scholarly journals Leaf Physiological Responses to Drought Stress and Community Assembly in an Asian Savanna

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1119
Author(s):  
Thuy T. Nguyen ◽  
Stefan K. Arndt ◽  
Patrick J. Baker

Deciduous dipterocarp forest (DDF) is the most extensive forest type in continental Southeast Asia, but across much of its range is functionally more similar to tropical savannas than tropical forests. We investigated water relations and drought responses of the four dominant tree species (two Shorea and two Dipterocarpus species) of the DDF in central Vietnam to determine how they responded to prolonged periods of drought stress. We quantified leaf water relations in nursery- and field-grown seedlings of the four species and conducted a dry-down experiment on 258 seedlings to study leaf water potential and morphological responses of the seedlings following the drought stress. The two Shorea and two Dipterocarpus species differed significantly in leaf water potential at turgor loss point and osmotic potential at full turgor, but they showed similar responses to drought stress. All species shed leaves and suffered from stem loss when exposed to water potentials lower than their turgor loss point (approximately −1.7 MPa for Dipterocarpus and −2.6 MPa for Shorea species). Upon rewatering, all species resprouted vigorously regardless of the degree of leaf or stem loss, resulting in only 2% whole-plant mortality rate. Our results suggest that none of the four deciduous dipterocarp species is drought tolerant in terms of their water relations; instead, they employ drought-adaptive strategies such as leaf shedding and vigorous resprouting. Given that all species showed similar drought avoidance and drought-adaptive strategies, it is unlikely that seasonal drought directly influences the patterns of species assembly in the DDF of Southeast Asia.

HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1143f-1143
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Ranney ◽  
R.E. Bir ◽  
W.A. Skroch

In order to evaluate and compare adaptability to dry sites, plant water relations and leaf gas exchange were compared in response to water stress among six birch species: monarch birch (Betula maximowicziana), river birch (B. nigra), paper birch (B. papyrifera), European birch (B. pendula), `Whitespire' Japanese birch (B. platyphylla var. japonica `Whitespire'), and gray birch (B. pendula). After 28 days without irrigation, Japanese birch maintained significantly higher stomatal conductance (gs) and net photosynthesis (Pn) than did any of the other species, despite having one of the lowest mid-day water potentials. Evaluation of tissue water relations, using pressure-volume methodology, showed no evidence of osmotic adjustment for any of these species in response to water stress. However, there was substantial variation among species in the water potential at the turgor loss point; varying from a high of -1.34 MPa for river birch to a low of -1.78 MPa for Japanese birch. Rates of Pn and gs under mild stress (mean predawn leaf water potential of -0.61 MPa) were negatively correlated with leaf osmotic potential at full turgor and the leaf water potential at the turgor loss point.


2011 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. V. CARR

SUMMARYThe results of research on the water relations and irrigation needs of coconut are collated and summarized in an attempt to link fundamental studies on crop physiology to drought mitigation and irrigation practices. Background information on the centres of origin and production of coconut and on crop development processes is followed by reviews of plant water relations, crop water use and water productivity, including drought mitigation. The majority of the recent research published in the international literature has been conducted in Brazil, Kerala (South India) and Sri Lanka, and by CIRAD (France) in association with local research organizations in a number of countries, including the Ivory Coast. The unique vegetative structure of the palm (stem and leaves) together with the long interval between flower initiation and the harvesting of the mature fruit (44 months) mean that causal links between environmental factors (especially water) are difficult to establish. The stomata play an important role in controlling water loss, whilst the leaf water potential is a sensitive indicator of plant water status. Both stomatal conductance and leaf water potential are negatively correlated with the saturation deficit of the air. Although roots extend to depths >2 m and laterally >3 m, the density of roots is greatest in the top 0–1.0 m soil, and laterally within 1.0–1.5 m of the trunk. In general, dwarf cultivars are more susceptible to drought than tall ones. Methods of screening for drought tolerance based on physiological traits have been proposed. The best estimates of the actual water use (ETc) of mature palms indicate representative rates of about 3 mm d−1. Reported values for the crop coefficient (Kc) are variable but suggest that 0.7 is a reasonable estimate. Although the sensitivity of coconut to drought is well recognized, there is a limited amount of reliable data on actual yield responses to irrigation although annual yield increases (50%) of 20–40 nuts palm−1 (4–12 kg copra, cultivar dependent) have been reported. These are only realized in the third and subsequent years after the introduction of irrigation applied at a rate equivalent to about 2 mm d−1 (or 100 l palm−1 d−1) at intervals of up to one week. Irrigation increases female flower production and reduces premature nut fall. Basin irrigation, micro-sprinklers and drip irrigation are all suitable methods of applying water. Recommended methods of drought mitigation include the burial of husks in trenches adjacent to the plant, mulching and the application of common salt (chloride ions). An international approach to addressing the need for more information on water productivity is recommended.


Trees ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 712-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Wang Xiao ◽  
Osbert J. Sun ◽  
Guang-Sheng Zhou ◽  
Jing-Zhu Zhao ◽  
Gang Wu

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.


HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 595C-595
Author(s):  
P.R. Knight ◽  
J.R. Harris ◽  
J.K. Fanelli ◽  
M.P. Kelting

Two experiments were conducted on Acer rubrum L. to determine the influence of root severance on sap flow, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential (ψ), and stem xylem embolism. Experiment 1 utilized 3-year-old trees, and experiment 2 utilized 2-year-old trees. Sixteenmm sap flow gauges were installed on both groups. Trees for experiment 1 were harvested on 31 May 1996 with a root ball diameter of 30.5 cm. Sap flow was reduced within one day after plants were harvested and was still lower 1 week after harvest. On 7 June 1996, harvested trees had lower stomatal conductance measurements, compared to not-harvested trees, but ψ were similar. A second experiment was initiated on 20 Aug. 1996, using the same protocol as in experiment 1. Sap flow was reduced within 2 h after harvest for harvested trees compared to not-harvested trees. Leaf stomatal conductances were reduced within 4 h of harvest. Leaf water potentials were not influenced on the day that the trees were harvested. Embolism levels were increased by harvest within 24 h. These results indicate that transplant stress begins shortly after harvest and not at the actual time of transplant.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Song Ai Nio ◽  
Audry Agatha Lenak

Abstrak Penggulungan daun merupakan salah satu bentuk resistensi terhadap kekeringan atau lebih tepatnya mekanisme menghindari kekeringan pada tumbuhan monokotil. Mekanisme ini terjadi dengan cara menurunkan laju evapotranspirasi atau dengan meningkatkan absorpsi air pada tanah kering untuk mempertahankan potensial air daun tetap tinggi. Proses penggulungan daun ini berkaitan erat dengan peranan sel kipas. Pada saat kekurangan air, jumlah dan ukuran sel kipas meningkat, sehingga daun akan menggulung. Tingkat penggulungan daun dapat ditentukan secara visual berdasarkan sistem standar evaluasi untuk tanaman padi dengan memberi skor 1-9. Rendahnya tingkat penggulungan daun berkorelasi positif dengan meningkatnya potensial air daun. Kata kunci: menghindari kekeringan, penggulungan daun Abstract Leaf rolling is one mechanism of drought resistance, i.e. drought avoidance. This mechanism was resulted from decreasing evapotranspiration rate or increasing water absorption in the dry soil to maintain high leaf water potential. The process of leaf rolling in monocotyledon was closely related to the activity of bulliform cells. The number and size of bulliform cells were increased under water deficit, so that leaf rolling occurred. Leaf rolling score (1-9) could be visually determined based on the system of standard evaluation in rice. The low leaf rolling score was positively correlated with high leaf water potential. Keywords: drought avoidance, leaf rolling


HortScience ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 1204-1209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paongpetch Phimchan ◽  
Suchila Techawongstien ◽  
Saksit Chanthai ◽  
Paul W. Bosland

Capsaicinoids are the alkaloids in hot pepper that cause the sensation of heat when eaten and are affected by a genetic and environment interaction. Drought stress is well recognized as an environmental condition that influences capsaicinoid accumulation. This investigation identified the responses of capsaicinoid accumulation in hot pepper cultivars under drought stress condition. A total of nine cultivars with a different initial pungency level, i.e., low, medium, and high, was subjected to gradual drought stress during the flowering stage. Plants in this drought stress group were supplied with reduced water applications of 25%, 50%, and 75% by volume at 10, 20, and 30 days after flowering (DAF), respectively. Leaf water potential and relative water content were recorded to measure the level of drought stress. The results indicated that all cultivars were subjected to drought stress because of their decrease in leaf water potential and changes in physiological characteristics, e.g., growth and yield performance. In addition, leaf area and shoot-to-root ratio were good criteria for identifying hot pepper cultivars under drought stress because their responses were correlated with the stress level and yield components. Yield performances of the high pungency group did not decrease under drought stress, whereas those of the low pungency group did decrease. In conclusion, capsaicinoid levels increased for all cultivars studied when subjected to drought stress, except for the cultivars in the high pungency group. A yield response under drought stress for the medium pungency group varied and was not found to be associated with drought stress.


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