Physiological and morphological traits associated with germinative and reproductive stage of garden orache (A. hortensis L. var. rubra) under water stress

Abstract Background Drought is a major problem limiting the growth and development of plants in world especially Tunisia. Halophytes constitute renewable wealth they offer great flexibility with regard to abiotic stresses, are evaluated for their ecological potential food use. Results The proposed work identifies response Atriplex hortensis var. rubra germinal stage reproductive under deficient water regime measure drought resistance this plant that has very interesting forage production abilities. morphological parameters used characterize physiological species effects deficit. For germination test, four levels osmotic caused by PEG-6000 solutions at different (− 0.1, − 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 MPa) were adopted seed A. media. methodology second experiment based on cultivation potted stored semi-controlled greenhouse flowering stage. deficit was imposed watering stop week, control subjected maintained irrigated 100% capacity field. tolerance scored 30 days after stress commenced number branches leaf, dry biomass, relative content, leaf potential, nitrogen content. No significant difference observed rates all PEG concentrations throughout which still close 60%. results obtained show high stress. induced decreases two parameters, leafs, content annual Atriplex. Heatmap PCA data revealed more sensitive than distinguishing treatments. Conclusions Indeed, orache distinguished ability retain month Thus, height, branches, shoot weight, percentage significantly similar controls stressed . On other hand, measured root length basic midday variability between stressors. In addition, these highlight importance halophyte drought.