Ecophysiological and biochemical responses in young euterpe oleracea mart plants submitted to water stress

The objective of this study was to assess the ecophysiological aspects and metabolic responses of carbon and nitrogen in açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) plants submitted to water stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia in the Brazilian city of Belém, State of Pará. The experimental design was completely randomized in two water conditions (control and water stress), with 5 repetitions, fully 30 experimental units, where each plant was an experimental unit. The treatments assessment was done at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 days of imposing water stress. The parameters analyzed were: water potential, gas exchange, hydraulic conductivity, vapor pressure deficit, carbohydrate concentrations, sucrose, ammonium and free proline, amino acids and total soluble proteins, glycine betaine. The suspension of irrigation for 15 days in young plants of Euterpe oleracea Mart. showed significant changes in all parameters, limiting perspiration, reducing the water potential and stomatal conductance, hydraulic conductivity and fluctuations in the VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit), the free ammonia concentration and total soluble protein but increased carbohydrate concentrations and total soluble amino acids, sucrose, glycine betaine and proline. These changes have shown that açaí saplings show sensitivity to water stress, adjusting osmotically though.