Effects of soil moisture content on morpho-physiological of four Potentilla

In north China, Potentilla are potentially important indigenous plants recognized for their ornamental value along with strong stress resistance characteristics. To provide a reference for the sustainable development of these plants,we studied the response mechanisms of four Potentilla species (P. reptans var. sericophylla, P. reptans , P. flagellaris, and P.anserina ) to changes in soil moisture content, and their ability to retain their visual appeal under these conditions. Three water treatments conditions were investigated: 25%, 50% and 75% of the field water capacity. At the end of the study period, the leaves were harvested for physiological analysis and their growth index monitored. These 4 Potentillawere growing well at both 75% and 50% field capacity. P. reptans var. sericophylla grew well at 25% field capacity. However, biomass decreased, and superoxide dismutase activity and carotenoid content increased in P. anserine, P. reptans and P. flagellaris was through increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity to relieve the decline of plant height, respectively. These results suggest that P. reptans var. sericophylla is a drought tolerant species due to its higher leaf-water content. High antioxidant capacity under water stress plays a crucial role in resisting oxidative damage, and helps to relieve water stress in P. anserina, P. reptans and P. flagellaris.