Effects of Soil Water Deficit on Three Tree Species of the Arid Environment: Variations in Growth, Physiology, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities

Low water availability predicted under climate change is a major abiotic factor limiting plants growth and productivity. In this study greenhouse experiment was conducted on three important tree species of arid environment: Conocarpus erectus (CE), Acacia modesta (AM), Salix tetrasperma (ST). Young saplings were subjected to control (C), medium (MWD) severe soil deficit (SWD) treatments response evaluated. Results showed that in all the leaf, stem root dry weight production remained similar C MWD treatment but decreased significantly SWD. The highest decrease total noticed ST lowest evidenced AM Root:shoot ratio increased both CE Furthermore, chlorophyll content while proline SWD treatments. oxidants (hydrogen peroxide superoxide anions) antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase ascorbate peroxidase) Therefore, we may conclude can tolerate stress due an effective antioxidant defense mechanism.