Vulnerability to cavitation,hydraulic efficiency,growth and survival in an insular pine (Pinus canariensis) |
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Authors: | Rosana López Unai López de Heredia Carmen Collada Francisco Javier Cano Brent C Emerson Hervé Cochard Luis Gil |
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Institution: | 1.Forest Genetics and Physiology Research Group, E.T.S. Forestry Engineering, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;2.Island Ecology and Evolution Research Group, IPNA-CSIC, C/ Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 3, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;3.INRA, UMR 547 PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France;4.Université Blaise Pascal, UMR 547 PIAF, F-63177, Aubière, France |
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Abstract: | Background and AimsIt is widely accepted that hydraulic failure due to xylem embolism is a key factor contributing to drought-induced mortality in trees. In the present study, an attempt is made to disentangle phenotypic plasticity from genetic variation in hydraulic traits across the entire distribution area of a tree species to detect adaptation to local environments.MethodsA series of traits related to hydraulics (vulnerability to cavitation and hydraulic conductivity in branches), growth performance and leaf mass per area were assessed in eight Pinus canariensis populations growing in two common gardens under contrasting environments. In addition, the neutral genetic variability (FST) and the genetic differentiation of phenotypic variation (QST) were compared in order to identify the evolutionary forces acting on these traits.Key ResultsThe variability for hydraulic traits was largely due to phenotypic plasticity. Nevertheless, the vulnerability to cavitation displayed a significant genetic variability (approx. 5 % of the explained variation), and a significant genetic × environment interaction (between 5 and 19 % of the explained variation). The strong correlation between vulnerability to cavitation and survival in the xeric common garden (r = –0·81; P < 0·05) suggests a role for the former in the adaptation to xeric environments. Populations from drier sites and higher temperature seasonality were less vulnerable to cavitation than those growing at mesic sites. No trade-off between xylem safety and efficiency was detected. QST of parameters of the vulnerability curve (0·365 for P50 and the slope of the vulnerability curve and 0·452 for P88) differed substantially from FST (0·091), indicating divergent selection. In contrast, genetic drift alone was found to be sufficient to explain patterns of differentiation for xylem efficiency and growth.ConclusionsThe ability of P. canariensis to inhabit a wide range of ecosystems seemed to be associated with high phenotypic plasticity and some degree of local adaptations of xylem and leaf traits. Resistance to cavitation conferred adaptive potential for this species to adapt successfully to xeric conditions. |
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Keywords: | vulnerability to cavitation Pinus canariensis common garden drought genetic differentiation hydraulic conductivity phenotypic plasticity fitness selection trade-off |
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