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Yang X, Yan H, Hao C, Hu J, Yang G, An S, Wang L, Ouyang F, Zhang M, Wang J. Climate of origin shapes variations in wood anatomical properties of 17 Picea species. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:414. [PMID: 38760680 PMCID: PMC11100223 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05103-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variations in hydraulic conductivity may arise from species-specific differences in the anatomical structure and function of the xylem, reflecting a spectrum of plant strategies along a slow-fast resource economy continuum. Spruce (Picea spp.), a widely distributed and highly adaptable tree species, is crucial in preventing soil erosion and enabling climate regulation. However, a comprehensive understanding of the variability in anatomical traits of stems and their underlying drivers in the Picea genus is currently lacking especially in a common garden. RESULTS We assessed 19 stem economic properties and hydraulic characteristics of 17 Picea species grown in a common garden in Tianshui, Gansu Province, China. Significant interspecific differences in growth and anatomical characteristics were observed among the species. Specifically, xylem hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and hydraulic diameter exhibited a significant negative correlation with the thickness to span ratio (TSR), cell wall ratio, and tracheid density and a significant positive correlation with fiber length, and size of the radial tracheid. PCA revealed that the first two axes accounted for 64.40% of the variance, with PC1 reflecting the trade-off between hydraulic efficiency and mechanical support and PC2 representing the trade-off between high embolism resistance and strong pit flexibility. Regression analysis and structural equation modelling further confirmed that tracheid size positively influenced Ks, whereas the traits DWT, D_r, and TSR have influenced Ks indirectly. All traits failed to show significant phylogenetic associations. Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated strong correlations between most traits and longitude, with the notable influence of the mean temperature during the driest quarter, annual precipitation, precipitation during the wettest quarter, and aridity index. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that xylem anatomical traits demonstrated considerable variability across phylogenies, consistent with the pattern of parallel sympatric radiation evolution and global diversity in spruce. By integrating the anatomical structure of the stem xylem as well as environmental factors of origin and evolutionary relationships, our findings provide novel insights into the ecological adaptations of the Picea genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Forest Cultivation, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410000, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiling Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhui Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiwen Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, People's Republic of China
| | - Guijuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, People's Republic of China
| | - Sanping An
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Secondary Forest Cultivation, Research Institute of Forestry of Xiaolong Mountain, Tianshui, 741022, People's Republic of China
| | - Lifang Wang
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Secondary Forest Cultivation, Research Institute of Forestry of Xiaolong Mountain, Tianshui, 741022, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangqun Ouyang
- Beijing Floriculture Engineering Technology Research Centre, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing Botanical Garden, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang KY, Yang D, Zhang YB, Ai XR, Yao L, Deng ZJ, Zhang JL. Linkages among stem xylem transport, biomechanics, and storage in lianas and trees across three contrasting environments. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2024; 111:e16290. [PMID: 38380953 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
PREMISE Stem xylem transports water and nutrients, mechanically supports aboveground tissues, and stores water and nonstructural carbohydrates. These three functions are associated with three types of cells-vessel, fiber, and parenchyma, respectively. METHODS We measured stem theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Kt), modulus of elasticity (MOE), tissue water content, starch, soluble sugars, cellulose, and xylem anatomical traits in 15 liana and 16 tree species across three contrasting sites in Southwest China. RESULTS Lianas had higher hydraulic efficiency and tissue water content, but lower MOE and cellulose than trees. Storage traits (starch and soluble sugars) did not significantly differ between lianas and trees, and trait variation was explained mainly by site, highlighting how environment shapes plant storage strategies. Kt was significantly positively correlated with vessel diameter and vessel area fraction in lianas and all species combined. The MOE was significantly positively correlated with fiber area fraction, wood density, and cellulose in lianas and across all species. The tissue water content was significantly associated with parenchyma area fraction in lianas. Support function was strongly linked with transport and storage functions in lianas. In trees, transport and support functions were not correlated, while storage function was tightly linked with transport and support functions. CONCLUSIONS These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between stem xylem structure and function in lianas and trees, providing valuable insights into how plants adapt to environmental changes and the distinct ecological strategies employed by lianas and by trees to balance the demands of hydraulic transport, mechanical support, and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Yan Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Da Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun-Bing Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Xun-Ru Ai
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Deng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Jiao-Lin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
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Zhang SB, Song Y, Wen HD, Chen YJ. Leaf nitrogen and phosphorus resorption efficiencies are related to drought resistance across woody species in a Chinese savanna. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 44:tpad149. [PMID: 38102768 PMCID: PMC10849754 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpad149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Leaf nutrient resorption and drought resistance are crucial for the growth and survival of plants. However, our understanding of the relationships between leaf nutrient resorption and plant drought resistance is still limited. In this study, we investigated the nitrogen and phosphorus resorption efficiencies (NRE and PRE), leaf structural traits, leaf osmotic potential at full hydration (Ψosm), xylem water potential at 50% loss of xylem-specific hydraulic conductivity (P50) and seasonal minimum water potential (Ψmin) for 18 shrub and tree species in a semiarid savanna ecosystem, in Southwest China. Our results showed that NRE and PRE exhibited trade-off against drought resistance traits (Ψosm and P50) across woody species. Moreover, this relationship was modulated by leaf structural investment. Species with low structural investment (e.g., leaf mass per area, leaf dry mass content and leaf construction cost [LCC]) tend to have high NRE and PRE, while those with high LCCs show high drought resistance, showing more negative Ψosm and P50.These results indicate that species with a lower leaf structural investment may have a greater need to recycle their nutrients, thus exhibiting higher nutrient resorption efficiencies, and vice versa. In conclusion, nutrient resorption efficiency may be a crucial adaptation strategy for coexisting plants in semiarid ecosystems, highlighting the importance of understanding the complex relationships between nutrient cycling and plant survival strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Bin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
- T-STAR Core Team, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Yu Song
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Ministry of Education), Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Han-Dong Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
- T-STAR Core Team, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
- Yuanjiang Savanna Ecosystem Research Station, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuanjiang, Yunnan 653300, China
| | - Ya-Jun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
- T-STAR Core Team, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
- Yuanjiang Savanna Ecosystem Research Station, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuanjiang, Yunnan 653300, China
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Alvarado MV, Terrazas T. Tree species differ in plant economic spectrum traits in the tropical dry forest of Mexico. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293430. [PMID: 37943793 PMCID: PMC10635469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In tropical dry forests, studies on wood anatomical traits have concentrated mainly on variations in vessel diameter and frequency. Recent research suggests that parenchyma and fibers also play an important role in water conduction and in xylem hydraulic safety. However, these relationships are not fully understood, and wood trait variation among different functional profiles as well as their variation under different water availability scenarios have been little studied. In this work, we aim to (1) characterize a set of wood anatomical traits among six selected tree species that represent the economic spectrum of tropical dry forests, (2) assess the variation in these traits under three different rainfall regimes, and (3) determine the relationships between wood anatomical traits and possible functional trade-offs. Differences among species and sites in wood traits were explored. Linear mixed models were fitted, and model comparison was performed. Most variation occurred among species along the economic spectrum. Obligate deciduous, low wood density species were characterized by wood with wide vessels and low frequency, suggesting high water transport capacity but sensitivity to drought. Moreover, high cell fractions of carbon and water storage were also found in these tree species related to the occurrence of abundant parenchyma or septate fibers. Contrary to what most studies show, Cochlospermum vitifolium, a succulent tree species, presented the greatest variation in wood traits. Facultative deciduous, high wood density species were characterized by a sturdy vascular system that may favor resistance to cavitation and low reserve storage. Contrary to our expectations, variation among the rainfall regimes was generally low in all species and was mostly related to vessel traits, while fiber and parenchyma traits presented little variation among species. Strong functional associations between wood anatomical traits and functional trade-offs were found for the six tree species studied along the economic spectrum of tropical dry forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco V. Alvarado
- Departamento de Botánica, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Teresa Terrazas
- Departamento de Botánica, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
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Aritsara ANA, Ni MY, Wang YQ, Yan CL, Zeng WH, Song HQ, Cao KF, Zhu SD. Tree growth is correlated with hydraulic efficiency and safety across 22 tree species in a subtropical karst forest. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 43:1307-1318. [PMID: 37067918 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Karst forests are habitats in which access to soil water can be challenging for plants. Therefore, safe and efficient xylem water transport and large internal water storage may benefit tree growth. In this study, we selected 22 tree species from a primary subtropical karst forest in southern China and measured their xylem anatomical traits, saturated water content (SWC), hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and embolism resistance (P50). Additionally, we monitored growth of diameter at breast height (DBH) in 440 individual trees of various sizes over three consecutive years. Our objective was to analyze the relationships between xylem structure, hydraulic efficiency, safety, water storage and growth of karst tree species. The results showed significant differences in structure but not in hydraulic traits between deciduous and evergreen species. Larger vessel diameter, paratracheal parenchyma and higher SWC were correlated with higher Ks. Embolism resistance was not correlated with the studied anatomical traits, and no tradeoff with Ks was observed. In small trees (5-15 cm DBH), diameter growth rate (DGR) was independent of hydraulic traits. In large trees (>15 cm DBH), higher Ks and more negative P50 accounted for higher DGR. From lower to greater embolism resistance, the size-growth relationship shifted from growth deceleration to acceleration with increasing tree size in eight of the 22 species. Our study highlights the vital contributions of xylem hydraulic efficiency and safety to growth rate and dynamics in karst tree species; therefore, we strongly recommend their integration into trait-based forest dynamic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N A Aritsara
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxuedonglu Road, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxuedonglu Road, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Ming-Yuan Ni
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 98 Chengxiang Road, Baise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxuedonglu Road, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Chao-Long Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxuedonglu Road, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Wen-Hao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxuedonglu Road, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Hui-Qing Song
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxuedonglu Road, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Kun-Fang Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxuedonglu Road, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Shi-Dan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxuedonglu Road, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
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Yang D, Wang YSD, Wang Q, Ke Y, Zhang YB, Zhang SB, Zhang YJ, McDowell NG, Zhang JL. Physiological response and photosynthetic recovery to an extreme drought: Evidence from plants in a dry-hot valley savanna of Southwest China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161711. [PMID: 36682563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The frequency of extreme drought events has been rising worldwide, but due to its unpredictability, how plants will respond remains poorly understood. Here, we aimed to characterize how the hydraulics and photosynthesis of savanna plants respond to extreme drought, and tested whether they can subsequently recover photosynthesis after drought. There was an extreme drought in 2019 in Southwest (SW) China. We investigated photosynthetic gas exchange, leaf-, stem-, and whole-shoot hydraulic conductance of 18 plant species with diverse leaf habits (deciduous, semi-deciduous and evergreen) and growth forms (tree and shrub) from a dry-hot valley savanna in SW China for three rainy seasons from 2019 to 2021. We also compared photosynthetic gas exchange to those of a regular year (2014). We found that leaf stomatal and hydraulic conductance and maximum photosynthetic rate were significantly lower during the drought in 2019 than in the wetter years. In 2019, all studied plants maintained stomatal conductance at their minimum level observed, which could be related to high vapor pressure deficits (VPD, >2 kPa). However, no significant difference in stem and shoot hydraulic conductance was detected across years. The reductions in leaf hydraulic conductance and stomatal regulation under extreme drought might help keep the stem hydraulic function. Stomatal conductance and photosynthesis after drought (2020 and 2021) showed comparable or even higher values compared to that of 2014, suggesting high recovery of photosynthetic gas exchange. In addition, the response of hydraulic and photosynthetic traits to extreme drought was convergent across leaf habits and growth forms. Our results will help better understand the physiological mechanism underlying the response of savanna ecosystems to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Yang-Si-Ding Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan Ke
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yun-Bing Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shi-Bao Zhang
- Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Yong-Jiang Zhang
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA.
| | - Nate G McDowell
- Atmospheric Sciences and Global Change Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, PO Box 644236, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Jiao-Lin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China.
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