PurposeThe effect of the LeNCED1 gene on the water use efficiency of white clover was studied to provide a certain theoretical guidance for its water saving and drought resistance.
MethodWe studied the ABA content, photosynthetic characteristics, pigment and water use efficiency of the old and young leaves in the transgenic (LeNCED1) plants with the SAG13 promoter and non-transgenic white clover.
ResultThe LeNCED1 gene could significantly increase the ABA content in the old leaves of white clover (P<0.05), but reduced significantly chlorophyll b, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance in the old leaves of white clover (P<0.05). What’s more, the LeNCED1 gene decreased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, net photosynthesis rate and transpiration rate in young leaves of white clover (P<0.05), but significantly increased the intercellular CO2 concentration and stomatal conductance of young leaves of white clover (P<0.05).
ConclusionThe long-term water use efficiency of white clover was improved by transferring LeNCED1.