Sulfate enhances metabolic acclimation under drought stress – a comparative study of grapevine and maize

• Enhanced metabolic acclimation under drought after additional sulfate application. • Reduced effect of sulfate on the drought stress response of guard cells. • Enhanced metabolic stability of guard cells against external influences. The importance of sulfate fertilization in plant production has becoming increasingly relevant due to the decline in atmospheric sulfur inputs. Moreover, high-intensity cropping systems are increasingly facing drought scenarios. The role of stomata is crucial during drought stress and is linked to sulfate metabolism. This study investigates the impact of sulfate application on the drought response of grapevine and maize guard cells. Both plant species may serve as crop model for analysing underlying physiological processes in a low fertilizer demanding crop such as grapevine and a high fertilizer demanding crop such as maize. Increased sulfate concentration in leaves was triggered by drought in maize and grapevine, but in grapevine only when additional sulfate was applied. Additional sulfate application improved sulfur availability under drought conditions, which enhanced drought stress response in grapevine and maize. This was characterized by enhanced metabolic acclimation under drought conditions. The effect of sulfate on the drought stress response was markedly diminished in guard cells, indicating enhanced metabolic stability of guard cells against external influences. These results underscore the significance of adequate sulfate supply to crops for optimal drought stress response and suggest that sulfate fertilisation may serve as a potential option to enhance drought acclimation. Created in BioRender.com https://BioRender.com/mq6yjve Graphical abstract.