Variation in δ13C among species and sexes in the family Restionaceae along a fine‐scale hydrological gradient

Consistent, repeatable segregation of plant species along hydrological gradients is an established phenomenon that must in some way reflect a trade‐off between plants' abilities to tolerate the opposing constraints of drought and waterlogging. In C₃ species tissue carbon isotope discrimination (δ¹³C) is known to vary sensitively in response to stomatal behaviour, reflecting stomatal limitation of photosynthesis during the period of active growth. However, this has not been studied at fine‐spatial scale in natural communities. We tested how δ¹³C varied between species and sexes of individuals in the family Restionaceae growing along a monitored hydrological gradient. Twenty Restionaceae species were investigated using species‐level phylogeny at two sites in the Cape Floristic Region, a biodiversity hotspot. A spatial overlap analysis showed the Restionaceae species segregated significantly (P < 0.001) at both sites. Moreover, there were significant differences in δ¹³C values among the Restionaceae species (P < 0.001) and between male and female individuals of each species (P < 0.01). However, after accounting for phylogeny, species δ¹³C values did not show any significant correlation with the hydrological gradient. We suggest that some other variable (e.g. plant phenology) could be responsible for masking a simple response to water availability.     

Stomatal Response of Citrus jambhiri to Water Stress and Humidity

Seven-month-old rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) seedlings were subjected to high- and low-humidity treatments (vapor pressure deficits of 8.0 and 19.6 mbar) for 3 weeks. Half of each group was well supplied with water and half was subjected to a series of three drying cycles in which xylem pressure potential fell to below ?25 bar. The relationship between leaf conductance and xylem pressure potential was similar during each drying phase and was unaffected by atmospheric humidity. Several days elapsed after rewatering before normal stomatal opening occurred. When all the plants were subsequently kept well watered, leaf conductances decreased as the leaf-to-air vapor pressure difference was increased. However, the conductances of previously stressed plants were lower than those of unstressed plants, and consequently previously stressed plants had lower transpiration rates.     

Diurnal Changes in Citrus Leaf Thickness, Leaf Water Potential and Leaf to Air Temperature Difference

Diurnal changes in leaf water potential and leaf thickness ofwell-watered citrus trees were found to be highly correlated.Midday decreases in leaf thickness of about 30–35 µm reflected midday decreases in leaf water potential of about1.1–1.3 MPa from predawn values. Leaf water potentialwas also correlated with changes in leaf-to-air temperaturedifference and ambient vapour pressure deficit. Leaf thicknessas well as leaf to air temperature difference could possiblybe used to monitor leaf water status continuously as an indicatorof citrus tree water stress.