Effect of water deficit on wood formation of poplar clones: physiological and transcriptional analysis in cambial region

In this study we used a double approach coupling the physiological parameters to the transcript analysis of defined gene networks, ROS defense and carbohydrates/cellulose metabolism, chosen on the base of a previous microarray analysis at whole genome level. Our results showed that, under water deficit conditions, poplar plants put into action mechanisms to reduce water loss through stomatal closure which is coupled with a water translocation from the stem to the leaves and primary meristems. RT-qPCR analysis evidenced differences at transcription level between clones and genes belonging to different metabolic networks.