Enhancement of some citrus rootstocks tolerance to drought stress by vermicompost and foliar application of trehalose

Aboryia, M. S.; Elkelish, Amr; Abu-Ziada, Lina M.; Wahba, Mai M.; Alhudhaibi, Abdulrahman; Gawish, Mohamed S.

doi:10.2478/fhort-2025-0023

Figures & Tables

The influence of diverse levels of drought (70% FC and 40% FC), V.CO and exogenous TH on CRH (cm) (A), Shoots number (B) and Stem diameter (mm) (C).Three replicates (n = 3) for each season and the means of two se asons (2023 and 2024) make up the data. Duncan’s multiple range test indicates a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05 between the mean values ± SE of each parameter followed by various alphabetical letters. CRH, citrus rootstock height; FC, field capacity; SE, standard error; TH, trehalose; V.CO, vermicompost.

The influence of diverse levels of drought (70% FC and 40% FC), V.CO and exogenous TH on citrus rootstock leaves number (A), LT (mm) (B) and LA (cm2) (C). Three replicates (n = 3) for each season and the means of two seasons (2023 and 2024) make up the data. Duncan’s multiple range test indicates a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05 between the mean values ± SE of each parameter followed by various alphabetical letters. FC, field capacity; LA, leaf area; LT, leaf thickness; SE, standard error; TH, trehalose; V.CO, vermicompost.

The influence of diverse levels of drought (70% FC and 40% FC), V.CO and exogenous TH on optical quality (A) and RWC (%) (B). Three replicates (n = 3) for each season and the means of two seasons (2023 and 2024) make up the data. Duncan’s multiple range test indicates a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05 between the mean values ± SE of each parameter followed by various alphabetical letters. FC, field capacity; RWC, relative water content; SE, standard error; TH, trehalose; V.CO, vermicompost.

The influence of diverse levels of drought (70% FC and 40% FC), V.CO and exogenous TH on nitrogen (N) (mg · 100 g−1 DW) (A), phosphorus (P) (mg · 100 g−1 DW) (B) and potassium (K) (mg · 100 g−1 DW) (C). Three replicates (n = 3) for each season and the means of two seasons (2023 and 2024) make up the data. Duncan’s multiple range test indicates a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05 between the mean values ± SE of each parameter followed by various alphabetical letters. DW, dry weight; FC, field capacity; SE, standard error; TH, trehalose; V.CO, vermicompost.

The influence of diverse levels of drought (70% FC and 40% FC), V.CO and exogenous TH on chlorophyll a (μg · cm2 DW) (A), chlorophyll b (μg · cm2 DW) (B) and carotenoids (μg · cm2 DW) (C). Three replicates (n = 3) for each season and the means of two seasons (2023 and 2024) make up the data. Duncan’s multiple range test indicates a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05 between the mean values ± SE of each parameter followed by various alphabetical letters. FC, field capacity; SE, standard error; TH, trehalose; V.CO, vermicompost.

The influence of diverse levels of drought (70% FC and 40% FC), V.CO and exogenous TH on Proline (mg · g−1 FW) (A), DPPH (%) (B), total phenolics (mg · g−1 DW) (C) and total flavonoids (mg · g−1 DW) (D). Three replicates (n = 3) for each season and the means of two seasons (2023 and 2024) make up the data. Duncan’s multiple range test indicates a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05 between the mean values ± SE of each parameter followed by various alphabetical letters. DPPH, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; DW, dry weight; FC, field capacity; FW, fresh weight; SE, standard error; TH, trehalose; V.CO, vermicompost.

The influence of diverse levels of drought (70% FC and 40% FC), V.CO and exogenous TH on superoxide anion (O2) (mmole · min−1 · g−1 FW), (A), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (mmole · min−1 · g−1 FW) (B), IL (%) (C) and MDA (μmole · g−1 FW) (D). Three replicates (n = 3) for each season and the means of two seasons (2023 and 2024) make up the data. Duncan’s multiple range test indicates a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05 between the mean values ± SE of each parameter followed by various alphabetical letters. FC, field capacity; FW, fresh weight; IL, ion leakage; MDA, malondialdehyde; SE, standard error; TH, trehalose; V.CO, vermicompost.

The influence of diverse levels of drought (70% FC and 40% FC), V.CO and exogenous TH on CAT (mmole · min−1 · g−1 FW) (A) and APX (mmole · min−1 · g−1 FW) (B). Three replicates (n = 3) for each season and the means of two seasons (2023 and 2024) make up the data. Duncan’s multiple range test indicates a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05 between the mean values ± SE of each parameter followed by various alphabetical letters. APX, ascorbate peroxides; CAT, catalase; FC, field capacity; FW, fresh weight; SE, standard error; TH, trehalose; V.CO, vermicompost.

The transverse section through the leaves blade on the median portion of Volkamer lemon rootstock as affected by drought stress and anti stress (V.CO and TH) shows asymmetric. (A) Control with 100% FC; (B) with 70% FC; (C) with 40% FC; (D) with 70% FC + V.CO; (E) 40% F C + V.CO; (F) 70% FC + TH; (G) 40% FC + TH; (H) 70% FC + V.CO + TH; (I) 40% FC + V.CO + TH. (Obj. 10×). FC, field capacity; LE, lower epidermis; PT, palisade tissue; SD, schizogenous duct; ST, spongy tissue; TH, trehalose; UE, upper epidermis; VB, vascular bundle; V.CO, vermicompost.

The transverse section through the leaves blade on the median portion of Sour orange rootstock as affected by drought stress and anti stress (V.CO and TH) shows asymmetric. (A) Control with 100% FC; (B) with 70% FC; (C) with 40% FC; (D) with 70% FC + V.CO; (E) 40% FC + V.CO; (F) 70% FC + TH; (G) 40% FC + TH; (H) 70% FC + V. CO + TH; (I) 40% FC + V.CO + TH. (Obj. 10×). FC, field capacity; LE, lower epidermis; PT, palisade tissue; SD, schizogenous duct; ST, spongy tissue; TH, trehalose; UE, upper epidermis; V.CO, vermicompost; VB, vascular bundle.

Leaf transverse section of Volkamer lemon rootstock as affected by drought stress and anti-stress (V.CO and TH) showing two unequal palisade parenchyma. (A) Control with 100% FC; (B) with 70% FC; (C) with 40% FC; (D) with 70% FC + V.CO; (E) 40% FC + V.CO; (F) 70% FC + TH; (G) 40% FC + TH; (H) 70% FC + V.CO + TH; (I) 40% FC + V.CO + TH (Obj. 10× and 40×). FC, field capacity; LE, lower epidermis; PT, palisade tissue; ST, spongy tissue; TH, trehalose; UE, upper epidermis; VB, vascular bundle; V.CO, vermicompost.

Leaf transverse section of sour orange rootstock as affected by drought stress and anti-stress (V.CO and TH) showing two unequal palisade parenchyma. (A) Control with 100% FC; (B) with 70% FC; (C) with 40% FC; (D) with 70% FC + V.CO; (E) 40% FC + V.CO; (F) 70% FC + TH; (G) 40% FC + TH; (H) 70% FC + V.CO + TH; (I) 40% FC + V.CO + TH (Obj. 10× and 40×). FC, field capacity; LE, lower epidermis; PT, palisade tissue; SD, schizogenous duct; ST, spongy tissue; TH, trehalose; UE, upper epidermis; VB, vascular bundle; V.CO, vermicompost.

Lamina anatomical traits of citrus rootstock leaves as affected by drought stress and anti-stress (V_CO and TH)_

Rootstock type	Treatment no.	Cuticle thickness (μm)	Lamina thickness (μm)	Midrib zone thickness (μm)	Cell size (μm)		VB of mid rib (μm)
Rootstock type	Treatment no.	Cuticle thickness (μm)	Lamina thickness (μm)	Midrib zone thickness (μm)	Palisade mesophyll	Spongy mesophyll	Vertical length	Horizontal length
Volkamer lemon	T1	97.39 ± 0.008 c	15.44 ± 5.773 a	61.17 ± 5.773 c	3.41 ± 5.773 d	10.97 ± 3.333 d	39.79 ± 5.773 a	45.57 ± 3.333 c
	T2	67.02 ± 0.014 h	12.84 ± 0.010 h	54.86 ± 6.666 f	2.36 ± 5.773 i	9.62 ± 3.333 h	34.32 ± 5.773 g	46.31 ± 5.773 a
	T3	70.87 ± 0.014 g	12.18 ± 0.003 i	51.57 ± 5.773 h	3.11 ± 5.773 g	10.94 ± 6.666 e	34.35 ± 8.819 f	43.12 ± 8.819 g
	T4	66.37 ± 0.037 i	13.03 ± 6.666 g	56.82 ± 8.819 d	2.54 ± 8.190 h	9.57 ± 6.666 i	34.02 ± 5.773 h	39.11 ± 3.333 h
	T5	80.38 ± 0.008 f	14.13 ± 3.333 f	54.16 ± 0.002 g	4.58 ± 5.773 a	11.09 ±6.666 a	36.06 ±0.001 e	44.66 ± 44.66 d
	T6	84.09 ±0.011 e	14.27 ± 5.773 e	55.55 ± 6.666 e	3.62 ± 5.773 b	10.99 ± 6.666 b	36.49 ± 5.773 d	43.35 ± 43.35 f
	T7	88.81 ±0.017 d	14.30 ± 8.819 d	50.09 ± 6.666 i	3.14 ± 8.819 f	10.98 ± 3.333 c	30.97 ± 5.773 i	37.45 ± 5.773 i
	T8	100.00 ±0.021 b	14.88 ±0.001 c	61.98 ± 3.333 a	3.46 ± 6.666 c	10.66 ± 0.003 g	37.20 ± 5.773 c	45.88 ± 3.333 b
	T9	102.16 ±0.005 a	15.01 ± 8.819 b	61.71 ± 8.819 b	3.32 ± 8.819 e	10.66 ± 0.001 f	38.61 ± 5.773 b	44.38 ±0.001 e
Sour orange	T1	90.12 ± 0.014 c	18.02 ± 5.773 a	57.29 ± 5.773 a	3.77 ± 0.148 c	13.88 ±5.773 a	36.75 ± 0.001 c	43.90 ± 8.819 e
	T2	72.14 ± 0.012 h	13.84 ± 8.819 h	46.30 ± 5.773 h	2.71 ± 3.333 e	10.97 ± 8.819 h	29.39 ± 5.773 g	37.16 ± 3.333 g
	T3	69.58 ±0.011 i	12.90 ± 8.819 i	42.69 ± 0.003 i	3.29 ± 5.773 d	8.69 ± 5.773 i	25.15 ± 5.773 h	33.58 ± 3.333 h
	T4	75.25 ± 0.017 g	16.69 ± 3.333 e	55.70 ± 5.773 e	3.82 ± 5.773 b	11.41 ± 5.773 g	35.68 ± 5.773 d	46.23 ± 8.819 c
	T5	80.31 ± 0.008 f	16.82 ± 5.773 d	43.32 ± 0.003 g	2.85 ± 8.819 e	12.02 ±0.001 e	24.13 ± 5.773 i	32.41 ± 3.333 i
	T6	83.47 ± 0.014 e	15.32 ± 5.773 g	59.23 ± 8.819 c	3.59 ±0.001 c	11.90 ± 5.773 f	35.45 ± 5.773 e	41.82 ± 8.819 f
	T7	87.35 ± 0.014 e	15.60 ± 8.819 f	52.84 ± 8.189 f	3.89 ± 3.333 b	12.90 ±0.001 c	33.46 ± 5.773 f	44.07 ± 3.333 d
	T8	94.82 ± 0.014 b	17.09 ± 6.666 c	60.87 ± 5.773 b	4.09 ± 5.773 a	12.34 ± 5.773 d	41.36 ±0.001 b	51.23 ± 5.773 b
	T9	97.32 ±0.014 a	17.77 ± 5.773 b	72.42 ± 5.773 a	3.74 ± 3.333 be	13.27 ± 5.773 b	45.36 ±0.001 a	64.20 ± 3.333 a

Lamina micro-morphological characters of citrus rootstock leaves as affected by drought stress and anti-stress (V_CO and TH)_

			Dermal system				Mesophyll tissue			Mechanical tissue	Ground tissue	Vascular system		Secretory system	Crystals
			Trichomes
Rootstock type	Treatment no.	Outline in T.s	Eglandular	Glandular	Cuticle	Epidermal cells	Type	Palisade Rows No.	Palisade extended at mid rib region	Collenchyma	Parenchyma	Outline	No of bundles	Schizogenous duct
Volkamer lemon	Tl	Raised adaxially & abaxially	-	-	Thick	Tangentially, radially	Dorsiventral	2	+	Annular	+	Continuous	37	+	-
	T2	//	-	-	Thin	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	45	+	-
	T3	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	34	+	-
	T4	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	26	+	-
	T5	//	-	-	Thick	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	25	+	-
	T6	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	23	+	-
	T7	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	23	+	-
	T8	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	24	+	-
	T9	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	36	+	-
Sour orange	Tl	//	-	-	Thick	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	40	+	-
	T2	//	-	-	Thin	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	52	+	-
	T3	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	46	+	-
	T4	//	-	-	Thick	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	58	+	-
	T5	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	37	+	-
	T6	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	35	+	-
	T7	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	37	+	-
	T8	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	39	+	-
	T9	//	-	-	//	//	//	//	+	//	+	//	38	+	-

Enhancement of some citrus rootstocks tolerance to drought stress by vermicompost and foliar application of trehalose

Figures & Tables

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Lamina anatomical traits of citrus rootstock leaves as affected by drought stress and anti-stress (V_CO and TH)_

Lamina micro-morphological characters of citrus rootstock leaves as affected by drought stress and anti-stress (V_CO and TH)_

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