濒危种四合木与其近缘种霸王水分关系参数和光合特性的比较

运用压力室-容积技术(P-V技术)对西鄂尔多斯地区特有的濒危植物四合木(Tetraena mongolica Maxim.)和生长于同一生境的近缘种霸王(Zygophyllum xanthoxylon (Bunge) Maxim.)的7个水分关系参数饱和含水量时最大渗透势(Ψ_s^sat) 、初始质壁分离时的渗透势(Ψ_s^tlp) 、初始质壁分离时渗透水相对含量(ROWC^tlp) 、初始质壁分离时的相对含水量(RWC^tlp) 、质外体水的相对含量(AWC) 、束缚水与自由水的比值(V_a / V₀),以及细胞最大弹性模量(ε^max)进行了测定,同时利用Li-6400光合作用测定系统测定了二者叶片气体交换参数的日变化,从生理生态学角度探讨了二者生存力、适应力的差异。结果表明:1)四合木的ε^max、ROWC^tlp值和RWC^tlp值均显著低于霸王,而Ψ_s^sat值Ψ_s^tlp值、AWC和V_a / V₀高于霸王。二者保持膨压的能力和方式不同,四合木表现为较小的细胞体积和较强的持水能力,主要以高的组织弹性来保持膨压,而霸王主要以增加细胞质浓度的渗透调节来维持膨压,弹性调节较弱。且四合木保持最大膨压的能力和维持最低膨压的极限渗透势低于霸王,耐旱性弱于霸王。2)自然条件下,四合木和霸王叶片的光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)日进程均呈"双峰"曲线,主峰出现在11:00时,次峰出现在15:00时左右,光合作用的午间降低是由气孔导度(Gs)降低造成的。二者相比,四合木光合速率和水分利用效率(WUE)低于霸王,光合能力和对干旱环境适应能力弱于霸王。研究表明四合木在生理生态学方面的生存力、适应力弱于霸王。     

岩溶干旱胁迫下青冈栎水分参数变化

根据岩溶生境特点设计表层岩溶水-岩石(灰岩)-土壤水分供应分层模拟柱,对青冈栎(Cyclobalanopsis glauca)进行水分控制试验;运用压力容积(P-V)技术,研究了在水分胁迫下青冈栎的日水势(P)、饱和含水量时的最大渗透势(ψsats)、初始质壁分离时的渗透势(ψtlps)、初始质壁分离时渗透水相对含量(ROWCtlp)、初始质壁分离时相对含水量(RWCtlp)、质外体水的相对含量(AWC),以及饱和含水量时最大渗透势与初始质壁分离时的渗透势之差(△P)的变化.结果表明,在无表层岩溶水-岩石-土壤处理中,随着土壤干旱胁迫程度的增加,ROWCtlp、RWCtlp、ψsats、ψtlp呈明显下降,而AWC值上升;在有表层岩溶水-岩石-土壤处理下,青冈栎受土壤水分胁迫不明显,水分参数变化不显著.表层岩溶缺水时,土壤水分含量是影响青冈栎水分参数变化的主要因素,在一定的干旱胁迫范围内,随着干旱程度的提高,青冈栎耐旱性不断增加.     

Kinetics of urea uptake by Melosira italica (Ehr.) Kütz at different luminosity conditions

The kinetic parameters K_m and V_max for urea uptake by Melosira italica were determined at 160 μeinsteins m⁻² s⁻¹ and in the dark. The transport systems showed an affinity for the substrate and a storing capacity in the dark (K_m = 65.07 μM; V_max = 2.18 nmoles 10⁵ cells ⁻¹ h⁻¹) greater than under 160 μE m⁻² s ⁻¹ (K_m = 111.2 μM; V_max = 1.11 nmoles 105 cells⁻¹ h⁻¹). Similarly, a reduction in consumption rate of urea under increasing photon flux densities was observed. The use of an inhibitor (potassium cyanide) indicated that the uptake process requires metabolic energy. That urea transport is more important in darkness, may constitute a survival strategy in which this compound is utilized by cells mainly during heterotrophic growth.     

镍离子对尖叶莴苣氮素吸收和生长生理的影响

以‘全年油麦菜’尖叶莴苣为试验材料,采用水培方式,研究3个浓度(0 mg·L^-1、0.1 mg·L^-1、1 mg·L^-1)Ni²⁺在22.4 mg·L^-1 N处理下对尖叶莴苣氮素吸收的生长及生理影响。结果显示：(1)尖叶莴苣根系和地上部生物量随处理时间的增加呈上升趋势。与对照T₁(0 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、112 mg·L^-1 N)相比,T₂处理(0 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、22.4 mg·L^-1 N)对尖叶莴苣根系及叶片生长具有一定抑制作用,植株鲜重、干重、根冠比、根系长度、平均直径、表面积、体积、根尖数、分根数、叶片表面积和体积在T3处理(0.1 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、22.4 mg·L^-1 N)下显著高于对照,T₄处理(1 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、22.4 mg·L^-1 N)对尖叶莴苣根系及其叶片生长具有一定促进作用,但对其根尖数和分根数表现出一定抑制性。(2)随着Ni²⁺浓度的增加,尖叶莴苣叶片叶绿素a、叶绿素b和总叶绿素含量呈先升后降的变化规律,且均在T₃处理下显著提高。(3)随着处理时间的增加,尖叶莴苣叶片的净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)和蒸腾速率(T_r)逐渐上升,胞间CO₂浓度(C_i)逐渐下降,且T₃处理叶片的G_s显著高于对照,其C_i最低,P_n最大。(4)施加Ni²⁺对尖叶莴苣有机酸、可溶性蛋白和可溶性糖含量以及SOD和POD活性有显著影响,在T₃处理下有机酸含量降低,可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量显著增加,SOD和POD活性显著提高。(5)T₃处理尖叶莴苣根系中N及叶片中B和Ca含量较高;根系中Ni含量高于叶片,T₃处理叶片中的Ni含量较低,Mg含量较高;植株体内Cu含量随Ni²⁺浓度增加而下降。研究表明,外源Ni²⁺处理能影响低氮条件下(22.4 mg·L^-1 N)尖叶莴苣幼苗生长及生理状况,适宜浓度(0.1 mg·L^-1)Ni²⁺可有效提高尖叶莴苣根系对氮素的吸收利用效率,减少氮素施用量,促进尖叶莴苣根系和地上部叶片生长,增加光合色素含量,并提高净光合速率,进而改善植株的产量和营养品质。     

模拟氮沉降对石栎和苦槠幼苗土壤呼吸的影响

用LI-8100开路式土壤碳通量测量系统测定模拟氮沉降4种不同处理水平(0、60、120\,240 kg · hm^-2 · a^-1)下石栎(Lithocarpus glabra)和苦槠(Castanopsis sclerophylla)幼苗的土壤呼吸速率及土壤温度、含水量对其土壤呼吸的影响。结果表明,氮沉降对土壤呼吸的影响根据施氮水平和幼苗的种类不同而异。低氮(60 kg · hm^-2 · a^-1)处理下石栎和苦槠的土壤呼吸速率平均值分别为(4.014±0.812)μmol · m^-2 · s^-1和(5.170±0.689)μmol · m^-2 · s^-1,比对照组(0 kg · hm^-2 · a^-1)土壤呼吸速率平均值(3.802±0.948)μmol · m^-2 · s^-1和(3.557±0.906)μmol · m^-2 · s^-1分别高5%和45%;两树种在中、高氮处理下均出现对土壤呼吸明显的抑制。其中石栎中、高氮实验组的土壤呼吸速率分别为(2.653±0.681)μmol · m^-2 · s^-1、(2.592±0.736)μmol · m^-2 · s^-1, 比对照组低27%和29%。苦槠中、高氮实验组的土壤呼吸速率为(3.563±0.402)μmol · m^-2 · s^-1、(3.466±0.994)μmol · m^-2 · s^-1, 比对照组低7%和8%;石栎在高氮(240 kg · hm^-2 · a^-1)处理水平下,其土壤呼吸速率同10cm土壤温度之间呈现显著的指数关系(R²=0.811,P=0.001),而在低、中氮实验均未发现有明显指数关系。苦槠各处理水平下其土壤呼吸与土壤温度之间均未发现有明显的指数关系;在土壤呼吸与5cm土壤含水量的相关性方面,仅有苦槠高氮实验组表现出明显的二次方程关系(R²=0.722),而其低、中氮实验组及石栎各实验组均未有明显的相关性;与单因素(温度、含水量)拟合它们与土壤呼吸速率的方程相比,多元回归分析得到的土壤呼吸速率同土壤温度和含水量之间的拟合方程在P=0.05水平上能更好地解释土壤呼吸的变化情况。石栎和苦槠在氮沉降处理下的土壤呼吸温度系数Q₁₀值分别为2.29、1.95、1.59和1.46、1.41、1.76,同对照组2.64和1.78相比,均有明显降低,且两者Q₁₀值的变化分别呈递减和先减小后增大的趋势,表明氮沉降是影响石栎和苦槠土壤CO₂通量的一个重要因素。     

油蒿叶片氮分配对其最大净光合速率季节变异的影响

植物最大净光合速率的季节变异性及其氮调控机制是近年来植物生理生态领域研究热点,对荒漠植物光合最大净光合速率季节动态及其叶氮影响,特别是叶氮分配对最大净光合速率调控机制的了解仍非常有限。2018年5-10月在宁夏盐池毛乌素沙地,对当地主要建群种油蒿(Artemisia ordosica)进行生长季原位观测,测定其叶光合光响应曲线(A-PAR)、CO₂响应曲线(A-Ci)和叶氮含量,结合环境观测数据,分析A-PAR关键参数最大净光合速率(A_max)的季节变异和叶片氮分配相关参数对A_max的调控。结果表明,油蒿叶片A_max在生长期季节变异系数(Cv)为14%,在完全展叶中期,光合氮利用效率(PNUE)有最大值11.82 μmolCO₂ gN^-1 s^-1,此时叶片氮素在光合系统中的分配比例最大,A_max有最大值29.48 μmol CO₂ m^-2s^-1,油蒿光合能力较强。在完全展叶末期,油蒿叶片氮在光合系统中的分配比例(P_p)有最小值0.21,此时叶氮分配更倾向于非光合系统,A_max较小,光合能力较弱,有利于油蒿延长叶片寿命。A_max与单位干重叶片氮含量(N_mass)、氮在捕光系统中分配比例(P_L)、氮在生物力能系统中分配比例(P_b)正相关(P<0.05),其中,P_L对A_max产生了最大的直接正向影响,氮在羧化系统中分配比例(P_c)主要通过P_b对A_max的产生了间接的正向影响,P_b对A_max季节动态的解释度最大(R²=0.49,P<0.01)。A_max与比叶重(LMA)负相关(P<0.05),即当有较高LMA时油蒿具有较低的光合速率,此时叶片光合能力较弱,叶片机械韧性较强。不同物候时期,油蒿叶片氮素分配的变化及叶片光合能力与结构性状之间的权衡关系,标志着荒漠植物对其生境的适应性调节。研究结果不但可提高荒漠灌木油蒿生态系统生产力预测的准确性,也是对植物光合适应机理认识的补充和深入。     

The Photosynthetic Characteristics of Saplings of Eight Canopy Tree Species in a Disturbed Neotropical Rain Forest

Foliar gas exchange characteristics, understorey microclimate, and crown irradiation were assessed for saplings of eight canopy tree species in two plots of neotropical rain forest with different degrees of canopy opening. Species studied belonged to different putative guilds: shade intolerants (both short-lived--pioneers--and long-lived), intermediates, and shade-tolerants. A considerable overlap was recorded between species in values of the photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area (P_N). The highest median P_N (1.26 μmol m^-2 s^-1) was recorded in the pioneer Croton killipianus, while slightly lower median values were recorded in Simarouba amara and Pentaclethra macroloba, and markedly lower values in two species of Vochysiaceae (Qualea paraense and Vochysia ferruginea), both putative intolerants. Highest median stomatal conductance (g_s) was also shown by C. killipianus, while S. amara, P. macroloba, and L. procera exhibited intermediate values, and the lowest g_s was shown by V. ferruginea and Q. paraense. Overall irradiance and crown irradiation, P_N, and g_s of saplings were higher in the plot which had previously received a silvicultural treatment. Most values of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) were <100 μmol m^-2 s^-1 in both plots, with shortlived peaks of up to 2000 μmol m^-2 s^-1 in the treated plot. When the relationship between P_N and irradiance (I) was examined by fitting P_N/I curves, the degree of fit varied markedly between species, values of the regression coefficient r² were between 0.09 and 0.51. No significant differences between species were recorded in P_max and species also demonstrated little variation in the predicted values of dark respiration (R_D), values varying between -0.51 and -1.46 μmol m^-2 s^-1 in Q. paraense and Minquartia guianensis, respectively. Fitted values of apparent quantum efficiency were also fairly uniform, generally falling within the range 0.02-0.03 mol(CO₂) mol^-1(photon). This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

盐分胁迫下杠柳叶片光合特性的光响应研究

利用CID型便携式光合作用仪测定不同NaCl浓度下杠柳叶片净光合速率(P_n)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、气孔导度(G_s)、水分利用效率（WUE）及光能利用率(LUE)生理参数的光响应过程,阐明盐分胁迫下其对光照响应的规律,探讨有利于杠柳正常生长的盐分浓度和光照条件。结果表明:（1）各盐分浓度下杠柳叶片光补偿点（LCP）在21.89～65.05 μmol·m^-2·s^-1之间变动,介于阴性植物与阳性植物之间;杠柳随土壤盐分的不同,其光合作用参数对光照强度表现出一定的适应性和可塑性;50 mmol·L^-1盐分浓度下杠柳光合同化能力最强,最有利于其干物质的积累,表现出一定的耐盐性。（2）轻度的盐分胁迫（小于50 mmol·L^-1）可以提高杠柳叶片的P_n、G_s、WUE和LUE,而盐分胁迫对杠柳的T_r有抑制作用,并随着盐分浓度的增加其抑制作用愈强烈。（3）维持杠柳正常生长的土壤盐分浓度小于50 mmol·L^-1,最佳PAR为1 000～2 000 μmol·m^-2·s^-1;而保持杠柳最大WUE和LUE的光照强度分别为800和100 μmol·m^-2·s^-1。     

华北平原玉米田生态系统光合作用特征及影响因素

采用涡度相关法对华北平原夏玉米田进行了连续4a(2003-2006年)的碳通量观测,结果表明:夏玉米田生态系统初始量子效率(α)、最大光合速率(P_max)、暗呼吸速率(R_d)和总初级生产力(GPP)随作物生长发育而变化。在夏玉米生育前期和后期,α、P_max、R_d和GPP都比较小,其最大值出现在抽穗期/灌浆期。2003-2006年,夏玉米生长季平均α、P_max、R_d的范围分别为0.054-0.124 μmol/μmol、1.72-2.93 mg CO₂ · m^-2 · s^-1、0.23-0.38 mg CO₂ · m^-2 · s^-1。α、P_max和R_d均随叶面积指数(LAI)增加呈指数增长。2003-2006年夏玉米生长季GPP总量分别为806.2、741.5、703.0、817.4 g C/m²,年际差异较大。玉米田生态系统GPP随温度升高呈指数增长。在玉米营养生长阶段,GPP随LAI增加而增大,两者之间的关系可用直角双曲线方程来表示;生殖生长阶段,GPP随LAI降低而下降.相同LAI下,生殖生长阶段的GPP明显低于营养生长阶段。     

自絮凝酵母SPSC01在组合反应器系统中酒精连续发酵的研究

建立了一套由四级磁力搅拌发酵罐串联组成、总有效容积4000mL的小型组合生物反应器系统 ,其中一级罐作为种子培养罐。以脱胚脱皮玉米粉双酶法制备的糖化液为种子培养基和发酵底物 ,进行了自絮凝颗粒酵母酒精连续发酵的研究。种子罐培养基还原糖浓度为100g L ,添加 (NH₄)₂HPO₄ 和KH₂PO₄ 各 20g L ,以0.017h^-1 的恒定稀释速率流加 ,并溢流至后续酒精发酵系统。发酵底物初始还原糖浓度 220g/L ,添加 (NH₄)₂HPO₄ 15g/L和KH₂PO₄2 5g/L ,流加至第一级发酵罐 ,稀释速率分别为 0.017、0.025、0.033、0.040和0.05 0h^-1。实验数据表明 ,自絮凝颗粒酵母在各发酵罐中呈部分固定化状态 ,在稀释速率0.040h^-1 条件下 ,发酵系统呈一定的振荡行为 ,其他四个稀释速率实验组均能够达拟稳态。当稀释速率不超过 0 0 33h^-1 ,流出末级发酵罐的发酵液中酒精浓度可以达到 12 % (V/V)以上 ,残还原糖和残总糖分别在 0 11%和 0 35 % h^-1,流出末级发酵罐的发酵液中酒精浓度可以达到12%（V/V）以上,残还原糖和残总糖分别在0.11%和0.35%（W/V）以下。在稀释速率为0.033h^-1时,计算发酵系统酒精的设备生产强度指标为3.32（g·L^-1·h^-1）,与游离酵母细胞传统酒精发酵工艺相比,增加约1倍。     

暖温带森林生态系统主要树种若干水分参数的季节变化

本文通过PV技术对暖温带落叶阔叶林主要树种辽东栎(Quercus liaotungensis)、棘桦(Betula dahurica)、五角枫(Acer mono)、大叶白蜡(Fraxinus rhychophylla)及其林下灌木六道木(Abelia biflora)、山地针叶林的主要树种油松(Pinus tabulaeformis)以及次生灌丛主要树种山杏(Prunus armeniaca var.ansu)、山桃(Prunus davidiana)、大果榆(Ulmus macrocarpa)、北京丁香(Syringa pekinensis)的日最低叶水势Ψmin、饱和含水量时的最大渗透势Ψs sat、初始质壁分离时渗透势Ψs tlp、初始质壁分离的渗透水的相对含量(ROWCtlp)、相对含水量(RWCtlp)、质外体水的相对含量(AWC)6种水分生理指标的季节变化进行了研究。结果表明：1)所研究的10种树种叶水势Ψw min的季节进程基本与土壤湿度的变化一致。乔木Ψw min季节均值由低到高的顺序为油松<辽东栎<大叶白蜡<棘皮桦<五角枫。次生灌丛4种树种Ψw min季节均值由低到高依次为：山杏<山桃<北京丁香<大果榆。在生长季的不同时期,同为灌木、生长于落叶阔叶林下的六道木Ψw min均高于灌丛样地4类树种的同期值,且季节变幅较小。2)各树种饱和含水量时的最大渗透势Ψs sat和初始质壁分离时渗透势Ψs tlp,表现出随季节进程而不断降低的趋势;Ψs tlp和Ψs sat的季节变化并未表现出与土壤水分状况变化的一致关系,而与树木自身生长发育的物候节律有关。从Ψs tlp和Ψs sat指标所反映的树木耐旱能力的季节变化来看,表现为随季节进程不断上升的趋势。一般在展叶和随后的生长旺盛期,上述树种的耐旱能力较弱。3)初始质壁分离的渗透水的相对含量(ROWCtlp)和相对含水量 (RWCtlp)的季节变化在各树种间呈现大体相同的趋势,5月下旬的生长高峰期,达到生长季中的最高值。而后随林木当年生叶的成熟和嫩枝的木质化,ROWCtlp和RWCtlp呈下降趋势。4)各树种质外体水的相对含量(AWC)表现为随季节进程而上升的趋势。     

三峡库区濒危植物疏花水柏枝的生理生化特性研究

对三峡库区特有濒危植物疏花水柏枝的光合作用、蒸腾作用、水势等生理特性以及丙二醛(MDA)、过氧化物酶(POD)和多酚氧化酶(PPO)活性等进行分析测定。结果显示,疏花水柏枝在水淹胁迫后,能快速地恢复其光合与蒸腾生理作用。植株在秋季和夏初的光合作用和蒸腾作用的日动态呈单峰曲线,最高值出现在中午。夏初的光合强度与蒸腾强度一般高于秋季,表明夏初是该物种的生长旺季。该物种10月份水势的日动态在-0.97～1.82MPa之间变动,水势与光合作用与蒸腾作用呈显著负相关。该物种虽是一种对水淹和干旱胁迫适应能力较强的物种,但土壤水分状况仍对植物的生长有较大影响。植株的生长发育阶段对疏花水柏枝的抗逆性有影响,在花前的抗逆性总体高于花后。还对疏花水柏枝的迁地保护提出了相应的建议。     

油松Ｐ—Ｙ曲线主要水分参数随季节和种源的变化

借助P—V曲线,研究了油松主要水分参数(包括饱和含水时的最大渗透势φ8sat、初始质壁分离时的渗透势φ8tlp、渗透水相对含量Ftl p,和相对含水量RWCtlp,以及质外体水相对含量AWC)随季节和种源的变化。结果表明,油松P—V曲线主要水分参数是随生长发育阶段和环境条件的改变而发生变化的。其中φ8sat、φ8tlp、Ftl p和RWCtlp值在夏季生长高峰期达到最高,以后逐渐降低,到严冬季节达到一年中的最低水平,随春季来临又将升高。而AWC值表现了与此相反的季节变化趋势。油松林木主要水分参数随季节发生的变化,与林木的抗寒锻炼过程表现了很大的一致性。油松不同种源水分参数上的差异亦很明显,表现最典型的是在冬季。根据水分参数所计算的综合指标表明,在油松不同气候生态型中,抗旱性强弱的顺序是,东北型、中部型、东部型、西南型、西北型、中西型、南部型。     

立地条件和树龄对刺槐和小叶杨叶水力性状及抗旱性的影响

以形成黄土高原“小老树”的2种典型树种刺槐和小叶杨为对象,研究了立地条件(沟谷台地和沟间坡地)和树龄对两种树木叶水力学性质和抗旱性的影响,探讨“小老树”形成的水力生理机制.结果表明:水分较好的沟谷台地上生长的两种树木的叶最大水力导度(Kmax)明显大于水分较差的沟间坡地,叶水力脆弱性(P50)也较高;随树龄增加,两种树木的Kmax明显下降,但P50差异不大.台地上生长的两种树木的叶表皮导度和PV曲线参数(膨压损失点时的相对含水量RWCtlp、膨压损失点时的水势ψtlp饱和含水量时的渗透势ψsat)均大于 坡地;随树龄增加,两种树木的叶表皮导度显著下降,PV曲线参数出现不同程度的下降.两种树木Kmax与ψtlp呈显著正相关,P50与PV曲线参数之间存在一定的相关性,表明Kmax与抗旱性之间存在一种权衡关系,P50是反映两种树木的抗旱性特征之一.     

立地条件和树龄对刺槐和小叶杨叶水力性状及抗旱性的影响

以形成黄土高原“小老树”的2种典型树种刺槐和小叶杨为对象,研究了立地条件(沟谷台地和沟间坡地)和树龄对两种树木叶水力学性质和抗旱性的影响,探讨“小老树”形成的水力生理机制.结果表明: 水分较好的沟谷台地上生长的两种树木的叶最大水力导度(K_max)明显大于水分较差的沟间坡地,叶水力脆弱性(P₅₀)也较高;随树龄增加,两种树木的K_max明显下降,但P₅₀差异不大.台地上生长的两种树木的叶表皮导度和PV曲线参数(膨压损失点时的相对含水量RWC_tlp、膨压损失点时的水势ψ_tlp、饱和含水量时的渗透势ψ_sat)均大于坡地;随树龄增加,两种树木的叶表皮导度显著下降,PV曲线参数出现不同程度的下降.两种树木K_max与ψ_tlp呈显著正相关,P₅₀与PV曲线参数之间存在一定的相关性,表明K_max与抗旱性之间存在一种权衡关系,P₅₀是反映两种树木的抗旱性特征之一.     

The determinants of leaf turgor loss point and prediction of drought tolerance of species and biomes: a global meta-analysis

Increasing drought is one of the most critical challenges facing species and ecosystems worldwide, and improved theory and practices are needed for quantification of species tolerances. Leaf water potential at turgor loss, or wilting (π(tlp) ), is classically recognised as a major physiological determinant of plant water stress response. However, the cellular basis of π(tlp) and its importance for predicting ecological drought tolerance have been controversial. A meta-analysis of 317 species from 72 studies showed that π(tlp) was strongly correlated with water availability within and across biomes, indicating power for anticipating drought responses. We derived new equations giving both π(tlp) and relative water content at turgor loss point (RWC(tlp) ) as explicit functions of osmotic potential at full turgor (π(o) ) and bulk modulus of elasticity (ε). Sensitivity analyses and meta-analyses showed that π(o) is the major driver of π(tlp) . In contrast, ε plays no direct role in driving drought tolerance within or across species, but sclerophylly and elastic adjustments act to maintain RWC(tlp,) preventing cell dehydration, and additionally protect against nutrient, mechanical and herbivory stresses independent of drought tolerance. These findings clarify biogeographic trends and the underlying basis of drought tolerance parameters with applications in comparative assessments of species and ecosystems worldwide.     

Population differentiation inSpartina patens: Water potential components and bulk modulus of elasticity

Pressure-volume technique was utilized to evaluate salinity response among three populations ofSpartina patens (Ait.) Muhl. from Louisiana Gulf coast marshes. Plants were subjected to salinities of 85 and 425 mol m^?3 for 77 d in a greenhouse. Ψ_w and Ψ_π decreased in all populations in response to increases in salinity. There were 32% decrease in Ψ_sat, 42% decrease in Ψ_tlp in response to salinity changes from 85 to 425 mol m^?3 in the Ferblanc population. Similarly, there were 35% and 41% decrease in Ψ_sat in the Clovelly and Lake Tambour populations, respectively. All populations showed the ability to adapt to the increased salinity as was evidenced by osmotic adjustment. However, the Lake Tambour population appeared to have superior ability to adapt to high salinity through having a significantly lower osmotic potential at saturation (Ψ_sat), osmotic potential at turgor loss point (Ψ_tlp), and maximum turgor potential (Ψ_P(max)) compared to other populations. Ferblanc and Clovelly populations revealed the ability to adapt to saline environments to a lesser extent as compared to the Lake Tambour population. Results indicate that there is a potential for selection of superior strains ofSpartina patens for use in marsh restoration projects aiming at prevention of wetland loss in certain coastal areas.     

Factors controlling plasticity of leaf morphology in Robinia pseudoacacia: III. biophysical constraints on leaf expansion under long-term water stress

In this article, we measured the relative growth rate (RGR) of leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings under well-watered and water-stressed conditions (mid-day Ψ(w) = leaf water potential estimated with a pressure bomb of -0.48 and -0.98 MPa, respectively). Pressure-volume (PV) curves were done on growing leaves at 25, 50 and 95% of the mature size (growth stage) in order to compute solute potential (Ψ) and turgor pressure (Ψ(P) ) as a function of Ψ(w) . The PV curves and diurnal measurements of Ψ(w) and RGR allowed us to evaluate the parameters (cell wall extensibility m and growth turgor threshold Y) of the Lockhart equation, RGR = m(Ψ(P)-Y), at each growth stage. Our data showed that m and Y did change with leaf age, but the changes were slow enough to evaluate m and Y on any given day. We believe this is the first study to provide evidence that the Lockhart equation adequately quantifies leaf growth of trees over a range of time domains. The value of m linearly declined and Y linearly increased with growth stage. Also, mild drought stress caused a decline in m and increase in Y relative to controls. Although water stress caused an osmotic adjustment which, in turn, increased Ψ(P) in stressed plants relative to controls, the RGR and final leaf sizes were reduced in water-stressed plants because of the impact of water stress on decreased m and increased Y.     

Osmotic and elastic adjustments in cold desert shrubs differing in rooting depth: coping with drought and subzero temperatures

Physiological adjustments to enhance tolerance or avoidance of summer drought and winter freezing were studied in shallow- to deep-rooted Patagonian cold desert shrubs. We measured leaf water potential (Ψ_L), osmotic potential, tissue elasticity, stem hydraulic characteristics, and stomatal conductance (g _S) across species throughout the year, and assessed tissue damage by subzero temperatures during winter. Species behavior was highly dependent on rooting depth. Substantial osmotic adjustment (up to 1.2?MPa) was observed in deep-rooted species exhibiting relatively small seasonal variations in Ψ_L and with access to a more stable water source, but having a large difference between predawn and midday Ψ_L. On the other hand, shallow-rooted species exposed to large seasonal changes in Ψ_L showed limited osmotic adjustment and incomplete stomatal closure, resulting in turgor loss during periods of drought. The bulk leaf tissue elastic modulus (ε) was lower in species with relatively shallow roots. Daily variation in g _S was larger in shallow-rooted species (more than 50?% of its maximum) and was negatively associated with the difference between Ψ_L at the turgor loss point and minimum Ψ_L (safety margin for turgor maintenance). All species increased ε by about 10?MPa during winter. Species with rigid tissue walls exhibited low leaf tissue damage at ?20?°C. Our results suggest that osmotic adjustment was the main water relationship adaptation to cope with drought during summer and spring, particularly in deep-rooted plants, and that adjustments in cell wall rigidity during the winter helped to enhance freezing tolerance.