Water relations characteristics of Alnusrubra and Populustrichocarpa: responses to field drought

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 1159-1166 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Pezeshki ◽  
T. M. Hinckley

Water relations of red alder (AlnusrubraBong.) and black cottonwood (populustrichocarpa Torr. & Gray) were studied in the field during the 1980, 1981, and 1982 growing seasons. Stomatal closure in response to drought was noted in both species; however, the following major differences were noted between the 1980 observations and those of 1981 and 1982; (i) stomatal conductance was greater in black cottonwood than in red alder, whereas the reverse was noted in 1980, and (ii) even though 1981 and 1982 were warmer and drier than 1980, corresponding changes in predawn and minimum leaf water potentials were not observed. These differences were attributed to greater root development, particularly in black cottonwood, in the second (1981) and third (1982) years following establishment (1980) of these species. Leaf age and drought exposure were observed to influence osmotic potentials in both species. Values of the osmotic potential at saturation varied from −0.80 to −1.03 MPa in newly mature leaves of red alder and from −1.00 to −1.26 MPa in similarly aged leaves of black cottonwood. Values in mature leaves ranged from −0.84 to −1.27 MPa in red alder and from −1.37 to −1.75 MPa in black cottonwood. There appeared to be a continued decrease in osmotic potential in both species throughout the growing season, a response associated with leaf development and drought exposure. Throughout the study, significantly lower values of osmotic potential at saturation and at the turgor loss point were found in black cottonwood than in red alder. Consequently, black cottonwood had a potential adaptive advantage in comparison with red alder. Leaf shedding in response to drought was noted mainly in red alder. Generally, both of these riparian species exhibited slight to moderate capabilities of surviving exposure to low leaf water potentials and moderate to excellent capabilities of stomatal closure under conditions potentially leading to low water potentials. The role played by root development in the differences observed among the years and between black cottonwood and red alder is discussed.

1988 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 619 ◽  
Author(s):  
JP Syvertsen ◽  
J Lloyd ◽  
PE Kriedemann

Effects of salinity and drought stress on foliar ion concentration, water relations and net gas exchange were evaluated in mature Valencia orange trees (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) on Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf. (Tri) or sweet orange (C. sinensis, Swt) rootstocks at Dareton on the Murray River in New South Wales. Trees had been irrigated with river water which averaged 4 mol m-3 chloride (Cl-) or with river water plus NaCl to produce 10, 14 or 20 mol m-3 Cl- during the previous 3 years. Chloride concentrations in leaves of trees on Tri were significantly higher than those on Swt rootstock. Foliar sodium (Na+) and Cl- concentrations increased and potassium (K+) concentrations decreased as leaves aged, especially under irrigation with 20 mol m-3 Cl-. Leaf osmotic potential was reduced as leaves matured and also by high salinity so that reductions in leaf water potential were offset. Mature leaves had a lower stomatal conductances and higher water use efficiency than young leaves. After 2 months of withholding irrigation water, leaves of low salinity trees on Tri rootstock had higher rates of net gas exchange than those on Swt rootstock, indicating rootstock-affected drought tolerance. Previous treatment with 20 mol m-3 Cl- lowered leaf area index of all trees by more than 50%, and resulted in greater reserves of soil moisture under partially defoliated trees after the drought treatment. This was reflected in more rapid evening recovery of leaf water potential and less severe reductions in net gas exchange after drought treatment in high salinity trees on Swt rootstock. High salinity plus drought stress increased Na+ content of leaves on Swt, but not on Tri rootstocks. Drought stress had no additive effect, with high salinity on osmotic potential of mature leaves. Thus, the salinity-induced reduction in leaf area appeared to be independent of the Cl- exclusion capability of the rootstock and decreased the effects of subsequent drought stress on leaf water relations and net gas exchange.


1989 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 549 ◽  
Author(s):  
SL Steinberg ◽  
MJ Mcfarland ◽  
JC Miller

A gradation, that reflects the maturity of the leaves, exists in the leaf water, osmotic and turgor potential and stomatal conductance of leaves along current and 1-year-old branches of peach. Predawn leaf water potentials of immature folded leaves were approximately 0.24 MPa lower than mature leaves under both well-watered and dry conditions. During the daytime the leaf water potential of immature leaves reflected the water potential produced by water flux for transpiration. In well- watered trees, mature and immature unfolded leaves had a solute potential at least 0.5 MPa lower than immature folded leaves, resulting in a turgor potential that was approximately 0.8 MPa higher. The turgor requirement for growth appeared to be much less than that maintained in mature leaves. As water stress developed and leaf water potentials decreased, the osmotic potential of immature folded leaves declined to the level found in mature leaves, thus maintaining turgor. In contrast, mature leaves showed little evidence of turgor maintenance. Stomatal conductance was lower in immature leaves than in fully mature leaves. With the onset of water stress, conductance of mature leaves declined to a level near that of immature leaves. Loss of turgor in mature leaves may be a major factor in early stomatal closure. It was concluded that osmotic adjustment played a role in maintenance of a leaf water status favorable for some growth in water-stressed immature peach leaves.


1983 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 265 ◽  
Author(s):  
RR Walker ◽  
E Torokfalvy ◽  
AM Grieve ◽  
LD Prior

Grafted plants of Valencia orange scion [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] on six different rootstocks were grown under glasshouse conditions and supplied with dilute nutrient solution containing either 0 or 75 mM NaCl. Salt treatment was increased to 150 mM NaCl after 49 days. Leaf water relations and leaf chloride, sodium and potassium concentrations were followed throughout the period of salt treatment until day 105, when salt treatment ceased, and thereafter until day 140. Seedlings of Rangpur lime (C. reticulata var. austera hybrid?), Cleopatra mandarin (C. reticulata) and sweet orange (C.sinensis) were treated similarly and leaf water relations and chloride concentrations were followed until salt treatment ceased on day 77. All Valencia-rootstock combinations adjusted osmotically to the salt stress imposed and maintained turgor pressures at or above control values. Mature leaves on seedlings of sweet orange behaved similarly to Valencia orange leaves on sweet orange rootstocks by maintaining turgor pressures higher than control values. In contrast, mature leaves on seedlings of the genotypes Rangpur lime and Cleopatra mandarin tended to lose turgor during the period of treatment with 150 mM NaCl. Leaf chloride analyses indicated that Rangpur lime and Cleopatra mandarin rootstocks restricted the uptake and/or transport of chloride to shoots. However, comparatively high concentrations of sodium (>approx. 200 mM, tissue water basis) were accumulated in mature leaves on all rootstocks during salt treatment. Leaf potassium concentrations remained similar to control values. The reduction in osmotic potential in mature Valencia leaves on rough lemon (C. jambhiri), Trifoliata (Poncirus trifoliata), Camzo citrange (C. sinensis × P. trifoliata) and sweet orange rootstocks on day 77 could be accounted for largely by the increase in sodium and chloride, whereas chloride (as NaCl) accounted for only approximately 50% of the reduction in osmotic potential in Valencia leaves on Rangpur lime and Cleopatra mandarin rootstocks. Stomatal resistances in mature Valencia leaves on all rootstocks were increased by salt treatment and showed only partial recovery after the cessation of salt treatment. The incomplete recovery may have been associated with the retention in leaves of high concentrations of sodium.


The paper reports measurements of the water relations of a barley crop (cv. Proctor) and a winter wheat crop (cv. Maris Huntsman), grown on the same site at Sutton Bonington. Throughout the two growing seasons, days were chosen when hourly measurements could be made of leaf water potential, by means of a pressure chamber, and of stomatal resistance, by means of a diffusion porometer. Environmental factors, e.g. radiation, temperature, humidity, were recorded concurrently. Relationships between leaf water potential, stomatal resistance and environmental factors are explored and compared for the two cereals. In particular, as frequent measurements were made over two months, the influence of leaf age on responses to environmental factors can be examined. On selected days with bright sunshine and dry soil the response of both cereals to water stress is analysed with particular reference to the control of evaporation by stomatal closure


2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 176-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. V. CARR

SUMMARYThe results of research done on water relations of rubber are collated and summarised in an attempt to link fundamental studies on crop physiology to crop management practices. Background information is given on the centres of origin (Amazon Basin) and production of rubber (humid tropics; south-east Asia), but the crop is now being grown in drier regions. The effects of water stress on the development processes of the crop are summarised, followed by reviews of its water relations, water requirements and water productivity. The majority of the recent research published in the international literature has been conducted in south-east Asia. The rubber tree has a single straight trunk, the growth of which is restricted by ‘tapping’ for latex. Increase in stem height is discontinuous, a period of elongation being followed by a ‘rest’ period during which emergence of leaves takes place. Leaves are produced in tiers separated by lengths of bare stem. Trees older than three to four years shed senescent leaves (a process known as ‘wintering’). ‘Wintering’ is induced by dry, or less wet, weather; trees may remain (nearly) leafless for up to four weeks. The more pronounced the dry season the shorter the period of defoliation. Re-foliation begins before the rains start. The supply of latex is dependent on the pressure potential in the latex vessels, whereas the rate of flow is negatively correlated with the saturation deficit of the air. Radial growth of the stem declines in tapped trees relative to untapped trees within two weeks of the start of tapping. Roots can extend in depth to more than 4 m and laterally more than 9 m from the trunk. The majority of roots are found within 0.3 m of the soil surface. Root elongation is depressed during leaf growth, while root branching is enhanced. Stomata are only found on the lower surface of the leaf, at densities from 280 to 700 mm−2. The xylem vessels of rubber trees under drought stress are vulnerable to cavitation, particularly in the leaf petiole. By closing, the stomata play an essential role in limiting cavitation. Clones differ in their susceptibility to cavitation, which occurs at xylem water potentials in the range of −1.8 to −2.0 MPa. Clone RRII 105 is capable of maintaining higher leaf water potentials than other clones because of stomatal closure, supporting its reputation for drought tolerance. Clones differ in their photosynthetic rates. Light inhibition of photosynthesis can occur, particularly in young plants, when shade can be beneficial. Girth measurements have been used to identify drought-tolerant clones. Very little research on the water requirements of rubber has been reported, and it is difficult to judge the validity of the assumptions made in some of the methodologies described. The actual evapotranspiration rates reported are generally lower than might be expected for a tree crop growing in the tropics (<3 mm d−1). Virtually no research on the yield responses to water has been reported and, with the crop now being grown in drier regions, this is surprising. In these areas, irrigation can reduce the immaturity period from more than 10 years to six years. The important role that rubber plays in the livelihoods of smallholders, and in the integrated farming systems practised in south-east Asia, is summarized.


1987 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 653 ◽  
Author(s):  
DS Crombie ◽  
JT Tippett ◽  
DJ Gorddard

Roots were pruned from jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Smith) saplings to simulate the effects of root loss induced by Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Stomatal conductance was more sensitive to root loss than was leaf water potential. Stomatal conductances of trees on moist soils declined when more than 50% of roots were removed but were more variable and were affected more severely by root pruning when soils were dry. Predawn leaf water potentials were unaffected by removal of up to 80% of roots irrespective of whether surface soils were dry or moist. The effects of root pruning on midday water potentials were variable especially when soils were dry. Leaf shedding and efficient stornatal closure prevented severe water stress developing in leaves until nearly 90% of the roots had been removed. It is suggested that destruction of the deep 'sinker' roots by P. cinnamomi has greater effects on jarrah's water relations during summer than does loss of shallow roots. The deep roots are especially important as jarrah grows on highly developed lateritic soil profiles.


2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (11) ◽  
pp. 1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael H. Nolan ◽  
Kendal A. Fairweather ◽  
Tonantzin Tarin ◽  
Nadia S. Santini ◽  
James Cleverly ◽  
...  

Partitioning of water resources amongst plant species within a single climate envelope is possible if the species differ in key hydraulic traits. We examined 11 bivariate trait relationships across nine woody species found in the Ti-Tree basin of central Australia. We found that species with limited access to soil moisture, evidenced by low pre-dawn leaf water potential, displayed anisohydric behaviour (e.g. large seasonal fluctuations in minimum leaf water potential), had greater sapwood density and lower osmotic potential at full turgor. Osmotic potential at full turgor was positively correlated with the leaf water potential at turgor loss, which was, in turn, positively correlated with the water potential at incipient stomatal closure. We also observed divergent behaviour in two species of Mulga, a complex of closely related Acacia species which range from tall shrubs to low trees and dominate large areas of arid and semiarid Australia. These Mulga species had much lower minimum leaf water potentials and lower specific leaf area compared with the other seven species. Finally, one species, Hakea macrocarpa A.Cunn ex.R.Br., had traits that may allow it to tolerate seasonal dryness (through possession of small specific leaf area and cavitation resistant xylem) despite exhibiting cellular water relations that were similar to groundwater-dependent species. We conclude that traits related to water transport and leaf water status differ across species that experience differences in soil water availability and that this enables a diversity of species to exist in this low rainfall environment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 580-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Wagner ◽  
Jenifer M Wheeler ◽  
Stephen J Burr

Abstract Within the North American boreal forest, a widespread outbreak of the epidermal leaf miner Phyllocnistis populiella Cham. has damaged quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) for nearly 20 years. In a series of experiments, we tested the effects of feeding damage by P. populiella on leaf water relations and gas exchange. Relative to insecticide-treated trees, the leaves of naturally mined trees had lower photosynthesis, stomatal conductance to water vapor, transpiration, water-use efficiency, predawn water potential and water content, as well as more enriched foliar δ13C. The magnitude of the difference between naturally mined and insecticide-treated trees did not change significantly throughout the growing season, suggesting that the effect is not caused by accumulation of incidental damage to mined portions of the epidermis over time. The contributions of mining-related stomatal malfunction and cuticular transpiration to these overall effects were investigated by restricting mining damage to stomatous abaxial and astomatous adaxial leaf surfaces. Mining of the abaxial epidermis decreased photosynthesis and enriched leaf δ13C, while increasing leaf water potential and water content relative to unmined leaves, effects consistent with stomatal closure due to disfunction of mined guard cells. Mining of the adaxial epidermis also reduced photosynthesis but had different effects on water relations, reducing midday leaf water potential and water content relative to unmined leaves, and did not affect δ13C. In the laboratory, extent of mining damage to the adaxial surface was positively related to the rate of water loss by leaves treated to prevent water loss through stomata. We conclude that overall, despite water savings due to closure of mined stomata, natural levels of damage by P. populiella negatively impact water relations due to increased cuticular permeability to water vapor across the mined portions of the epidermis. Leaf mining by P. populiella could exacerbate the negative effects of climate warming and water deficit in interior Alaska.


1978 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 597 ◽  
Author(s):  
NC Turner ◽  
JE Begg ◽  
ML Tonnet

The soil and plant water status of irrigated and unirrigated sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench cv. TX610] and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. cv. Hysun 30) crops were compared on several days from the late vegetative to the early grain-filling stages of development. Additionally, the stems of plants from the irrigated and unirrigated plots of both species were cut near their base; this caused the plants to quickly dry until the stomata closed. The leaf water potential and leaf osmotic potential were measured when the stomatal resistance reached 6 s cm-� to give the water potential for stomatal closure and to provide osmotic potentials at equal turgor. Carbohydrate and potassium levels of leaves were also monitored. The mean daily minimum leaf water potentials in the irrigated sorghum and sunflower did not decrease below - 1 7 MPa and - 2.0 MPa, respectively, but decreased to - 2.1 MPa in the unirrigated sorghum and -2.6 MPa in the unirrigated sunflower. The osmotic potential at stomatal closure in the rapidly dried plants decreased with increasing leaf water deficit in both sunflower and sorghum: in both species the osmotic potential decreased approximately 0.6 MPa for each megapascal decrease in leaf water potential. The results indicate that both sorghum and sunflower adjusted osmotically in response to water deficits and that adjustment occurred at a rate of at least 0.1 MPa per day. The lowering of osmotic potential persisted less than 9 days after the relief of stress in both sunflower and sorghum. The soluble sugar concentration increased linearly in both sunflower and sorghum with osmotic adjustment: the rate of increase of soluble sugars was significantly greater in sunflower than sorghum. No changes in potassium concentration were observed during osmotic adjustment. The water potential at which the stomata closed varied from - 1.5 to -2.6 MPa in sorghum and - 1.7 to -2.7 MPa in sunflower: the water potential that induced stomatal closure decreased as the osmotic potential decreased. Stomatal closure occurred at a mean turgor of -0-5 MPa in both species: systematic error in the measurement of osmotic potential on frozen and thawed leaf tissue is considered the reason for the low turgor potentials at stomatal closure. The adaxial stomatal closed before the abaxial stomata in the sorghum and unirrigated sunflower but, since the leaf water potential initially fell rapidly and then became stable before the adaxial stomata closed, both the adaxial and abaxial stomata closed at the same leaf water potential.


1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 841-846 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Pezeshki ◽  
J. L. Chambers

The effects of water stress on stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis of cherrybark oak (Quercusfalcata var. pagodaefolia Ell.) and sweet gum (Liquidamberstyraciflua L.) seedlings were studied under controlled environment conditions during the 1983 growing season. Drought stress induced stomatal closure and significant declines in net photosynthesis for both species. Stomatal conductance declined by as much as 43% in cherrybark oak and 82% in sweet gum compared with predrought levels. Net photosynthetic rates also declined 85% from predrought levels in sweet gum and fell below zero in cherrybark oak. The remarkable decline in net photosynthesis in cherrybark oak while stomata remained partially open suggests that in addition to a stomatal effect, nonstomatal factors were involved in the reduction of net photosynthesis. In sweet gum, however, stomatal limitation of net photosynthesis seems to be the dominant factor. The greater relative decline in mean leaf conductance in sweet gum suggests a greater reaction to drought by this species through effective and rapid stomatal closure resulting in avoidance of leaf desiccation. Stomata of cherrybark oak, on the other hand, were less sensitive to low leaf water potentials; therefore, stomatal closure occurred at significantly lower (more negative) leaf water potentials when compared with sweet gum.


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