The Invasive Wetland Plant Alternanthera philoxeroides Shows a Higher Tolerance to Waterlogging than Its Native Congener Alternanthera sessilis

Plant invasion is one of the major threats to natural ecosystems. Phenotypic plasticity is considered to be important for promoting plant invasiveness. High tolerance of stress can also increase survival of invasive plants in adverse habitats. Limited growth and conservation of carbohydrate are considered to increase tolerance of flooding in plants. However, few studies have examined whether invasive species shows a higher phenotypic plasticity in response to waterlogging or a higher tolerance of waterlogging (lower plasticity) than native species. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to compare the growth and morphological and physiological responses to waterlogging of the invasive, clonal, wetland species Alternanthera philoxeroides with those of its co-occurring, native, congeneric, clonal species Alternanthera sessilis. Plants of A. philoxeroides and A. sessilis were subjected to three treatments (control, 0 and 60 cm waterlogging). Both A. philoxeroides and A. sessilis survived all treatments. Overall growth was lower in A. philoxeroides than in A. sessilis, but waterlogging negatively affected the growth of A. philoxeroides less strongly than that of A. sessilis. Alternanthera philoxeroides thus showed less sensitivity of growth traits (lower plasticity) and higher waterlogging tolerance. Moreover, the photosynthetic capacity of A. philoxeroides was higher than that of A. sessilis during waterlogging. Alternanthera philoxeroides also had higher total non-structural and non-soluble carbohydrate concentrations than A. sessilis at the end of treatments. Our results suggest that higher tolerance to waterlogging and higher photosynthetic capacity may partly explain the invasion success of A. philoxeroides in wetlands.     

Curvilinear Effects of Invasive Plants on Plant Diversity: Plant Community Invaded by Sphagneticola trilobata

The effects of invasive plants on the species diversity of plant communities are controversial, showing either a positive or negative linear relationship. Based on community data collected from forty 5 m×5 m plots invaded by Sphagneticola trilobata in eight cities across Hainan Island, China, we found S. trilobata decreased plant community diversity once its cover was beyond 10%. We demonstrated that the effects of invasive/native plants on the plant diversity of communities invaded by S. trilobata were curvilinear. These effects, which showed peaks under different degrees of vegetation cover, appeared not only for S. trilobata and all invasive plants, but also for all native plants. Invasive plants primarily had negative effects on plant diversity when they became abundant at a much lower cover level (less than 35%), compared with the native plants (over 60%). Thus, it is necessary to distinguish a range for assessing the effects of plants, especially invasive plants. Our results also confirmed that the invasion intensity of invasive alien plants increased with the intensity of local economic development. We highlight and further discuss the critical importance of curvilinear effects of biological invasion to provide ideas regarding the conservation of local biodiversity and the management of invasive plants.     

Silicon Alleviates Drought Stress of Rice Plants by Improving Plant Water Status,Photosynthesis and Mineral Nutrient Absorption

Drought is a major constraint for rice production in the rainfed lowlands in China. Silicon (Si) has been verified to play an important role in enhancing plant resistance to environmental stress. Two near-isogenic lines of rice (Oryza sativa L.), w-14 (drought susceptible) and w-20 (drought resistant), were selected to study the effects of exogenous Si application on the physiological traits and nutritional status of rice under drought stress. In wet conditions, Si supply had no effects on growth and physiological parameters of rice plants. Drought stress was found to reduce dry weight, root traits, water potential, photosynthetic parameters, basal quantum yield (F _v/F ₀), and maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (F _v/F _m) in rice plants, while Si application significantly increased photosynthetic rate (Pr), transpiration rate (Tr), F _v/F ₀, and F _v/F _m of rice plants under drought stress. In addition, water stress increased K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe content of rice plants, but Si treatment significantly reduced these nutrient level. These results suggested that silicon application was useful to increase drought resistance of rice through the enhancement of photochemical efficiency and adjustment of the mineral nutrient absorption in rice plants.     

Effects of High Temperature and Water Stress on Seed Germination of the Invasive Species Mexican Sunflower

Mexican sunflower is native to Mexico and Central America and was introduced into China early last century. Now it has widely naturalized and is exhibiting increasing invasiveness in South China. As this species often dominates bare ground, a habitat characterized by extreme fluctuation in temperature and water, it is reasonable to hypothesize that it has special adaptations to high temperature and water stress. Using laboratory experiments to simulate these stresses, this study investigated the response of Mexican sunflower seed germination to temperature and water stress, and compared these responses with those previously reported for another invasive, bamboo piper, which is confined to relatively cool and moist habitats in Xishuangbanna. As expected, Mexican sunflower seeds exhibited higher tolerance to these stresses than bamboo piper. Germination of Mexican sunflower seeds was highest at 15–30°C, but significant numbers of seeds germinated and formed seedlings at 10°C and 35°C, at which no bamboo piper seeds formed seedlings, indicating a wider temperature range for germination than the latter. Roughly half the seeds survived 240 h continuous heat treatment and up to 15 h daily periodical heat treatment at 40°C, while bamboo piper seeds were mostly killed by these treatments. About 20% of Mexican sunflower but no bamboo piper seeds germinated after heat treatment for 30 min at 80°C. Germination was completely inhibited in bamboo piper seeds at -0.6 mPa, while 20–60% of Mexican sunflower seeds germinated depending on PEG or NaCl as osmoticum. This higher tolerance in Mexican sunflower seeds accords with its stronger invasiveness in this area. This comparison between two plant invaders demonstrates that invasiveness is not an all-or-nothing situation, and that adaptation to local habitats is a critical determinant of successful invasiveness for an alien plant.     

Unraveling the Effects of Plant Hydraulics on Stomatal Closure during Water Stress in Walnut

The objectives of the study were to identify the relevant hydraulic parameters associated with stomatal regulation during water stress and to test the hypothesis of a stomatal control of xylem embolism in walnut (Juglans regia x nigra) trees. The hydraulic characteristics of the sap pathway were experimentally altered with different methods to alter plant transpiration (Eplant) and stomatal conductance (gs). Potted trees were exposed to a soil water depletion to alter soil water potential (Psisoil), soil resistance (Rsoil), and root hydraulic resistances (Rroot). Soil temperature was changed to alter Rroot alone. Embolism was created in the trunk to increase shoot resistance (Rshoot). Stomata closed in response to these stresses with the effect of maintaining the water pressure in the leaf rachis xylem (P(rachis)) above -1.4 MPa and the leaf water potential (Psileaf) above -1.6 MPa. The same dependence of Eplant and gs on P(rachis) or Psileaf was always observed. This suggested that stomata were not responding to changes in Psisoil, Rsoil, Rroot, or Rshoot per se but rather to their impact on P(rachis) and/or Psileaf. Leaf rachis was the most vulnerable organ, with a threshold P(rachis) for embolism induction of -1.4 MPa. The minimum Psileaf values corresponded to leaf turgor loss point. This suggested that stomata are responding to leaf water status as determined by transpiration rate and plant hydraulics and that P(rachis) might be the physiological parameter regulated by stomatal closure during water stress, which would have the effect of preventing extensive developments of cavitation during water stress.     

盐胁迫对空心莲子草生长和光合作用的影响

用NaCl浓度为0(对照)、50、100、150、200、250、300、350mmol/L处理空心莲子草[Alternantheraphiloxeroides(Mart.)Griseb]。结果表明:盐胁迫下,植株鲜重、干重和根冠比都下降,含水量和肉质化程度先略高于对照,而后逐渐下降;根、茎和叶中Na 含量呈上升趋势,而K 含量呈下降趋势,且在同一浓度的盐处理下,叶的Na 和K 含量最高,茎的次之,根的最低;游离氨基酸(free amino acid,FAA)逐渐减少,脯氨酸(proline,Pro)含量先略低于对照,而后则急剧上升,可溶性糖含量(soluble sugar,SS)的变化正相反;净光合速率(net photosynthetic rate,Pn)、气孔导度(stomatal conductance,Gs)和蒸腾速率(transpirationrate,Tr)呈下降趋势,胞间CO2浓度(intercellular CO2concentration,Ci)呈上升趋势;膜稳定性呈下降趋势。因此,空心莲子草是一种盐生植物,且最适盐浓度较低;Na 主要积累在地上部的茎和叶中。推测它有可能向盐渍土壤蔓延。     

The Structural Adaptation of Aerial Parts of Invasive <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alternanthera philoxeroides</Emphasis> to Water Regime

Alternanthera philoxeroides has successfully invaded diverse habitats with considerably various water availability, threatening biological diversity in many parts of the world. Because its genetic variation is very low, phenotypic plasticity is believed to be the primary strategy for adapting to the diverse habitats. In the present paper, we investigated the plastic changes of anatomical traits of the aerial parts of A. philoxeroides from flooding to wet then to drought habitat; the results are as follows: A. philoxeroides could change anatomical structures sensitively to adapt to water regime. As a whole, effects of water regime on structures in stem were greater than those in leaf. Except for principal vein diameter and stoma density on leaf surfaces, all other structural traits were significantly affected by water regime. Among which, cuticular wax layer, collenchyma cell wall, phloem fiber cell wall, and hair density on both leaf surfaces thickened significantly with decrease of water availability, whereas, pith cavity and vessel lumen in stem lessened significantly; wet habitat is vital for the spread of A. philoxeroides from flooding to drought habitat and vice versa, because in this habitat, it had the greatest structural variations; when switching from flooding to wet then to drought habitat, the variations of cuticular wax layer, collenchyma cell wall, phloem fiber cell wall, pith cavity area ratio, diameter of vessel lumen, and hair density on both leaf surfaces, played the most important role. These responsive variables contribute most to the adaptation of A. philoxeroides to diverse habitats with considerably various water availability.     

Effects of Soil Characteristics,Allelopathy and Frugivory on Establishment of the Invasive Plant Carpobrotus edulis and a Co-Occuring Native,Malcolmia littorea

Background

The species Carpobrotus edulis, native to South Africa, is one of the major plant invaders of Mediterranean coastal ecosystems around the world. Invasion by C. edulis exerts a great impact on coastal habitats. The low number of native species in invaded communities points to the possible existence of mechanisms suppressing their germination. In this study we assessed whether soil factors, endozoochory, competition and allelopathic effects of the invader affect its own early establishment and that of the native species Malcolmia littorea. We used laboratory solutions representing different chemical composition and moisture of the soil, herbivore feeding assays to simulate seed scarification and rainwater solutions to account for the effect of differently aged C. edulis litter.

Principal Findings

We show that unlike that of the native species, germination and early growth of C. edulis was not constrained by low moisture. The establishment of C. edulis, in terms of germination and early growth, was increased by scarification of seeds following passage through the European rabbit intestines; the rabbits therefore may have potential implications for plant establishment. There was no competition between C. edulis and M. littorea. The litter of the invasive C. edulis, which remains on the soil surface for several years, releases allelopathic substances that suppress the native plant germination process and early root growth.

Conclusions

The invasive species exhibits features that likely make it a better colonizer of sand dunes than the co-occurring native species. Allelopathic effects, ability to establish in drier microsites and efficient scarification by rabbits are among the mechanisms allowing C. edulis to invade. The results help to explain the failure of removal projects that have been carried out in order to restore dunes invaded by C. edulis, and the long-lasting effects of C. edulis litter need to be taken into account in future restoration projects.     

Loss of PINK1 Function Promotes Mitophagy through Effects on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Fission

Mitochondrial dysregulation is strongly implicated in Parkinson disease. Mutations in PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) are associated with familial parkinsonism and neuropsychiatric disorders. Although overexpressed PINK1 is neuroprotective, less is known about neuronal responses to loss of PINK1 function. We found that stable knockdown of PINK1 induced mitochondrial fragmentation and autophagy in SH-SY5Y cells, which was reversed by the reintroduction of an RNA interference (RNAi)-resistant plasmid for PINK1. Moreover, stable or transient overexpression of wild-type PINK1 increased mitochondrial interconnectivity and suppressed toxin-induced autophagy/mitophagy. Mitochondrial oxidant production played an essential role in triggering mitochondrial fragmentation and autophagy in PINK1 shRNA lines. Autophagy/mitophagy served a protective role in limiting cell death, and overexpressing Parkin further enhanced this protective mitophagic response. The dominant negative Drp1 mutant inhibited both fission and mitophagy in PINK1-deficient cells. Interestingly, RNAi knockdown of autophagy proteins Atg7 and LC3/Atg8 also decreased mitochondrial fragmentation without affecting oxidative stress, suggesting active involvement of autophagy in morphologic remodeling of mitochondria for clearance. To summarize, loss of PINK1 function elicits oxidative stress and mitochondrial turnover coordinated by the autophagic and fission/fusion machineries. Furthermore, PINK1 and Parkin may cooperate through different mechanisms to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis.Parkinson disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disease that affects ∼1% of the population worldwide. The causes of sporadic cases are unknown, although mitochondrial or oxidative toxins such as 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA),³ and rotenone reproduce features of the disease in animal and cell culture models (1). Abnormalities in mitochondrial respiration and increased oxidative stress are observed in cells and tissues from parkinsonian patients (2, 3), which also exhibit increased mitochondrial autophagy (4). Furthermore, mutations in parkinsonian genes affect oxidative stress response pathways and mitochondrial homeostasis (5). Thus, disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis represents a major factor implicated in the pathogenesis of sporadic and inherited parkinsonian disorders (PD).The PARK6 locus involved in autosomal recessive and early-onset PD encodes for PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) (6, 7). PINK1 is a cytosolic and mitochondrially localized 581-amino acid serine/threonine kinase that possesses an N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence (6, 8). The primary sequence also includes a putative transmembrane domain important for orientation of the PINK1 domain (8), a conserved kinase domain homologous to calcium calmodulin kinases, and a C-terminal domain that regulates autophosphorylation activity (9, 10). Overexpression of wild-type PINK1, but not its PD-associated mutants, protects against several toxic insults in neuronal cells (6, 11, 12). Mitochondrial targeting is necessary for some (13) but not all of the neuroprotective effects of PINK1 (14), implicating involvement of cytoplasmic targets that modulate mitochondrial pathobiology (8). PINK1 catalytic activity is necessary for its neuroprotective role, because a kinase-deficient K219M substitution in the ATP binding pocket of PINK1 abrogates its ability to protect neurons (14). Although PINK1 mutations do not seem to impair mitochondrial targeting, PD-associated mutations differentially destabilize the protein, resulting in loss of neuroprotective activities (13, 15).Recent studies indicate that PINK1 and Parkin interact genetically (3, 16-18) to prevent oxidative stress (19, 20) and regulate mitochondrial morphology (21). Primary cells derived from PINK1 mutant patients exhibit mitochondrial fragmentation with disorganized cristae, recapitulated by RNA interference studies in HeLa cells (3).Mitochondria are degraded by macroautophagy, a process involving sequestration of cytoplasmic cargo into membranous autophagic vacuoles (AVs) for delivery to lysosomes (22, 23). Interestingly, mitochondrial fission accompanies autophagic neurodegeneration elicited by the PD neurotoxin 6-OHDA (24, 25). Moreover, mitochondrial fragmentation and increased autophagy are observed in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases (4, 26-28). Although inclusion of mitochondria in autophagosomes was once believed to be a random process, as observed during starvation, studies involving hypoxia, mitochondrial damage, apoptotic stimuli, or limiting amounts of aerobic substrates in facultative anaerobes support the concept of selective mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) (29, 30). In particular, mitochondrially localized kinases may play an important role in models involving oxidative mitochondrial injury (25, 31, 32).Autophagy is involved in the clearance of protein aggregates (33-35) and normal regulation of axonal-synaptic morphology (36). Chronic disruption of lysosomal function results in accumulation of subtly impaired mitochondria with decreased calcium buffering capacity (37), implicating an important role for autophagy in mitochondrial homeostasis (37, 38). Recently, Parkin, which complements the effects of PINK1 deficiency on mitochondrial morphology (3), was found to promote autophagy of depolarized mitochondria (39). Conversely, Beclin 1-independent autophagy/mitophagy contributes to cell death elicited by the PD toxins 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium and 6-OHDA (25, 28, 31, 32), causing neurite retraction in cells expressing a PD-linked mutation in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (40). Whereas properly regulated autophagy plays a homeostatic and neuroprotective role, excessive or incomplete autophagy creates a condition of “autophagic stress” that can contribute to neurodegeneration (28).As mitochondrial fragmentation (3) and increased mitochondrial autophagy (4) have been described in human cells or tissues of PD patients, we investigated whether or not the engineered loss of PINK1 function could recapitulate these observations in human neuronal cells (SH-SY5Y). Stable knockdown of endogenous PINK1 gave rise to mitochondrial fragmentation and increased autophagy and mitophagy, whereas stable or transient overexpression of PINK1 had the opposite effect. Autophagy/mitophagy was dependent upon increased mitochondrial oxidant production and activation of fission. The data indicate that PINK1 is important for the maintenance of mitochondrial networks, suggesting that coordinated regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy limits cell death associated with loss of PINK1 function.     

Submergence Tolerance and Germination Dynamics of Roegneria nutans Seeds in Water-Level Fluctuation Zones with Different Water Rhythms in the Three Gorges Reservoir

The Three Gorges Dam features two water-level fluctuation zones (WLFZs): the preupland drawdown zone (PU-DZ) and the preriparian drawdown zone (PR-DZ). To investigate the vegetation potential of Roegneria nutans in WLFZs, we compared the submergence tolerance and germination dynamics in the natural riparian zone (NRZ), PU-DZ and PR-DZ. We found that the NRZ seeds maintained an 81.3% intactness rate and >91% germination rate. The final seed germination rate and germination dynamics were consistent with those of the controls. Meanwhile, the PU-DZ seeds submerged at 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, and 20 m exhibited intactness rates of 70.5%, 79.95%, 40.75%, and 39.87%, respectively, and >75% germination. Furthermore, the PR-DZ seeds exhibited intactness rates of 22.44%, 61.13%, 81.87%, and 15.36% at 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, and 17 m, respectively, and 80% germination. The germination rates of the intact seeds submerged >10 m were >80%. Finally, the intact seeds germinated quickly in all WLFZs. The high proportion of intact seeds, rapid germination capacity, and high germination rate permit R. nutans seeds to adapt to the complicated water rhythms of the PU-DZ and PR-DZ and indicate the potential for their use in vegetation restoration and recovery. Thus, perennial seeds can be used for vegetation restoration in the WLFZs of large reservoirs and in other regions with water rhythms similar to the Three Gorges Reservoir.     

Effects of Transport Stress on Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Beagle Dogs

Here, to determine the effects of transport stress on blood parameters in dogs, we investigated the changes in hematologic and serum chemical parameters in healthy beagle dogs transported from Beijing, China, to Osaka, Japan, to obtain the background data. Only the activity of serum alkaline phosphatase increased clearly upon arrival, a change attributed to transport stress, but the activity gradually reduced afterward. No marked changes in levels of other blood parameters were noted. Our findings here suggest that alkaline phosphatase is a useful tool for studying transport stress.     

Effects of Upper-Limit Water Temperatures on the Dispersal of the Asian Clam Corbicula fluminea

Temperature is a determinant environmental variable in metabolic rates of organisms ultimately influencing important physiological and behavioural features. Stressful conditions such as increasing temperature, particularly within high ranges occurring in the summer, have been suggested to induce flotation behaviour in Corbicula fluminea which may be important in dispersal of this invasive species. However, there has been no experimental evidence supporting this hypothesis. It was already proven that C. fluminea drift is supported by a mucilaginous drogue line produced by mucocytes present in the ctenidia. Detailed microscopic examination of changes in these cells and quantification of clam flotation following one, two and three weeks of exposure to 22, 25 and 30°C was carried out so that the effects of increasing water temperatures in dispersal patterns could be discussed. Results show that changes in temperature triggered an acceleration of the mucocytes production and stimulated flotation behaviour, especially following one week of exposure. Dilution of these effects occurred following longer exposure periods. It is possible that these bivalves perceive changing temperature as a stress and respond accordingly in the short-term, and then acclimate to the new environmental conditions. The response patterns suggest that increasing water temperatures could stimulate C. fluminea population expansion.     

Effects of Riparian Plant Diversity Loss on Aquatic Microbial Decomposers Become More Pronounced with Increasing Time

We examined the potential long-term impacts of riparian plant diversity loss on diversity and activity of aquatic microbial decomposers. Microbial assemblages were obtained in a mixed-forest stream by immersion of mesh bags containing three leaf species (alder, oak and eucalyptus), commonly found in riparian corridors of Iberian streams. Simulation of species loss was done in microcosms by including a set of all leaf species, retrieved from the stream, and non-colonized leaves of three, two or one leaf species. Leaves were renewed every month throughout six months, and microbial inoculum was ensured by a set of colonized leaves from the previous month. Microbial diversity, leaf mass loss and fungal biomass were assessed at the second and sixth months after plant species loss. Molecular diversity of fungi and bacteria, as the total number of operational taxonomic units per leaf diversity treatment, decreased with leaf diversity loss. Fungal biomass tended to decrease linearly with leaf species loss on oak and eucalyptus, suggesting more pronounced effects of leaf diversity on lower quality leaves. Decomposition of alder and eucalyptus leaves was affected by leaf species identity, mainly after longer times following diversity loss. Leaf decomposition of alder decreased when mixed with eucalyptus, while decomposition of eucalyptus decreased in mixtures with oak. Results suggest that the effects of leaf diversity on microbial decomposers depended on leaf species number and also on which species were lost from the system, especially after longer times. This may have implications for the management of riparian forests to maintain stream ecosystem functioning.     

水分胁迫对云杉光合特性的影响

比较研究了3年生红皮云杉和嫩江云杉苗木在不同水分条件下的光合特征,并探讨其对水分胁迫的适应机制。研究结果表明,不同光强下两种云杉的最大光合速率（P_max）随土壤含水量的降低而逐渐下降,且嫩江云杉的降幅较小;表观量子效率（AQY）、蒸腾速率（Tr）、气孔导度（G_s）也都呈下降的趋势。暗呼吸速率（R_d）和水分利用率（WUE）在逐渐干旱的过程中先上升后下降,而胞间CO₂浓度先下降,后随上升。这表明在水分胁迫较为严重时,光合速率的降低主要是非气孔限制造成的。比较上述指标的变化情况可以看出,嫩江云杉对干旱的适应性要强于红皮云杉。     

Exogenous 24-Epibrassinolide Alleviates Effects of Salt Stress on Chloroplasts and Photosynthesis in Robinia pseudoacacia L. Seedlings

Journal of Plant Growth Regulation - The brassinosteroids (BRs) constitute a recently defined class of plant hormone that can enhance the resistance of plants to multiple stresses. However, the...     

Effects of Age and Water Stress on Endogenous Levels of Plant Growth Regulators in Euphorbia lathyrus L.

The effect of droughting and waterlogging on changes in endogenouslevels of hormones have been studied in Euphorbia lathyrus L.with particular reference to plant age and leaf age. Younger tissues (i.e. immature leaves and young plants) synthesizedsignificantly greater amounts of ABA per unit fresh weight thandid corresponding older tissue. The increased ABA levels correlatedwell with corresponding increases in water saturation deficit(WSD) and stomatal resistance in a given treatment but the relationshipbetween the absolute values of these three parameters variedgreatly between seedlings of different ages. Endogenous ethylenelevels in leaves and stems were unaffected by droughting irrespectiveof age. Imposition of waterlogging led to marked increases in ABA levelsin young plants though this was not strictly related to changesin WSD or stomatal resistance. Endogenous levels of ethyleneincreased in response to waterlogging, this being marked inthe older seedlings which also had a higher incidence of senescenceand abscission. The more complex effects of waterlogging, the significance ofage of tissue on hormonal responses to stress, and the adaptivevalue of such responses to younger tissues are discussed.     

Influence of Temperature on the Effects of Water Stress on Quercus Species

Quercus coccifera L. and Q. ilex L. leaves, collected in winter,when the plants were in full turgor, were treated with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) with a water potential of –48 and –65bar, at 15 °C and at 30 °C, for 2 days. The responseof each species differs with temperature as far as the plastidpigment, anthocyanin and soluble sugar content is concerned.Thus Q. ilex is affected more at 15 °C rather than at 30°C, while in Q. coccifera, apart from a small increase inanthocyanins, no significant change was observed at 15 °C.On the contrary, at 30 °C significant changes were observedin all studied parameters. Chloroplast pigments decreased generallyon the first day and their content either dropped further orincreased to reach the control values on the second day. Alltreatments resulted in an increase in anthocyanin content. Solublesugar content raised in Q. ilex at 15 °C and decreased inboth species at 30 °C. Quercus coccifera, Quercus ilex, oak, temperature, water stress, anthocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoids