Comparative Studies On Drought Resistance Of 8 Species Of Climbing Honeysuckle(Lonicera)

The key point of the research is to carry out the studies on 8 species of climbing honeysuckle, which have market potential and high application value in three different aspects, including the leaf anatomical structure, eco-physiological feature, the physiological responses of cutting stems (3 species) under water stress stimulation. The purposes of the studies are to investigate the drought resistance mechanisms of these plants and compare their characteristics of drought resistance, and provide evidences to and promote their applications. The main findings are summarized as follows: Among 8 species of climbing honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, L. japonica var. chinensis and L. acuminata var.. acuminata have higher density of the stomata(400.0, 302.4, 361.6/mm2), thicker cuticles (2.5, 2.5, 5.0um), small-sized and tightly arranged of epidermal cells in the leaf anatomical structure. They showed stronger ability to drought. The characteristics of the leaf structures affected their eco-physiological feature. The net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency of the above 3 honeysuckles mentioned above were higher than the others. L japonica and L. japonica var. chinensis can keep higher relative water content, protective enzye activity and stronger osmotic ability. According to the experimental results, the drought resistance expressed in these 8 species and varieties of climbing honeysuckle are consistent under the studies of the leaf anatomical structure, ecological, physiological and cultivation characteristics and hence they interrelated.