兰州北山不同坡向刺槐叶脉密度与气孔性状的关联性分析

植物叶脉和气孔性状的关系反映了叶片的水力特性, 对认识它们与植物水分利用有关的生理功能间的关系及其调控作用具有重要意义。该文利用GIS (geographic information system)与实验生态学相结合的方法, 采用标准化主轴估计方法, 研究了兰州市北山不同坡向人工林刺槐(Robinia pseudoacacia)叶脉密度与气孔密度、气孔大小的关系。结果表明: 随着坡向由南坡向东坡、西坡和北坡转变, 植被群落的郁闭度、高度和土壤含水量呈逐渐增加的趋势, 刺槐的净光合速率(P_n)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、光合有效辐射(PAR)、叶脉密度和气孔密度呈逐渐减小的趋势, 气孔与叶面积呈逐渐增大的趋势; 各个坡向的刺槐叶脉密度与气孔密度呈显著正相关关系, 与气孔大小呈显著负相关关系, 且在南坡达到极显著相关关系。生长在南坡的刺槐具有高的叶脉密度和密而小的气孔, 生长在北坡的刺槐具有低的叶脉密度和疏而大的气孔。不同坡向刺槐叶脉密度与气孔特征间的资源分配模式, 反映了植物在异质性生境中根据其功能需求在自身性状之间进行投资权衡机制的优化。     

Relationships between leaf thickness and vein traits of Achnatherum splendens under different soil moisture conditions in a flood plain wetland,Heihe River,China

Aims The correlations between leaf thickness and vein traits influenced the leaf hydraulic dynamic balance, and there were important meanings to reveal ecophysiological mechanisms of plant leaves water transport and growth rate. Our objective was to study the changes in the relationship between leaf thickness and vein traits (vein diameter, vein density) of Achnatherum splendenspopulations by using standardized major axis estimation (SMA) method under different soil moisture conditions located in flood plain wetland of Zhangye.Methods The study site was located at flood plains wetland of Zhangye, Gansu Province, China. Selecting a starting point along the vertical direction of the river, in turn, along the soil moisture gradient, four plots were set up at intervals of 40 m, plot I (50.07%), plot II (38.77%), plot III (31.5%) and plot IV (20.4%). From each of the four sample plots, seven samples were collected, resulting in (5 m × 5 m) a total of 28 samples. Community traits (height, density) and soil physical and chemical properties were investigated. Six individual samplings of A. splendens from each plot were used to measure the leaf thickness, vein density and vein diameter in laboratory. In addition, the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), leaf net photosynthetic rate (P_n) and transpiration rate (T_r) of A. splendens were measured in natural environment. The 28 plots were categorized into groups I, II, III and IV, and SMA estimation method was then used to examine the allometric relationship among leaf thickness, vein density and vein diameter. Important findings With a decreased soil moisture, the plant density and height displayed a pattern of steadily declining, while the soil electrical conductivity increased, In addition, the vein density, leaf thickness, water use efficiency (WUE), PAR and twig number of A. splendens displayed a pattern of initial decrease, whereas the vein diameter and T_r increase gradually, P_n and plant high displayed changing trends of increasing-decreasing. The leaf thickness was negatively associated with the vein density, vein diameter, and the relationship varied with the soil moisture conditions (p< 0.05). There was a significant positive relationship (p < 0.05) between the leaf thickness and vein density. The SMA slope of the regression equation gradually decreased and was significantly different from 1.0 (p < 0.05) on plot I and IV. In addition, along decreased soil moisture, the standardized major axis slope of regression equation in the scaling relationships between the leaf thickness and vein diameter gradually increased and was significantly different from -1.0 (p < 0.05) on plot I and IV.     

Correlation between vein density and water use efficiency of Salix matsudana in Zhangye Wetland,China

Aims The correlation between vein density and water use efficiency (WUE) affects the balance between water supply and demand of plant leaves, which is significant for comprehending the ecological adaptation strategies of plants. The objective of this study was to study how Salix matsudana modulated vein density and WUE along a soil moisture gradient in Zhangye Wetland, China. Methods The study was conducted in floodplain wetland near Heihe River in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, China. Three sample plots, at a spatial interval of 70 m, were set up along a soil moisture gradient ordinally from the area near the water body to the wetland edge, plot I (69.23%), spot II (48.38%) and spot III (35.27%). Community traits were investigated by using diagonal method, and all individuals of S. matsudana were used for measurements of height and canopy. At each plot, 5 individuals of S. matsudana at 4 vertices and diagonal intersection were selected for measurements of vein density, WUE, net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), saturated vapor pressure differences (VPD), specific leaf area, stomatal conductance (G_s) and intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i). We used mathematical methods of correlation analysis and standardized major axis to investigate relationships between vein density and WUE. Important findings With decreasing soil moisture, the height, canopy, specific leaf area, G_s and C_i of S. matsudana decreased gradually, while the vein density, WUE, P_n, T_r, PAR and VPD increased gradually. The correlation between vein density and WUE was positive in all the three plots, but the relationship varied along the soil moisture plots gradient. There was a highly significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) between the vein density and WUE at plot I and III, whereas the correlation only reached a significant level (p < 0.05) at plot II; The correlation coefficient between vein density and WUE is significantly smaller than 1 at plot I (p < 0.05), while the correlation coefficient is significant greater than 1 at plot II and III (p < 0.05). We can conclude that varied relationships between vein density and WUE of S. matsudana along a soil moisture gradient could reflect plant acclimation.     

Canopy structure and radiation interception of Salix matsudana: Stand density dependent relationships

Aims Plants can enhance their photosynthetic efficiency and competitiveness by adjusting canopy structure and radiation interception. The objective of this paper was to quantify the relationship between canopy structure (crown depth and crown area) and light interception (LI) in a Salix matsudana stand under three different stand densities in a flood plain of Zhangye.Methods Our study site is located at the Heihe flood plain of Xichengyi in Ganzhou district, Zhangye City, Gansu Province in the middle Heihe River, where S. matsudana is the dominant species. Based on stand density (10 m × 10 m), the S. matsudana community is divided into three types: low density (I, 25-36 Ind.·plot^-1), medium density (II, 37-48 Ind.·plot^-1), and high density (III, 49-60 Ind.·plot^-1). Community characteristics, soil physical and chemical properties of each type were measured. At each plot, we measured photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), LI, net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r), crown depth, crown area, leaf area index (LAI), twig numbers, twig length, and bifurcation angle. The standardized major axis (SMA) estimation method was used to determine the relationships between LI and canopy structure.Important findings With increasing in stand density, we found that soil moisture increased, and soil electric conductivity decreased, while twig length and crown depth increased, and PAR, twig numbers, bifurcation angle and crown area decreased. LAI and LI, P_n and T_r reached their maximum at the stand of medium density. There was a significant, positive correlation and negative correlation (p < 0.01), respectively, between the LI, crown depth and crown area at low density (I), whereas low significant (p < 0.05) at high density (III), and high significantly positive correlation (p < 0.01) at the medium density (II). S. matsudana has more horizontal branches that reduce LI. Canopy thickness and increased crown area at low density. More vertical distribution of branches at high density, and a more balanced spacial distribution were found at medium density.     

Trade-off between leaf size and vein density of Achnatherum splendens in Zhangye wetland

Aims Trade-offs between leaf size and vein density are the basis of the theory of leaf economics spectrum, and are to understand the relationship between the physical build and physiological metabolism of plant leaves under different degrees of competition for resources. Our objective was to study the changes in the relationship between leaf size and vein density (leaf dry biomass and leaf area) in Achnatherum splendens populations with four plant bundle densities located in the flood plain wetland of Zhangye. Methods The study site was located at floodplain wetlands of Zhangye, Gansu Province, China. Survey and sampling were carried out in the communities that A. splendens dominated. According to the plant bundle density, the A. splendens communities were divided into four density gradients with “bundle” for the sampling units, high density (I, > 12 bundle·m^-2), medium density (II, 8-12 bundle·m^-2), medium density (III, 4-8 bundle·m^-2) and Low density (IV, <4 bundle·m^-2). According to the density of each combination, we chose seven (5 m × 5 m) A. splendens samples, resulting in a total of 28 samples (4 × 7). The soil physical and chemical properties of four density gradients were investigated and six samples of A. splendens were used to measure the leaf area, leaf dry biomass and vein density in laboratory, and biomass of different organs was measured after being dried at 85 °C in an oven. 28 plots were categorized into three groups: high, medium and low density, and the standardized major axis (SMA) estimation method was used to examine the allometric relationships between leaf area, leaf dry biomass and vein density. Important findings The results showed that with the population density changed from high, medium, to low, the soil moisture decreased, and soil electric conductivityincreased. The leaf area, leaf biomass and height of A. splendens decreased, and the vein density, specific leaf area and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) increased gradually. In addition, leaf net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r) and twig number firstly increased then decreased. There was a highly significantly negative correlation (p < 0.01) between the leaf size and vein density on the high- and low-level densities (I, IV), whereas less significant (p < 0.05) on the level of medium density (II, III). The SMA slope of regression equation in the scaling relationships between leaf size and vein density was significantly smaller than -1 (p < 0.05).     

Trade-off relationship between root forks and branch angle of Reaumuria songarica on different aspects of slopes

Aims Root architecture is a major determinant in root spatial distribution and soil searching efficiency, may reflect plant strategies to adapt to the environments. Our objective was to examine the relationship between root forks and branch angle of Reaumuria songarica in response to slope aspects in the northwest of China.Methods The study site was located in desert grasslands on the northern slope of Qilian Mountains, Gansu Province, China. Survey and sampling were carried out along 20 belt transects. It were set up on sites of four different slope aspects at intervals of 30 m vertically from elevation 1940 m of the study area moving upward, 6 plots were set up flatly on site of each belt transect at intervals of 20 m. A handheld GPS was used to record longitude, latitude and altitude of each plot. ArcGIS was used to set up digital elevation model to extract the information of elevation, aspect, and slope for each plot. The traits of plant communities were investigated and 1 individual’s samplings of R. songarica were used to measure the root forks, root length and root branch angle in laboratory in each plot, and biomass of different organs was measured after being dried at 80 °C in an oven. The 120 plots were categorized into groups of south, west, east, and north aspects of slopes, and the linear regression analysis was then used to examine the trade-off relationship between root forks and branch angle in various groups.Important findings The results showed that with the slope aspect turned from south, west, east to north, the density, cover, height, above biomass and soil moisture content of the plant community displayed a pattern of initial increase, while the height, root-shoot ratio, root branch angle of R. songarica displayed a pattern of initial decrease, and the density, specific root length, root forks increase. The number of root forks was negatively associated with the branch angle, but the relationship varied along the aspect gradient (p < 0.05). There was a highly significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) between the root forks and branch angle on north slope and south slope, whereas less significant (p < 0.05) on the east slope and west slope. There is a trade-off relationship between the root forks and link length. In addition, when the slope aspect changed from south to west, east and north, the standardized major axis slope of regression equation in the scaling relationships between root forks and branch angle decrease (p < 0.05), indicating that the root architecture model of R. songarica by diffusion to gather. Consequently, the patterns of resource allocation between root forks and branch angle in different slope habitats reflected the mechanism of environment adaptation under conditions of multiple competitions for resources in plant populations.     

Fractal root system of Melica przewalskyi along different aspect in degraded grassland

Aims Fractal root system is phenotypic plasticity result of plant root architecture to respond to environmental heterogeneity, may reflect the growth strategy of plants to adapt to environmental conditions. Our objective was to explore the relationship between root fractal dimension and fractal abundance of fractal root system of Melica przewalskyi population in response to aspect variation in the northwest of China. Methods The study site was located in a degraded alpine grassland on the northern slope in Qilian Mountains, Gansu Province, China. Survey and sampling were carried out at 40 plots which were set up along four slope aspects transects with 20 m distance between adjacent plots. Handheld GPS was used to determine the elevation, longitude and latitude of each plot. ArcGIS was used to set up digital elevation model (DEM). Community traits were investigated and six individuals roots of M. przewalskyi were collected randomly at each plot. The samples were cleaned and divided into different organs, then scanning the root with the Win-RHIZO for measurements of fractal dimension and fractal abundance in laboratory, and their biomass were then measured after being dried at 80 °C in an oven. Important findings With the slope aspect turned from north to east, west, and south, the density, height and soil moisture content of the plant community displayed a pattern of initial decline, the height, density, root fractal abundance of M. przewalskyi increased and the root fractal dimension decreased. The root fractal dimension was negatively associated with the fractal abundance in all aspects, but the relationship varied along the slope aspects gradient; there was a highly significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) between the root fractal dimension and fractal abundance at north slope and south slope aspect, whereas the correlation only reached a significant level (p < 0.05) at the east slope aspect and west slope aspect; indicating that there is a trade-off between the root fractal dimension and fractal abundance. In addition, when the slope aspect changed from north to east, west and south, the standardized major axis (SMA) slope of the regression equation in the scaling relationships between root fractal dimension and fractal abundance increased (p < 0.05), indicating that the roots of M. przewalskyi at the droughty southern slope have less branch and more sparse in the same soil volume of root exploitation and utilization. Consequently, the resource allocation pattern on reasonable trade-off between root fractal dimension and fractal abundance in different slope aspect of M. przewalskyi, reflects the relationship between the income and the cost of construction of plant root architecture.     

Trade-off relationship between vein density and vein diameter of Achnatherum splendens in response to habitat changes in Zhangye wetland

Aims The coevolution between vein traits has influences on water use strategies of plant and the formation of leaf economic spectrum, and therefore is important for understanding the trade-off between carbon input in leaf vein construction and the functional feedback from leaf veins. Our aim is to study the allometric relationship between vein density and vein diameter of Achnatherum splendens populations at three natural microhabitats (subcanopy, transitional and open areas) in Zhangye wetland. Methods According to the shade condition of the arbor canopy and the distance to arbor, the A. splendens community were divided into three microenvironments: subcanopy, transitional and open areas. We sampled 10 (4 m × 4 m) A. splendens plots from each microenvironment and investigate the biological characteristics of the plots and leaf traits of the plants within the plots. Then the soil physical and chemical properties, and community photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were investigated at three gradients. Six individual of A. splendens were selected in each plot and the leaf length, leaf width, vein density and vein diameter of two or three healthy and complete leaves from four directions of each individual were measured in laboratory. The SMA estimation method and correlation analysis were then used to examine the allometric relationship between vein density and vein diameter. Important findings Along the gradient from subcanopy, transitional zone to open areas, soil moisture displayed a pattern of initial decrease of plant community, and soil electric conductivity displayed increase changing trends. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), vein density (1.28-1.59 mm·mm^-2), leaf width and water use efficiency (WUE) increase gradually, while the leaf length, vein diameter (0.21-0.16 mm) of A. splendens decrease. The average value of plasticity indexes of leaf characteristics was 0.19. Leaf net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r) and bundle density increase first and them decrease. The vein density and vein diameter of A. splendens were negatively correlated with each other in subcanopy environment (p < 0.01), transitional and open areas (p < 0.05). The SMA (0.54-1.50) slope of regression equation in the scaling relationships between vein density and vein diameter decrease gradually from subcanopy to open areas.     

Carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry of Myrica nana in Yunnan,China

Aims Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) play important roles in plant growth and physiological functions. We aimed at exploring the intrinsic relationships of C, N and P in Myrica nana—a common shrub in Yunnan Province—as well as their relationships with pant biomass and soil nutrients.
Methods We measured the concentration of C, N and P of M. nana from 29 sites for their magnitudes and correlations with soil nutrients.
Important findings 1) The arithmetic mean value of C, N and P concentration in the roots, stems and leaves of M. nana was 45.94%, 0.54%, 0.03%, and 46.32%, 0.58%, 0.03%, and 49.05%, 1.70%, 0.06%, respectively. C, N and P concentrations in the leaves were significantly higher than those in the roots and the stems. The C:N:P in roots, stems and leaves was 1531:18:1, 1544:19:1, and 818:10:1, respectively. 2) The C concentration and N:P in leaves of M. nana decreased with the increase of biomass of M. nana; the leaf C concentration was significantly correlated with biomass (p < 0.01), while the correlation between N:P and biomass was not significant (p > 0.05). The leaf N increased with the increase of plant biomass, the P was significantly correlated with biomass (p < 0.05), but the correlation between N concentration and biomass was not significant (p > 0.05). N:P in leaves was 34.2, suggesting that plant growth was limited by P. 3) C, N and P concentration in the roots were significantly correlated with soil P (p < 0.05), with N, P concentrations correlated with soil P positively (p < 0.01) and C negatively (p < 0.05). C concentration in the stems was significantly and negatively correlated with soil C, N, with significant correlation with C, N, and P concentration (p < 0.01). P concentration in the stems was significantly and positively correlated with soil P concentration (p < 0.01), while leaf P significantly and positively correlated with soil C, N and P (p < 0.01); leaf C concentration was significantly and negatively correlated with soil P (p < 0.01).     

高寒草地狼毒枝-叶性状的坡度差异性

枝条与叶片的生长关系是植物形成不同冠层结构充分利用空间资源的一种策略, 有利于植株通过构型调整增强自身的光合效率和竞争力, 以适应不同的生境条件。在石羊河上游高寒退化草地, 利用ArcGIS建立研究区域的数字高程模型(DEM), 并提取样地坡度数据, 采用标准化主轴估计(SMA)方法, 研究了不同坡度狼毒(Stellera chamaejasme)种群枝与叶的生长。结果表明: 随着坡度增大, 狼毒叶大小、枝长度和分枝数均呈逐渐减小趋势; 狼毒分枝数与枝长度、叶片数与枝长度均呈异速生长关系, 枝长度增加的速度大于叶片数增加的速度, 分枝数增加的速度大于枝长度增加的速度; 不同坡度间的比较显示, 较大坡度上狼毒分枝数与枝长度、叶片数与枝长度的异速斜率均较大, 在枝长度一定的条件下, 较大坡度的狼毒具有更大的叶片数与枝长度的比值和分枝数与枝长度的比值。坡度差异造成环境因子和植被群落环境的变化, 进而影响狼毒的资源利用策略, 表现为枝条与叶片构型以及二者之间关系的变化, 反映了毒杂草较强表型可塑性的适应机制。     

张掖湿地芨芨草叶大小和叶脉密度的权衡关系

叶大小-叶脉密度的权衡关系是植物叶经济谱理论的基础, 对理解资源竞争条件下植物叶片的物理构建与生理代谢的关系具有重要的意义。该文采用标准化主轴估计(standardized major axis estimation, SMA)的方法, 按芨芨草(Achnatherum splendens)株丛密度设置I (>12丛·m^-2)、II (8-12丛·m^-2)、III (4-8丛·m^-2)和IV (<4丛·m^-2) 4个密度梯度, 以叶面积和叶干质量分别表示叶大小, 对张掖洪泛平原湿地不同密度条件下芨芨草种群的叶大小和叶脉密度的关系进行研究。结果表明: 随着芨芨草株丛密度的降低, 湿地群落的土壤含水量逐渐减小、土壤电导率逐渐增加, 芨芨草的净光合速率(P_n)、蒸腾速率(T_r)和分枝数呈先增大后减小的趋势, 叶面积、叶干质量、比叶面积和株高呈逐渐减小趋势、光合有效辐射(PAR)和叶脉密度呈逐渐增加趋势; 芨芨草叶大小和叶脉密度在高密度(I)和低密度(IV)样地均呈极显著负相关关系(p < 0.01), 中密度(II、III)样地二者呈显著负相关关系(p < 0.05); 叶大小和叶脉密度回归方程的SMA斜率在不同密度样地均显著小于-1 (p < 0.05), 即芨芨草叶大小和叶脉密度呈“此消彼长”的权衡关系。在高密度湿地群落芨芨草倾向于大叶片低叶脉密度的叶片构建模式, 在低密度湿地群落选择小叶片高叶脉密度的异速生长模式, 体现了密度制约下湿地植物的生物量分配格局和资源利用对策。     

Geostatistical analysis of spatial variations in leaf traits of woody plants in Tiantong,Zhejiang Province

AimsExploring spatial variations in leaf traits and their relationships with environmental properties is crucial for understanding plant adaptation strategies and community assembly. This study aimed to reveal how leaf traits varied spatially and the role of environmental factors.MethodsThe study was conducted in a 5-hm² forest plot in Tiantong, Zhejiang Province. Three leaf traits, including individual leaf area (ILA), specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) were measured for 20253 individual trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥1 cm. Soil properties measured included contents of soil total nitrogen, soil total phosphorus, soil total carbon, soil pH value, soil volumetric water content, bulk density, and humus depth. Topographic variables measured included elevation, slope and convexity. We used geostatistical analysis to reveal spatial variations of the three leaf traits. Relationships between leaf variability and environmental factors were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s correlation.Important findings Spatial variability followed the order of ILA > SLA > LDMC. Spatial autocorrelation of three leaf traits was weak within a distance of 5.16 m. The optimal model of the semi-variogram function was Gaussian model for ILA, and exponential model for SLA and LDMC. ILA showed the largest variability at the direction of northeast-southwest, and smallest variability at the direction of northwest-southeast. In contrast, SLA and LDMC had the highest variability at the direction of northwest-southeast and least variability at the direction of northeast-southwest. There were significantly negative relationships between ILA and topographic factors (r = -0.12, p < 0.0001), and between SLA and soil nutrients (r = -0.16, p < 0.0001). In contrast, LDMC was positively correlated with soil nutrients (r = 0.13, p < 0.0001). Relative to soil nutrients, topographic factors affected much more variations in ILA, SLA and LDMC at the direction of northeast-southwest. Distinctly, at the direction of northwest-southeast, variability of ILA was affected mainly by topographic factors, while soil nutrients resulted in the most variability of SLA and LDMC. In conclusion, leaf traits varied considerably with spatial direction in the studied forest plot. Associations between leaf traits and topographic factors and soil nutrients indirectly indicated effects of environmental filtering on community assembly.     

Ecophysiological adaptability of four tree species in the southern subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest to warming

Aims The subject of this study was to investigate warming effects on leaf stomatal traits, anatomical structure and photosynthetic traits of four common tree species in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest of southern China, and to compare their physiological adaptability to warming. Our study aims to provide a theoretical basis for better predicting the tree growth of native forests in a warming climate.Methods One-year-old seedlings of Syzygium rehderianum, Ormosia pinnata, Castanopsis hystrix and Schima superba were selected and exposed to two levels of temperature (ambient temperature and infrared heater warming). Leaf stomatal traits, anatomical structure and photosynthetic characteristics were measured to represent the abilities of stomatal regulation, leaf tissue regulation and nutrient maintenance, respectively.Important findings For Syzygium rehderianum, warming decreased its leaf sponge tissue thickness, photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency (PNUE) and photosynthetic phosphorous-use efficiency (PPUE). Seedling of O. pinnata exposed to warming showed increased stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, PNUE and PPUE, but decreased stomatal density, leaf thickness and palisade tissue thickness. For C. hystrix, warming decreased the stomata size, but did not affect its photosynthetic rate. Seedling of Schima superba exposed to warming showed lower stomata density, leaf palisade tissue thickness, photosynthetic rate, PNUE and PPUE, but higher stomata size. These results suggested that O. pinnata, Syzygium rehderianum and Schima superba could reduce their leaf thickness to acclimate to warming conditions. The abilities of stomatal regulation, nutrient maintenance, photosynthetic rate and PNUE varied among these tree species. Warming would be beneficial for the growth of O. pinnata due to increased photosynthetic rate, PNUE and PPUE, while not for Syzygium rehderianum and Schima superba, the two dominant tree species of native forests. This study indicated that, with projected climate change, O. pinnata may replace Syzygium rehderianum and Schima superba as a new dominant tree species in the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest for its stronger adaptability to warming.     

Sap flow characteristics and its responses to precipitation in Robinia pseudoacacia and Platycladus orientalis plantations

Aim In the loess hilly region, drought stress frequently occurs during the late spring and early summer as a result of insufficient water supply and asynchronous changes between temperature and precipitation. Our objective was to quantify the characteristics of water-consumption through transpirations and their responses to precipitation in the dominant plantations in this region. Methods Thermal dissipation probe (TDP) was used to measure the sap flow density (F_d) of Robinia pseudoacacia and Platycladus orientalis from April through October in 2009 in Ansai National Ecological Experimental Station. Environmental variables, including meteorological factors and soil water content, were simultaneously measured. Important findings The diurnal variation of F_d exhibited a single-peak curve during the growing season of R. pseudoacacia and P. orientalis. The maximum F_d was three times greater in R. pseudoacacia (0.12068 m³·m^-2·h^-1) than that in P. orientalis (0.03737 m³·m^-2·h^-1). Except in the rapid-growth season (July to August), the F_d of these two species during the post-precipitation period were significantly higher than that during the pre-precipitation period. The F_d of P. orientalis and R. pseudoacacia was well fitted with transpiration (VT), an integrated index calculated from both vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and solar radiation (R_s), using an exponential saturation function. Generally, F_d increased in response to rising VT, while these values tended to be stable when VT reached about 50 kPa (W·m^-2)^1/2. Furthermore, R. pseudoacacia showed more sensitive to precipitation (p < 0.001) than P. orientalis, according to different hydraulic conductance model coefficients (fitting parameter b) between pre- and post-precipitation periods. Therefore, R. pseudoacacia could be considered as a precipitation-sensitive species, while P. orientalisasa precipitation-insensitive species. Through analyzing the different responses of plantation species to precipitation in the loess hilly region, this study provides a scientific basis for the local plantation management from the aspect of tree water use during ecological restoration.     

Simulation on the light-response curves of electron transport rate of Quercus variabilis and Robinia pseudoacacia leaves in the Xiaolangdi area,China

为了比较直角双曲线模型、非直角双曲线模型与叶子飘模型的优缺点, 研究阴生叶和阳生叶电子传递速率的差异, 探讨环境/生物因素对电子传递速率等参数的影响, 该文采用LI-6400XT荧光测定系统对黄河小浪底栓皮栎(Quercus variabilis)、刺槐(Robinia pseudoacacia)叶片电子传递速率-光响应(J-I)曲线进行了测定, 利用直角双曲线模型、非直角双曲线模型和叶子飘模型对J-I曲线进行了拟合。结果表明, 3种模型对叶片J-I曲线拟合的决定系数(R ²)在0.96以上, 叶子飘模型的R ²最高(> 0.99)。直角双曲线模型和非直角双曲线模型无法模拟植物叶片光系统II动力学下调现象, 且不能得出饱和光强(I_sat); 直角双曲线模型对最大电子传递速率(J_max)的模拟明显大于实测值; 叶子飘模型能很好地模拟光系统II动力学下调现象, 得出的J_max和I_sat均最接近实测值。对阴生叶和阳生叶J-I曲线研究发现, 栓皮栎、刺槐阴生叶的J_max分别低于阳生叶25.0%和18.0%, 阳生叶的I_sat分别高于阴生叶26.0%和10.1%。栓皮栎和刺槐J_max与气温显著正相关; 刺槐I_sat与气温、土壤水分含量和净光合速率具有显著的正相关关系; 栓皮栎和刺槐J-I曲线初始斜率α均与净光合速率呈显著负相关关系。     

红砂根系分叉数和分支角度权衡关系的坡向差异

根系构型是决定根系分布及其对土体搜索效率的重要因素, 是植物与资源环境异质性相互适应的结果。利用ArcGIS建立研究区域的数字高程模型(digital elevation model), 采用全根系挖掘法, 研究了祁连山北坡荒漠草原不同坡向红砂(Reaumuria songarica)根系分叉数和分支角度的关系。结果表明: 不同坡向梯度草地群落的盖度、密度、高度和土壤含水量呈不同的变化趋势(p < 0.05), 红砂种群的密度、高度和根冠比等生物学特征的变化规律存在差异(p < 0.05); 不同坡向红砂根系分叉数和分支角度的相关性存在差异(p < 0.05), 在南坡和北坡红砂根系分叉数和分支角度之间存在极显著的负相关关系(p < 0.01), 在东坡和西坡根系分叉数和分支角度之间存在显著的负相关关系(p < 0.05), 红砂根系分配给根系分叉数和分支角度的资源存在着“此消彼长”的权衡关系; 随着坡向由南坡向西坡、东坡、北坡转变, 红砂根系分叉数和分支角度回归方程的标准化主轴斜率逐渐减小(p < 0.05), 红砂根系构型模式由扩散型转向聚集型。不同坡向红砂根系合理权衡连接长度和分支角度的资源配置模式, 反映了异质生境中植物种群应对资源多重竞争的环境生态适应机制。     

Stomatal characteristics of ferns and angiosperms and their responses to changing light intensity at different habitats

气孔是植物与大气环境进行气体交换的重要通道, 在调控植物碳水平衡方面发挥着重要作用。为探讨生境和植物类型对气孔形态特征的影响以及气孔对光强变化的响应格局在不同植物间和不同生境条件下的变异, 选取开阔生境和林下生境的5种蕨类植物和4种被子植物, 测定了它们的气孔形态特征和气孔导度对光强变化的响应。此外, 还收集了8篇文献中开阔和林下生境的45种蕨类植物和70种被子植物的气孔密度和气孔长度数据, 以增大样本量从而更好地探讨不同生境条件下蕨类和被子植物气孔密度及长度的变异格局, 并通过分析生境和植物类型对气孔形态特征的影响来推测生境和植物类型对气孔响应行为的可能影响。实验结果表明, 与林下植物相比, 开阔环境下的植物气孔密度更大, 气孔长度更小, 气孔对光强降低的响应更敏感; 但植物类型对气孔形态特征的影响以及对气孔响应光强的敏感程度的影响均不显著。对文献数据的分析表明, 生境和植物类型对气孔形态特征均有显著影响。考虑到气孔响应快慢与气孔形态特征密切相关, 与蕨类植物相比, 被子植物小而密的气孔可能为其更快地响应环境变化提供了基础。研究表明生境和植物类型对气孔响应行为均有显著影响。     

高寒草地甘肃臭草根系分形结构的坡向差异性

根系分形结构是植物根系构型应对环境异质性的表型可塑性结果, 可反映植物对生长环境的适应策略。利用ArcGIS建立研究区域的数字高程模型, 并提取坡向数据, 采用全根挖掘和Win-RHIZO根系分析仪相结合的方法, 研究了祁连山北坡高寒退化草地不同坡向甘肃臭草(Melica przewalskyi)的根系分形结构。结果表明: 随着坡向由北坡向东坡、西坡、南坡转变, 草地群落的密度、高度和土壤含水量逐渐减小, 甘肃臭草种群的密度、高度以及根系分形丰度呈逐渐增大的趋势、分形维数逐渐减小; 不同坡向甘肃臭草根系分形维数和分形丰度间的相关性存在差异(p < 0.05), 南坡和北坡甘肃臭草根系分形维数分形丰度之间存在极显著负相关关系(p < 0.01), 东坡和西坡之间存在显著负相关关系(p < 0.05), 甘肃臭草根系分形维数和分形丰度存在着“此消彼长”的权衡关系; 随着坡向由北坡向东坡、西坡、南坡转变, 甘肃臭草根系分形维数和分形丰度回归方程的标准化主轴(SMA)斜率逐渐增大(p < 0.05), 说明在干旱的南坡, 根系所开发利用的相同体积的土壤内, 根系分支更少、更稀疏。不同坡向甘肃臭草合理权衡根系分形维数和分形丰度的资源配置模式, 体现了植物根系构型构建的资源投资权衡机制。     

Trade-off between height and branch numbers in Stellera chamaejasme on slopes of different aspects in a degraded alpine grassland

权衡关系是生活史对策理论的基础, 株高和枝条数的权衡关系对理解植物在不同生境下的表型可塑性有重要意义。该研究选择祁连山北坡高寒退化草地, 利用ArcGIS建立研究区域的数字高程模型(DEM), 并提取样地坡向数据, 采用广义相加模型(GAM)与偏相关分析相结合的方法, 分析了不同坡向影响下狼毒(Stellera chamaejasme)种群株高和枝条数的关系。结果表明: 随着坡向由北坡转向东坡、南坡、西坡, 草地群落地上生物量和盖度呈“减小—增大—减小”的变化趋势, 群落高度则先增大后减小; 坡向是影响狼毒株高和枝条数空间分异的主要地形因子; 随着坡向由北、东转向西、南, 狼毒种群株高呈下降趋势, 而枝条数呈上升趋势, 二者表现出此消彼长的权衡关系, 狼毒植株比叶面积先增大后减小。不同坡向狼毒株高和枝条数的权衡关系, 反映了异质生境中资源多重竞争下狼毒生物量分配机制和提高种群适应性的种群更新策略。     

Leaf hydraulic traits and their trade-offs for nine Chinese temperate tree species with different wood properties

Aims Trees with different wood properties display variations in xylem anatomy and leaf vein structure, which may influence tree water transport efficiency and water-use strategy, and consequently constrain tree survival, growth and distribution. However, the effects of wood properties on leaf hydraulic conductance and vulnerability and their potential trade-offs at leaf level are not well understood. Our aims were to examine variations in leaf hydraulic traits of trees with different wood properties and explore potential trade-offs between leaf hydraulic efficiency and safety.
Methods Nine tree species with different wood properties were selected for measuring the leaf hydraulic traits, including three diffuse-porous species (Populus davidiana, Tilia amurensis, Betula platyphylla), three ring-porous species (Quercus mongolica, Fraxinus mandshurica, Juglans mandshurica), and three non-porous species (Picea koraiensis, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, Pinus koraiensis). Four dominant and healthy trees per species were randomly selected. The hydraulic traits measured included leaf hydraulic conductance on leaf area (K_area) and dry mass (K_mass) basis, leaf hydraulic vulnerability (P₅₀), and leaf water potential at turgor loss point (TLP), while the leaf structural traits were leaf dry mass content (LDMC), leaf density (LD) and leaf mass per unit area (LMA).
Important findings The K_area, K_mass, and P₅₀ differed significantly among the tree species with different woody properties (p < 0.05). Both K_area and K_mass were the lowest for the non-porous trees, and did not differ significantly between the diffuse-porous and ring-porous trees. The ring-porous trees had the highest P₅₀ values, while the diffuse-porous and non-porous trees showed no significant differences in P₅₀. Both K_area and K_mass were negatively correlated with P₅₀ (p < 0.05) for all the trees, and the relationships for the diffuse-porous, ring-porous, and non-porous trees were fitted into linear, power, exponential functions, respectively. This indicates that significant trade-offs exist between leaf hydraulic efficiency and safety. The K_mass was correlated (p < 0.01) with TLP in a negative linear function for the diffuse- and ring-porous trees and in a negative exponential function for the non-porous trees. The P₅₀ increased with increasing TLP. These results suggest that apoplastic and symplastic drought resistance are strictly coordinated in order to protect living cells from approaching their critical water status under water stresses. The K_mass was negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with LDMC, LD, or LMA, while the P₅₀ was positively correlated with LDMC and LD; this suggests that variations in K_mass and P₅₀ are driven by similar changes in structural traits regardless of wood traits. We conclude that the tree tolerance to hydraulic dysfunction increases with increasing carbon investment in the leaf hydraulic system.