Supporting Data: Xylem perforation plate phenotypes affect water use and drought adaptation in maize (Zea mays L.)

These data were collected to assess how xylem perforation plates affect water use strategies in maize (Zea mays L.) under water deficit through empirical studies in controlled environments and in the field. In this work, our goals were to explore the extent of intraspecific variation for the structure of perforation plates within an annual monocot and assess how this variation affects transport and use of water under drought stress. Specifically, we test the hypotheses that (1) simple perforation plates have a significant effect on water transport, (2) intraspecific variation exists for these features in maize, and (3) this variation affects water use strategies under drought stress.

本数据集依托可控环境与田间的实证研究采集所得，旨在探究木质部穿孔板（xylem perforation plates）对水分亏缺条件下玉米（Zea mays L.）水分利用策略的影响。本研究的核心目标为：解析一年生单子叶植物的穿孔板结构种内变异（intraspecific variation）程度，并评估该变异如何影响干旱胁迫（drought stress）下的水分运输与利用过程。具体而言，本研究验证以下三项假说：(1) 单穿孔板（simple perforation plates）对水分运输具有显著影响；(2) 玉米的穿孔板结构存在种内变异；(3) 该种内变异会改变干旱胁迫下的玉米水分利用策略。