Variability of the photosynthetic machinery tolerance when imposed to rapidly or slowly imposed dehydration in native Mediterranean plants

Dehydration affects the photosynthetic apparatus. The impact of dehydration on photosynthesis was assessed in twelve Mediterranean species representing different growth forms. Rapid and slow experiments were conducted to (1) compare water stress among forms, (2) rank according their drought tolerance. reduced electron transport up PSI, reduction being linearly related leaf relative content (RWC), except for deciduous species. Specific energy fluxes per reaction center maximum photochemical activity PSII remained relatively stable until 10-30% RWC. modification pattern studied parameters similar all Slow rehydration increased specific decreased quantum yields. while recovery species-specific. Drought tolerance ranking through factor index modified with integrated biomarker response method.