Response of Bletilla striata to Drought: Effects on Biochemical and Physiological Parameter Also with Electric Measurements

In heterogeneous landscapes with temporary water deficit characteristics in southwestern China, understanding the electrophysiological and morphological characteristics of Bletilla striata under different water conditions can help to better evaluate its suitability for planting plants in specific locations and guide planting and production. Using B. striata seedlings as experimental materials, the maximum field capacity (FC) was 75–80% (CK: control group), 50–60% FC (LS: light drought stress), 40–45% FC (MS: moderate drought stress), and 30–35% FC (SS: severe drought stress). In terms of physiological response, the activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) decreased under drought conditions, but the activity was well under the LS treatment, and the contents of proline (Pro) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. In terms of morphological responses, under drought conditions, root lengths of the rhizomes (except the LS treatment) were significantly reduced, the leaf lengths were reduced, and the biomass was significantly reduced. The stomatal size reached the maximum under the LS treatment, and the stomatal density gradually decreased with the increase in drought degree. In terms of electrophysiological responses, drought significantly decreased the net photosynthetic rate (P(N)) of B. striata, stomatal conductance (g(s)), and transpiration rate (Tr), but effectively increased the water use efficiency (WUE). The effective thickness of leaves of B. striata increased under drought conditions, and drought promoted the formation of leaf morphological diversity. Our results showed that drought stress changed the physiological and morphological characteristics of B. striata, and under light drought conditions had higher physiological activity, good morphological characteristics, higher cellular metabolic energy and ecological adaptability. Appropriate drought can promote the improvement of the quality of B. striata, and it can be widely planted in mildly arid areas.