Do leaf traits in two Dalbergia species present differential plasticity in relation to light according to their habitat of origin?

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (8) ◽  
pp. 592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Silvia Franco Pinheiro Moreira ◽  
Ana Clara Luppi Queiroz ◽  
Fernanda de Vasconcelos Barros ◽  
Maíra Figueiredo Goulart ◽  
José Pires de Lemos-Filho
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Stomatal Density ◽  
Common Garden ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Light Interception ◽  
High Plasticity ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Palisade And Spongy Parenchyma ◽  
Changing Light

The phenotypic plasticity to light of two congeneric species of leguminous trees from distinct habitats was evaluated in a common-garden experiment. For that, we assessed the following two groups of leaf morphological and anatomical traits of 1-year-old seedlings: (1) traits related to light interception (tissues thickness and leaflet mass per area), and (2) traits related to gas exchange (number of leaflets per leaf and measurements of stomatal size and density). Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Allemão ex Benth. is an endemic Atlantic forest species, and D. miscolobium Benth. is a typical cerrado species. Both were grown under shade and full-sunlight conditions. The phenotypic plasticity of leaves was determined by a relative distance plasticity index (RDPI). For both species, sun leaflets were thicker than shade ones, and only D. nigra presented lower values for stomatal density (nst), percentage of the leaflet area occupied by stomatal pores (nast) and estimated stomatal conductance (gst) under shade conditions. The forest species (D. nigra) had higher plasticity for variables related to gas exchange (number of leaflets per leaf, nst, ast, nast and gst), whereas the cerrado species (D. miscolobium) had higher plasticity for variables related to light interception, such as leaflet mass per area, leaflet thickness and palisade and spongy parenchyma thickness. The degree of plasticity was different for each analysed parameter, and not used to define which species is more plastic. The leaf traits of D. nigra and D. miscolobium that showed high plasticity were related to resources that are not limiting to improve its photosynthesis in a changing light environment.

scholarly journals Stomatal and Leaf Morphology Response of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Provenances Transferred to Contrasting Climatic Conditions

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1359
Author(s):  
Peter Petrík ◽  
Anja Petek ◽  
Alena Konôpková ◽  
Michal Bosela ◽  
Peter Fleischer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Stomatal Density ◽  
Leaf Size ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Guard Cells ◽  
Fagus Sylvatica L ◽  
Leaf Dry Weight

Climate change-induced elevated temperatures and drought are considered to be serious threats to forest ecosystems worldwide, negatively affecting tree growth and viability. We studied nine European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) provenances located in two provenance trial plots with contrasting climates in Central Europe. Stomata play a vital role in the water balance of plants by regulating gaseous exchanges between plants and the atmosphere. Therefore, to explain the possible adaptation and acclimation of provenances to climate conditions, stomatal (stomatal density, the length of guard cells, and the potential conductance index) and leaf morphological traits (leaf size, leaf dry weight and specific leaf area) were assessed. The phenotypic plasticity index was calculated from the variability of provenances’ stomatal and leaf traits between the provenance plots. We assessed the impact of various climatic characteristics and derived indices (e.g., ecodistance) on intraspecific differences in stomatal and leaf traits. Provenances transferred to drier and warmer conditions acclimated through a decrease in stomatal density, the length of guard cells, potential conductance index, leaf size and leaf dry weight. The reduction in stomatal density and the potential conductance index was proportional to the degree of aridity difference between the climate of origin and conditions of the new site. Moreover, we found that the climate heterogeneity and latitude of the original provenance sites influence the phenotypic plasticity of provenances. Provenances from lower latitudes and less heterogeneous climates showed higher values of phenotypic plasticity. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between phenotypic plasticity and mortality in the arid plot but not in the more humid plot. Based on these impacts of the climate on stomatal and leaf traits of transferred provenances, we can improve the predictions of provenance reactions for future scenarios of global climate change.

Abiotic factors modulate phenotypic plasticity in an apomictic shrub [Miconia albicans (SW.) Triana] along a soil fertility gradient in a Neotropical savanna

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cibele S. Bedetti ◽  
Débora B. Aguiar ◽  
Maria C. Jannuzzi ◽  
Maria Z. D. Moura ◽  
Fernando A. O. Silveira
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Plant Traits ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
High Plasticity ◽  
Fertility Gradient ◽  
Heterogeneous Habitats ◽  
Soil Fertility Gradient

Phenotypic plasticity is an important means by which plants cope with environmental heterogeneity; therefore, understanding variation in plant traits in heterogeneous habitats is important to predict responses to changing environments. In this study, we examined the patterns of intraspecific variation in leaf traits of Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae), a widespread, obligatory apomictic shrub, across a soil fertility gradient in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna). We predicted high plasticity because selection favours high phenotypic plasticity in asexual populations with low genetic variability. Leaves were sampled in campo sujo (grassland), cerrado (savanna) and cerradão (woodland) in south-eastern Brazil during both dry and rainy seasons to calculate leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf tissue thickness, trichome and stomata density. We found significant between-season variation in leaf traits, indicating that the production of season-specific leaves is a strategy to cope with the strong seasonality. Both multivariate analysis and the relative distance plasticity index indicate lower plasticity during the dry season, especially under shade. Our results show that the phenotypic plasticity can be modulated by changes in abiotic factors and the combination of shade and drought can limit the expression of phenotypic plasticity.

Variation in regrowth ability in relation to land-use intensity in three common grassland herbs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Kirschbaum ◽  
Oliver Bossdorf ◽  
J F Scheepens
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Temporal Variation ◽  
Temporal Stability ◽  
Common Garden ◽  
Grassland Management ◽  
Land Use Intensity ◽  
Evolutionary Changes ◽  
Biomass Removal ◽  
Reproductive Biomass

Abstract Aims Plant populations in managed grasslands are subject to strong selection exerted by grazing, mowing and fertilization. Many previous studies showed that this can cause evolutionary changes in mean trait values, but little is known about the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in response to land use. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the relationships between phenotypic plasticity – specifically, regrowth ability after biomass removal – and the intensity of grassland management and levels of temporal variation therein. Methods We conducted an outdoor common garden experiment to test if plants from more intensively mown and grazed sites showed an increased ability to regrow after biomass removal. We used three common plant species from temperate European grasslands, with seed material from 58 – 68 populations along gradients of land-use intensity, ranging from extensive (only light grazing) to very intensive management (up to four cuts per year). Important findings In two out of three species, we found significant population differentiation in regrowth ability after clipping. While variation in regrowth ability was unrelated to the mean land-use intensity of populations of origin, we found a relationship with its temporal variation in P. lanceolata, where plants experiencing less variable environmental conditions over the last 11 years showed stronger regrowth in reproductive biomass after clipping. Therefore, while mean grazing and mowing intensity may not select for regrowth ability, the temporal stability of the environmental heterogeneity created by land use may have caused its evolution in some species.

scholarly journals Leaf Nutrient Relations of Cycads in a Common Garden

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 194008292110365
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Marler ◽  
Anders J. Lindström
Keyword(s):  
Common Garden ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Active Management ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Representative Species ◽  
Nutrient Relations ◽  
Homogeneous Environment ◽  
Dry Combustion

Background and Aims Research required to clarify leaf nutrient relations of cycad species has been inadequate. Common garden studies are useful for determining the influence of genetics on leaf traits because of the homogeneous environment among experimental units. To date, there have been no common garden studies which included all ten genera of cycads. The full phylogenetic breadth has, therefore, not been included in this important area of study. Methods We examined macronutrient and micronutrient content of leaves from one representative species from each of the ten cycad genera at Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Thailand. Nitrogen content was determined by dry combustion, and the remaining nutrients were quantified by spectrometry. Results The least variable elements were nitrogen and phosphorus, and the most variable elements were boron and sodium. Nutrient content based on leaflet area was more variable than based on leaflet mass, reflecting species differences in specific leaf area. There were no universal macronutrient or micronutrient signals indicating clear phylogenetic distinctions. Implications for Conservation: Active management of threatened cycad taxa requires research to develop the knowledge to enable evidence-based decisions. This common garden study inclusive of all 10 cycad genera creates a foundation to determine leaf nutrient sufficiency ranges to inform management decisions.

scholarly journals Growth, leaf and stomatal traits of crabwood (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) in central Amazonia

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 07-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Angelo Branco Camargo ◽  
Ricardo Antonio Marenco
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Stomatal Density ◽  
Leaf Gas Exchange ◽  
Carbon Assimilation ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Leaf Thickness ◽  
Diurnal Changes ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Carapa Guianensis ◽  
Rainfall Seasonality

Crabwood (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) is a fast growing tree species with many uses among Amazonian local communities. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of seasonal rainfall pattern on growth rates, and seasonal and diurnal changes in leaf gas exchange and leaf water potential (ΨL) in crabwood. To assess the effect of rainfall seasonality on growth and physiological leaf traits an experiment was conducted in Manaus, AM (03º 05' 30" S, 59º 59' 35" S). In this experiment, six 6-m tall plants were used to assess photosynthetic traits and ΨL. In a second experiment the effect of growth irradiance on stomatal density (S D), size (S S) and leaf thickness was assessed in 0.8-m tall saplings. Stomatal conductance (g s) and light-saturated photosynthesis (Amax) were higher in the wet season, and between 09:00 and 15:00 h. However, no effect of rainfall seasonality was found on ΨL and potential photosynthesis (CO2-saturated). ΨL declined from -0.3 MPa early in the morning to -0.75 MPa after midday. It increased in the afternoon but did not reach full recovery at sunset. Growth rates of crabwood were high, and similar in both seasons (2 mm month-1). Leaf thickness and S D were 19% and 47% higher in sun than in shade plants, whereas the opposite was true for S S. We conclude that ΨL greatly affects carbon assimilation of crabwood by reducing g s at noon, although this effect is not reflected on growth rates indicating that other factors offset the effect of g s on Amax.

Bunchgrass architecture, light interception, and water-use efficiency: assessment by fiber optic point quadrats and gas exchange

Oecologia ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 59 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 178-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Caldwell ◽  
T. J. Dean ◽  
R. S. Nowak ◽  
R. S. Dzurec ◽  
J. H. Richards
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Fiber Optic ◽  
Light Interception ◽  
Efficiency Assessment ◽  
Use Efficiency

Adaptation of Mediterranean forest species to climate: lessons from common garden experiments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Ramírez‐Valiente ◽  
L Santos del Blanco ◽  
R Alía ◽  
JJ Robledo‐Arnuncio ◽  
J Climent
Keyword(s):  
Common Garden ◽  
Mediterranean Forest ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Common Garden Experiments

scholarly journals Leaf traits and gas exchange in saplings of native tree species in the Central Amazon

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 624-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keila Rego Mendes ◽  
Ricardo Antonio Marenco
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Nitrogen Content ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Leaf Nitrogen ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Leaf Thickness ◽  
Rainfall Regime ◽  
Leaf Nitrogen Content

Global climate models predict changes on the length of the dry season in the Amazon which may affect tree physiology. The aims of this work were to determine the effect of the rainfall regime and fraction of sky visible (FSV) at the forest understory on leaf traits and gas exchange of ten rainforest tree species in the Central Amazon, Brazil. We also examined the relationship between specific leaf area (SLA), leaf thickness (LT), and leaf nitrogen content on photosynthetic parameters. Data were collected in January (rainy season) and August (dry season) of 2008. A diurnal pattern was observed for light saturated photosynthesis (Amax) and stomatal conductance (g s), and irrespective of species, Amax was lower in the dry season. However, no effect of the rainfall regime was observed on g s nor on the photosynthetic capacity (Apot, measured at saturating [CO2]). Apot and leaf thickness increased with FSV, the converse was true for the FSV-SLA relationship. Also, a positive relationship was observed between Apot per unit leaf area and leaf nitrogen content, and between Apot per unit mass and SLA. Although the rainfall regime only slightly affects soil moisture, photosynthetic traits seem to be responsive to rainfall-related environmental factors, which eventually lead to an effect on Amax. Finally, we report that little variation in FSV seems to affect leaf physiology (Apot) and leaf anatomy (leaf thickness).

scholarly journals Effects of microhabitat on leaf traits in Digitalis grandiflora L. (Veronicaceae) growing at forest edge and interior

2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 615-627
Author(s):  
J. Kołodziejek
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Stomatal Density ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Leaf Mass Per Area ◽  
Forest Interior ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Shade Leaves

The morphological, anatomical and biochemical traits of the leaves of yellow foxglove (Digitalis grandiflora Mill.) from two microhabitats, forest interior (full shade under oak canopy) and forest edge (half shade near shrubs), were studied. The microhabitats differed in the mean levels of available light, but did not differ in soil moisture. The mean level of light in the forest edge microhabitat was significantly higher than in the forest interior. Multivariate ANOVA was used to test the effects of microhabitat. Comparison of the available light with soil moisture revealed that both factors significantly influenced the morphological and anatomical variables of D. grandiflora. Leaf area, mass, leaf mass per area (LMA), surface area per unit dry mass (SLA), density and thickness varied greatly between leaves exposed to different light regimes. Leaves that developed in the shade were larger and thinner and had a greater SLA than those that developed in the half shade. In contrast, at higher light irradiances, at the forest edge, leaves tended to be thicker, with higher LMA and density. Stomatal density was higher in the half-shade leaves than in the full-shade ones. LMA was correlated with leaf area and mass and to a lesser extent with thickness and density in the forest edge microsite. The considerable variations in leaf density and thickness recorded here confirm the very high variation in cell size and amounts of structural tissue within species. The leaf plasticity index (PI) was the highest for the morphological leaf traits as compared to the anatomical and biochemical ones. The nitrogen content was higher in the ?half-shade leaves? than in the ?shade leaves?. Denser leaves corresponded to lower nitrogen (N) contents. The leaves of plants from the forest edge had more potassium (K) than leaves of plants from the forest interior on an area basis but not on a dry mass basis; the reverse was true for phosphorus.

scholarly journals Gas exchanges and photosynthetic efficiency in sub-forest species from Atlantic Forest

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e43952870
Author(s):  
Magnólia Martins Alves ◽  
Manoel Bandeira de Albuquerque ◽  
Renata Ranielly Pedroza Cruz ◽  
Mário Luiz Farias Cavalcanti
Keyword(s):  
Stomatal Conductance ◽  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Co2 Concentration ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Forest Understory ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Gas Exchanges ◽  
Endogenous Factors ◽  
Intrinsic Efficiency

The availability of light is one of the factors that most limits the photosynthesis of juvenile trees in the understory of the forest. The study was carried out in the Mata do Pau-Ferro State Park, located in the city of Areia, PB. The objective of this study was to evaluate how gas exchanges occur in individuals of Psychotria colorata (Willd. Ex Roem & Schult.), Senna georgica Irwin & Barneby, Himatanthus phagedaenicus (Mart.) Woodson, Solanum swartzianum Roem. & Schult, Psychotria carthagenensis Jacq.e Psychotria hoffmannseggiana (Willd. ex Schult.) in the understory of a remnant of Mata Atlântica. The rate of photosynthesis (A), transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (Gs), internal CO2 concentration (Ci) leaf temperature-air temperature (°C), and internal carbon (Ci), instantaneous efficiency of water use (EUA) (A/E), Intrinsic efficiency of water use (EiUC) (A/Gs) and the intrinsic efficiency of carboxylation (ratio A/Ci). The rates of maximum photosynthesis (A), photosynthesis (E) and stomatal conductance (Gs) were shown to be influenced by the time of day, as there was no interference of external factors in the diurnal patterns of gas exchange, variations are due to endogenous factors, probably due to the circadian rhythm. The parameter of the gas exchange of sub-forest species responds differently, in the small variations in the luminosity levels of the forest understory

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