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1. EFFECT OF WATER
DEFICIT ON PHYSIO-
MORPHOLOGICAL
CHARACTERISTICS OF
PLANTS
Presented by: [Your Name]
Department of [Your Department]

2. INTRODUCTION
Water deficit is a key abiotic stress limiting crop
productivity.
It affects plant growth, development, and yield by
reducing photosynthesis.
Plants adapt through morphological and physiological
mechanisms like leaf rolling and deep rooting.

3. DEFINITION AND CONCEPT
Water deficit occurs when water availability is
lower than plant demand.
Water stress refers to physiological strain due to
lack of moisture.
Long-term deficit reduces plant growth, yield, and
survival.

4. MORPHOLOGICAL RESPONSES
Reduced germination, stunted growth, and smaller
leaf area.
Increased root growth with reduced shoot
elongation.
Leaf rolling, wilting, and stomatal closure to
minimize water loss.

5. PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES
 Root signaling sends drought messages to shoots to close stomata.
 Reduced photosynthesis and chlorophyll degradation.
 Osmotic adjustment using solutes like proline and sugars to maintain turgor
pressure.

6. BIOCHEMICAL AND HORMONAL CHANGES
 Water stress induces antioxidant enzyme activity and stress proteins.
 Increases abscisic acid (ABA), while reducing cytokinin, auxin, and gibberellin.
 Ethylene production rises, promoting leaf abscission under severe drought.

7. REPRODUCTIVE AND YIELD EFFECTS
 Water deficit during flowering causes sterility and reduced seed set.
 Small or shriveled grains, delayed maturity, and poor fruit quality.
 Common in crops like maize, wheat, and fruit trees.

8. CRITICAL STAGES SENSITIVE TO WATER
STRESS
 Rice: Panicle initiation, flowering.
 Maize:Tasseling, silking.
 Sorghum: Booting, flowering.
 Groundnut: Pod development.
 Soybean: Flowering, pod filling.

9. BENEFICIAL AND PROTECTIVE EFFECTS
 Moderate water stress improves sugar and flavor in fruits.
 Increases oil % in soybean and alkaloid content in Datura.
 Improves protein content in wheat and enhances drought hardiness.

10. WATER STRESS AND PEST RESISTANCE
 Water-stressed plants are more prone to diseases like blossom-end rot in tomato.
 However, moderate stress increases oleoresin, which deters beetle attacks.
 Proper irrigation ensures optimal plant defense and productivity.

11. CONCLUSION
 Water deficit significantly alters plant morphology, physiology, and biochemistry.
 Understanding these responses is essential for developing drought-tolerant crops.
 Efficient irrigation and management practices help mitigate stress effects.

12. REFERENCES
 1. Shatpathy, P. (2017). Responses of Plants to Water Stress. OUAT.
 2. Anjum, S. A. et al. (2011). African J. of Agricultural Research.
 3. Ansari, Z. G. (2015). Physiological Changes in Plants during Moisture Stress.