The Extent and Pattern of Osmotic Adjustment in White Clover (Trifolium repens L.) During the Development of Water Stress

White clover plants were subjected to water stress followingthe cessation of watering. As a water deficit developed, waterand osmotic potentials were measured in stolon tips, leavesfrom the stolon tip and leaves from the plant crown. Pressurepotentials were calculated. Pressure potential was maintainedin stolon tips even when water potential fell to around –2·0MPa. In contrast, pressure potential in leaves fell rapidlyas water stress developed. Total amino acid and potassium levels were largely unaffectedin both stolon tips and leaves. Water-soluble carbohydratesand proline accumulated during water stress. The increase inproline level in leaves did not follow the same pattern as thatin stolon tips, although toward the end of the water stressperiod the level had increased by a similar extent in both partsof the plant. Additionally, pressure potential and osmotic potentialappeared to be significantly related to proline content in stolontips. No such relationship was found for leaves. The role ofproline in osmotic adjustment is discussed. Trifolium repens L. cv. Olwen, white clover, water stress, osmotic adjustment, proline