Does carbon storage confer waterlogging tolerance? Evidence from four evergreen species of a temperate rainforest

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 74 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Delgado ◽  
A. Zúñiga-Feest ◽  
F. I. Piper
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Storage ◽  
Shade Tolerance ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Carbon Limitation ◽  
Waterlogging Tolerance ◽  
Evergreen Species ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species ◽  
Structural Carbohydrate ◽  
Leaf Chlorophyll Fluorescence

Deep shade and waterlogging are two common stressors affecting seedling performance in the understorey of evergreen rainforests. It has been hypothesised that high levels of carbon storage confer shade- and waterlogging tolerances by preventing carbon limitation under such stresses. Whether the tolerance to both stresses is positively or negatively related remains unclear. To explore the role of carbon storage in the relationships of waterlogging and shade tolerance, we investigated the responses to waterlogging and the levels of carbon storage in two species pairs with contrasting shade tolerance: Embothrium coccineum J.R.Forst.&G.Forst. and Gevuina avellana Mol. (Proteaceae) and Nothofagus dombeyi (Mirb.) Oerst. and Nothofagus nitida (Phil.) Krasser (Nothofagaceae). We subjected seedlings to waterlogging or control conditions for 30 days and evaluated survival, relative growth rate (RGR), biomass distribution, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and concentrations of total soluble sugars, starch and non-structural carbohydrates in different plant tissues. Waterlogging reduced survival, Fv/Fm and RGR in all species; however, the magnitude of reduction of Fv/Fm and RGR was significantly higher in the shade-intolerant species than in their shade-tolerant counterparts. In general, shade-intolerant species had significantly higher non-structural carbohydrate concentrations in waterlogging than in control conditions. By contrast, shade-tolerant species had similar non-structural carbohydrate concentrations under both conditions. Our results indicate that relatively shade-tolerant species performed better under waterlogging. A reduction in non-structural carbohydrates under waterlogging was not observed in any of studied species; rather, shade-intolerant species exhibited non-structural carbohydrate accumulation suggesting that carbon storage does not confer waterlogging tolerance in these species.

A note on shade tolerance and vegetative propagation of woodland species

1976 ◽  
Vol 192 (1107) ◽  
pp. 257-258 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Vegetative Propagation ◽  
Shade Tolerance ◽  
Habitat Conditions ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species

Evidence is provided to show that, for many ‘shade tolerant’ species vegetative modes of increase may compensate for meagre seed-production which may be imposed by the habitat conditions.

Characterizing shade tolerance by the relationship between mortality and growth in tree saplings in a southeastern Texas forest

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-349
Author(s):  
Jie Lin ◽  
Paul A Harcombe ◽  
Mark R Fulton
Keyword(s):  
Survival Analysis ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Shade Tolerance ◽  
Mesic Forest ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species ◽  
Zero Growth ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
The Relationship

We investigated the relationship between shade tolerance and sapling mortality using data collected over 15 years in a mesic forest in southeastern Texas. Seven species representing a range of shade-tolerance classes were included in the study. We used survival analysis to estimate species-specific sapling mortality risk (hazard) as a function of recent growth. We found that shade-intolerant species had higher mortality risk at zero growth than shade-tolerant species. The results strongly support the point that shade tolerance can be characterized by the relationship between sapling mortality and growth.

Species variability in growth response to light across climatic regions in northwestern British Columbia

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 871-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine F Wright ◽  
K Dave Coates ◽  
Charles D Canham ◽  
Paula Bartemucci
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Shade Tolerance ◽  
Growth Response ◽  
High Light ◽  
Low Light ◽  
Climatic Regions ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species

We characterize variation in radial and height growth of saplings of 11 tree species across a range of light levels in boreal, sub-boreal, subalpine, and temperate forests of northwestern British Columbia. Shade-tolerant species had the greatest response to an increase in light at low-light levels but had low asymptotic growth at high light. Shade-intolerant species had weaker responses to increases at low light but had the highest growth rates at high light. The effects of climate on intraspecific variation in sapling response to light were also related to shade tolerance: across different climatic regions, the most shade-tolerant species varied in their response to low-light but not high light, while shade-intolerant species varied only in their high-light growth. Species with intermediate shade tolerance varied both their amplitude of growth at high light and the slope of the growth response at low light. Despite the interspecific trade-offs between high- and low-light growth, there was a striking degree of overlap in the light response curves for the component species in virtually all of the climatic regions. Successional dynamics in these forests appear to be more strongly governed by interspecific variation in sapling survival than growth.

scholarly journals Traits controlling shade tolerance in tropical montane trees

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisée Bahati Ntawuhiganayo ◽  
Félicien K Uwizeye ◽  
Etienne Zibera ◽  
Mirindi E Dusenge ◽  
Camille Ziegler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Shade Tolerance ◽  
Plant Traits ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species

Abstract Tropical canopies are complex, with multiple canopy layers and pronounced gap dynamics contributing to their high species diversity and productivity. An important reason for this complexity is the large variation in shade tolerance among different tree species. At present, we lack a clear understanding of which plant traits control this variation, e.g., regarding the relative contributions of whole-plant versus leaf traits or structural versus physiological traits. We investigated a broad range of traits in six tropical montane rainforest tree species with different degrees of shade tolerance, grown under three different radiation regimes (under the open sky or beneath sparse or dense canopies). The two distinct shade-tolerant species had higher fractional biomass in leaves and branches while shade-intolerant species invested more into stems, and these differences were greater under low radiation. Leaf respiration and photosynthetic light compensation point did not vary with species shade tolerance, regardless of radiation regime. Leaf temperatures in open plots were markedly higher in shade-tolerant species due to their low transpiration rates and large leaf sizes. Our results suggest that interspecific variation in shade tolerance of tropical montane trees is controlled by species differences in whole-plant biomass allocation strategy rather than by difference in physiological leaf traits determining leaf carbon balance at low radiation.

Leaf acclimation strategies to contrasting light conditions in saplings of different shade tolerance in a tropical cloud forest

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Quevedo-Rojas ◽  
Carlos García-Núñez ◽  
Mauricio Jerez-Rico ◽  
Ramón Jaimez ◽  
Teresa Schwarzkopf
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Shade Tolerance ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Cloud Forest ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Light Conditions ◽  
Light Gradient ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species

To study the acclimation responses of the leaves of saplings of six tree species when changed to low or high levels of irradiance, we carried out a light exposure experiment. Species representative of contrasting shade tolerance groups were identified across a light gradient in the understorey of a Venezuelan Andean cloud forest. Measured traits included gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and morphoanatomical, biochemical and optical properties. Saplings were grown for 6 months in a shade-house receiving 20% photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of full sunlight. Plant samples were then moved to shade-houses receiving low PPF (4%) or high PPF (65%). A factorial model (species × PPF), with repeated measurements (0, 15 and 120 days) was designed. Our results showed that morphological and anatomical traits were more plastic to PPF changes than photosynthetic traits. All species were susceptible to photoinhibition (15 days): shade-intolerant species showed dynamic photoinhibition (120 days), whereas shade-tolerant species presented chronic photoinhibition and the consequent inability to increase C assimilation rates under high PPF. The partially shade-tolerant species showed mixed responses; nonetheless, they exhibited larger adjustments in morphoanatomical and optical properties. Thus the acclimation responses of these species when subject to contrasting light conditions could help to explain their distribution along the light gradient in the understorey.

Isotope labeling reveals contribution of newly fixed carbon to carbon storage and monoterpenes production under water deficit and carbon limitation

2019 ◽  
Vol 162 ◽  
pp. 333-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianbei Huang ◽  
Lenka Forkelová ◽  
Sybille B. Unsicker ◽  
Matthias Forkel ◽  
David W.T. Griffith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Deficit ◽  
Carbon Storage ◽  
Isotope Labeling ◽  
Carbon Limitation ◽  
Fixed Carbon

scholarly journals Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Picea crassifolia Survival for Alpine Treeline Condition

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
Zheng Shi ◽  
Xiuxiu Deng ◽  
Dengzhong Bai ◽  
Jingpin Lei ◽  
Maihe Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Carbon Fixation ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Gansu Province ◽  
Transcriptomic Analysis ◽  
Carbon Limitation ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Picea Crassifolia ◽  
Alpine Treeline ◽  
Tree Survival

The physiological mechanisms driving treeline formation succession captured the attention of ecologists many years ago, yet they are still not fully understood. In this study, physiological parameters (soluble sugars, starch, and nitrogen) were investigated in combination with transcriptomic analysis in the treeline tree species Picea crassifolia. The study was conducted in the middle of Qilian Mountain Reserves, Gansu Province, China, within the elevation range of 2500–3300 m. The results showed that the concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates decreased with increasing elevation in the current-year needles and current-year branches, as well as in the coarse and fine roots. RNA-Seq demonstrated that 483 genes were upregulated and 681 were downregulated in the comparison of 2900 and 2500 m (2900 vs. 2500), 770 were upregulated and 1006 were downregulated in 3300 vs. 2500, and 282 were upregulated and 295 were downregulated in 3300 vs. 2900. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes were highly enriched in photosynthesis-related processes, carbon fixation and metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism. Furthermore, almost all photosynthesis-related genes were downregulated, whereas many genes involved in cuticle lipids and flavonoid biosynthesis were upregulated, contributing to the survival of P. crassifolia under the treeline condition. Thus, our study provided not only molecular evidence for carbon limitation hypothesis in treeline formation, but also a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of treeline tree survival under adverse conditions.

Managing for Mature Habitat in Production Forests of Western Oregon and Washington

1996 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 422-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Canopy Opening ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species

Standard timber management practices in the Pacific Northwest result in stands which often vary from unmanaged stands in structure and composition. Forest and wildlife managers have identified a deficit of stands in the mature (> 100-yr-old) age class that contain certain desirable wildlife habitat features. Techniques are being developed that would increase the likelihood that managed stands can produce these characteristics. The key desirable components in these stands include large (> 75 cm diam breast height) conifer trees, snags, coarse woody debris, and understory structure, including regeneration. Vegetation management techniques can facilitate development of these components within stands. Thinning the overstory, underplanting shade-tolerant species, and creating snags and coarse woody debris can be accomplished within a production forest. Maintaining shade-intolerant species requires a higher level of disturbance and canopy opening than needed for shade-tolerant species. Treatments which remove competition from shrubs and herbaceous plants may be necessary to insure growth and survival of understory regeneration. Injection of different herbicides into low-grade conifers may yield different types of snags in comparison to girdling or topping. Although much of the understory may be eliminated during future thinnings and final harvest, some of the structure will remain and could be carried over into the next rotation along with snags and large coarse woody debris. These treatments are expected to enhance mature habitats in present and future cycles with minimum impact on yield.

Canopy tree growth responses following selection harvest in seven species varying in shade tolerance

2009 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 430-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor A. Jones ◽  
Grant M. Domke ◽  
Sean C. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Maximum Growth ◽  
Forest Community ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Canopy Tree ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species

We used tree ring measurements to investigate the temporal response of basal area increment (BAI) of canopy trees following selection harvests by sampling across a chronosequence of stands with known harvest dates in tolerant hardwood (Great Lakes – St. Lawrence) stands in central Ontario. Seven tree species of various shade tolerances ranged widely in their responses to reduced competition. The more shade-tolerant species responded more positively: shade-tolerant species showed an average increase in BAI of 35% 4–15 years postharvest compared with 16% for mid-tolerant species and –7.5% for intolerant species. All species showed a time-lag in postharvest growth responses, with maximum growth responses occurring between 3 and 15 years postharvest. Tree size was the most important factor determining the magnitude of BAI response, with smaller trees consistently responding more than larger trees. We suggest that higher growth responses to selection harvests among shade-tolerant species may contribute to declines in mid-tolerant species abundance in selection-managed stands. More broadly, interspecific variability in canopy tree responses to forest disturbance appears to follow patterns distinct from seedling and sapling responses, with important implications to forest community dynamics in both managed and unmanaged forests.

Causes and consequences of resource heterogeneity in forests: interspecific variation in light transmission by canopy trees

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles D. Canham ◽  
Adrien C. Finzi ◽  
Stephen W. Pacala ◽  
Diane H. Burbank
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Light Transmission ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Light Extinction ◽  
Southern New England ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species ◽  
Successional Species ◽  
Unit Depth

We have analyzed the light transmission characteristics of the nine deciduous and coniferous species that dominate the transition oak–northern hardwood forests of southern New England. Maximum likelihood techniques were used to estimate species-specific light extinction coefficients, using fish-eye photography combined with data on the locations and geometry of trees in the neighborhood around each photo point. Quantum sensors were also used to quantify interspecific variation in the importance of sunflecks and beam enrichment. Variation in light extinction was closely correlated with shade tolerance and successional status of the species. The most shade-tolerant species (Fagusgrandifolia Ehrh. and Tsugacanadensis (L.) Carr.) cast the deepest shade (<2% of full sun), while earlier successional species such as Quercusrubra L. and Fraxinusamericana L. allowed greater light penetration (>5% full sun). These differences were more closely related to differences in crown depth than to differences in light extinction per unit depth of crown. Sunflecks contributed relatively little radiation beneath late successional species (<10% of total understory photosynthetically active radiation), but represented a major fraction (40–50%) of radiation beneath less shade-tolerant species. Using growth and mortality functions for the same species developed in a related study, our results indicate that saplings of all of the species have high survivorship in the shade cast by conspecific adults. However, only the three most shade-tolerant species have low rates of sapling mortality under the low light levels characteristic of stands dominated by late successional species. Our results are consistent with previously reported models, which propose that secondary succession is driven by interspecific differences in resource uptake and tolerance.

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