Résumé
In citrus, the use rootstock promotes productivity, improves fruit quality and may confer resistance or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. 'Carrizo' citrange (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck × Poncirus trifoliata [L.] Raf), is one of the most popular rootstock in the Mediterranean basin. It is sensitive to drought and salt stress but confers tolerance to Tristeza virus, and promotes very good fruit quality. Previous studies have shown that doubled diploid (4x) 'Rangpur' lime (Citrus limonia, Osbeck) seedlings are more tolerant to water deficit than their respective diploid (2x). In the present work, we have characterized the water deficit tolerance in 2x and 4x 'Carrizo' citrange seedlings. Water deficit was applied for 35 days, followed by irrigation. Several physiological parameters were measured periodically during the experiment and samples were collected to investigate i) the activity of enzymes involved in detoxification processes, ii) the expression analysis of candidate genes involved in ABA biosynthesis, as well as iii) ABA and H2O2 production. Doubled diploid 'Carrizo' citrange seedlings were showed to be more drought tolerant than 2x. Water deficit caused a greater reduction in photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance in 2x compared to 4x. Also higher ABA and H2O2 production were induced in 2x when compared to 4x. The better tolerance of 4x seedlings is discussed to the light of candidate genes expression analysis and activities of enzymes of detoxification. Work supported by CNPq and CAPES. (Texte intégral)