Effects of plant size and water relations on gas exchange and growth of the desert shrub Larrea tridentata

Larrea tridentata is a xerophytic evergreen shrub, dominant in the arid regions of the southwestern United States. We examined relationships between gasexchange characteristics, plant and soil water relations, and growth responses of large versus small shrubs of L. tridentata over the course of a summer growing season in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, USA. The soil wetting front did not reach 0.6 m, and soils at depths of 0.6 and 0.9 m remained dry throughout the summer, suggesting that L. tridentata extracts water largely from soil near the surface. Surface soil layers (<0.3 m) were drier under large plants, but predawn xylem water potentials were similar for both plant sizes suggesting some access to deeper soil moisture reserves by large plants. Stem elongation rates were about 40% less in large, reproductively active shrubs than in small, reproductively inactive shrubs. Maximal net photosynthetic rates (P_max) occurred in early summer (21.3 mol m^-2 s^-1), when pre-dawn xylem water potential (XWP) reached ca. -1 MPa. Although both shrub sizes exhibited similar responses to environmental factors, small shrubs recovered faster from short-term drought, when pre-dawn XWP reached about -4.5 MPa and P_max decreased to only ca. 20% of unstressed levels. Gas exchange measurements yielded a strong relationship between stomatal conductance and photosynthesis, and the relationship between leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit and stomatal conductance was found to be influenced by pre-dawn XWP. Our results indicate that stomatal responses to water stress and vapor pressure deficit are important in determining rates of carbon gain and water loss in L. tridentata.     

Effects of extreme high temperature,drought and elevated CO2 on photosynthesis of the Mojave Desert evergreen shrub,Larrea tridentata

The interaction of extreme temperature events with future atmospheric CO₂ concentrations may have strong impacts on physiological performance of desert shrub seedlings, which during the critical establishment phase often endure temperature extremes in conjunction with pronounced drought. To evaluate the interaction of drought and CO₂ on photosynthesis during heat stress, one-year-old Larrea tridentata[DC] Cov. seedlings were exposed to nine days of heat with midday air temperature maxima reaching 53 °C under three atmospheric CO₂ concentrations (360, 550 and 700 mol mol^–1) and two water regimes (well-watered and droughted). Photosynthetic gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and water potential responses were measured prior to, during and one week following the high temperature stress event. Heat stress markedly decreased net photosynthetic rate (A _net), stomatal conductance (g _s), and the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (F _v/F _m) in all plants except for well-watered L. tridentata grown in 700 mol mol^–1 CO₂. A _net and g _s remained similar to pre-stress levels in these plants. In droughted L. tridentata, A _net was ca. 2× (in 550 mol mol^–1 CO₂) to 3× (in 700 mol mol^–1 CO₂) higher than in ambient-CO₂-grown plants, while g _s and F _v/F _m were similar and low in all CO₂ treatments. Following heat stress, g _s in all well-watered plants rose dramatically, exceeding pre-stress levels by up to 100%. In droughted plants, g _s and A _net rose only in plants grown at elevated CO₂ following release from heat. This recovery response was strongest at 700 mol mol^–1 CO₂, which returned to A _net and g _s values similar to pre-heat following several days of recovery. Extreme heat diminished the photosynthetic down-regulation response to growth at elevated CO₂ under well-watered conditions, similar to the action of drought. Ambient-CO₂-grown L. tridentata did not show significant recovery of photosynthetic capacity (A _\max and CE) after alleviation of temperature stress, especially when exposed to drought, while plants exposed to elevated CO₂ appeared to be unaffected. These findings suggest that elevated CO₂ could promote photosynthetic activity during critical periods of seedling establishment, and enhance the potential for L. tridentata to survive extreme high temperature events.     

Sensitivity of water relations and photosynthesis to summer precipitation pulses for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Artemisia tridentata</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Purshia tridentata</Emphasis>

For much of the western USA, precipitation occurs in pulses, the nature of which determine soil water potential and plant physiological performance. This research utilized three experiments to examine the sensitivity of photosynthesis and water relations for two widespread Great Basin Desert shrub species, Artemisia tridentata (which has both deep and shallow roots) and Purshia tridentata (which reportedly has only deep roots), to (1) variation in pulse magnitude size, (2) the kinetics of responses to pulses, and (3) the relationship between pulse-size and antecedent soil water content. At the study site in the southwestern Great Basin Desert, USA, summer rainfall exhibits a greater frequency of larger-sized events, and longer inter-pulse intervals, compared to annual patterns. Compared to pre-watering values, stem water potential initially increased by about 2.00 MPa for A. tridentata and 1.00 MPa for P. tridentata following watering to simulate an 11.5 mm rainfall pulse. For the same water addition, stomatal conductance increased by 0.3 mol m⁻² s⁻¹ and photosynthetic CO₂ assimilation increased 8-fold for A. tridentata and 6-fold for P. tridentata. Water potential and photosynthetic gas exchange were maximal for both species 2–3 days following a pulse addition. In comparison to P. tridentata, the increase in photosynthesis for A. tridentata was more pronounced for plants treated incrementally with several small pulses compared to plants treated with one pulse of an equivalent total volume. The results indicate that both species can respond to a range of summer rainfall pulse magnitudes within about 2 days, with A. tridentata generally exhibiting larger responses in comparison to the co-dominant shrub species P. tridentata, which at this study site does indeed have shallow roots. In a future climate, the timing and magnitude of summer rainfall pulses will determine the extent to which these two species undergo changes in water status and photosynthetic carbon uptake, with implications for their fitness.     

Photoinhibition as a control on photosynthesis and production of Sphagnum mosses

The effect of high light intensity on photosynthesis and growth of Sphagnum moss species from Alaskan arctic tundra was studied under field and laboratory conditions. Field experiments consisted of experimental shading of mosses at sites normally exposed to full ambient irradiance, and removal of the vascular plant canopy from above mosses in tundra water track habitats. Moss growth was then monitored in the experimental plots and in adjacent control areas for 50 days from late June to early August 1988. In shaded plots total moss growth was 2–3 times higher than that measured in control plots, while significant reductions in moss growth were found in canopy removal plots. The possibility that photoinhibition of photosynthesis might occur under high-light conditions and affect growth was studied under controlled laboratory conditions with mosses collected from the arctic study site, as well as from a temperate location in the Sierra Nevada, California. After 2 days of high-light treatment (800 mol photons m^–2 s^–1) in a controlled environmental chamber, moss photosynthetic capacity was significantly lowered in both arctic and temperate samples, and did not recover during the 14-day experimental period. The observed decrease in photosynthetic capacity was correlated (r ²=0.735, P<0.001) with a decrease in the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence (F _v/F _m) in arctic and temperate mosses. This relationship indicates photoinhibition of photosynthesis in both arctic and temperate mosses at even moderately high light intensities. It is suggested that susceptibility to photoinhibition and failure to photoacclimate to higher light intensities in Sphagnum spp. may be related to low tissue nitrogen levels in these exclusively ombrotrophic plants. Photoinhibition of photosynthesis leading to lowered annual carbon gain in Sphagnum mosses may be an important factor affecting CO₂ flux at the ecosystem level, given the abundance of these plants in Alaskan tussock tundra.     

Gas exchange and photosynthesis of Eucalyptus camaldulensis seedlings inoculated with different ectomycorrhizal symbionts

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. seedlings inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch and Thelephora terrestris Ehrl. per Fr. were grown in well watered soil (_s –0.03 MPa) or subjected to a long-term soil water stress of up to –1.0 MPa over 13-week period in a glasshouse. After 13 weeks, all seedling containers were watered to field capacity and then water was withheld from the E. camaldulensis seedlings to induce a short-term drought. Diurnal measurements of seedling photosynthesis rate (A), leaf stomatal conductance (g) and leaf water potential (_p) were completed before, during, and after the short term drought. Although they were growing in an equal soil volume, photosynthesis rate (A), leaf stomatal conductance and leaf water potential (_p) of larger seedlings with P. tinctorius ectomycorrhizae were similar to those of smaller seedlings colonized with T. terrestris during the short-term drought period. Seedlings inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius maintained higher photosynthesis rates over the course of the short-term drought. Thus, P. tinctorius ectomycorrhizae appear to be more efficient than those of T. terrestris in assisting seedlings to maintain gas exchange and photosynthesis under limited soil moisture conditions.     

Inorganic N turnover and availability in annual- and perennial-dominated soils in a northern Utah shrub-steppe ecosystem

The exotic annual grass Bromus tectorum has replaced thousands of hectares of native perennial vegetation in semi-arid ecosystems of the western United States. Inorganic N availability and production were compared in soil from monodominant patches of Bromus tectorum, the perennial bunchgrass Elymus elymoides, and the shrub Artemisia tridentata, in Curlew Valley, a salt-desert shrub site in Northern Utah. Bromus-dominated soil had greater %N in the top 10 cm than Artemisia or Elymus-dominated soils. As determined by spring isotope-dilution assays, gross mineralization and nitrification rates were higher in Bromus-dominated than Artemisia-dominated soils, but gross rates of NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^– consumption were also higher. Litterbags had greater mass loss and N mineralization when buried in Bromus stands than in Artemisia stands, indicating the soil environment under the annual grass promotes decomposition. As determined by nitrification potential assays, nitrifier populations were higher under Bromus than under Artemisia and Elymus. Soil inorganic N concentrations were similar among vegetation types in the spring, but NO₃ ^– accumulated under Bromus once it had senesced. An in situ net mineralization assay conducted in autumn indicated that germinating Bromus seedlings are a strong sink for soil NO₃ ^–, and that net nitrification is inherently low in soils under Artemisia and Elymus. Results of the study suggest that differences in plant uptake and the soil environment promote greater inorganic N availability under Bromus than under perennial species at the site.     

C4 photosynthetic carbon metabolism in the leaves of aromatic tropical grasses — I. Leaf anatomy,CO2 compensation point and CO2 assimilation

A few species of Cymbopogon and Vetiveria are potentially important tropical grasses producing essential oils. In the present study, we report on the leaf anatomy and photosynthetic carbon assimilation in five species of Cymbopogon and Vetiveria zizanioides. Kranz-type leaf anatomy with a centrifugal distribution of chloroplasts and exclusive localization of starch in the bundle sheath cells were common among the test plants. Besides the Kranz leaf anatomy, these grasses displayed other typical C₄ characteristics including a low (0–5 µl/l) CO₂ compensation point, lack of light saturation of CO₂ uptake at high photon flux densities, high temperature (35°C) optimum of net photosynthesis, high rates of net photosynthesis (55–67 mg CO₂ dm^-2 leaf area h^-1), little or no response of net photosynthesis to atmospheric levels of O₂ and high leaf ¹³C/¹²C ratios. The biochemical studies with ¹⁴CO₂ indicated that the leaves of the above plant species synthesize predominantly malate during short term (5 s) photosynthesis. In pulse-chase experiments it was shown that the synthesis of 3-phosphoglycerate proceeds at the expense of malate, the major first formed product of photosynthesis in these plant species.     

Photosynthetic and leaf morphological characteristics in Leucaena leucocephala as affected by growth under different neutral shade levels

Morphological and physiological measurements on individual leaves of Leucaena leucocephala seedlings were used to study acclimation to neutral shading. The light-saturated photosynthetic rate (P_{n max}) ranged from 19.6 to 6.5 mol CO₂ m^–2 s^–1 as photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) during growth decreased from 27 to 1.6 mol m^–2 s^–1. Stomatal density varied from 144 mm^–2 in plants grown in high PPFD to 84 mm^–2 in plants grown in low PPFD. Average maximal stomatal conductance for H₂O was 1.1 in plants grown in high PPFD and 0.3 for plants grown in low PPFD. Plants grown in low PPFD had a greater total chlorophyll content than plants grown in high PPFD (7.2 vs 2.9 mg g^–1 on a unit fresh weight basis, and 4.3 vs 3.7 mg dm^–2 on a unit leaf area basis). Leaf area was largest when plants were grown under the intermediate PPFDs. Leaf density thickness was largest when plants were grown under the largest PPFDs. It is concluded that L. leucocephala shows extensive ability to acclimate to neutral shade, and could be considered a facultative shade plant.Abbreviations the initial slope of the photosynthesis vs PPFD curve - P_{n max} the light-saturated photosynthetic rate - PPFD photosynthetic photon flux density     

Utilisation of soil organic P by agroforestry and crop species in the field,western Kenya

A field experiment in western Kenya assessed whether the agroforestry species Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray, Tephrosia vogelii Hook f., Crotalaria grahamiana Wight & Arn. and Sesbania sesban (L) Merill. had access to forms of soil P unavailable to maize, and the consequences of this for sustainable management of biomass transfer. The species were grown in rows at high planting density to ensure the soil under rows was thoroughly permeated by roots. Soil samples taken from beneath rows were compared to controls, which included a bulk soil monolith enclosed by iron sheets within the tithonia plot, continuous maize, and bare fallow plots. Three separate plant biomass samples and soil samples were taken at 6-month intervals, over a period of 18 months. The agroforestry species produced mainly leaf biomass in the first 6 months but stem growth dominated thereafter. Consequently, litterfall was greatest early in the experiment (0–6 months) and declined with continued growth. Soil pH increased by up to 1 unit (from pH 4.85) and available P increased by up to 38% (1 g P g^–1) in agroforestry plots where biomass was conserved on the field. In contrast, in plots where biomass was removed, P availability decreased by up to 15%. Coincident with the declines in litterfall, pH decreased by up to 0.26 pH units, plant available P decreased by between 0.27 and 0.72 g g^–1 and P_o concentration decreased by between 8 and 35 g g^–1 in the agroforestry plots. Declines in P_o were related to phosphatase activity (R²=0.65, P<0.05), which was greater under agroforestry species (0.40–0.50 nmol MUB s^–1 g^–1) than maize (0.28 nmol MUB s^–1 g^–1) or the bare fallow (0.25 nmol MUB s^–1 g^–1). Management of tithonia for biomass transfer, decreased available soil P by 0.70 g g^–1 and P_o by 22.82 g g^–1. In this study, tithonia acquired P_o that was unavailable to maize. However, it is apparent that continuous cutting and removal of biomass would lead to rapid depletion of P stored in organic forms.     

Linkage between seasonal gas exchange and hydraulic acclimation in the top canopy leaves of Fagus trees in a mesic forest in Japan

We investigated how leaf gas exchange and hydraulic properties acclimate to increasing evaporative demand in mature beech trees, Fagus crenata Blume and Fagus japonica Maxim., growing in their natural habitat. The measurements in the top canopy leaves were conducted using a 16-m-high scaffolding tower over two growing seasons. The daily maxima of net photosynthetic rate for the early growing season were close to the annual maximum value (11.9 mol m^–2 s^–1 in F. crenata and 7.7 mol m^–2 s^–1 in F. japonica). The daily maxima of water vapor stomatal conductance were highest in the summer, approximately 0.3 mol m^–2 s^–1 in F. crenata and 0.15 mol m^–2 s^–1 in F. japonica. From the early growing season to the summer season, the leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit increased and the daily minima of leaf water potentials decreased. However, there was no loss of leaf turgor in the summer as a result of effective osmotic adjustment. Both the soil-to-leaf hydraulic conductance per unit leaf area and the twig hydraulic conductivity simultaneously increased in the summer, probably as a result of production of new vessels in the xylem. These results suggest that both osmotic adjustment and increased hydraulic conductance resulted in the largest diurnal maximum of stomatal conductance in the summer, resulting in the lowest relative stomatal limitation on net photosynthetic rate, although the leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit was highest. These results indicate that even in a mesic forest, in which excessive hydraulic stress does not occur, the seasonal acclimation of hydraulic properties at both the single leaf and whole plant levels are important for plant carbon gain.     

Effect of fruiting on carbon budgets of apple tree canopies

Summary Carbon budgets were calculated from net photosynthesis and dark respiration measurements for canopies of field-grown, 3-year-old apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) with maximum leaf areas of 5.4 m² in a temperature-controlled Perspex tree chamber, measured in situ over 2 years (July 1988 to October 1990) by computerized infrared gas analysis using a dedicated interface and software. Net photosynthesis (Pn) and carbon assimilation per leaf area peaked at respectively 8.3 and 7.7 mol CO₂ m^–2 s^–1 in April. Net photosynthesis (Pn) and dark respiration (Rd) per tree peaked at 3.6 g CO₂ tree^–1 h^–1 (Pn) and 1.2 g CO₂ tree^–1 h^–1 (Rd), equivalent to 4.2 mol CO₂ (Pn) and 1.4 mol CO₂ (Rd) m^–2 s^–1 with maximum carbon gain per tree in August and maximum dark respiration per tree in October 1988 and 1989. In May 1990, a tree was deblossomed. Pn (per tree) of the fruiting apple tree canopy exceeded that of the non-fruiting tree by 2–2.5 fold from June to August 1990, attributed to reduced photorespiration (RI), and resulting in a 2-fold carbon gain of the fruiting over the non-fruiting tree. Dark respiration of the fruiting tree canopy progressively exceeded, with increasing sink strength of the fruit, by 51% (June–August), 1.4-fold (September) and 2-fold (October) that of the non-fruiting tree due to leaf (i. e. not fruit) respiration to provide energy (a) to produce and maintain the fruit on the tree and (b) thereafter to facilitate the later carbohydrate translocation into the woody perennial parts of the tree. The fruiting tree reached its optium carbon budget 2–4 weeks earlier (August) then the non-fruiting tree (September 1990). In the winter, the trunk respired 2–100 g CO₂ month^–1 tree^–1. These data represent the first long-term examination of the effect of fruiting without fruit removal which shows increased dark respiration and with the increase progressing as the fruit developed.     

Respiratory stimulus in Rhizobium sp. by legume lectins

High molecular weight lectins (> 100 kDa) from seeds of the legumes Canavalia brasiliensis (CnBr), Cratylia floribunda (CFL), Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA) and Vatairea macrocarpa (VML), temporarily stimulate the respiration of Rhizobium tropici-CIAT899 and R. etli-CFN42. These stimulants were significant (P < 0.05) in bacterial suspensions (> 2.85 mg dry biomass ml^–1), having at least 6200 molecules of lectins per bacteria. The VML (20 g ml^–1), induced specific O₂ demand of 2.3–2.5 M O₂ min^–1 mg dry biomass^–1, in CFN42 and CIAT899, respectively. However, CnBr, CFL and PHA induced smaller demands of O₂ (5×), in both strains. The order of affinities of the lectins was approximately VML > PHA > CFL > CnBr, with regard to respiratory stimuli in CIAT899 strain. The co-administration of 10 g VML ml^–1 and 9.8 M galactose, in CIAT899 suspensions, reduced the respiratory stimuli significantly in relation to the treatment with VML alone. These respiratory stimuli, induced by the lectins, increase the significance of the interaction lectin × Rhizobium in terms of bacterial physiology. Its understanding could be important in relation to bacterial symbiotic behaviour.     

N2 fixation by red alder (Alnus rubra) and scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) planted under precommerically thinned Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Summary From acetylene reduction assays over a 10-month period starting in April 1979, nodule activities averaged 18.78 (se 4.67) moles C₂H₄ g nodule dw^–1 h^–1 forAlnus rubra and 59.95 (se 12.14) moles C₂H₄ g nodule dw^–1 h^–1 forCytisus scorparius. Plant rates were 1.91 (se. 47) moles C₂H₄ plant^–1 h^–1 forA. rubra and 0.55 (se. 17) moles C₂H₄ plant^–1 h^–1 forC. Scoparius. Plant activity and total leaf N were strongly correlated with the dw of other plant parts, but nodule activity and percent leaf N were not. Plant and nodule activities were not associated with temperature, moisture stress, precipitation events or percent light for either species over the growing season nor for 54A. rubra sampled in mid-season 1979 on one replication. After 5 to 6 growing seasons, 14A. rubra on the same site ranged from 30 to 332 cm in height and showed strong correlation between nodule dw, leaf dw, plant size and total leaf N. Results from this study and others indicate logistic equations may be modified to predict the effect of adding a N₂ fixing plant to a population of non N₂ fixing trees.     

Measurement and modelling of photosynthetic response of pearl millet to soil phosphorus addition

There have been no studies of the effects of soil P deficiency on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) photosynthesis, despite the fact that P deficiency is the major constraint to pearl millet production in most regions of West Africa. Because current photosynthesis-based crop simulation models do not explicitly take into account P deficiency effects on leaf photosynthesis, they cannot predict millet growth without extensive calibration. We studied the effects of soil addition on leaf P content, photosynthetic rate (A), and whole-plant dry matter production (DM) of non-water-stressed, 28 d pearl millet plants grown in pots containing 6.00 kg of a P-deficient soil. As soil P addition increased from 0 to 155.2 mg P kg^–1 soil, leaf P content increased from 0.65 to 7.0 g kg^–1. Both A and DM had maximal values near 51.7 mg P kg^–1 soil, which corresponded to a leaf P content of 3.2 g kg^–1. Within this range of soil P addition, the slope of A plotted against stomatal conductance (g_s) tripled, and mean leaf internal CO₂ concentration ([CO₂]_i) decreased from 260 to 92 L L^–1, thus indicating that P deficiency limited A through metabolic dysfunction rather than stomatal regulation. Light response curves of A, which changed markedly with P leaf content, were modelled as a single substrate, Michaelis-Menten reaction, using quantum flux as the substrate for each level of soil P addition. An Eadie-Hofstee plot of light response data revealed that both K_M, which is mathematically equivalent to quantum efficiency, and V_max, which is the light-saturated rate of photosynthesis, increased sharply from leaf P contents of 0.6 to 3 g kg^–1, with peak values between 4 and 5 g P kg^–1. Polynomial equations relating K_M and V_max, to leaf P content offered a simple and attractive way of modelling photosynthetic light response for plants of different P status, but this approach is somewhat complicated by the decrease of leaf P content with ontogeny.     

Xylem structure and water transport in a twiner,a scrambler,and a shrub of Lonicera (Caprifoliaceae)

Summary Wood structure and function was investigated in different growth forms of temperate honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.). All three species had many narrow vessels and relatively few wide ones, with the measured K _h (flow rate/pressure gradient) approximately 24–55% of the theoretical K _h predicted by Poiseuille's law. Only the twiner, Lonicera japonica, had some vessels greater than 50 m in diameter. The twiner also had the narrowest stem xylem diameters, suggesting the greater maximum vessel diameter hydraulically compensated for narrow stems. Conversely, the free-standing shrub, L. maackii, had the greatest annual increments of xylem but the least percent conductive xylem implying that a great portion of the wood was involved with mechanical support. The scrambler, L, sempervirens had low maximum vessel diameter, high Huber values (= xylem area/leaf area), and low specific conductivities (= measured K _h/xylem area), much like the shrub. The greatest vessel frequency occurred in the scrambler (901 vessels · mm^-2), the highest thus far recorded in vines. The lowest Huber value and highest specific conductivity occurred in the twiner, suggesting little self-support but relatively efficient water conduction. LSC (= measured K _h/leaf area) and maximum vessel diameter of Lonicera vines were near the low end of the range for vines in general.     

Nitrogen cycling in a northern hardwood forest: Do species matter?

To investigate the influence of individual tree species on nitrogen (N) cycling in forests, we measured key characteristics of the N cycle in small single-species plots of five dominant tree species in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. The species studied were sugar maple (Acer saccharum), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and red oak (Quercus rubra). The five species varied markedly in N cycling characteristics. For example, hemlock plots consistently showed characteristics associated with "slow" N cycling, including low foliar and litter N, high soil C:N, low extractable N pools, low rates of potential net N mineralization and nitrification and low NO ₃ ^– amounts trapped in ion-exchange resin bags buried in the mineral soil. Sugar maple plots had the lowest soil C:N, and the highest levels of soil characteristics associated with NO ₃ ^– production and loss (nitrification, extractable NO ₃ ^– , and resin bag NO ₃ ^– ). In contrast, red oak plots had near-average net mineralization rates and soil C:N ratios, but very low values of the variables associated with NO ₃ ^– production and loss. Correlations between soil N transformations and litter concentrations of N, lignin, lignin:N ratio, or phenolic constituents were generally weak. The inverse correlation between net nitrification rate and soil C:N that has been reported in the literature was present in this data set only if red oak plots were excluded from the analysis. This study indicates that tree species can exert a strong control on N cycling in forest ecosystems that appears to be mediated through the quality of soil organic matter, but that standard measures of litter quality cannot explain the mechanism of control.     

Adaptive photosynthetic strategies of the Mediterranean maquis species according to their origin

In consideration of their origin the adaptive strategies of the evergreen species of the Mediterranean maquis were analysed. Rosmarinus officinalis L., Erica arborea L., and Erica multiflora L. had the lowest net photosynthetic rate (P_N) in the favourable period [7.8±0.6 mol(CO₂) m^–2s^–1, mean value], the highest P_N decrease (on an average 86 % of the maximum) but the highest recovery capacity (>70 % of the maximum) at the first rainfall in September. Cistus incanus L. and Arbutus unedo L. had the highest P_N during the favourable period [15.5±5.2 mol(CO₂) m^–2s^–1, mean value], 79 % decrease during drought, and a lower recovery capacity (on an average 54 %). Quercus ilex L., Phillyrea latifolia L., and Pistacia lentiscus L. had an intermediate P_N in the favourable period [9.2±1.3 mol(CO2) m^–2s^–1, mean value], a lower reduction during drought (on an average 63 %), and a range from 62 % (Q. ilex and P. latifolia) to 39 % (P. lentiscus) of recovery capacity. The Mediterranean species had higher decrease in P_N and stomatal conductance during drought and a higher recovery capacity than the pre-Mediterranean species. Among the pre-Mediterranean species, P. latifoliahad the best adaptation to long drought periods also by its higher leaf mass per area (LMA) which lowered leaf temperature thus decreasing transpiration rate during drought. Moreover, its leaf longevity determined a more stable leaf biomass during the year. Among the Mediteranean species, R. officinalis was the best adapted species to short drought periods by its ability to rapidly recover. Nevertheless, R. officinalis had the lowest tolerance to high temperatures by its P_N dropping below half its maximum value when leaf temperature was over 33.6°C. R. officinalismay be used as a bioindicator species of global change.This revised version was published online in March 2005 with corrections to the page numbers.     

Gas exchange of Ginkgo biloba leaves at different CO2 concentration levels

One and a half year-old Ginkgo saplings were grown for 2 years in 7 litre pots with medium fertile soil at ambient air CO₂ concentration and at 700 μmol mol⁻¹ CO₂ in temperature and humidity-controlled cabinets standing in the field. In the middle of the 2nd season of CO₂ enrichment, CO₂ exchange and transpiration in response to CO₂ concentration was measured with a mini-cuvette system. In addition, the same measurements were conducted in the crown of one 60-year-old tree in the field. Number of leaves/tree was enhanced by elevated CO₂ and specific leaf area decreased significantly.CO₂ compensation points were reached at 75–84 μmol mol⁻¹ CO₂. Gas exchange of Ginkgo saplings reacted more intensively upon CO₂ than those of the adult Ginkgo. On an average, stomatal conductance decreased by 30% as CO₂ concentration increased from 30 to 1000 μmol mol⁻¹ CO₂. Water use efficiency of net photosynthesis was positively correlated with CO₂ concentration levels. Saturation of net photosynthesis and lowest level of stomatal conductance was reached by the leaves of Ginkgo saplings at >1000 μmol mol⁻¹ CO₂. Acclimation of leaf net CO₂ assimilation to the elevated CO₂ concentration at growth occurred after 2 years of exposure. Maximum of net CO₂ assimilation was 56% higher at ambient air CO₂ concentration than at 700 μmol mol⁻¹ CO₂.     

Water relations of the root hemiparasite Olax phyllanthi (Labill) R.Br. (Olacaceae) and its multiple hosts

Summary Water relations of the root hemiparasite Olax phyllanthi were compared with those of its major species of hosts in natural habitat in coastal heath near Denmark, SW Australia. Leaf water potentials of Olax during winter were 0.4 to 1.4 MPa lower (more negative) than those of all (29) non parasitic host species examined. During the dry summer months (January to March), shallow-rooted hosts developed water potentials up to 3 MPa lower than those of Olax, and were accordingly rated as no longer accessible as a source of water to the hemiparasite. By contrast, deep-rooted hosts, with access to the water table, showed water potentials less negative than Olax, and haustorial contacts retained with these apparently enabled continued extraction of water and nutrients throughout the summer. Three other species of root hemiparasites parasitized by Olax, but not themselves parasitizing Olax, showed leaf water potentials throughout the year very close to, and mostly slightly more negative than those of Olax. Nocturnal measurements of leaf water potential in winter (July and August) in soil at field capacity (water potential –0.006 MPa) showed maintenance of a 0.5–0.8 MPa potential difference between Olax and a range of common host species. By dawn most hosts had equilibrated with the water potential of the soil, whereas both exposed and bagged Olax plants recorded potentials of –0.8 MPa. Daytime rates of transpiration and photosynthesis of Olax were less than those of a range of common hosts, but water use efficiencies were not consistently different between hemiparasite and hosts. This was reflected in almost identical mean values for carbon isotope ratio (¹³C/¹²C) between Olax (mean value –27.0) and thirteen frequently exploited hosts ( value –27.1). The results are discussed in relation to published information on other angiosperm hemiparasites.     

Seasonal changes in apparent hydraulic conductance and their implications for water use of European beech (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis> L.) and sessile oak [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus petraea</Emphasis> (Matt.) Liebl] in South Europe

The water status of Fagus sylvatica L. and Quercus petraea (Matt) Liebl. was analysed during a cycle of progressive natural drought in southern Europe. Predawn (Ψ_pd) and midday water potential were measured in transpiring (Ψ_leaf) and non-transpiring leaves (Ψ_xyl). Furthermore, photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance to water vapour (g_s) and sap flow (F_d) were recorded on the same dates. Apparent leaf specific hydraulic conductance in the soil–plant–air continuum (K_h) and whole tree hydraulic conductance (K_hsf) were calculated by using the simple analogy of the Ohm’s law. K_h was estimated at different points in the pathway as the ratio between transpiration (E) in the uppermost canopy leaves at midday and the gradient of water potential in the different compartments of the continuum soil–roots–stem–branches–leaves. There was a progressive decrease in water potential measured on non-transpiring leaves at the base of tree crown in both species (Ψ^l_xyl) from the beginning of the growing season to the end of summer. A similar decrease was shown in shoot water potential (Ψ^u_xyl) at the uppermost canopy. Predawn water potential (Ψ_pd) was high in both species until late July (28 July); afterwards, a significant decrease was registered in F. sylvatica and Q. petraea with minimum values of −0.81±0.03 and −0.75±0.06 MPa, respectively, by 15 September. In both species, leaf specific hydraulic conductance in the overall continuum soil–plant–air (K_h) decreased progressively as water stress increases. Minimum values of K_h and K_hsf were recorded when Ψ_pd was lower. However, Q. petraea showed higher K_h than F. sylvatica for the same Ψ_pd. The decrease in K_h with water stress was mainly linked to its fall from the soil to the lowermost canopy (K_srs). Nevertheless, a significant resistance in the petiole–leaf lamina (K_pl) was also recorded because significant differences in all dates were found on Ψ between transpiring and non-transpiring leaves from the same shoot. The decline in K_h was followed by an increase in stomatal control of daily water losses through the decrease of stomatal conductance to water vapour (g_s) during the day. It promoted a seasonal increase in the stomatal limitation to carbon dioxide uptake for photosynthesis (A). These facts were more relevant in F. sylvatica, which had concurrently a higher decline in water use at the tree level than Q. petraea. The results showed a strong coupling in F. sylvatica and Q. petraea between processes at leaf and tree level. It may be hypothesised a role of specific hydraulic conductance not only in the regulation of water losses by transpiration but also of carbon uptake.