How do plants adapt to drought?

How do plants adapt to drought?

Plants growing in dry areas have developed xeromorphic traits to reduce transpiration under drought stress. Reduction in transpiration under drought stress conditions can also be achieved through leaf shedding (i.e. deciduous species in drought) as well as decrease in leaf number, leaf size, and branching.

How do plants respond to drought stress?

In broad terms, plants adapt to drought either by decreasing water loss (reduced stomatal conductance) or by maintaining water uptake. The latter process is facilitated within plant cells by osmotic adjustment (OA), a biochemical mechanism that helps plants to acclimatize to dry and saline conditions.

What happens to plants during a drought?

Without adequate water, biological processes, such as photosynthesis, are greatly reduced. Reduced photosynthesis means reduced plant growth, including root growth. ... Besides the direct effects of drought, a plant under stress becomes more susceptible to insect and disease problems that can attack a weakened plant.

Can we stop droughts?

Being mindful of the amount of water you use each day can be a powerful way to prevent droughts. Turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, watering your garden early in the morning so less water evaporates, and installing low-flow plumbing fixtures all are good ways to prevent wasted water.