'Chetoui'. However, 'Lechin cle Granada' - generally considered more drought-tolerant than 'Arbequina' and 'Chetoui' - proved less susceptible to potassium starvation. Results for olive trees a(so suggest genetic variability in olive cultivars in relation to potassium requirements for stem growth and the regulation of water transpiration. The results obtained suggest that inhibition of the stomalal closure mechanism produced by moderate potassium starvation is a widespread plant physiological disorder, and may be the cause of tissue dehydration in many water-stressed crops. (C) 2007 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.