Cryptochrome 1a of tomato mediates long-distance signaling of soil water deficit

Although the blue light photoreceptors cryptochromes mediate expression of genes related to reactive oxygen species, whether cryptochrome 1a (cry1a) regulates local and long-distance signaling water deficit in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is unknown. Thus cry1a mutant its wild-type (WT) were reciprocally grafted (WT/WT; cry1a/cry1a; WT/cry1a; cry1a/WT; as scion/rootstock) or grown on their own roots (WT cry1a) under irrigated conditions. Plant growth, pigmentation, oxidative stress, relations, stomatal characteristics leaf gas exchange measured. WT plants grew similarly conditions, whereas had less root biomass length higher tissue malondialdehyde concentrations deficit. Despite greater maintained chlorophyll carotenoid drying soil. Lower density likely increased relative content (RWC). In plants, scion genotype largely determined shoot accumulation irrespective chimeric soil, rootstocks RWC while photosynthesis scions. Manipulating CRY1a may enhance plant drought tolerance by altering pigmentation during soil via effects.