Drought stress affects the growth of Lycium ruthenicum seedlings. The study looked at how different levels of soil moisture impact the plant's photosynthesis. They found that as soil water decreased, chlorophyll and carotenoid levels dropped. Moderate drought led to lower photosynthesis rates and increased water use efficiency. The seedlings also showed signs of stress, like reduced efficiency in using light for photosynthesis. Overall, Lycium ruthenicum can survive with low soil moisture, but performs best with moderate levels of water.