Since I am only starting this project, I wanted some feedback: The idea is to compare two drought systems, a direct one (with funky sensors and water potential), with an indirect one (mannitol-containing media). Where to start, regarding the mannitol part? Any suggestions as for the threshold concentrations [w/w or w/v?]?
Hello Marcin, I would not use mannitol if you have no particular reason to do it, because mannitol (the same for sorbitol) is surely used in plant metabolism and then decreasing its lowering water potential ability (especially for some plants, what organism are you going to use?). Instead PEG 4000 or even NaCl is better and you can find the used concentration and osmotic potential for each of possibilities. If I can give you some advice, do not use so high concentration which will decrease specific response of contrasting genotypes if any...In rape, the threshold for PEG 4000 is between 19-21% w/v.
Thanks Milan, it's a good point you raised, which I wasn't aware of. I'm grateful for your feedback; Cheers!
Root uptake of solute should be avoided in view of mimicking water shortage. This is the reason for using macromoluces like PEG, but take care some, roots are passively penetrated and bypass flow is a reality. Soil components like Ca+2 or silicates can also change sensitivity. Can only suggest to check AR Yeo in several papers also in Plant Cell Env. As far how then I would try also to induce root signals by split-root containers after Davies and Zhang in 1991, Their trials are now in books, but basically a small portion of roots are kept in dry soil, whereas the main bundle is mantained wet. Most species stop growing but water content is optimal.
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