Influence of soil porosity on water use in<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Pinus taeda</Emphasis>

We analyzed the hydraulic constraints imposed on water uptake from soils of different porosities in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) by comparing genetically related and even-aged plantations growing in loam versus sand soil. Water use was evaluated relative to the maximum transpiration rate (E _crit) allowed by the soil-leaf continuum. We expected that trees on both soils would approach E _crit during drought. Trees in sand, however, should face greater drought limitation because of steeply declining hydraulic conductivity in sand at high soil water potential (Ψ _S). Transport considerations suggest that trees in sand should have higher root to leaf area ratios (A _R:A _L), less negative leaf xylem pressure (Ψ _L), and be more vulnerable to xylem cavitation than trees in loam. The A _R:A _L was greater in sand versus loam (9.8 vs 1.7, respectively). This adjustment maintained about 86% of the water extraction potential for both soils. Trees in sand were more deeply rooted (>1.9 m) than in loam (95% of roots <0.2 m), allowing them to shift water uptake to deeper layers during drought and avoid hydraulic failure. Midday Ψ _L was constant for days of high evaporative demand, but was less negative in sand (–1.6 MPa) versus loam (–2.1 MPa). Xylem was more vulnerable to cavitation in sand versus loam trees. Roots in both soils were more vulnerable than stems, and experienced the greatest predicted loss of conductivity during drought. Trees on both soils approached E _crit during drought, but at much higher Ψ _S in sand (<–0.4 MPa) than in loam (<–1.0 MPa). Results suggest considerable phenotypic plasticity in water use traits for P. taeda which are adaptive to differences in soil porosity. Received: 28 December 1999 / Accepted: 31 March 2000     

Influence of nutrient versus water supply on hydraulic architecture and water balance in Pinus taeda

We investigated the hydraulic consequences of a major decrease in root‐to‐leaf area ratio (A_R:A_L) caused by nutrient amendments to 15‐year‐old Pinus taeda L. stands on sandy soil. In theory, such a reduction in A_R:A_L should compromise the trees’ ability to extract water from drying sand. Under equally high soil moisture, canopy stomatal conductance (G_S) of fertilized trees (F) was 50% that of irrigated/fertilized trees (IF), irrigated trees (I), and untreated control trees (C). As predicted from theory, F trees also decreased their stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit by 50%. The lower G_S in F was associated with 50% reduction in leaf‐specific hydraulic conductance (K_L) compared with other treatments. The lower K_L in F was in turn a result of a higher leaf area per sapwood area and a lower specific conductivity (conducting efficiency) of the plant and its root xylem. The root xylem of F trees was also 50% more resistant to cavitation than the other treatments. A transport model predicted that the lower A_R:A_L in IF trees resulted in a considerably restricted ability to extract water during drought. However, this deficiency was not exposed because irrigation minimized drought. In contrast, the lower A_R:A_L in F trees caused only a limited restriction in water extraction during drought owing to the more cavitation resistant root xylem in this treatment. In both fertilized treatments, approximate safety margins from predicted hydraulic failure were minimal suggesting increased vulnerability to drought‐induced dieback compared with non‐fertilized trees. However, IF trees are likely to be so affected even under a mild drought if irrigation is withheld.     

Growth, gas exchange, water-use efficiency, and carbon isotope composition of ‘Gale Gala’ apple trees grafted onto 9 wild Chinese rootstocks in response to drought stress

To determine the effects of rootstock choice on the scion response to drought stress, we compared the vegetative growth, biomass accumulation, gas exchange, and water-use efficiency (WUE) of ??Gale Gala?? apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees grafted onto nine wild Chinese Malus rootstocks. Compared with the well-watered control, drought treatment limited growth, as manifested by smaller increments in plant height (PH), trunk diameter (TD), total fresh biomass (TB), total dry biomass (TDB), total leaf area (LA), and relative growth rate (RGR). The extent of this effect differed among rootstocks. Stress conditions led to increases in the root/shoot ratio (RSR), leaf thickness (LT), water-holding capacity (WHC), carbon isotope composition (??¹³C), and WUE. Decreases were noted in stomatal density (SD), leaf relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content (Chl), net photosynthetic rate (P _N), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (g _s), again varying by rootstock. Those that are generally considered more drought-tolerant, e.g., M. sieversii, M. prunifolia, and M. toringoides, had smaller declines in PH, TD, TB, TDB, LA, RGR, SD, RWC, Chl, P _N, E, and g _s and proportionally greater increases in RSR, LT, WHC, ??¹³C, and WUE compared with the droughtsensitive M. hupehensis and M. sieboldii. These results suggest that moisture stress has a significant dwarfing effect in the latter two species. Based on WUE calculations, trees on drought-tolerant rootstocks showed higher tolerance when stressed, whereas those on drought-sensitive rootstocks were less tolerant, as indicated by their lower WUE values.     

Integrated responses of hydraulic architecture, water and carbon relations of western hemlock to dwarf mistletoe infection

Dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) is a hemiparasite that is said to be the single‐most destructive pathogen of commercially valuable coniferous trees in many regions of the world. Although its destructive nature is well documented in many respects, its effects on the physiology of its host are poorly understood. In the present study, water and carbon relations were characterized over a range of scale from leaf to whole tree in large (40‐ to 50‐m‐tall) individuals of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) that were either heavily infected, or uninfected with hemlock dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium tsugense). Specific hydraulic conductivity (k_s) of infected branches was approximately half that of uninfected branches, yet leaf‐specific conductivity (k_L) was similar because leaf area : sapwood area ratios (A_L : A_S) of infected branches were lower. Pre‐dawn and minimum leaf water potential and stomatal conductance (g_s) were similar among infected and uninfected trees because adjustments in hydraulic architecture of infected trees maintained k_L despite reduced k_s. Maximum whole‐tree water use was substantially lower in infected trees (approximately 55 kg d^?1) than in uninfected trees (approximately 90 kg d^?1) because reduced numbers of live branches in infected trees reduced whole‐tree A_L : A_S in a manner consistent with that observed in infected branches. Maximum photosynthetic rates of heavily infected trees were approximately half those of uninfected trees. Correspondingly, leaf nitrogen content was 35% lower in infected trees. Foliar δ¹³C values were 2.8‰ more negative in infected than in uninfected individuals, consistent with the absence of stomatal adjustment to diminished photosynthetic capacity. Adjustments in hydraulic architecture of infected trees thus contributed to homeostasis of water transport efficiency and transpiration on a leaf area basis, whereas both carbon accumulation and photosynthetic water use efficiency were sharply reduced at both the leaf and whole‐tree scale.     

Optimizing nitrogen economy under drought: increased leaf nitrogen is an acclimation to water stress in willow (Salix spp.)

Background and Aims

The major objective was to identify plant traits functionally important for optimization of shoot growth and nitrogen (N) economy under drought. Although increased leaf N content (area basis) has been observed in dry environments and theory predicts increased leaf N to be an acclimation to drought, experimental evidence for the prediction is rare.

Methods

A pedigree of 200 full-sibling hybrid willows was pot-grown in a glasshouse in three replicate blocks and exposed to two water regimes for 3 weeks. Drought conditions were simulated as repeated periods of water shortage. The total leaf mass and area, leaf area efficiency (shoot growth per unit leaf area, E_A), area-based leaf N content (N_A), total leaf N pool (N_L) and leaf N efficiency (shoot growth per unit leaf N, E_N) were assessed.

Key Results

In the water-stress treatment, shoot biomass growth was N limited in the genotypes with low N_L, but increasingly limited by other factors in the genotypes with greatest N_L. The N_A was increased by drought, and drought-induced shift in N_A varied between genotypes (significant G × E). Judged from the E_A–N_A relationship, optimal N_A was 16 % higher in the water-stress compared with the well-watered treatment. Biomass allocation to leaves and shoots varied between treatments, but the treatment response of the leaf : shoot ratio was similar across all genotypes.

Conclusions

It is concluded that N-uptake efficiency and leaf N efficiency are important traits to improve growth under drought. Increased leaf N content (area basis) is an acclimation to optimize N economy under drought. The leaf N content is an interesting trait for breeding of willow bioenergy crops in a climate change future. In contrast, leaf biomass allocation is a less interesting breeding target to improve yield under drought.     

Allocation to leaf area and sapwood area affects water relations of co-occurring savanna and forest trees

Water availability is a principal factor limiting the distribution of closed-canopy forest in the seasonal tropics, suggesting that forest tree species may not be well adapted to cope with seasonal drought. We studied 11 congeneric species pairs, each containing one forest and one savanna species, to test the hypothesis that forest trees have a lower capacity to maintain seasonal homeostasis in water relations relative to savanna species. To quantify this, we measured sap flow, leaf water potential (Ψ_L), stomatal conductance (g _s), wood density, and Huber value (sapwood area:leaf area) of the 22 study species. We found significant differences in the water relations of these two species types. Leaf area specific hydraulic conductance of the soil/root/leaf pathway (G _t) was greater for savanna species than forest species. The lower G _t of forest trees resulted in significantly lower Ψ_L and g _s in the late dry season relative to savanna trees. The differences in G _t can be explained by differences in biomass allocation of savanna and forest trees. Savanna species had higher Huber values relative to forest species, conferring greater transport capacity on a leaf area basis. Forest trees have a lower capacity to maintain homeostasis in Ψ_L due to greater allocation to leaf area relative to savanna species. Despite significant differences in water relations, relationships between traits such as wood density and minimum Ψ_L were indistinguishable for the two species groups, indicating that forest and savanna share a common axis of water-use strategies involving multiple traits.     

Photosynthetic responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to combined effects of drought and exogenous methyl jasmonate

Drought stress limits wheat growth and productivity. The response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to different water supply conditions (well-watered and drought-stressed) and exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA; 0 and 0.25 μM) was studied. The application of MeJA enhanced wheat adaptability to drought stress by physiological and metabolic adjustments. Drought stress reduced net photosynthetic rate (P _N), stomatal conductance (g _s), transpiration rate (E), and water-use efficiency (WUE) in wheat. The application of exogenous MeJA decreased also g _s and E, but stimulated WUE. Meanwhile, MeJA mitigated the decline of P _N, g _s, and WUE induced by drought stress and midday depression by 6–183%. Both drought stress and exogenous MeJA induced stomatal closure, which improved water status and delayed plant senescence. MeJA enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and reduced malondialdehyde content. P _N-PAR response curves showed that MeJA mitigated the decline of maximum P _N, apparent quantum yield, and saturation irradiance, and the increase of compensation irradiance. Drought stress and exogenous MeJA increased dark respiration rate and showed an additive effect. These results indicated that 0.25 μM MeJA enhanced the photosynthesis under drought stress mainly by improving the water status and antioxidant capacity of wheat.     

Functional coordination between branch hydraulic properties and leaf functional traits in miombo woodlands: implications for water stress management and species habitat preference

We investigated functional coordination between branch hydraulic properties and leaf functional traits among nine miombo woodlands canopy tree species differing in habitat preference and phenology. Specifically, we were seeking to answer the question: are branch hydraulic properties coordinated with leaf functional traits linked to plant drought tolerance in seasonally dry tropical forests and what are the implications for species habitat preference? The hydraulic properties investigated in this study were stem area specific hydraulic conductivity (K _S), Huber value (H _v), and xylem cavitation vulnerability (??₅₀). The leaf functional traits measured were specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and mean leaf area (MLA). Generalists displayed significantly (P?<?0.05) higher cavitation resistance (??₅₀) and SLA, but lower sapwood specific hydraulic conductivity (K _S), leaf specific conductivity (K _L), MLA, and LDMC than mesic specialists. Although MLA was uncorrelated with ??₅₀, we found significant (P?<?0.05) positive and negative correlations between plant hydraulic properties and leaf functional traits linked to plant drought tolerance ability, indicating that the interactions between branch hydraulics and leaf functional traits related to plant drought tolerance ability may influence tree species habitat preference in water-limited ecosystems.     

Characterization of photosynthesis of Populus euphratica grown in the arid region

Net photosynthetic rate (P _N), stomatal conductance (g _s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C _i), transpiration rate (E), water use efficiency (WUE), and stomatal limitation (L_s) of Populus euphratica grown at different groundwater depths in the arid region were measured. g _s of the trees with groundwater depth at 4.74 m (D₄) and 5.82 m (D₅) were lower and a little higher than that at 3.82 m (D₃), respectively. Compared with C _i and L_s of the D₃ trees, C _i decreased and L_s increased at 4.74 m, however, Ci increased and L_s decreased at D₅. Hence photosynthetic reduction of P. euphratica was attributed to either stomatal closure or non-stomatal factors depending on the groundwater depths in the plant locations. P _N of the D₃ trees was significantly higher than those at D₄ or D₅. The trees of D₄ and D₅ did not show a significant difference in their P _N, indicating that there are mechanisms of P. euphratica tolerance to mild and moderate drought stress.     

Effects of Water-Deficit Stress on Photosynthesis, Its Components and Component Limitations, and on Water Use Efficiency in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

It is of theoretical as well as practical interest to identify the components of the photosynthetic machinery that govern variability in photosynthesis rate (A) and water-use efficiency (WUE), and to define the extent by which the component processes limit A and WUE during developing water-deficit stress. For that purpose, leaf exchange of CO₂ and H₂O was determined in two growth-chamber-grown wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L. cv TAM W-101 and cv Sturdy), and the capacity of A was determined and broken down into carboxylation efficiency (c.e.), light- and CO₂-saturated A, and stomatal conductance (g_s) components. The limitations on A measured at ambient CO₂ concentration (A₃₅₀) were estimated. No cultivar difference was observed when A₃₅₀ was plotted versus leaf water potential (Ψ_w). Light- and CO₂-saturated A, c.e., and g_s decreased with decreasing leaf Ψ_w, but of the corresponding photosynthesis limitations only those caused by insufficient c.e. and g_s increased. Thus, reduced stomatal aperture and Calvin cycle activity, but not electron transport/photophosphorylation, appeared to be major reasons for drought stress-induced inhibition of A₃₅₀. WUE measured as A₃₅₀/g_s first increased with stomatal closure down to a g_s of about 0.25 mol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹ (Ψ_w = −1.6 MPa). However, it was predicted that A₃₅₀/g_s would decrease with more severe stress due to inhibition of c.e.     

Transient changes in transpiration, and stem and soil CO2 efflux in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) following fire-induced leaf area reduction

In 20-year-old longleaf pine, we examined short-term effects of reduced live leaf area (A _L) via canopy scorching on sap flow (Q; kg H₂O h⁻¹), transpiration per unit leaf area (E _L; mm day⁻¹), stem CO₂ efflux (R _stem; μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and soil CO₂ efflux (R _soil; μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) over a 2-week period during early summer. R _stem and Q were measured at two positions (1.3-m or BH, and base of live crown—BLC), and R _soil was measured using 15 open-system chambers on each plot. E _L before and after treatment was estimated using Q measured at BLC with estimates of A _L before and after scorching. We expected Q to decrease in scorched trees compared with controls resulting from reduced A _L. We expected R _stem at BLC and BH and R _soil to decrease following scorching due to reduced leaf area, which would decrease carbon supply to the stem and roots. Scorching reduced A _L by 77%. Prior to scorching, Q at BH was similar between scorch and control trees. Following scorching, Q was not different between control and scorch trees; however, E _L increased immediately following scorching by 3.5-fold compared to control trees. Changes in E _L in scorched trees corresponded well with changes in VPD (D), whereas control trees appeared more decoupled over the 5-day period following treatment. By the end of the study, R _stem decreased to 15–25% in scorched trees at both stem positions compared to control trees. Last, we found that scorching resulted in a delayed and temporary increase in R _soil rather than a decrease. No change in Q and increased E _L following scorching indicates a substantial adjustment in stomatal conductance in scorched trees. Divergence in R _stem between scorch and control trees suggests a gradual decline in stem carbohydrates following scorching. The absence of a strong R _soil response is likely due to non-limiting supplies of root starch during early summer.     

Functional relationships between hydraulic traits and the timing of diurnal depression of photosynthesis

The hydraulic coordination along the water transport pathway helps trees provide adequate water supply to the canopy, ensuring that water deficits are minimized and that stomata remain open for CO₂ uptake. We evaluated the stem and leaf hydraulic coordination and the linkages between hydraulic traits and the timing of diurnal depression of photosynthesis across seven evergreen tree species in the southern Andes. There was a positive correlation between stem hydraulic conductivity (k_s) and leaf hydraulic conductance (K_Leaf) across species. All species had similar maximum photosynthetic rates (A_max). The species with higher k_s and K_Leaf attained A_max in the morning, whereas the species with lower k_s and K_Leaf exhibited their A_max in the early afternoon concurrently with turgor loss. These latter species had very negative leaf water potentials, but far from the pressure at which the 88% of leaf hydraulic conductance is lost. Our results suggest that diurnal gas exchange dynamics may be determined by leaf hydraulic vulnerability such that a species more vulnerable to drought restrict water loss and carbon assimilation earlier than species less vulnerable. However, under stronger drought, species with earlier CO₂ uptake depression may increase the risk of hydraulic failure, as their safety margins are relatively narrow.     

Comparison of foliar water use efficiency among 17 provenances of Larix gmelinii in the Mao’ershan area

 研究环境变化下的树木水分利用效率对探讨森林生态系统碳水耦联关系及其对气候变化的响应和适应对策具有重要意义。落叶松(Larix gmelinii)为我国北方森林的建群种之一。将水热条件不同的17个种源落叶松种植在帽儿山森林生态系统研究站的同质园内30年后, 测定其针叶水分利用效率(WUE)及其相关因子。结果表明: WUE、净光合速率(P_n)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、气孔导度(G_s)、比叶面积(SLA)和叶片氮含量(N_L)均存在显著的种源差异(p < 0.05)。WUE和G_s呈显著指数相关关系, 当G_s < 0.2 时WUE随G_s的增大而明显增大, 而当G_s > 0.2时WUE趋于稳定。WUE和SLA及N_L分别呈线性负相关和正相关关系, 且随种源原地的干燥度指数(AI)的增大其相关性明显增强。WUE和种源原地年平均气温、平均年降水量及AI分别呈线性负相关、负相关和正相关关系, 并且相关系数依次增大; T_r则仅和种源原地年平均气温呈线性正相关关系, 而P_n和种源原地AI呈线性正相关关系。不同种源落叶松由于对种源原地环境条件的适应而存在针叶结构和生理特征的显著差异, 并因此引起针叶水分利用效率的差异。     

Prolonged experimental drought reduces plant hydraulic conductance and transpiration and increases mortality in a piñon–juniper woodland

Plant hydraulic conductance (k_s) is a critical control on whole‐plant water use and carbon uptake and, during drought, influences whether plants survive or die. To assess long‐term physiological and hydraulic responses of mature trees to water availability, we manipulated ecosystem‐scale water availability from 2007 to 2013 in a piñon pine (Pinus edulis) and juniper (Juniperus monosperma) woodland. We examined the relationship between k_s and subsequent mortality using more than 5 years of physiological observations, and the subsequent impact of reduced hydraulic function and mortality on total woody canopy transpiration (E_C) and conductance (G_C). For both species, we observed significant reductions in plant transpiration (E) and k_s under experimentally imposed drought. Conversely, supplemental water additions increased E and k_s in both species. Interestingly, both species exhibited similar declines in k_s under the imposed drought conditions, despite their differing stomatal responses and mortality patterns during drought. Reduced whole‐plant k_s also reduced carbon assimilation in both species, as leaf‐level stomatal conductance (g_s) and net photosynthesis (A_n) declined strongly with decreasing k_s. Finally, we observed that chronically low whole‐plant k_s was associated with greater canopy dieback and mortality for both piñon and juniper and that subsequent reductions in woody canopy biomass due to mortality had a significant impact on both daily and annual canopy E_C and G_C. Our data indicate that significant reductions in k_s precede drought‐related tree mortality events in this system, and the consequence is a significant reduction in canopy gas exchange and carbon fixation. Our results suggest that reductions in productivity and woody plant cover in piñon–juniper woodlands can be expected due to reduced plant hydraulic conductance and increased mortality of both piñon pine and juniper under anticipated future conditions of more frequent and persistent regional drought in the southwestern United States.     

Critical responses of photosynthetic efficiency of goldspur apple tree to soil water variation in semiarid loess hilly area

Goldspur apple (Malus pumila cv. Goldspur) is one of the main fruit trees planted in semiarid loess hilly areas. The photosynthetic efficiency in leaves of eight-year-old trees were studied under different soil water conditions with a Li-6400 portable photosynthesis system and a Li-Cor1600 portable steady state porometer in order to explore the effects of soil water stress on photosynthesis and the suitable soil water content (SWC) for water-saving irrigation of apple orchards. The results showed that the leaf net photosynthetic rate (P _N), transpiration rate (E), water-use efficiency (WUE), stomatal conductance (g _s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C _i), and stomatal limiting value (L _s) displayed different threshold responses to soil water variation. When SWC was within a range of about 60%–86% of field capacity (FC), P _N and E were maintained in a relative steady state. At an elevated level but below 60% of FC, both P _N and E decreased evidently with decreasing soil moisture. The SWC needed to support WUE in a relatively steady state and at a high level was in the range of about 50%–71% of FC. When SWC was less than 48% of FC, g _s and L _s declined with decreasing soil moisture, while C _i increased rapidly. Based on the analysis of the stomatal limitation of photosynthesis using two criteria (C _i and L _s) suggested by Farquhar and Sharkey, it was implied that the predominant cause of restricting P _N had changed from stomatal limitation to nonstomatal one under severe water stress. In terms of water-saving irrigation for enhancing water-use efficiency, it was concluded that in semiarid loess hilly areas, the suitable range of SWC for water-saving irrigation in goldspur apple orchards is in the range of about 50%–71% of FC, and the most severe degree of soil water stress tolerated for photosynthesis is about 48% of FC.     

On the Use of Leaf Spectral Indices to Assess Water Status and Photosynthetic Limitations in Olea europaea L. during Water-Stress and Recovery

Diffusional limitations to photosynthesis, relative water content (RWC), pigment concentrations and their association with reflectance indices were studied in olive (Olea europaea) saplings subjected to water-stress and re-watering. RWC decreased sharply as drought progressed. Following rewatering, RWC gradually increased to pre-stress values. Photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (g_s), mesophyll conductance (g_m), total conductance (g_t), photochemical reflectance index (PRI), water index (WI) and relative depth index (RDI) closely followed RWC. In contrast, carotenoid concentration, the carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio, water content reflectance index (WCRI) and structural independent pigment index (SIPI) showed an opposite trend to that of RWC. Photosynthesis scaled linearly with leaf conductance to CO₂; however, A measured under non-photorespiratory conditions (A_1%O2) was approximately two times greater than A measured at 21% [O₂], indicating that photorespiration likely increased in response to drought. A_1%O2 also significantly correlated with leaf conductance parameters. These relationships were apparent in saturation type curves, indicating that under non-photorespiratory conditions, CO₂ conductance was not the major limitations to A. PRI was significant correlated with RWC. PRI was also very sensitive to pigment concentrations and photosynthesis, and significantly tracked all CO₂ conductance parameters. WI, RDI and WCRI were all significantly correlated with RWC, and most notably to leaf transpiration. Overall, PRI correlated more closely with carotenoid concentration than SIPI; whereas WI tracked leaf transpiration more effectively than RDI and WCRI. This study clearly demonstrates that PRI and WI can be used for the fast detection of physiological traits of olive trees subjected to water-stress.     

Effects of fertilization on leaf photosynthetic characteristics and grain yield in tartary buckwheat Yunqiao1

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn) has been praised as one of green foods for humans in the 21_st century. Effects of fertilization on leaf photosynthetic characteristics and grain yield of tartary buckwheat has not been yet reported in detail. Our experiment was set as a split-plot factorial. The main plots and subplots were designed by fertilizer ratio and rate as: NPK 1:1:1 (A1), NPK 1:4:2 (A2), NPK 1:2:3 (A3), and 300 (B1), 450 (B2), and 600 (B3) kg (NPK) ha^–1. Our results showed that the grain yield was significantly and positively correlated with the net photosynthetic rate (P _N), stomatal conductance (g _s), transpiration rate (E), PAR, stomatal limitation value (L_s), chlorophyll content (SPAD value), and leaf area index (LAI), while significantly and negatively correlated with intercellular CO₂ concentration (C _i) and water-use efficiency (WUE). The grain yield, P _N, g _s, E, PAR, L_s, SPAD, and LAI increased and then decreased with enhanced fertilization, and their maximum values appeared in the A2B2 treatment. The C _i and WUE decreased and then increased with enhanced fertilization, and their minimum values appeared in the A2B2 treatment. Our results suggested that fertilization had significant effects on the leaf photosynthetic capacity and grain yield of tartary buckwheat Yunqiao 1, and the best fertilization strategy was 450 kg ha^–1 with NPK 1:4:2.     

Effect of drought and ABA on growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant system of Cotinus coggygria seedlings under two different light conditions

We exposed seedlings of Cotinus coggygria var. cinerea to drought and exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) under two different light conditions. Two watering regimes (well-watered and drought), two exogenous ABA applications (no ABA and with ABA) and two light regimes (full sunlight and shade) were employed. Compared with well-watered treatment, drought treatment significantly reduced the relative growth rate, relative water content (RWC), net photosynthesis rate (A) and transpiration (E), but increased chlorophyll a (chla), carbon isotope (δ¹³C), endogenous ABA, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents, and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities. There was an apparent alleviation of drought effects by shade, as indicated by the lower relative growth rate, and chlorophyll, MDA and H₂O₂ contents, and increases in indoleacetic acid (IAA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents. On the other hand, the exogenous ABA application under shade induced protective effects on drought-stressed seedlings, as visible in RWC, MDA, A, stomatal conductance (g_s), E, δ¹³C, ABA and IAA values. In all, our results suggest that seedlings of C. coggygria are more sensitive to drought under full-light than under shade.     

A test of the hydraulic limitation hypothesis in fast-growing Eucalyptus saligna

The hydraulic limitation hypothesis proposes that (1) reduced growth in taller trees is caused by decreased photosynthesis resulting from a decrease in hydraulic conductance promoted by a longer root‐to‐leaf flow path, and (2) this mechanism reduces stand productivity after canopy closure. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the physiology of 7 m (1 year) and 26 m (5 year) Eucalyptus saligna plantations where above‐ground productivity for the 26 m trees was approximately 69% of that for the 7 m trees, and water and nutrients were not limiting. The study compared whole tree physiology [water flux (Q_l), average crown conductance (G_T), crown hydraulic conductance per unit leaf area (K_L), carbon isotope discrimination (δ¹³C)] and leaf physiology under light saturation (leaf water potential at the canopy top (Ψ_LEAF), photosynthetic capacity (A_max), and photosynthesis (A) and stomatal conductance (g_s). K_L was 50% lower in the taller trees, but whole tree Q_l and G_T were the same for the 7 m and 26 m trees. Photosynthetic capacity was the same for leaves at the canopy top, but δ¹³C was ?1.8‰ lower for the 26 m trees. A and g_s were either lower in the taller trees or equal, depending on sampling date. The taller trees maintained 0.8 MPa lower Ψ_LEAF during the day and had 2.6‐times higher sapwood area per unit leaf area; these factors compensated for the effects of increased height and gravitational potential in the taller trees to maintain higher G_T. The hydraulic limitation hypothesis (as originally stated) failed to explain the sharp decline in net primary productivity after canopy closure in this study. The effects of increased height appear to be a universal hydraulic problem for trees, but compensation mitigated these effects and maintained Q_l and G_T in the present study. Compensation may induce other problems (such as lower Ψ_LEAF or higher respiratory costs) that could reduce carbon gain or shift carbon allocation, and future studies of hydraulic limitation should consider compensation and associated carbon costs. In this study, the combination of similar G_T and lower δ¹³C for the 26 m trees suggests that total crown photosynthesis was lower for the 26 m trees, perhaps a result of the lower Ψ_LEAF.     

Plant Water Use Efficiency over Geological Time – Evolution of Leaf Stomata Configurations Affecting Plant Gas Exchange

Plant gas exchange is a key process shaping global hydrological and carbon cycles and is often characterized by plant water use efficiency (WUE - the ratio of CO₂ gain to water vapor loss). Plant fossil record suggests that plant adaptation to changing atmospheric CO₂ involved correlated evolution of stomata density (d) and size (s), and related maximal aperture, a_max. We interpreted the fossil record of s and d correlated evolution during the Phanerozoic to quantify impacts on gas conductance affecting plant transpiration, E, and CO₂ uptake, A, independently, and consequently, on plant WUE. A shift in stomata configuration from large s-low d to small s-high d in response to decreasing atmospheric CO₂ resulted in large changes in plant gas exchange characteristics. The relationships between gas conductance, g_ws, A and E and maximal relative transpiring leaf area, (a_max⋅d), exhibited hysteretic-like behavior. The new WUE trend derived from independent estimates of A and E differs from established WUE-CO₂ trends for atmospheric CO₂ concentrations exceeding 1,200 ppm. In contrast with a nearly-linear decrease in WUE with decreasing CO₂ obtained by standard methods, the newly estimated WUE trend exhibits remarkably stable values for an extended geologic period during which atmospheric CO₂ dropped from 3,500 to 1,200 ppm. Pending additional tests, the findings may affect projected impacts of increased atmospheric CO₂ on components of the global hydrological cycle.