24-Epibrassinolide alleviates drought effects in young Carapa guianensis plants, improving the hydraulic safety margin, gas exchange and antioxidant defence.

Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme events such as droughts, limiting plant growth and productivity. Exogenous application of plant growth regulators, such as 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), might be a solution as this molecule is organic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. This is the first research to examine possible roles of EBR on the hydraulic safety margin, physiological behaviour, and metabolism in Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Meliaceae) exposed to drought. C. guianensis is a widely distributed tree in tropical forests of the Amazon. The objective was to determine whether EBR can improve tolerance to water deficit in young C. guianensis by measuring hydraulic traits, nutritional, biochemical and physiological responses, and biomass. The experiment had four randomized treatments: two water conditions (control and water deficit) and two concentrations of EBR (0 and 100 nM EBR). EBR increased the water potential and hydraulic safety margin, increased CO2 fixation, and improved stomatal performance. EBR also stimulated antioxidant defences (SOD, CAT, APX, and POX). Overall, tretreatment with EBR improved drought tolerance of young C. guianensis plants.