[Sugar beet photosynthesis under conditions of increasing water deficiency in soil and protective effects of a low-molecular-weight alcohol].

The rate of CO2 gas exchange, transpiration, stomatal conductivity, and efficiency of the use of water were assessed in leaves of the sugar beet (Beta vulgaris var. Saccharifera (Alef) Krass.) sprayed with 40% methanol, against the background of increasing water deficiency in soil. A decrease in the negative impact of water deficiency in experimental plants was shown to be due to the larger stress-resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus, higher rate of photosynthesis, and more effective use of water.