Influence of germination date on Dioon edule (Zamiaceae) seedling tolerance to water stress

Dioon edule seedling mortality is mostly attributed to dehydration by prolonged drought, even when they present xeromorphic characteristics like the adult plants. The effect of germination date (GD) and soil water deficit on seedling tolerance to water stress was assessed. The seedlings germinated and grown from mature seeds every month from December to April GD were selected to evaluate the leaf area, photosynthetic pigment content, crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) activity, stomatal conductance (gs) and leaflet anatomy at soil water potential (Ψs) of 0.0 MPa (day 1), ?0.1 MPa (day 40), ?1.0 MPa (day 90), ?1.5 MPa (day 130), and a control (0.0 MPa at day 130) to recognize differences due to leaf development. The seedlings shifted from C₃ to CAM cycling when exposed to water stress at Ψs of ?1.0 MPa, like adult plants. The March–April GD seedlings with undeveloped sclerified hypodermis and stomata, presented reduced leaf area, lower Chlorophyll a/b ratio, higher CAM activity and midday partial stomatal closure when reached Ψs of ?1.0 MPa. These have higher probability of dehydration during severe drought (February–April) than those of the December–February GD with similar Ψs. Plants used for restoration purposes must have full leaf development to increase the survival.     

Drought-stress-induced up-regulation of CAM in seedlings of a tropical cactus, Opuntia elatior, operating predominantly in the C3 mode

Immediately after unfolding, cotyledons of the tropical platyopuntoid cactus, Opuntia elatior Mill., exhibited a C(3)-type diel CO(2) exchange pattern characterized by net CO(2) uptake in the light. Significant nocturnal increases in titratable acidity typical of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) were not detected at this early developmental stage. As cotyledons matured and the first cladode (flattened stem) developed, features of CAM were observed and the magnitude of CAM increased. Nonetheless, in well-watered seedlings up to 10 cm tall, C(3) photosynthetic CO(2) fixation in the light remained the major pathway of carbon fixation. Reduced soil water availability led to an up-regulation of net dark CO(2) fixation and greater nocturnal increases in tissue acidity, consistent with facultative CAM. These observations demonstrate that C(3) photosynthesis, drought-stress-related facultative CAM, and developmentally controlled constitutive CAM can all contribute to the early growth of O. elatior. The strong C(3) component and facultative CAM features expressed in young O. elatior contrast with mature plants in which obligate CAM is the major pathway of carbon acquisition.     

土壤湿度对香樟幼苗根系生长和构型的影响

以1年生香樟(Cinnamomum camphora)幼苗为试材,设置对照组(CK)、中度干旱处理(M)、重度干旱处理(S)三个处理,比较不同土壤湿度下香樟幼苗不同时期地上部分生长和根系构型,探究香樟幼苗根系对不同土壤湿度的适应性及其耐旱机制。结果表明,中度和重度干旱处理组的香樟根系及地上部分干物质积累、根系长度、根系表面积、根系直径和根尖数均显著小于对照组(P<0.05)。同时干旱显著增加香樟幼苗的根系拓扑指数,降低香樟根的分形维数和平均分枝角度(P<0.05)。可见土壤湿度程度及处理时间显著影响香樟根系的生长及在土壤中的布局。较低土壤湿度可显著抑制根长的延长、根表面积扩大和根的增殖,且随着土壤湿度的继续降低以及处理时间延长,香樟幼苗根系的生长受到水分亏缺的抑制作用加重,根系建成成本增高的同时,根系分枝的复杂性降低,根系必须通过朝着更陡、更深的方向生长伸长来提高水分吸收效率。建议在园林绿化工程养护过程中制定科学的水分管理策略,以满足香樟生长过程中对土壤水分的需要。     

Operation of the xanthophyll cycle and degradation of D1 protein in the inducible CAM plant,Talinum triangulare,under water deficit

Changes in photochemical activity induced by water deficit were investigated in Talinum triangulare, an inducible CAM plant. The aim was to analyse the interactions between C3 photosynthesis, induction and activity of CAM, photosynthetic energy regulation and the mechanisms responsible for photoprotection and photoinhibition under water stress. Gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, titratable acidity, carotenoid composition and relative contents of the PSII reaction centre protein (D1) were measured. A decrease in xylem tension (psi) from -0.14 to -0.2 MPa substantially decreased daytime net CO2 assimilation and daily carbon gain, and induced CAM, as shown by CO2 assimilation during the night and changes in titratable acidity; a further decrease in psi decreased nocturnal acid accumulation by 60%. Non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll a fluorescence (NPQ) increased with water deficit, but decreased with a more severe drought (psi below -0.2 MPa), when CAM activity was low. NPQ was lower at 0900 h (during maximum decarboxylation rates) than at 1400 h, when malate pools were depleted. Down-regulation of PSII activity related to the rise in NPQ was indicated by a smaller quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (phiPSII) in droughted compared with watered plants. However, phiPSII was larger at 0900 h than at 1400 h. The de-epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle increased with drought and was linearly related to NPQ. Intrinsic quantum yield of PSII (FV/FM) measured at dusk was also lower in severely stressed plants than in controls. Under maximum photosynthetic photon flux and high decarboxylation rates of organic acids, the D1 content in leaves of droughted plants showing maximal CAM activity was identical to the controls; increased drought decreased D1 content by more than 30%. Predawn samples had D1 contents similar to leaves sampled at peak irradiance, with no signs of recovery after 12 h of darkness. It is concluded that under mild water stress, early induction of CAM, together with an increased energy dissipation by the xanthophyll cycle, prevents net degradation of D1 protein; when water deficit is more severe, CAM and xanthophyll cycle capacities for energy dissipation decline, and net degradation of D1 proceeds.     

Pre-treatment of seeds with static magnetic field ameliorates soil water stress in seedlings of maize (Zea mays L.)

The effect of magnetic field (MF) treatments of maize (Zea mays L.) var. Ganga Safed 2 seeds on the growth, leaf water status, photosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme system under soil water stress was investigated under greenhouse conditions. The seeds were exposed to static MFs of 100 and 200 mT for 2 and 1 h, respectively. The treated seeds were sown in sand beds for seven days and transplanted in pots that were maintained at -0.03, -0.2 and -0.4 MPa soil water potentials under greenhouse conditions. MF exposure of seeds significantly enhanced all growth parameters, compared to the control seedlings. The significant increase in root parameters in seedlings from magnetically-exposed seeds resulted in maintenance of better leaf water status in terms of increase in leaf water potential, turgor potential and relative water content. Photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content increased in plants from treated seeds, compared to control under irrigated and mild stress condition. Leaves from plants of magnetically-treated seeds showed decreased levels of hydrogen peroxide and antioxidant defense system enzymes (peroxidases, catalase and superoxide dismutase) under moisture stress conditions, when compared with untreated controls. Mild stress of -0.2 MPa induced a stimulating effect on functional root parameters, especially in 200 mT treated seedlings which can be exploited profitably for rain fed conditions. Our results suggested that MF treatment (100 mT for 2 h and 200 for 1 h) of maize seeds enhanced the seedling growth, leaf water status, photosynthesis rate and lowered the antioxidant defense system of seedlings under soil water stress. Thus, pre sowing static magnetic field treatment of seeds can be effectively used for improving growth under water stress.     

Occurrence of Crassulacean acid metabolism in Cissus trifoliata L. (Vitaceae)

Summary Evidence for the operation of CAM in the deciduous climber, Cissus trifoliata L., was obtained in field and laboratory studies. Under natural conditions, diurnal oscillations of titratable acidity and colorimetric measurements of night CO₂ fixation, determined for a period of two and a half years, suggested that acid accumulation was related to plant water status, assessed through the daily courses of stomatal resistance and xylem water potential during dry and rainy seasons. These findings were confirmed by gas exchange studies under controlled conditions which showed that the plant fixed all its CO₂ during the day when it was well irrigated; as water stress increased, dark CO₂ uptake gradually replaced fixation during the day until the plant only performed dark fixation. In severe water stress, even the rate of the latter process decreased until leaves fell.Abbreviations CAM Crassulacean acid metabolism - FW leaf fresh weight - SWC relative soil water content - PAR photosynthetically active radiation - TR total radiation; r, leaf diffusive resistance - WSD water saturation deficit (leaf-air vapour concentration difference) - RWC relative water content of leaves     

Morpho-Physiological Responses of Alamo Switchgrass During Germination and Early Seedling Stage Under Salinity or Water Stress Conditions

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a warm perennial grass with valuable characteristics as a biofuel crop. To avoid competition with food crops, biofuel crops will be likely relegated to less productive soils such as marginal lands. Consequently, the salinity and water scarcity problems that commonly affect marginal lands compromise biofuel crop germination, emergence, and seedling establishment. The aims of this study were to study the germination and seedling growth of switchgrass under salinity and water stress and to describe the morpho-anatomical responses of the roots and leaves in the seedlings to these stress conditions. The effect of salt and water stress was assessed using sodium chloride (NaCl) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000 at the same water potentials of ??0.8, ??1.0, and ??1.2 MPa. Seeds were moist prechilled for 7 days at 5 °C and germinated at 30/15 °C (8 h light/16 h dark). NaCl treatments (??0.8 and ??1.0 MPa) delayed germination rates but did not reduce the final germination percentage, whereas at a lower potential (??1.2 MPa), the final germination percentage was diminished. The effects of PEG (??1.0 and ??1.2 MPa) on the germination rate and final percentage were more detrimental than those induced by isosmotic concentrations of NaCl. PEG and NaCl reduced significantly the vigor index of ??0.8 to ??1.2 MPa. The morpho-anatomical changes such as the reduction in the root cross-sectional area and the thickening of the endodermis walls for both stress conditions and aerenchyma formation in the cortex under salinity could significantly contribute in the survival and tolerance during the early seedling stages.     

The Effect of Age, Pre-conditioning, and Water Stress on the Transpiration Rates of Douglas-Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Seedlings of Several Ecotypes

Seedlings of Douglas-fir from seed of a number of mesic and xeric origins were grown in growth chambers and a nursery to various ages up to 16 weeks. Measurements were made to determine the effect of seedling age, growth chamber and nursery pre-conditioning, and seed source on transpiration rates under closely controlled laboratory conditions. Additional experiments were conducted on seedlings of two contrasting ecotypes to determine the effect of different pre-conditioning combinations of plant and soil water potential on seedling transpiration rates. Results show that well-watered seedlings of two mesic ecotypes show no decline in transpiration rates per unit leaf area up to 16 weeks of age while corresponding seedlings of three exeric ecotypes do decline. The growth chamber pre-conditioning results in lower seedling transpiration rates and more decline in seedling transpiration rates with increasing plant water stress than for nursery pre-conditioning. In a similar way, the xeric ecotype seedlings have more decline in transpiration rates with increasing plant water stress than do the mesic ecotype seedlings. Soil water potential influences transpiration rates through pre-conditioning effects. Seedlings which have experienced prior soil moisture stress decrease transpiration more in response to low plant water potentials than do plants which have experienced no soil moisture stress. These behavioral characteristics illustrate adaptive means by which seedlings conserve water through the interaction of genetic and preconditioning mechanisms.     

CAM-idling in Hoya carnosa (Asclepiadaceae)

In the leaf succulent Asclepiad Hoya carnosa (L.) R. Br., CAM photosynthesis occurred under well-watered conditions, as characterized by diurnal gas exchange and changes in titratable acidity. Following 10–12 days of severe water stress, the plants shifted from CAM to a modified CAM-idling mode of metabolism. CAM-idling was characterized by complete or almost complete stomatal closure accompanied by CAM-like diurnal changes in titratable acidity. H. carnosa plants maintained this CAM-idling mode of photosynthesis for at least 8 weeks. Upon reirrigation, the plants returned to the original CAM mode within 1 week. These results suggested that CAM-idling is a reversible, intermediate form of sustained metabolism which enables plant survival under conditions of extended drought.This work was supported in part by NSF Grant PCM 8200366 and in part by the Science and Education Administration of the United States Department of Agriculture under Competitive Grant 5901-0420-8-0018-0.     

CAM-idling in Hoya carnosa (Asclepiadaceae)

In the leaf sueculent Asclepial Hoya carnosa (L.) R. Br., CAM photosynthesis occurred under well-watered conditions, as characterized by diurnal gas exchange and changes in titratable acidity. Following 10–12 days of severe water stress, the plants shifted from CAM to a modified CAM-idling mode of metabolism. CAM-idling was characterized by complete or almost complete stomatal closure accompanied by CAM-like diurnal changes in titratable acidity. H. carnosa plants maintained this CAM-idling mode of photosynthesis for at least 8 weeks. Upon reirrigation, the plants returned to the original CAM mode within 1 week. These results suggested that CAM-idling is a reversible, intermediate form of sustained metabolism which enables plant survival under conditions of extended drought.This work was supported in part by NSF Grant PCM 8200366 and in part by the Science and Education Administration of the United States Department of Agriculture under Competitive Grant 5901-0420-8-0018-0.     

疏花水柏枝幼苗生物量与构件对模拟土壤地下水位变化的响应

通过模拟不同地下水位的方法,对疏花水柏枝（Myricaria laxiflora（Franch.）P.Y.Zhang et Y.J.Zhang）一年生幼苗在不同条件下地上与地下部生物量及构件的变化进行测定,分析幼苗生长对地下水位变化的响应。结果显示：随着地下水位的降低,疏花水柏枝幼苗的生长特征指标均呈先增加后减少的趋势,其中地上、地下部分生物量的最高值分别为0.0438、0.0100 g,最低值分别为0.0177、0.0026 g。幼苗地上部生物量在-10 cm处理水平最高;地下部生物量在-15 cm处理水平最高。幼苗直径、根表面积、株高、主根长度、根体积、一级枝数、二级枝数等指标也分别在-10 cm或-15 cm处理水平达到最高值。疏花水柏枝幼苗主要构件的生长与地下水位的变化存在显著相关性。主成分分析结果表明,幼苗的地下部分更容易受到土壤地下水位变化的影响,幼苗性状症候群随地下水位的变化而发生移动,说明该物种幼苗在不同地下水位时的生长投资策略具有较大差异。     

The relationship between turgor pressure and titratable acidity in mesophyll cells of intact leaves of a Crassulacean-acid-metabolism plant,Kalanchoe daigremontiana Hamet et Perr

Day/night changes in turgor pressure (P) and titratable acidity content were investigated in the (Crassulacean-acid-metabolism (CAM) plant Kalanchoe daigremontiana. Measurements of P were made on individual mesophyll cells of intact attached leaves using the pressure-probe technique. Under conditions of high relative humidity, when transpiration rates were minimal, changes in P correlated well with changes in the level of titratable acidity. During the standard 12 h light/12 h dark cycle, maximum turgor pressure (0.15 MPa) occurred at the end of the dark period when the level of titratable acidity was highest (about 300 eq H⁺·g^-1 fresh weight). A close relationship between P and titratable acidity was also seen in leaves exposed to perturbations of the standard light/dark cycle. (The dark period was either prolonged, or else only CO₂-free air was supplied in this period). In plants deprived of irrigation for five weeks, diurnal changes in titratable acidity of the leaves were reduced (H=160 eq H⁺·g^-1 fresh weight) and P increased from essentially zero at the end of the light period to 0.02 MPa at the end of the dark period. Following more severe water stress (experiments were made on leaves which had been detached for five weeks), P was zero throughout day and night, yet small diurnal changes in titratable acidity were still measured. These findings are discussed in relation to a hypothesis by Lüttge et al. 1975 (Plant Physiol. 56,613-616) for the role of P in the regulation of acidification/de-acidification cycles of plants exhibiting CAM.Abbreviations CAM crassulacean acid metabolism - FW fresh weight - P turgor pressure     

Physiological and morphological response to water deficit in seedlings of five provenances of Pinus canariensis: potential to detect variation in drought-tolerance

To assess the potential of short-term screenings for drought resistance at the seedling stage to detect ecotypic variation and predict field performance, we studied the responses to water deficit of seedlings of Pinus canariensis from five geographic origins under controlled conditions and compared these responses with the performance of provenances in a multi-site field trial. Leaf water potential, the osmotic component, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence and growth and biomass partitioning were measured as seedlings were subjected for 11 days to two levels of osmotic potential generated by polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000), −1 MPa (slowly imposed water deficit; S) and −1.5 MPa (fast imposed water deficit; F), and a control treatment (no PEG added to the nutrient solution; C). Leaf water potential declined to final mean values of −1.2, −2.7 and −4.7 MPa in the C, S and F treatments, respectively. The ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence declined to final mean values of 0.77, 0.66 and 0.40 in the C, S and F treatments, respectively, with no differences amongst provenances. All provenances showed an active osmotic adjustment (OA) in response to water deficit which varied depending on the drying rate. A slow imposition of water deficit favoured solute accumulation. Pooling all treatments, the index of OA ranged from 0.28 to 0.40, but rose considerably when only C and S treatments were considered (0.56 to 0.70). There was a positive and significant correlation between the overall index of OA (all treatments pooled) and the drought period in the site of origin, suggesting ecotypic variation in OA as a result of drought duration. Seedlings allocated more dry matter to roots than shoots when subjected to moderate and slowly imposed water deficit; only one provenance showed no increase in the root to shoot ratio at the end of the treatment period compared with control seedlings. Responses to controlled water deficits were only qualitatively related to performance (survival and growth) of provenances in several field sites, indicating the involvement of complex mechanisms to cope with drought under natural conditions. However, the provenance with the highest overall index of OA outgrew and outsurvived the other provenances in the most arid site, and the only provenance not modifying the root to shoot ratio in response to water deficit survived the least in all field sites. Acclimation of root to shoot ratio and net solute accumulation to water deficit could hence favour drought-tolerance beyond the seedling stage and be used as preliminary predictors of field performance.     

Tissue water relations of three chaparral shrub species after wildfire

Summary We compared the tissue water relations among resprouts and seedlings of three chaparral species during the first summer drought after wildfire. Two of the species, Rhus laurina and Ceanothus spinosus recover after fire by a combination of resprouting and seedling establishment (facultative resprouters), whereas a third species, Ceanothus megacarpus recovers by seedling establishment alone (obligate seeder). Our objectives were to document any differences in tissue water characteristics that might arise between resprouts and seedlings and to test the hypothesis that seedlings of obligate seeders develop more drought tolerant characteristics of their tissues than seedlings of facultative resprouters. We found that resprouts had much higher predawn values of water potential, osmotic potential, and turgor potentials than seedlings. Predawn turgor potentials of resprouts were 1.5 MPa through July and August when turgor potentials for seedlings remained near 0 MPa. During summer months, midday water potentials were 2 to 3 MPa higher for resprouts than seedlings and midday conductances of resprouts were two to five fold greater than those of seedlings. Even though resprouts did not experience severe water stress like seedlings, their tissue water characteristics, as determined by pressure-volume curve analyses, were similar by the peak of the drought in August. Further-more, the tissue water characteristics of seedlings from the obligate seeder, C. megacarpus, were similar to those of facultative resprouters — R. laurina, and C. spinosus. We attribute the observed differences in plant water status between resprouts and seedlings to differences in rooting depths and access to soil moisture reserves during summer drought. We conclude that the higher growth rates, photosynthetic performance, and survivorship of postfire resprouts are primarily a result of higher water availability to resprouting tissues during summer months. It appears that the greater seedling survivorship during summer drought observed for the obligate seeder, C. megacarpus, is not associated with more favorable tissue water characteristics.     

The effect of soil strength on the growth of pigeonpea radicles and seedlings

The effect of soil strength on the growth of pigeonpea radicles and seedlings was investigated in cores of three clay soils prepared at different water contents and bulk densities in the laboratory.Radicle elongation directly into soil cores was reduced from 50–70 mm d^-1 at strengths less than 0.5 MPa to 0 mm d^-1 at 3.5–3.7 MPa. The response to soil strength was affected by the water content of the soil, presumably as a result of reduced oxygen availability in wetter soil. This effect was apparent in soils wet to air-filled porosities less than 0.15 m³ m^-3.Radicles were more sensitive to high soil strength (>1.5 MPa) than were seedling roots which encountered the same conditions at 60 mm in the profile. Radicle growth ceased at 3.5 MPa which reduced seedling root growth by only 60%.Despite a 60% reduction in root length in the high strength zone, seedling roots compensated in zones of loose soil above and below the compacted layer, and total root length and shoot growth were unaffected. There was no evidence of a root signal response which results in reduced shoot growth in some species in response to high soil strength.The proliferation of roots in surface layers and the delayed penetration of the root system to depth in compacted soil are likely to expose seedlings to a greater risk of water-deficit in the field, particularly under dryland conditions where plants rely on stored subsoil water for growth.     

Water stress can induce quiescence in newly-germinated onion (Allium cepa L.) seedlings.

The effect of water stress on the early seedling growth of onions was studied by placing newly-germinated seedlings in vermiculite equilibrated at different water potentials. Roots and shoots elongated more at -0.29 than at -0.64 MPa, but did not elongate at -1.66 MPa. However, roots and shoots of seedlings that had been incubated in vermiculite at -1.66 MPa for up to 35 d resumed elongation when subsequently placed on wet filter boards. This suggests that water stress can induce quiescence in newly-germinated seedlings.     

不同土壤水势条件下水曲柳幼苗的光合作用特征

 采用根区渗灌控水技术,将土壤水势长期控制在0～-0.02 MPa(W1) 、-0.02～-0.04 MPa(W2)、-0.04～-0.06 MPa(W3)、-0.06～-0.08 MPa(W4)、-0.08～-0.16 MPa(W5)范围内。系统研究了不同土壤水势条件下水曲柳（Fraxinus mandshurica）幼苗叶片的光合速率、PSⅡ光化学效率和Rubisco羧化活性的日动态。结果表明,在所有土壤水势条件下,苗株皆在早晨达到净光合速率（Pn）最高峰;不同处理间光合午休的程度随所处土壤水势递降而加剧。从W1至W5,叶片的日光合累积比例为100∶96∶64∶60∶52。各处理晨后最初的Pn降低主要是气孔导度下降引起的,W3～W5处理午间强烈的光合抑制则主要源于非气孔因素。各处理的PSⅡ光化学效率（Fv/Fm）和Rubisco初始羧化活性也都表现为不同程度的午间降低,且所处的土壤水势越低,降幅就愈大,其中W3、W4和W5处理的递降趋势尤为明显。苗木叶片光合作用的日均水分利用效率除W1显著较低外,其余处理间无显著差异。从充分供水条件下（W1、W2）Pn仍有晨后降低分析,林外强烈的大气因子（如高温、强光和低大气湿度）已经构成苗木光合作用的胁迫因素,而土壤供水不足则大大加剧了胁迫的程度。     

Germination biology and seedling growth of Clusia hilariana Schltdl., a dominant CAM-tree of drought-prone sandy coastal plains

The spatial and temporal fluctuations of water availability can be an obstacle for recruitment of many species in the restinga and might restrict seed germination and seedling growth in specific regeneration safe-sites. Clusia hilariana is one of the most dominant species of Restinga de Jurubatiba. This species has a high proportion of seedling establishment occurring inside the tanks of soil bromeliads underneath vegetation patches. Given the thin seed coats, the fast germination time and seed dispersal of C. hilariana during the dry season, we hypothesized that their major regeneration niche (the tanks of soil bromeliads) is related to susceptibility of seed germination and also seedling growth to low water availability. To test this hypothesis, seeds were germinated under decreasing water potentials using PEG 6000 solutions and seedlings were grown under varying water regimes. The percentage of seed germination progressively decreased at lower water potentials. After 38 days in ?1.0 MPa no seeds germinated. However, approximately 90% of seeds germinated when transferred to Ψ = 0 MPa. The relative growth rates of seedlings of C. hilariana did not differ between water treatments. Thus, the major regeneration niche of C. hilariana is not a consequence of a high sensitivity of seeds and seedlings to water shortage. Nonetheless, C. hilariana showed an array of seed and seedling traits that may help to overcome establishment constraints of the harsh environment of restingas.     

Crassulacean acid metabolism in the ZZ plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Araceae)

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Araceae), a terrestrial East African aroid, with two defining attributes of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) (net CO(2) uptake in the dark and diel fluctuations of titratable acidity) is the only CAM plant described within the Araceae, a mainly tropical taxon that contains the second largest number of epiphytes of any vascular plant family. Within the Alismatales, the order to which the Araceae belong, Z. zamiifolia is the only documented nonaquatic CAM species. Zamioculcas zamiifolia has weak CAM that is upregulated in response to water stress. In well-watered plants, day-night fluctuations in titratable acidity were 2.5 μmol H(+)·(g fresh mass)(-1), and net CO(2) uptake in the dark contributed less than 1% to daily carbon gain. Following 10 d of water stress, net CO(2) uptake in the light fell 94% and net CO(2) uptake in the dark increased 7.5-fold, such that its contribution increased to 19% of daily carbon gain. Following rewatering, dark CO(2) uptake returned to within 5% of prestressed levels. We postulate that CAM assists survival of Z. zamiifolia by reducing water loss and maintaining carbon gain during seasonal droughts characteristic of its natural habitat.     

Competitive suppression of Quercus douglasii (Fagaceae) seedling emergence and growth

Reduced recruitment of blue oak (Quercus douglasii) seedlings in California grasslands and woodlands may result from shifts in seasonal soil water availability coincident with replacement of the native perennial herbaceous community by Mediterranean annuals. We used a combination of container and field experiments to examine the interrelationships between soil water potential, herbaceous neighborhood composition, and blue oak seedling shoot emergence and growth. Neighborhoods of exotic annuals depleted soil moisture more rapidly than neighborhoods of a perennial grass or "no-neighbor" controls. Although effects of neighborhood composition on oak seedling root elongation were not statistically significant, seedling shoot emergence was significantly inhibited in the annual neighborhoods where soil water was rapidly depleted. Seedling water status directly reflected soil water potential, which also determined the extent and duration of oak seedling growth during the first year. End-of-season seedling height significantly influenced survival and growth in subsequent years. While growth and survival of blue oak seedlings may be initially constrained by competition with herbaceous species, subsequent competition with adult blue oak trees may further contribute to reduced sapling recruitment.