Changes in LIpid Composition, Water Relations and Gas Exchange in Leaves of Two Young 'Chemlali' and 'Chetoui' Olive Trees in Response to Water Strees

Changes in lipid composition, water relations and gas exchange in leaves of two young Chemlali and Chetoul olive trees in response to water stress were examined. Three-month-old own-rooted plants were subjected to two irrigation treatments namely well watered plants that were irrigated with fresh water to maintain a soil water content close to field capacity and water stressed plants by withholding water. It was found that drought stress caused an alteration in the composition of membrane lipids in the olive. The results observed in Chemlali plants showed that, besides changes in the lipids composition, this cultivar might have an efficient defence strategy which could be related on antioxidative production against oxidative stress.