1
|
Losso A, Dämon B, Hacke U, Mayr S. High potential for foliar water uptake in early stages of leaf development of three woody angiosperms. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2023; 175:e13961. [PMID: 37341178 PMCID: PMC10953411 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Foliar water uptake (FWU) is a widespread mechanism that may help plants cope with drought stress in a wide range of ecosystems. FWU can be affected by various leaf traits, which change during leaf development. We exposed cut and dehydrated leaves to rainwater and measured FWU, changes in leaf water potential after 19 h of FWU (ΔΨ), minimum leaf conductance (gmin ), and leaf wettability (abaxial and adaxial) of leaves of Acer platanoides, Fagus sylvatica, and Sambucus nigra at three developmental stages: unfolding (2-5-day-old), young (1.5-week-old) and mature leaves (8-week-old). FWU and gmin were higher in younger leaves. ΔΨ corresponded to FWU and gmin in all cases but mature leaves of F. sylvatica, where ΔΨ was highest. Most leaves were highly wettable, and at least one leaf surface (adaxial or abaxial) showed a decrease in wettability from unfolding to mature leaves. Young leaves of all studied species showed FWU (unfolding leaves: 14.8 ± 1.1 μmol m-2 s-1 ), which may improve plant water status and thus counterbalance spring transpirational losses due to high gmin . The high wettability of young leaves probably supported FWU. We observed particularly high FWU and respective high ΔΨ in older leaves of F. sylvatica, possibly aided by trichomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Losso
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Birgit Dämon
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Uwe Hacke
- Department of Renewable ResourcesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Roth-Nebelsick A, Hacke UG, Voigt D, Schreiber SG, Krause M. Foliar water uptake in Pinus species depends on needle age and stomatal wax structures. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 131:287-300. [PMID: 36420705 PMCID: PMC9992939 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Foliar water uptake (FWU) has been documented in many species and is increasingly recognized as a non-trivial factor in plant-water relationships. However, it remains unknown whether FWU is a widespread phenomenon in Pinus species, and how it may relate to needle traits such as the form and structure of stomatal wax plugs. In this contribution, these questions were addressed by studying FWU in current-year and 1-year-old needles of seven Pinus species. METHODS We monitored FWU gravimetrically and analysed the needle surface via cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, we considered the effect of artificial wax erosion by application of the surfactant Triton X-100, which is able to alter wax crystals. KEY RESULTS The results show for all species that (1) FWU occurred, (2) FWU is higher in old needles compared to young needles and (3) there is substantial erosion of stomatal wax plugs in old needles. FWU was highest in Pinus canariensis, which has a thin stomatal wax plug. Surfactant treatment enhanced FWU. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide evidence for (1) widespread FWU in Pinus, (2) the influence of stomatal wax plugs on FWU and (3) age-related needle surface erosion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Uwe G Hacke
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Dagmar Voigt
- Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan G Schreiber
- EnviroStats Solutions Inc., 4715 117A ST NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 3R9, Canada
| | - Matthias Krause
- State Museum of Natural History, Rosenstein 1, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lima JF, Boanares D, Costa VE, Moreira ASFP. Do photosynthetic metabolism and habitat influence foliar water uptake in orchids? PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2023; 25:257-267. [PMID: 36546714 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Epiphytic and rupicolous plants inhabit environments with limited water resources. Such plants commonly use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a photosynthetic pathway that accumulates organic acids in cell vacuoles at night, so reducing their leaf water potential and favouring water absorption. Foliar water uptake (FWU) aids plant survival during drought events in environments with high water deficits. We hypothesized that FWU represents a strategy employed by epiphytic and rupicolous orchids for water acquisition and that CAM will favour increased water absorption. We examined 6 epiphyte, 4 terrestrial and 6 rupicolous orchids that use C3 (n = 9) or CAM (n = 7) pathways. Five individuals per species were used to evaluate FWU, structural characteristics and leaf water balance. Rupicolous species with C3 metabolism had higher FWU than other species. FWU (Cmax and k) could be related to succulence, SLM and leaf RWC. The results indicated that high orchid leaf densities favoured FWU, as area available for water storage increases with leaf density. Structural characteristics linked to water storage (e.g. high RWC, succulence), on the other hand, could limit leaf water absorption by favouring high internal leaf water potentials. Epiphytic, rupicolous and terrestrial orchids showed FWU. Rupicolous species had high levels of FWU, probably through absorption from mist. However, succulence in plants with CAM appears to mitigate FWU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J F Lima
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - D Boanares
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Belém, Brazil
| | - V E Costa
- Instituto de Biociências, Centro de Isótopos Estáveis Prof. Dr. Carlos Ducatti, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - A S F P Moreira
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang H, Li Z, Ji S, Lv G. Response of water and photosynthetic physiological characteristics to leaf humidification in Calligonum ebinuricum. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285130. [PMID: 37141258 PMCID: PMC10159122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Foliar water uptake (FWU) has increasingly been regarded as a common approach for plants to obtain water under water-limited conditions. At present, the research on FWU has mostly focused on short-term experiments; the long-term FWU plant response remains unclear; Methods: Through a field in-situ humidification control experiment, the leaves of Calligonum ebinuricum N. A. Ivanova ex Soskov were humidified, and the changes of leaf water potential, gas exchange parameters and fluorescence physiological parameters of plants after long-term and short-term FWU were discussed; The main results were as follows: (1) After short-term humidification, the water potential of Calligonum ebinuricum decreased, the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) increased, and the plant produced photoinhibition phenomenon, indicating that short-term FWU could not alleviate drought stress. (2) After long-term humidification, the leaf water potential, chlorophyll fluorescence parameter and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) increased significantly. That is to say, after long-term FWU, the improvement of plant water status promoted the occurrence of light reaction and carbon reaction, and then increased the net photosynthetic rate (Pn); Therefore, long-term FWU is of great significance to alleviate drought stress and promote Calligonum ebinuricum growth. This study will be helpful to deepen our understanding of the drought-tolerant survival mechanism of plants in arid areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Wang
- College of Ecology and the Environmental, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhoukang Li
- College of Ecology and the Environmental, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Suwan Ji
- College of Ecology and the Environmental, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guanghui Lv
- College of Ecology and the Environmental, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Qin J, Si J, Jia B, Zhao C, Zhou D, He X, Wang C, Zhu X. Water use strategies of Ferula bungeana on mega-dunes in the Badain Jaran Desert. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:957421. [PMID: 36561438 PMCID: PMC9763701 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.957421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In desert ecosystems, ephemeral plants have developed specialized water use strategies in response to long-term natural water stress. To examine the water use strategies of desert ephemeral plants under natural extreme drought conditions, we investigated the water absorption sources, water potential, hydraulic conductivity, and water use efficiency of Ferula bungeana at different elevations on the slopes of mega-dunes in the Badain Jaran Desert, Inner Mongolia, during a period of extreme drought. We found that the water utilized by F. bungeana was mostly absorbed from the 0-60 cm soil layers (80.47 ± 4.28%). With progression of the growing season, the source of water changed from the 0-30 cm soil layer to the 30-60 cm layer. The water potentials of the leaves, stems, and roots of F. bungeana were found to be characterized by clear diurnal and monthly variation, which were restricted by water availability and the hydraulic conductivity of different parts of the plant. The root hydraulic conductivity of F. bungeana was found to be considerably greater than that of the canopy, both of which showed significant diurnal and monthly variation. The water use efficiency of F. bungeana under extreme drought conditions was relatively high, particularly during the early and late stages of the growing season. Variations in water availability led to the regulation of water uptake and an adjustment of internal water conduction, which modified plant water use efficiency. These observations tend to indicate that the water use strategies of F. bungeana are mainly associated with the growth stage of plants, whereas the distribution pattern of plants on mega-dunes appeared to have comparatively little influence. Our findings on the water use of ephemeral plants highlight the adaptive mechanisms of these plants in desert habitats and provide a theoretical basis for selecting plants suitable for the restoration and reconstruction of desert ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Qin
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology of Inland River Basin, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhua Si
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology of Inland River Basin, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bing Jia
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology of Inland River Basin, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology of Inland River Basin, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dongmeng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology of Inland River Basin, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui He
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology of Inland River Basin, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunlin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology of Inland River Basin, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinglin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology of Inland River Basin, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cavallaro A, Carbonell-Silletta L, Burek A, Goldstein G, Scholz FG, Bucci SJ. Leaf surface traits contributing to wettability, water interception and uptake of above-ground water sources in shrubs of Patagonian arid ecosystems. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 130:409-418. [PMID: 35325023 PMCID: PMC9486909 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The ecohydrological significance of leaf wetting due to atmospheric water in arid and semiarid ecosystems is not well understood. In these environments, the inputs of precipitation or dew formation resulting in leaf wetting have positive effects on plant functioning. However, its impact on plant water relations may depend on the degree of leaf surface wettability. In this study we evaluated leaf wettability and other leaf traits and its effects on foliar water uptake and canopy interception in plant species of a Patagonian steppe. We also studied how leaf traits affecting wettability vary seasonally from growing to dry season. METHODS Contact angle of a water droplet with the leaf surface, water adhesion, droplet retention angle, stomatal density, cuticular conductance, canopy interception and maximum foliar water uptake were determined in six dominant shrub species. KEY RESULTS All species increased leaf wettability during the dry season and most species were considered highly wettable. The leaf surface had very high capacity to store and retain water. We found a negative correlation between foliar water uptake and leaf hydrophilia. CONCLUSIONS Despite the diversity of life forms, including cushion shrubs and tall shrubs, as well as phenological variability, all species converged in similar seasonal changes in leaf traits that favour wettability. Intercepted water by crowns and the extremely high capacity of retention of droplets on leaf surfaces can have a significant impact on eco-hydrological process in water limited ecosystems where most of water sources during the growing and the dry season may be small rainfall events or dew, which do not always increase soil water availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Cavallaro
- Grupo de Estudios Biofísicos y Eco-fisiológicos (GEBEF), Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia (INBIOP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnica (CONICET) and Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Ciencias de la Salud, UNPSJB, 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
| | - Luisina Carbonell-Silletta
- Grupo de Estudios Biofísicos y Eco-fisiológicos (GEBEF), Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia (INBIOP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnica (CONICET) and Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Ciencias de la Salud, UNPSJB, 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
| | - Antonella Burek
- Grupo de Estudios Biofísicos y Eco-fisiológicos (GEBEF), Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia (INBIOP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnica (CONICET) and Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Ciencias de la Salud, UNPSJB, 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Goldstein
- Laboratorio de Ecología Funcional, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA, CONICET – Universidad de Buenos Aires), 1428 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Fabián G Scholz
- Grupo de Estudios Biofísicos y Eco-fisiológicos (GEBEF), Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia (INBIOP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnica (CONICET) and Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Ciencias de la Salud, UNPSJB, 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
| | - Sandra J Bucci
- Grupo de Estudios Biofísicos y Eco-fisiológicos (GEBEF), Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia (INBIOP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnica (CONICET) and Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Ciencias de la Salud, UNPSJB, 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Prats KA, Brodersen CR. Desiccation and rehydration dynamics in the epiphytic resurrection fern Pleopeltis polypodioides. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 187:1501-1518. [PMID: 34618062 PMCID: PMC8566288 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The epiphytic resurrection-or desiccation-tolerant (DT)-fern Pleopeltis polypodioides can survive extreme desiccation and recover physiological activity within hours of rehydration. Yet, how epiphytic DT ferns coordinate between deterioration and recovery of their hydraulic and photosynthetic systems remains poorly understood. We examined the functional status of the leaf vascular system, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthetic rate during desiccation and rehydration of P. polypodioides. Xylem tracheids in the stipe embolized within 3-4 h during dehydration. When the leaf and rhizome received water, tracheids refilled after ∼24 h, which occurred along with dramatic structural changes in the stele. Photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence recovered to predesiccation values within 12 h of rehydration, regardless of whether fronds were connected to their rhizome. Our data show that the epiphytic DT fern P. polypodioides can utilize foliar water uptake to rehydrate the leaf mesophyll and recover photosynthesis despite a broken hydraulic connection to the rhizome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyra A Prats
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Author for communication:
| | - Craig R Brodersen
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bryant C, Fuenzalida TI, Zavafer A, Nguyen HT, Brothers N, Harris RJ, Beckett HAA, Holmlund HI, Binks O, Ball MC. Foliar water uptake via cork warts in mangroves of the Sonneratia genus. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2021; 44:2925-2937. [PMID: 34118083 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Foliar water uptake (FWU) occurs in plants of diverse ecosystems; however, the diversity of pathways and their associated FWU kinetics remain poorly resolved. We characterized a novel FWU pathway in two mangrove species of the Sonneratia genus, S. alba and S. caseolaris. Further, we assessed the influence of leaf wetting duration, wet-dry seasonality and leaf dehydration on leaf conductance to surface water (Ksurf ). The symplastic tracer dye, disodium fluorescein, revealed living cells subtending and encircling leaf epidermal structures known as cork warts as a pathway of FWU entry into the leaf. Rehydration kinetics experiments revealed a novel mode of FWU, with slow and steady rates of water uptake persistent over a duration of 12 hr. Ksurf increased with longer durations of leaf wetting and was greater in leaves with more negative water potentials at the initiation of leaf wetting. Ksurf declined by 68% between wet and dry seasons. Our results suggest that FWU via cork warts in Sonneratia sp. may be rate limited and under active regulation. We conclude that FWU pathways in halophytes may require ion exclusion to avoid uptake of salt when inundated, paralleling the capacity of halophyte roots for ion selectivity during water acquisition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callum Bryant
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Tomas I Fuenzalida
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Alonso Zavafer
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Hoa T Nguyen
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trau Quy, Gia Lam, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Nigel Brothers
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Rosalie J Harris
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Holly A A Beckett
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Helen I Holmlund
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Pepperdine University, Natural Science Division, Malibu, CA, 90263, USA
| | - Oliver Binks
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Marilyn C Ball
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Christmann T, Rosado BHP, Delhaye G, Matos IS, Drummond JS, Roland HL, Moraes YC, Oliveras Menor I. Functional assembly of tropical montane tree islands in the Atlantic Forest is shaped by stress tolerance, bamboo presence, and facilitation. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:10164-10177. [PMID: 34367567 PMCID: PMC8328411 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Amidst the Campos de Altitude (Highland Grasslands) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, woody communities grow either clustered in tree islands or interspersed within the herbaceous matrix. The functional ecology, diversity, and biotic processes shaping these plant communities are largely unstudied. We characterized the functional assembly and diversity of these tropical montane woody communities and investigated how they fit within Grime's CSR (C-competitor, S-stress-tolerant, R-ruderal) scheme, what functional trade-offs they exhibit, and how traits and functional diversity vary in response to bamboo presence/absence. METHODS To characterize the functional composition of the community, we sampled five leaf traits and wood density along transects covering the woody communities both inside tree islands and outside (i.e., isolated woody plants in the grasslands community). Then, we used Mann-Whitney test, t test, and variation partitioning to determine the effects of inside versus outside tree island and bamboo presence on community-weighted means, woody species diversity, and functional diversity. RESULTS We found a general SC/S strategy with drought-related functional trade-offs. Woody plants in tree islands had more acquisitive traits than those within the grasslands. Trait variation was mostly taxonomically than spatially driven, and species composition varied between inside and outside tree islands. Leaf thickness, wood density, and foliar water uptake were unrelated to CSR strategies, suggesting independent trait dimensions and multiple drought-coping strategies within the predominant S strategy. Islands with bamboo presence showed lower Simpson diversity, lower functional dispersion, lower foliar water uptake, and greater leaf thickness than in tree islands without bamboo. CONCLUSIONS The observed functional assembly hints toward large-scale environmental abiotic filtering shaping a stress-tolerant community strategy, and small-scale biotic interactions driving small-scale trait variation. We recommend experimental studies with fire, facilitation treatments, ecophysiological and recruitment traits to elucidate on future tree island expansion and community response to climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Christmann
- School of Geography and the EnvironmentUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Bruno H. P. Rosado
- Laboratório de Ecologia VegetalDepartment of EcologyUniversidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | | - Ilaíne S. Matos
- Macrosystems Ecology LaboratoryUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Julia S. Drummond
- Laboratório de Ecologia VegetalDepartment of EcologyUniversidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Helena L. Roland
- Laboratório de Ecologia VegetalDepartment of EcologyUniversidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Yan C. Moraes
- Laboratório de Ecologia VegetalDepartment of EcologyUniversidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guzmán-Delgado P, Laca E, Zwieniecki MA. Unravelling foliar water uptake pathways: The contribution of stomata and the cuticle. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2021; 44:1728-1740. [PMID: 33665817 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plants can absorb water through their leaf surfaces, a phenomenon commonly referred to as foliar water uptake (FWU). Despite the physiological importance of FWU, the pathways and mechanisms underlying the process are not well known. Using a novel experimental approach, we parsed out the contribution of the stomata and the cuticle to FWU in two species with Mediterranean (Prunus dulcis) and temperate (Pyrus communis) origin. The hydraulic parameters of FWU were derived by analysing mass and water potential changes of leaves placed in a fog chamber. Leaves were previously treated with abscisic acid to force stomata to remain closed, with fusicoccin to remain open, and with water (control). Leaves with open stomata rehydrated two times faster than leaves with closed stomata and attained approximately three times higher maximum fluxes and hydraulic conductance. Based on FWU rates, we propose that rehydration through stomata occurs primarily via diffusion of water vapour rather than in liquid form even when leaf surfaces are covered with a water film. We discuss the potential mechanisms of FWU and the significance of both stomatal and cuticular pathways for plant productivity and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Guzmán-Delgado
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Emilio Laca
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Maciej A Zwieniecki
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hill AJ, Dawson TE, Dody A, Rachmilevitch S. Dew water-uptake pathways in Negev desert plants: a study using stable isotope tracers. Oecologia 2021; 196:353-361. [PMID: 34008141 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04940-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dew is an important water resource for plants in most deserts. The mechanism that allows desert plants to use dew water was studied using an isotopic water tracer approach. Most plants use water directly from the soil; the roots transfer the water to the rest of the plant, where it is required for all metabolic functions. However, many plants can also take up water into their leaves and stems. Examining the dew water uptake pathways in desert plants can lend insight on another all water-use pathways examination. We determined where and how dew water enters plants in the water limited Negev desert. Highly depleted isotopic water was sprayed on three different dominant plant species of the Negev desert-Artemesia sieberi, Salsola inermis and Haloxylon scoparium-and its entry into the plant was followed. Water was sprayed onto the soil only, or on the leaves/stems only (with soil covered to prevent water entry via root uptake). Thereafter, the isotopic composition of water in the roots and stems were measured at various time points. The results show that each plant species used the dew water to a different extent, and we obtained evidence of foliar uptake capacity of dew water that varied depending on the microenvironmental conditions. A. sieberi took up the greatest amount of dew water through both stems and roots, S. inermis took up dew water mainly from the roots, and H. scoparium showed the least dew capture overall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber J Hill
- The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Sede Boqer Campus Midreshet Ben Gurion, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 84990, Beersheba, Israel.
| | - Todd E Dawson
- Center for Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry and the Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Avraham Dody
- Geography and Environmental Developing Department, Ben Gurion University, BeerSheba, Israel
| | - Shimon Rachmilevitch
- The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Sede Boqer Campus Midreshet Ben Gurion, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 84990, Beersheba, Israel
| |
Collapse
|