No description available.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Drylands are the largest terrestrial biome on the planet, and the critically important systems that produce approximately 40% of global net primary productivity to support nearly 2.5 billion of global population. Climate change, increasing populations and resulting anthropogenic effects are all expected to impact dryland regions over the coming decades. Considering that approximately 90% of the more than 2 billion people living in drylands are geographically located within developing countries, improved understanding of these systems is an international imperative. Although considerable progress has been made in recent years in understanding climate change impacts on hydrological cycles, there are still a large number of knowledge gaps in the field of dryland ecohydrology. These knowledge gaps largely hinder our capability to better understand and predict how climate change will affect the hydrological cycles and consequently the soil-vegetation interactions in drylands. The present study used recent technical advances in remote sensing and stable isotopes, and filled some important knowledge gaps in the understanding of the dryland systems. My study presents a novel application of the combined use of customized chambers and a laser-based isotope analyzer to directly quantify isotopic signatures of transpiration (T), evaporation (E) and evapotranspiration (ET) in situ and examine ET partitioning over a field of forage sorghum under extreme environmental conditions. We have developed a useful framework of using satellite data and trend analysis to facilitate the understanding of temporal and spatial rainfall variations in the areas of Africa where the in situ observations are scarce. By using a meta-analysis approach, we have also illustrated that higher concentrations of atmospheric CO2 induce plant water saving and the consequent available soil water increases are a likely driver of the observed greening phenomena. We have further demonstrated that Leuning’s modified Ball-Berry model and RuBP limited optimization model can generally provide a good estimate of stomatal conductance response to CO2 enrichment under different environmental conditions. All these findings provide important insights into dryland water-soil-vegetation interactions.

Estômatos são poros responsáveis pela troca gasosa entre a folha e o meio externo. A partir da década de 80, experimentos revelaram um complexo padrão espaço temporal na abertura e fechamento dos estômatos. As experiências apontam para uma possível coordenação entre estômatos em algumas áreas da folha chamada de patches. Esse fenômeno é conhecido na literatura como patchy stomatal conductance. Frequentemente a coordenação dinâmica dos estômatos está associada à oscilações temporais na condutãncia estomática (média especial da abertura dos estômatos). Em 1997 Haefner, Buckley e Mott (HBM) publicaram uma análise numérica de um modelo dinâmico para explorar o comportamento complexo dos estômatos. O modelo é baseado em algumas características conhecidas dos estômatos e assume transporte hídrico em uma rede definida por uma geometria simples e bastante restritiva. De acordo com os autores, o modelo reproduz qualitativamente os dados experimentais. Recentemente, Ferraz e Prado mostraram que esse modelo não é capaz de reproduzir os resultados experimentais. Usando ingredientes do modelo sugerido por HBM, Ferraz e Prado sugeriram uma geometria realística de distribuição reservatórios hídricos. Embora essa configuração reproduza os patches, eles permanecem estáticos e nenhuma oscilação é observada. Sem explorar detalhes significativos, Ferraz e Prado afirmaram que a histerese na abertura estomatal poderia explicar vários aspectos dos resultados experimentais. No presente estudo comprovamos, através de uma abordagem computacional baseada em transdutores histeréticos, que a hipótese de histerese na abertura dos estômatos de fato reproduz qualitativamente os dados experimentais. Em nossa abordagem a histerese na abertura dos estômatos é emulada através de operadores chamados de histerons. A robustez da hipótese é testada usando diferentes tipos de histerons. Analisamos a correlação entre os estômatos na rede que simula a superfície da folha. Observamos que a correlação entre estômatos depende da geometria da veia. Uma análise detalhada dos parâmetros envolvidos revela uma dependência entre o período de oscilação na condutância estomática e o déficit de vapor d\'água entre a folha e o meio ambiente. Esta característica subjacente ao modelo pode inspirar novas experiências para testar a hipótese da histerese na abertura dos estômatos. / Stomata are pores on the surface of leaves responsible for controlling the exchange of gas between the plant and the environment. Experiments revealed a complex spatial-temporal pattern in the opening and closing mechanism of stomata. The main feature of the phenomenon is that stomata appear to be synchronized into clusters, known as patches. The dynamical coordination of stomata often involves oscillations in stomatal conductance. In 1997 Haefner, Buckley, and Mott (HBM) published a numerical analysis of a dynamic model to explore the complex behavior of stomata. The model is based on some known features of the stomata, and assumes that water diffuses within the leaves according to a simple geometric arrangement. According to the authors, the model reproduces qualitatively the experimental data. Recently, Ferraz and Prado showed that the computational approach of HBM is not able to reproduce the experimental results. Inspired by this model, Ferraz and Prado introduced a new geometric features that leads to static patches of stomata; however no oscillation was observed and the patches remained static. The authors suggested that hysteresis in stomatal aperture could explain several experimental aspects. We now report a further investigation of the changes suggested by Ferraz and Prado in the original model of HBM. The theoretical approach confirmed that hysteresis in the aperture mechanism of pores reproduces a variety of behaviors of stomatal conductance described in experiments. We explore the hysteresis feature through the formalism of hysteretic transducer. The robustness of the hysteretic assumption is tested by different kinds of hysteresis operators. We analyzed the correlation among stomata in the lattice. We observed that the correlation depends on the geometry of the veins. Finally, the analysis of the model reveals a dependence between the period of oscillation in the stomatal conductance time series and water vapor pressure deficits Δω - an external parameter. Further experiments might explore this underlying feature of the model.

主催：JST/CREST，Vrije University, ALTERRA, IBPC

Estômatos são poros responsáveis pela troca gasosa entre a folha e o meio externo. A partir da década de 80, experimentos revelaram um complexo padrão espaço temporal na abertura e fechamento dos estômatos. As experiências apontam para uma possível coordenação entre estômatos em algumas áreas da folha chamada de patches. Esse fenômeno é conhecido na literatura como patchy stomatal conductance. Frequentemente a coordenação dinâmica dos estômatos está associada à oscilações temporais na condutãncia estomática (média especial da abertura dos estômatos). Em 1997 Haefner, Buckley e Mott (HBM) publicaram uma análise numérica de um modelo dinâmico para explorar o comportamento complexo dos estômatos. O modelo é baseado em algumas características conhecidas dos estômatos e assume transporte hídrico em uma rede definida por uma geometria simples e bastante restritiva. De acordo com os autores, o modelo reproduz qualitativamente os dados experimentais. Recentemente, Ferraz e Prado mostraram que esse modelo não é capaz de reproduzir os resultados experimentais. Usando ingredientes do modelo sugerido por HBM, Ferraz e Prado sugeriram uma geometria realística de distribuição reservatórios hídricos. Embora essa configuração reproduza os patches, eles permanecem estáticos e nenhuma oscilação é observada. Sem explorar detalhes significativos, Ferraz e Prado afirmaram que a histerese na abertura estomatal poderia explicar vários aspectos dos resultados experimentais. No presente estudo comprovamos, através de uma abordagem computacional baseada em transdutores histeréticos, que a hipótese de histerese na abertura dos estômatos de fato reproduz qualitativamente os dados experimentais. Em nossa abordagem a histerese na abertura dos estômatos é emulada através de operadores chamados de histerons. A robustez da hipótese é testada usando diferentes tipos de histerons. Analisamos a correlação entre os estômatos na rede que simula a superfície da folha. Observamos que a correlação entre estômatos depende da geometria da veia. Uma análise detalhada dos parâmetros envolvidos revela uma dependência entre o período de oscilação na condutância estomática e o déficit de vapor d\'água entre a folha e o meio ambiente. Esta característica subjacente ao modelo pode inspirar novas experiências para testar a hipótese da histerese na abertura dos estômatos. / Stomata are pores on the surface of leaves responsible for controlling the exchange of gas between the plant and the environment. Experiments revealed a complex spatial-temporal pattern in the opening and closing mechanism of stomata. The main feature of the phenomenon is that stomata appear to be synchronized into clusters, known as patches. The dynamical coordination of stomata often involves oscillations in stomatal conductance. In 1997 Haefner, Buckley, and Mott (HBM) published a numerical analysis of a dynamic model to explore the complex behavior of stomata. The model is based on some known features of the stomata, and assumes that water diffuses within the leaves according to a simple geometric arrangement. According to the authors, the model reproduces qualitatively the experimental data. Recently, Ferraz and Prado showed that the computational approach of HBM is not able to reproduce the experimental results. Inspired by this model, Ferraz and Prado introduced a new geometric features that leads to static patches of stomata; however no oscillation was observed and the patches remained static. The authors suggested that hysteresis in stomatal aperture could explain several experimental aspects. We now report a further investigation of the changes suggested by Ferraz and Prado in the original model of HBM. The theoretical approach confirmed that hysteresis in the aperture mechanism of pores reproduces a variety of behaviors of stomatal conductance described in experiments. We explore the hysteresis feature through the formalism of hysteretic transducer. The robustness of the hysteretic assumption is tested by different kinds of hysteresis operators. We analyzed the correlation among stomata in the lattice. We observed that the correlation depends on the geometry of the veins. Finally, the analysis of the model reveals a dependence between the period of oscillation in the stomatal conductance time series and water vapor pressure deficits Δω - an external parameter. Further experiments might explore this underlying feature of the model.

The arrival of the North American Monsoon System (NAMS) terminates a presummer hyperarid period in the southwestern United States (U.S.), providing summer moisture that is favorable for forest growth. Montane forests in this region rely on winter snowpack to drive much of their growth; the extent to which they use NAMS moisture is uncertain. We addressed this by studying stable carbon and oxygen isotopes in earlywood and latewood from 11 sites along a latitudinal gradient extending from Arizona and New Mexico to Utah. This study provides the first regional perspective on the relative roles of winter versus summer precipitation as an ecophysiological resource. Here we present evidence that Ponderosa pine uses NAMS moisture differentially across this gradient. C-13/C-12 ratios suggest that photosynthetic water use efficiency during latewood formation is more sensitive to summer precipitation at the northern than at the southern sites. This is likely due to the fact that NAMS moisture provides sufficiently favorable conditions for tree photosynthesis and growth during most years in the southern sites, whereas the northern sites experience larger summer moisture variability, which in some years is limiting growth. Cellulose O-18 and C-13 values revealed that photoassimilates in the southern sites were produced under higher vapor pressure deficit conditions during spring compared to summer, demonstrating a previously underappreciated effect of seasonal differences in atmospheric humidity on tree ring isotope ratios. Our findings suggest that future changes in NAMS will potentially alter productivity and photosynthetic water use dynamics differentially along latitudinal gradients in southwestern U.S. montane forests.

L'ozone troposphérique est un polluant atmosphérique majeur qui agit comme une phytotoxine. Il pénètre dans les feuilles par les stomates avant d'être dissout dans l'apoplaste en générant des radicaux libres oxygénés (ROS) provoquant ainsi un stress oxydatif. Deux barrières existent pour restreindre les effets de l'ozone : (i) les stomates qui peuvent limiter les flux entrants par contrôle de la conductance stomatique et (ii) le système de détoxication des ROS issus de la dégradation de l'ozone. Nous avons étudié les effets de l'ozone (120 ppb) sur ces deux moyens de défense chez trois génotypes de peuplier euraméricain (Populus deltoides x Populus nigra) placés en conditions contrôlées dans des chambres phytotroniques. Un effet direct de l'ozone sur la photosynthèse et sur les mouvements stomatiques en réponse à des variations de facteurs environnementaux (ralentissement des phénomènes d'ouverture et de fermeture) a été mis en évidence. Les modèles de calcul de la conductance stomatique, sur lesquels se basent les indicateurs de seuil de risque à l'ozone pour la végétation, doivent donc les prendre en compte. De plus, ces travaux ont mis en évidence le rôle prépondérant des concentrations constitutives en antioxidants dans la tolérance à l'ozone ainsi que la complexité de ces mécanismes de détoxication. La notion de flux effectif d'ozone doit prendre en considération ces deux aspects afin de caractériser au mieux les différences de sensibilité à l'ozone intra et inter spécifique / Tropospheric ozone is a major air pollutant that acts as a phytotoxin. It enters the leaf through the stomata before being dissolved in the apoplast by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative stress. Two defenses exist to restrict the effects of ozone: (i) the stomata which can limit ozone uptake by regulating stomatal conductance and (ii) the detoxification processes of ROS generated by ozone.We studied the effects of ozone (120 ppb) on these two mechanisms of defense in three euramerican poplar genotypes (Populus deltoides x Populus nigra) under controlled conditions in phytotronic chambers. A direct effect of ozone on photosynthesis and stomatal movements in response to changes in environmental factors (by slowing the stomatal opening and closure) has been highlighted. Models of stomatal conductance, on which indicators of critical level of ozone for vegetation are based, must take them into account. In addition, these studies have highlighted the role of constitutive concentrations of antioxidants in tolerance to ozone as well as the complexity of these detoxification mechanisms. The notion of effective ozone flux must consider these two aspects to better characterize the intra-and inter-specific differences in sensitivity to ozone

O estudo caracterizou as variáveis fisiológicas da fotossíntese, em 7 clones de Eucalyptus de alta produtividade, determinando-se as capacidades fotossintéticas máximas (Amax), e o comportamento da fotossíntese (A), condutância (gs) e transpiração (E) em relação ao Déficit de Pressão de Vapor (DPV). Para isso, um ensaio foi instalado em 2004, na ESALQ/USP, contendo os clones do Projeto BEPP (Brasil Eucalyptus Produtividade Potencial), sendo cada parcela composta de 49 plantas (7x7) no espaçamento de 3,0m x 2,7m. Mediram-se as alturas ou DAPs e selecionaram-se 3 árvores médias para as mensurações fisiológicas, aos 16 e 36 meses. A amostragem para Amax foi composta de duas posições superiores da copa (2 e 3), dois galhos por posição e duas folhas por galho. As medições foram feitas das 8 às 10 horas (baixo DPV). Para o comportamento de A e gs frente ao DPV, as medições continuaram, de hora em hora, das 11 às 15 horas, nas folhas do primeiro galho da posição 2. Ao final as folhas foram coletadas para determinação da área foliar específica (AFE) e do nitrogênio (N). Aos 16 meses, foram feitas curvas A/Ci, para posterior cálculo de Vcmax (taxa máxima de carboxilação), Jmax (taxa máxima de transporte de elétrons) e VTPU (utilização da triose fosfato), pelo programa Photosyn Assistant. As curvas foram feitas em 2 árvores por clone, nas posições superiores e inferiores da copa. Todas mensurações foram realizadas com o aparelho LiCor-6400. Os resultados mostraram que Amax foi similar para as posições 2 e 3. Entre os clones, houve variação, porém não consistente entre idades, e todos mostraram altos valores de Amax na idade de 16 meses (entre 26 e 31, com média de 29 µmol m-2s-1), reduzindo-se aos 36 meses (entre 19 e 26, com média de 22 µmol m-2s-1). A AFE e o N também foram similares entre as posições 2 e 3 e maiores na idade mais jovem (11 versus 8 m²kg-1, 29 versus 21 gN kg-1), podendo estar associados à queda de Amax. A, gs e E também apresentaram menores valores aos 36 meses, para todos os clones (23 versus 18 µmol m-2s-1; 0,41 versus 0,26 mol m-2s-1; 9,2 versus 6,1 mmol m-2s-1). Os clones mostraram sensibilidade ao DPV, reduzindo os valores de gs e A ao longo do dia, sendo a sensibilidade menor aos 36 meses. As sensibilidades foram distintas, evidenciando potencial de seleção de materiais mais aptos a tolerarem estresse hídrico. Em geral, maiores valores de fotossíntese estão relacionados a maiores valores de transpiração, evidenciando a necessidade de se conhecer a disponibilidade hídrica local quando do uso de clones de alta produtividade. Vcmax, Jmax e VTPU foram maiores para as posições superiores da copa, e não diferiram entre os clones. Devido à semelhança fisiológica entre as posições 2 e 3, pode-se sugerir que não haja distinção entre elas em futuras medições de fotossíntese, essenciais para a parametrização de modelos. Não houve relação direta entre crescimento do tronco e fotossíntese, evidenciando a necessidade de integração com estudos relacionados à alocação do carbono dentro da planta. / This study aimed to characterize the physiological variables related to photosynthesis, in seven commercial Eucalyptus clones with high productivity, by evaluating maximum photosynthetic capacity (Amax), and the response of photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E) to Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD). A trial was installed in 2004, at ESALQ/USP, with the clones that were part of BEPP Project (Brazil Eucalyptus Potential Productivity), and each plot had 49 plants (7x7) in a 3 m x 2.7m spacing. We measured tree height or DBHs and three average trees were selected for measurements, at 16 and 36 months. The sample to estimate Amax was: two crown positions (2 and 3), two branches per tree and two leaves per branch. The measurements which were taken from 8 to 10 am (low VPD). To get the response of A and gs to VPD measurements continued hourly, from 11 am to 3 pm, on the leaves from the first branch and position 2. At the end of the measurements leaves were collected for specific leaf area (SLA) and nitrogen (N) determination. Additionally, at 16 months, A/Ci curves were established, and parameters Vcmax, Jmax and VTPU were estimated through the program Photosyn Assistant. The curves were done for 2 trees per clone, at superior crown positions (2 and 3) and inferior ones (4 and 5). The physiological measurements and A/Ci curves were made using LiCor-6400. The results showed that Amax was similar for positions 2 and 3. There was variation among clones, but not consistent between ages, and all the clones had high Amax at 16 months (between 26 and 31 µmol m-2s-1, with an average of 29 µmol m-2s-1), decreasing at 36 months (between 19 and 26 µmol m-2s-1, with an average of 22 µmol m-2s-1). SLA and N were also similar between positions 2 and 3 and higher at younger age (11,1 versus 8,3 m²kg-1, 29,6 versus 21,1 gN kg-1;), what may be associate with Amax decrease. A, gs and E also showed lower values at age 36, for all the clones (23 versus 18 µmol m-2s-1; 0,41 versus 0,26 mol m-2s-1; 9,2 versus 6,1 mmol m-2s-1). All clones showed sensitivity to VPD, reducing gs and A with increasing VPD. However, the clones showed different sensitivities and all of them were less sensitive to VPD at age 36, highlighting a selection potential of genetic materials for water stress. In general, higher photosynthesis values were associated with higher transpiration, showing the necessity to know the water conditions of sites when planting genetic materials with high productivity. Vcmax, Jmax and VTPU were greater for superior positions compared to inferior ones, and were not different among clones. Due to a similarity in SLA, N and physiological and biochemical traits between positions 2 and 3, no distinction on future photosynthesis measurements between these positions is needed. Finally, there was not a direct relation between stem growth and photosynthesis, at both ages, showing that photosynthesis at crown level by itself can not capture all the ecophysiological processes related to wood productivity, being necessary the integration with studies related to carbon allocation inside the plant.

O estudo caracterizou as variáveis fisiológicas da fotossíntese, em 7 clones de Eucalyptus de alta produtividade, determinando-se as capacidades fotossintéticas máximas (Amax), e o comportamento da fotossíntese (A), condutância (gs) e transpiração (E) em relação ao Déficit de Pressão de Vapor (DPV). Para isso, um ensaio foi instalado em 2004, na ESALQ/USP, contendo os clones do Projeto BEPP (Brasil Eucalyptus Produtividade Potencial), sendo cada parcela composta de 49 plantas (7x7) no espaçamento de 3,0m x 2,7m. Mediram-se as alturas ou DAPs e selecionaram-se 3 árvores médias para as mensurações fisiológicas, aos 16 e 36 meses. A amostragem para Amax foi composta de duas posições superiores da copa (2 e 3), dois galhos por posição e duas folhas por galho. As medições foram feitas das 8 às 10 horas (baixo DPV). Para o comportamento de A e gs frente ao DPV, as medições continuaram, de hora em hora, das 11 às 15 horas, nas folhas do primeiro galho da posição 2. Ao final as folhas foram coletadas para determinação da área foliar específica (AFE) e do nitrogênio (N). Aos 16 meses, foram feitas curvas A/Ci, para posterior cálculo de Vcmax (taxa máxima de carboxilação), Jmax (taxa máxima de transporte de elétrons) e VTPU (utilização da triose fosfato), pelo programa Photosyn Assistant. As curvas foram feitas em 2 árvores por clone, nas posições superiores e inferiores da copa. Todas mensurações foram realizadas com o aparelho LiCor-6400. Os resultados mostraram que Amax foi similar para as posições 2 e 3. Entre os clones, houve variação, porém não consistente entre idades, e todos mostraram altos valores de Amax na idade de 16 meses (entre 26 e 31, com média de 29 µmol m-2s-1), reduzindo-se aos 36 meses (entre 19 e 26, com média de 22 µmol m-2s-1). A AFE e o N também foram similares entre as posições 2 e 3 e maiores na idade mais jovem (11 versus 8 m²kg-1, 29 versus 21 gN kg-1), podendo estar associados à queda de Amax. A, gs e E também apresentaram menores valores aos 36 meses, para todos os clones (23 versus 18 µmol m-2s-1; 0,41 versus 0,26 mol m-2s-1; 9,2 versus 6,1 mmol m-2s-1). Os clones mostraram sensibilidade ao DPV, reduzindo os valores de gs e A ao longo do dia, sendo a sensibilidade menor aos 36 meses. As sensibilidades foram distintas, evidenciando potencial de seleção de materiais mais aptos a tolerarem estresse hídrico. Em geral, maiores valores de fotossíntese estão relacionados a maiores valores de transpiração, evidenciando a necessidade de se conhecer a disponibilidade hídrica local quando do uso de clones de alta produtividade. Vcmax, Jmax e VTPU foram maiores para as posições superiores da copa, e não diferiram entre os clones. Devido à semelhança fisiológica entre as posições 2 e 3, pode-se sugerir que não haja distinção entre elas em futuras medições de fotossíntese, essenciais para a parametrização de modelos. Não houve relação direta entre crescimento do tronco e fotossíntese, evidenciando a necessidade de integração com estudos relacionados à alocação do carbono dentro da planta. / This study aimed to characterize the physiological variables related to photosynthesis, in seven commercial Eucalyptus clones with high productivity, by evaluating maximum photosynthetic capacity (Amax), and the response of photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E) to Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD). A trial was installed in 2004, at ESALQ/USP, with the clones that were part of BEPP Project (Brazil Eucalyptus Potential Productivity), and each plot had 49 plants (7x7) in a 3 m x 2.7m spacing. We measured tree height or DBHs and three average trees were selected for measurements, at 16 and 36 months. The sample to estimate Amax was: two crown positions (2 and 3), two branches per tree and two leaves per branch. The measurements which were taken from 8 to 10 am (low VPD). To get the response of A and gs to VPD measurements continued hourly, from 11 am to 3 pm, on the leaves from the first branch and position 2. At the end of the measurements leaves were collected for specific leaf area (SLA) and nitrogen (N) determination. Additionally, at 16 months, A/Ci curves were established, and parameters Vcmax, Jmax and VTPU were estimated through the program Photosyn Assistant. The curves were done for 2 trees per clone, at superior crown positions (2 and 3) and inferior ones (4 and 5). The physiological measurements and A/Ci curves were made using LiCor-6400. The results showed that Amax was similar for positions 2 and 3. There was variation among clones, but not consistent between ages, and all the clones had high Amax at 16 months (between 26 and 31 µmol m-2s-1, with an average of 29 µmol m-2s-1), decreasing at 36 months (between 19 and 26 µmol m-2s-1, with an average of 22 µmol m-2s-1). SLA and N were also similar between positions 2 and 3 and higher at younger age (11,1 versus 8,3 m²kg-1, 29,6 versus 21,1 gN kg-1;), what may be associate with Amax decrease. A, gs and E also showed lower values at age 36, for all the clones (23 versus 18 µmol m-2s-1; 0,41 versus 0,26 mol m-2s-1; 9,2 versus 6,1 mmol m-2s-1). All clones showed sensitivity to VPD, reducing gs and A with increasing VPD. However, the clones showed different sensitivities and all of them were less sensitive to VPD at age 36, highlighting a selection potential of genetic materials for water stress. In general, higher photosynthesis values were associated with higher transpiration, showing the necessity to know the water conditions of sites when planting genetic materials with high productivity. Vcmax, Jmax and VTPU were greater for superior positions compared to inferior ones, and were not different among clones. Due to a similarity in SLA, N and physiological and biochemical traits between positions 2 and 3, no distinction on future photosynthesis measurements between these positions is needed. Finally, there was not a direct relation between stem growth and photosynthesis, at both ages, showing that photosynthesis at crown level by itself can not capture all the ecophysiological processes related to wood productivity, being necessary the integration with studies related to carbon allocation inside the plant.

Abstract Drought is the most common abiotic stress limiting chickpea production in the world. Ninety percent of the worlds chickpea is produced in areas relying upon conserved, receding soil moisture, therefore, crop productivity is largely dependent on efficient utilization of available soil moisture. Because of the variability in drought pattern from year to year, trait based selection could have an advantage over selection on the basis of grain yield alone. Trait based breeding, however, requires trait dissection into components. Successful marker identification would facilitate integration of MAS procedures in breeding programs enabling the pyramiding of favourable alleles.<p> The genetic map produced in this study was based on a population of recombinant inbred lines of a cross of ILC 588 x ILC 3279 containing 52 SSR markers spanned 335 cM of the chickpea genome at an average density of 6.4 cM. A total of 13 genomic regions were shown to be associated with drought tolerance traits. Some of these genomic regions showed pleiotropic effect on multiple traits. This was also supported by the analysis of phenotypic data where these traits were found to be correlated. For example, early flowering and maturity had a strong association with high grain yield. High grain yield was also associated with better portioning ability between biomass and grain yield, i.e. harvest index. Drought tolerance score (DTS) was associated with various important traits including biomass, early flowering, early maturity.<p> This study also concluded that chickpea genotypes differed in terms of root length, root length density, root weight density and root length to weight ratio at every 20 cm soil layer up to 100 cm depth in response to water deficits. Consideration of an efficient root system vs. a larger root system is also important, since in this research, large root systems were offset by low harvest index, presumably due to the lack of assimilate available for grain growth. A restricted root system is important in environments like Western Canada, where crop growth termination is usually required prior to fall frost. This study also reported significant associations of stomatal conductance (gs) with each of HI, grain yield under drought, drought susceptibility index and drought tolerance score (DTS). Stomatal conductance can also be used to assess plant stress due to drought. Values of gs less than 250 mmol m-2s-1 during flowering indicated drought stress under greenhouse conditions. A higher degree of plant stress due to drought was shown by increased stomatal closure at midday (gs <150 mmol m-2s-1). The study of 157 RILs under natural drought stress during 2005-07 revealed that the 17 RILs which had high grain yield under drought (Group A), also tended to have higher gs than the 42 RILs that had lower grain yield (Group B). Group A had mean gs values of 390 mmol m-2s-1 during the week before flowering, while Group B had mean gs value of 330 mmol m-2s-1. Stomatal conductance increased at flowering and then sharply decreased later in the reproductive period, particularly in Group B. These findings were also supported by canopy temperature differential measurements as Group A was also able to maintain lower canopy temperature than Group B, indicating the ability of these plants to maintain adequate transpiration and a cooler canopy under drought stress. This research indicated that gs and canopy temperature can be used to assess chickpea drought stress and to screen drought tolerant genotypes. This study identified a QTL on LG7 for gs, QTLs on LG1, LG3 and LG6 associated with canopy temperature differential, as well as QTLs associated with grain yield under drought, HI, DTS, days to flower, days to maturity, reproductive period and plant height. These QTLs identified for traits related to higher chickpea productivity under drought stress could have important implications for accelerating the process of pyramiding of favourable genes into adapted genotypes and on future marker-assisted breeding for drought prone areas.