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Manzi OJL, Wittemann M, Dusenge ME, Habimana J, Manishimwe A, Mujawamariya M, Ntirugulirwa B, Zibera E, Tarvainen L, Nsabimana D, Wallin G, Uddling J. Canopy temperatures strongly overestimate leaf thermal safety margins of tropical trees. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 243:2115-2129. [PMID: 39073111 DOI: 10.1111/nph.20013] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Current estimates of temperature effects on plants mostly rely on air temperature, although it can significantly deviate from leaf temperature (Tleaf). To address this, some studies have used canopy temperature (Tcan). However, Tcan fails to capture the fine-scale variation in Tleaf among leaves and species in diverse canopies. We used infrared radiometers to study Tleaf and Tcan and how they deviate from air temperature (ΔTleaf and ΔTcan) in multispecies tropical tree plantations at three sites along an elevation and temperature gradient in Rwanda. Our results showed high Tleaf (up to c. 50°C) and ΔTleaf (on average 8-10°C and up to c. 20°C) of sun-exposed leaves during 10:00 h-15:00 h, being close to or exceeding photosynthetic heat tolerance thresholds. These values greatly exceeded simultaneously measured values of Tcan and ΔTcan, respectively, leading to strongly overestimated leaf thermal safety margins if basing those on Tcan data. Stomatal conductance and leaf size affected Tleaf and Tcan in line with their expected influences on leaf energy balance. Our findings highlight the importance of leaf traits for leaf thermoregulation and show that monitoring Tcan is not enough to capture the peak temperatures and heat stress experienced by individual leaves of different species in tropical forest canopies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Jean Leonce Manzi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Integrated Polytechnic Regional College-Kitabi, Rwanda Polytechnic, PO Box 330, Huye, Rwanda
| | - Maria Wittemann
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Mirindi Eric Dusenge
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, E4L 1E4, Canada
| | - Jacques Habimana
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Aloysie Manishimwe
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Avenue de l'Armée, PO Box 3900, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Myriam Mujawamariya
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Avenue de l'Armée, PO Box 3900, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Bonaventure Ntirugulirwa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Avenue de l'Armée, PO Box 3900, Kigali, Rwanda
- Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, PO Box 5016, Kigali, Rwanda
- Rwanda Forestry Authority, PO Box 46, Muhanga, Rwanda
| | - Etienne Zibera
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, PO Box 210, Musanze, Rwanda
| | - Lasse Tarvainen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Donat Nsabimana
- School of Forestry and Biodiversity Conservation, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, PO Box 210, Musanze, Rwanda
| | - Göran Wallin
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Johan Uddling
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 463, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
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2
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Gauthey A, Kahmen A, Limousin JM, Vilagrosa A, Didion-Gency M, Mas E, Milano A, Tunas A, Grossiord C. High heat tolerance, evaporative cooling, and stomatal decoupling regulate canopy temperature and their safety margins in three European oak species. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17439. [PMID: 39092538 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17439] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Heatwaves and soil droughts are increasing in frequency and intensity, leading many tree species to exceed their thermal thresholds, and driving wide-scale forest mortality. Therefore, investigating heat tolerance and canopy temperature regulation mechanisms is essential to understanding and predicting tree vulnerability to hot droughts. We measured the diurnal and seasonal variation in leaf water potential (Ψ), gas exchange (photosynthesis Anet and stomatal conductance gs), canopy temperature (Tcan), and heat tolerance (leaf critical temperature Tcrit and thermal safety margins TSM, i.e., the difference between maximum Tcan and Tcrit) in three oak species in forests along a latitudinal gradient (Quercus petraea in Switzerland, Quercus ilex in France, and Quercus coccifera in Spain) throughout the growing season. Gas exchange and Ψ of all species were strongly reduced by increased air temperature (Tair) and soil drying, resulting in stomatal closure and inhibition of photosynthesis in Q. ilex and Q. coccifera when Tair surpassed 30°C and soil moisture dropped below 14%. Across all seasons, Tcan was mainly above Tair but increased strongly (up to 10°C > Tair) when Anet was null or negative. Although trees endured extreme Tair (up to 42°C), positive TSM were maintained during the growing season due to high Tcrit in all species (average Tcrit of 54.7°C) and possibly stomatal decoupling (i.e., Anet ≤0 while gs >0). Indeed, Q. ilex and Q. coccifera trees maintained low but positive gs (despite null Anet), decreasing Ψ passed embolism thresholds. This may have prevented Tcan from rising above Tcrit during extreme heat. Overall, our work highlighted that the mechanisms behind heat tolerance and leaf temperature regulation in oak trees include a combination of high evaporative cooling, large heat tolerance limits, and stomatal decoupling. These processes must be considered to accurately predict plant damages, survival, and mortality during extreme heatwaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gauthey
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ansgar Kahmen
- Physiological Plant Ecology, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Limousin
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Alberto Vilagrosa
- CEAM Foundation, Joint Research Unit University of Alicante-CEAM, Department Ecology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Margaux Didion-Gency
- Forest Dynamics Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Eugénie Mas
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Forest Global Earth Observatory, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Arianna Milano
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Alex Tunas
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Department of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Charlotte Grossiord
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
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3
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Middleby KB, Cheesman AW, Cernusak LA. Impacts of elevated temperature and vapour pressure deficit on leaf gas exchange and plant growth across six tropical rainforest tree species. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 243:648-661. [PMID: 38757766 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19822] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Elevated air temperature (Tair) and vapour pressure deficit (VPDair) significantly influence plant functioning, yet their relative impacts are difficult to disentangle. We examined the effects of elevated Tair (+6°C) and VPDair (+0.7 kPa) on the growth and physiology of six tropical tree species. Saplings were grown under well-watered conditions in climate-controlled glasshouses for 6 months under three treatments: (1) low Tair and low VPDair, (2) high Tair and low VPDair, and (3) high Tair and high VPDair. To assess acclimation, physiological parameters were measured at a set temperature. Warm-grown plants grown under elevated VPDair had significantly reduced stomatal conductance and increased instantaneous water use efficiency compared to plants grown under low VPDair. Photosynthetic biochemistry and thermal tolerance (Tcrit) were unaffected by VPDair, but elevated Tair caused Jmax25 to decrease and Tcrit to increase. Sapling biomass accumulation for all species responded positively to an increase in Tair, but elevated VPDair limited growth. This study shows that stomatal limitation caused by even moderate increases in VPDair can decrease productivity and growth rates in tropical species independently from Tair and has important implications for modelling the impacts of climate change on tropical forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kali B Middleby
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Alexander W Cheesman
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Lucas A Cernusak
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
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4
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Bison NN, Michaletz ST. Variation in leaf carbon economics, energy balance, and heat tolerance traits highlights differing timescales of adaptation and acclimation. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024. [PMID: 38532535 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Multivariate leaf trait correlations are hypothesized to originate from natural selection on carbon economics traits that control lifetime leaf carbon gain, and energy balance traits governing leaf temperatures, physiological rates, and heat injury. However, it is unclear whether macroevolution of leaf traits primarily reflects selection for lifetime carbon gain or energy balance, and whether photosynthetic heat tolerance is coordinated along these axes. To evaluate these hypotheses, we measured carbon economics, energy balance, and photosynthetic heat tolerance traits for 177 species (157 families) in a common garden that minimizes co-variation of taxa and climate. We observed wide variation in carbon economics, energy balance, and heat tolerance traits. Carbon economics and energy balance (but not heat tolerance) traits were phylogenetically structured, suggesting macroevolution of leaf mass per area and leaf dry matter content reflects selection on carbon gain rather than energy balance. Carbon economics and energy balance traits varied along a common axis orthogonal to heat tolerance traits. Our results highlight a fundamental mismatch in the timescales over which morphological and heat tolerance traits respond to environmental variation. Whereas carbon economics and energy balance traits are constrained by species' evolutionary histories, photosynthetic heat tolerance traits are not and can acclimate readily to leaf microclimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole N Bison
- Department of Botany, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Biodiversity Research Centre, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sean T Michaletz
- Department of Botany, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Biodiversity Research Centre, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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5
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Ning QR, Li Q, Zhang HP, Jin Y, Gong XW, Jiao RF, Bakpa EP, Zhao H, Liu H. Weak correlations among leaf thermal metrics, economic traits and damages under natural heatwaves. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170022. [PMID: 38220006 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170022] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are increasing around the world, causing severe damages to plants, but whether leaf thermal metrics is in line with leaf economic spectrum is still controversial. Here, we measured leaf damage ratio, leaf thermal metrics (tolerance and sensitivity) and economic traits of 131 woody species across five cities along the Yangtze River after a two-month natural extreme temperature event. We found that leaf thermal sensitivity but not thermal tolerance was correlated with leaf damage ratio, and the relationships between leaf thermal metrics and economic traits were weak, indicating that leaf thermal adaptation may be independent from leaf carbon construction. This study suggests a potential indicator for predicting plant survival under heatwaves, urging future research to explore more physiological traits to comprehensively understand plant heat responses and adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Rui Ning
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Hao-Ping Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Jin
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang, China
| | - Xue-Wei Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Management, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui-Fang Jiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Emily Patience Bakpa
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
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6
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Cook AM, Rezende EL, Petrou K, Leigh A. Beyond a single temperature threshold: Applying a cumulative thermal stress framework to plant heat tolerance. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14416. [PMID: 38549256 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Most plant thermal tolerance studies focus on single critical thresholds, which limit the capacity to generalise across studies and predict heat stress under natural conditions. In animals and microbes, thermal tolerance landscapes describe the more realistic, cumulative effects of temperature. We tested this in plants by measuring the decline in leaf photosynthetic efficiency (FV/FM) following a combination of temperatures and exposure times and then modelled these physiological indices alongside recorded environmental temperatures. We demonstrate that a general relationship between stressful temperatures and exposure durations can be effectively employed to quantify and compare heat tolerance within and across plant species and over time. Importantly, we show how FV/FM curves translate to plants under natural conditions, suggesting that environmental temperatures often impair photosynthetic function. Our findings provide more robust descriptors of heat tolerance in plants and suggest that heat tolerance in disparate groups of organisms can be studied with a single predictive framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Cook
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Enrico L Rezende
- Departamento de Ecología, Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Katherina Petrou
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andy Leigh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Herrera CM. Refrigerated flowers in the torrid Mediterranean summer. Ecology 2024; 105:e4268. [PMID: 38350709 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Herrera
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
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8
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Qu LP, Chen J, Xiao J, De Boeck HJ, Dong G, Jiang SC, Hu YL, Wang YX, Shao CL. The complexity of heatwaves impact on terrestrial ecosystem carbon fluxes: Factors, mechanisms and a multi-stage analytical approach. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117495. [PMID: 37890820 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117495] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Extreme heatwaves have become more frequent and severe in recent decades, and are expected to significantly influence carbon fluxes at regional scales across global terrestrial ecosystems. Nevertheless, accurate prediction of future heatwave impacts remains challenging due to a lack of a consistent comprehension of intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. We approached this knowledge gap by analyzing the complexity factors in heatwave studies, including the methodology for determining heatwave events, divergent responses of individual ecosystem components at multiple ecological and temporal scales, and vegetation status and hydrothermal environment, among other factors. We found that heatwaves essentially are continuously changing compound environmental stress that can unfold into multiple chronological stages, and plant physiology and carbon flux responses differs in each of these stages. This approach offers a holistic perspective, recognizing that the impacts of heatwaves on ecosystems can be better understood when evaluated over time. These stages include instantaneous, post-heatwave, legacy, and cumulative effects, each contributing uniquely to the overall impact on the ecosystem carbon cycle. Next, we investigated the importance of the timing of heatwaves and the possible divergent consequences caused by different annual heatwave patterns. Finally, a conceptual framework is proposed to establish a united foundation for the study and comprehension of the consequences of heatwaves on ecosystem carbon cycle. This instrumental framework will assist in guiding regional assessments of heatwave impacts, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms responsible for the varied responses of terrestrial ecosystems to specific heatwave events, which are imperative for devising efficient adaptation and mitigation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Ping Qu
- College of JunCao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Jiquan Chen
- Center for Global Change & Earth Observations (CGCEO), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA.
| | - Jingfeng Xiao
- Earth Systems Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA.
| | - Hans J De Boeck
- Research Group of Plants and Ecosystems (PLECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Gang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-arid Arable Land in Northern China, National Hulunber Grassland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China; School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China.
| | | | - Ya-Lin Hu
- College of JunCao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Yi-Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-arid Arable Land in Northern China, National Hulunber Grassland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Chang-Liang Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-arid Arable Land in Northern China, National Hulunber Grassland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
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9
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Vilas-Boas T, Duarte AA, Della Torre F, Lovato MB, Lemos-Filho JP. Does acclimation in distinct light conditions determine differences in the photosynthetic heat tolerance of coffee plants? PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2023; 25:1101-1108. [PMID: 37647413 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13574] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide coffee production is threatened by climate change, which highlights the importance of heat tolerance studies. Here we tested the hypothesis that photosynthetic heat tolerance in coffee varieties changes according to acclimation to distinct light conditions. Furthermore, we tested if heat tolerance is associated with the habitat of origin of the coffee species. We evaluated heat tolerance using chlorophyll fluorescence in varieties of Coffea arabica (Mundo Novo and Catuai Amarelo) and C. canephora (Conilon) grown in a common garden under two conditions: high (HS) and low (LS) sunlight. Leaf traits associated with leaf cooling were evaluated in plants grown in LS and HS and associations of heat tolerance with these traits were determined. The varieties tested had high photosynthetic heat tolerance, with temperatures above 54 °C leading to a 50% reduction in Fv /Fm (T50 ). The heat tolerance of each Coffea variety was unaffected by growth in distinct light conditions. Leaves of plants grown in LS were larger and had a lower fraction of the leaf area occupied by stomata (nast ). Heat tolerance was positively associated with leaf size and negatively with nast . C. canephora exhibited higher heat tolerance than C. arabica. The limited plasticity of heat tolerance in response to acclimation under distinct light conditions contradicts the prediction that plants acclimated to HS would have higher photosynthetic heat tolerance than those acclimated to LS. Our results on heat tolerance among Coffea species/varieties in HS and LS indicate the possibility of selection of varieties for better acclimation to ongoing climate changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vilas-Boas
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - A A Duarte
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - F Della Torre
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - M B Lovato
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - J P Lemos-Filho
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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10
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Gauthey A, Bachofen C, Deluigi J, Didion-Gency M, D'Odorico P, Gisler J, Mas E, Schaub M, Schuler P, Still CJ, Tunas A, Grossiord C. Absence of canopy temperature variation despite stomatal adjustment in Pinus sylvestris under multidecadal soil moisture manipulation. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:127-137. [PMID: 37483100 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19136] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Global warming and droughts push forests closer to their thermal limits, altering tree carbon uptake and growth. To prevent critical overheating, trees can adjust their thermotolerance (Tcrit ), temperature and photosynthetic optima (Topt and Aopt ), and canopy temperature (Tcan ) to stay below damaging thresholds. However, we lack an understanding of how soil droughts affect photosynthetic thermal plasticity and Tcan regulation. In this study, we measured the effect of soil moisture on the seasonal and diurnal dynamics of net photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs ), and Tcan , as well as the thermal plasticity of photosynthesis (Tcrit , Topt , and Aopt ), over the course of 1 yr using a long-term irrigation experiment in a drought-prone Pinus sylvestris forest in Switzerland. Irrigation resulted in higher needle-level A, gs , Topt , and Aopt compared with naturally drought-exposed trees. No daily or seasonal differences in Tcan were observed between treatments. Trees operated below their thermal thresholds (Tcrit ), independently of soil moisture content. Despite strong Tcan and Tair coupling, we provide evidence that drought reduces trees' temperature optimum due to a substantial reduction of gs during warm and dry periods of the year. These findings provide important insights regarding the effects of soil drought on the thermal tolerance of P. sylvestris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gauthey
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Bachofen
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
| | - Janisse Deluigi
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
| | - Margaux Didion-Gency
- Forest Dynamics Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
| | - Petra D'Odorico
- Land Change Science Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Gisler
- Forest Dynamics Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
| | - Eugénie Mas
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Schaub
- Forest Dynamics Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Schuler
- Forest Dynamics Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
| | - Christopher J Still
- Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, 97331, OR, USA
| | - Alex Tunas
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Grossiord
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
- Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, CH-8903, Switzerland
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11
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Schönbeck L, Arteaga M, Mirza H, Coleman M, Mitchell D, Huang X, Ortiz H, Santiago LS. Plant physiological indicators for optimizing conservation outcomes. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad073. [PMID: 37711583 PMCID: PMC10498484 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Plant species of concern often occupy narrow habitat ranges, making climate change an outsized potential threat to their conservation and restoration. Understanding the physiological status of a species during stress has the potential to elucidate current risk and provide an outlook on population maintenance. However, the physiological status of a plant can be difficult to interpret without a reference point, such as the capacity to tolerate stress before loss of function, or mortality. We address the application of plant physiology to conservation biology by distinguishing between two physiological approaches that together determine plant status in relation to environmental conditions and evaluate the capacity to avoid stress-induced loss of function. Plant physiological status indices, such as instantaneous rates of photosynthetic gas exchange, describe the level of physiological activity in the plant and are indicative of physiological health. When such measurements are combined with a reference point that reflects the maximum value or environmental limits of a parameter, such as the temperature at which photosynthesis begins to decline due to high temperature stress, we can better diagnose the proximity to potentially damaging thresholds. Here, we review a collection of useful plant status and reference point measurements related to photosynthesis, water relations and mineral nutrition, which can contribute to plant conservation physiology. We propose that these measurements can serve as important additional information to more commonly used phenological and morphological parameters, as the proposed parameters will reveal early warning signals before they are visible. We discuss their implications in the context of changing temperature, water and nutrient supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Schönbeck
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Marc Arteaga
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Humera Mirza
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Mitchell Coleman
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Tejon Ranch Conservancy, Frazier Park, CA 93225, USA
| | - Denise Mitchell
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Xinyi Huang
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Haile Ortiz
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Louis S Santiago
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092. Balboa, Ancon, Panama, Republic of Panama
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12
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Milner KV, French K, Krix DW, Valenzuela SM, Leigh A. The effects of spring versus summer heat events on two arid zone plant species under field conditions. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2023; 50:455-469. [PMID: 37081720 DOI: 10.1071/fp22135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Heatwaves are increasingly occurring out-of-season, which may affect plants not primed for the event. Further, heat stress often coincides with water and/or nutrient stress, impairing short-term physiological function and potentially causing downstream effects on reproductive fitness. We investigated the response of water-stressed arid-zone Solanum oligacanthum and Solanum orbiculatum to spring vs summer heat stress under differing nutrient conditions. Heat stress events were imposed in open-topped chambers under in situ desert conditions. To assess short-term impacts, we measured leaf photosystem responses (F v /F m ) and membrane stability; long-term effects were compared via biomass allocation, visible damage, flowering and fruiting. Plants generally fared more poorly following summer than spring heat stress, with the exception of F v /F m . Summer heat stress caused greater membrane damage, reduced growth and survival compared with spring. Nutrient availability had a strong influence on downstream effects of heat stress, including species-specific outcomes for reproductive fitness. Overall, high temperatures during spring posed a lower threat to fitness than in severe arid summer conditions of high temperature and low water availability, which were more detrimental to plants in both the short and longer term. Our study highlights the importance of considering ecologically relevant, multiple-stressor events to understand different species responses to extreme heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Milner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - K French
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospherics and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - D W Krix
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - S M Valenzuela
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - A Leigh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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13
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Docherty EM, Gloor E, Sponchiado D, Gilpin M, Pinto CAD, Junior HM, Coughlin I, Ferreira L, Junior JAS, da Costa ACL, Meir P, Galbraith D. Long-term drought effects on the thermal sensitivity of Amazon forest trees. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:185-198. [PMID: 36230004 PMCID: PMC10092618 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The continued functioning of tropical forests under climate change depends on their resilience to drought and heat. However, there is little understanding of how tropical forests will respond to combinations of these stresses, and no field studies to date have explicitly evaluated whether sustained drought alters sensitivity to temperature. We measured the temperature response of net photosynthesis, foliar respiration and the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv /Fm ) of eight hyper-dominant Amazonian tree species at the world's longest-running tropical forest drought experiment, to investigate the effect of drought on forest thermal sensitivity. Despite a 0.6°C-2°C increase in canopy air temperatures following long-term drought, no change in overall thermal sensitivity of net photosynthesis or respiration was observed. However, photosystem II tolerance to extreme-heat damage (T50 ) was reduced from 50.0 ± 0.3°C to 48.5 ± 0.3°C under drought. Our results suggest that long-term reductions in precipitation, as projected across much of Amazonia by climate models, are unlikely to greatly alter the response of tropical forests to rising mean temperatures but may increase the risk of leaf thermal damage during heatwaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M. Docherty
- Department of Earth and Environment, School of GeographyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Emanuel Gloor
- Department of Earth and Environment, School of GeographyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Daniela Sponchiado
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Ecologia VegetalUniversidade do Estado de Mato GrossoNova XavantinaMato GrossoBrasil
| | - Martin Gilpin
- Department of Earth and Environment, School of GeographyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | | | | | - Ingrid Coughlin
- Departamento de Biologia, FFCLRPUniversidade de São PauloRibeirao PretoSão PauloBrasil
- College of Science, Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritorAustralia
| | | | | | - Antonio C. L. da Costa
- Instituto de GeosciênciasUniversidade Federaldo ParáBelémParáBrasil
- Museu Paraense Emílio GoeldiBelémParáBrasil
| | - Patrick Meir
- College of Science, Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritorAustralia
- College of Science and Engineering, School of GeoSciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - David Galbraith
- Department of Earth and Environment, School of GeographyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
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14
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Kullberg AT, Feeley KJ. Limited acclimation of leaf traits and leaf temperatures in a subtropical urban heat island. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 42:2266-2281. [PMID: 35708568 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpac066] [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: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The consequences of rising temperatures for trees will vary between species based on their abilities to acclimate their leaf thermoregulatory traits and photosynthetic thermal tolerances. We tested the hypotheses that adult trees in warmer growing conditions (i) acclimate their thermoregulatory traits to regulate leaf temperatures, (ii) acclimate their thermal tolerances such that tolerances are positively correlated with leaf temperature and (iii) that species with broader thermal niche breadths have greater acclimatory abilities. To test these hypotheses, we measured leaf traits and thermal tolerances of seven focal tree species across steep thermal gradients in Miami's urban heat island. We found that some functional traits varied significantly across air temperatures within species. For example, leaf thickness increased with maximum air temperature in three species, and leaf mass per area and leaf reflectance both increased with air temperature in one species. Only one species was marginally more homeothermic than expected by chance due to acclimation of its thermoregulatory traits, but this acclimation was insufficient to offset elevated air temperatures. Thermal tolerances acclimated to higher maximum air temperatures in two species. As a result of limited acclimation, leaf thermal safety margins (TSMs) were narrower for trees in hotter areas. We found some support for our hypothesis that species with broader thermal niches are better at acclimating to maintain more stable TSMs across the temperature gradients. These findings suggest that trees have limited abilities to acclimate to high temperatures and that thermal niche specialists may be at a heightened risk of thermal stress as global temperatures continue to rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa T Kullberg
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Kenneth J Feeley
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, FL 33156, USA
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15
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Li X, Wen Y, Chen X, Qie Y, Cao KF, Wee AKS. Correlations between photosynthetic heat tolerance and leaf anatomy and climatic niche in Asian mangrove trees. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2022; 24:960-966. [PMID: 35962602 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic heat tolerance (PHT ) is a key predictor of plant response to climate change. Mangroves are an ecologically and economically important coastal plant community comprised of trees growing at their physiological limits. Mangroves are currently impacted by global warming, yet the PHT of mangrove trees is poorly understood. In this study, we provide the first assessment of PHT in 13 Asian mangrove species, based on the critical temperature that causes the initial damage (TCrit ) and the temperature that causes 50% damage (T50 ) to photosystem II. We tested the hypotheses that the PHT in mangroves is: (i) correlated with climatic niche and leaf traits, and (ii) higher than in plants from other tropical ecosystems. Our results demonstrated correlations between PHT and multiple key climate variables, the palisade to spongy mesophyll ratio and the leaf area. The two most heat-sensitive species were Kandelia obovata and Avicennia marina. Our study also revealed that mangrove trees show high heat tolerance compared to plants from other tropical ecosystems. The high PHT of mangroves thus demonstrated a conservative evolutionary strategy in heat tolerance, and highlights the need for integrative and comparative studies on thermoregulatory traits and climatic niche in order to understand the physiological response of mangrove trees to climate change-driven heatwaves and rising global temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Y Wen
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - X Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Y Qie
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - K-F Cao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - A K S Wee
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, Malaysia
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16
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Garen JC, Branch HA, Borrego I, Blonder B, Stinziano JR, Michaletz ST. Gas exchange analysers exhibit large measurement error driven by internal thermal gradients. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 236:369-384. [PMID: 35762843 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18347] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Portable gas exchange analysers provide critical data for understanding plant-atmosphere carbon and water fluxes, and for parameterising Earth system models that forecast climate change effects and feedbacks. We characterised temperature measurement errors in the Li-Cor LI-6400XT and LI-6800, and estimated downstream errors in derived quantities, including stomatal conductance (gsw ) and leaf intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci ). The LI-6400XT exhibited air temperature errors (differences between reported air temperature and air temperature measured near the leaf) up to 7.2°C, leaf temperature errors up to 5.3°C, and relative errors in gsw and Ci that increased as temperatures departed from ambient. This caused errors in leaf-to-air temperature relationships, assimilation-temperature curves and CO2 response curves. Temperature dependencies of maximum Rubisco carboxylation rate (Vcmax ) and maximum RuBP regeneration rate (Jmax ) showed errors of 12% and 35%, respectively. These errors are likely to be idiosyncratic and may differ among machines and environmental conditions. The LI-6800 exhibited much smaller errors. Earth system model predictions may be erroneous, as much of their parametrisation data were measured on the LI-6400XT system, depending on the methods used. We make recommendations for minimising errors and correcting data in the LI-6400XT. We also recommend transitioning to the LI-6800 for future data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef C Garen
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Haley A Branch
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Isaac Borrego
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Benjamin Blonder
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | | | - Sean T Michaletz
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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17
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No evidence of canopy-scale leaf thermoregulation to cool leaves below air temperature across a range of forest ecosystems. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2205682119. [PMID: 36095211 PMCID: PMC9499539 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2205682119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding and predicting the relationship between leaf temperature (Tleaf) and air temperature (Tair) is essential for projecting responses to a warming climate, as studies suggest that many forests are near thermal thresholds for carbon uptake. Based on leaf measurements, the limited leaf homeothermy hypothesis argues that daytime Tleaf is maintained near photosynthetic temperature optima and below damaging temperature thresholds. Specifically, leaves should cool below Tair at higher temperatures (i.e., > ∼25-30°C) leading to slopes <1 in Tleaf/Tair relationships and substantial carbon uptake when leaves are cooler than air. This hypothesis implies that climate warming will be mitigated by a compensatory leaf cooling response. A key uncertainty is understanding whether such thermoregulatory behavior occurs in natural forest canopies. We present an unprecedented set of growing season canopy-level leaf temperature (Tcan) data measured with thermal imaging at multiple well-instrumented forest sites in North and Central America. Our data do not support the limited homeothermy hypothesis: canopy leaves are warmer than air during most of the day and only cool below air in mid to late afternoon, leading to Tcan/Tair slopes >1 and hysteretic behavior. We find that the majority of ecosystem photosynthesis occurs when canopy leaves are warmer than air. Using energy balance and physiological modeling, we show that key leaf traits influence leaf-air coupling and ultimately the Tcan/Tair relationship. Canopy structure also plays an important role in Tcan dynamics. Future climate warming is likely to lead to even greater Tcan, with attendant impacts on forest carbon cycling and mortality risk.
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18
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Carter KR, Dickman LT. Recovery of seedling carbon balance despite hydraulic impairment following hot drought. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 42:1527-1531. [PMID: 35445728 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpac045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey R Carter
- Earth and Environmental Science Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - L Turin Dickman
- Earth and Environmental Science Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
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19
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Marchin RM, Backes D, Ossola A, Leishman MR, Tjoelker MG, Ellsworth DS. Extreme heat increases stomatal conductance and drought-induced mortality risk in vulnerable plant species. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:1133-1146. [PMID: 34741566 PMCID: PMC9299030 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Tree mortality during global-change-type drought is usually attributed to xylem dysfunction, but as climate change increases the frequency of extreme heat events, it is necessary to better understand the interactive role of heat stress. We hypothesized that some drought-stressed plants paradoxically open stomata in heatwaves to prevent leaves from critically overheating. We experimentally imposed heat (>40°C) and drought stress onto 20 broadleaf evergreen tree/shrub species in a glasshouse study. Most well-watered plants avoided lethal overheating, but drought exacerbated thermal damage during heatwaves. Thermal safety margins (TSM) quantifying the difference between leaf surface temperature and leaf critical temperature, where photosynthesis is disrupted, identified species vulnerability to heatwaves. Several mechanisms contributed to high heat tolerance and avoidance of damaging leaf temperatures-small leaf size, low leaf osmotic potential, high leaf mass per area (i.e., thick, dense leaves), high transpirational capacity, and access to water. Water-stressed plants had smaller TSM, greater crown dieback, and a fundamentally different stomatal heatwave response relative to well-watered plants. On average, well-watered plants closed stomata and decreased stomatal conductance (gs ) during the heatwave, but droughted plants did not. Plant species with low gs , either due to isohydric stomatal behavior under water deficit or inherently low transpirational capacity, opened stomata and increased gs under high temperatures. The current paradigm maintains that stomata close before hydraulic thresholds are surpassed, but our results suggest that isohydric species may dramatically increase gs (over sixfold increases) even past their leaf turgor loss point. By actively increasing water loss at high temperatures, plants can be driven toward mortality thresholds more rapidly than has been previously recognized. The inclusion of TSM and responses to heat stress could improve our ability to predict the vulnerability of different tree species to future droughts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée M. Marchin
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Diana Backes
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Alessandro Ossola
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Michelle R. Leishman
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mark G. Tjoelker
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David S. Ellsworth
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
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20
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Ahrens CW, Challis A, Byrne M, Leigh A, Nicotra AB, Tissue D, Rymer P. Repeated extreme heatwaves result in higher leaf thermal tolerances and greater safety margins. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:1212-1225. [PMID: 34292598 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The frequency and severity of heatwave events are increasing, exposing species to conditions beyond their physiological limits. Species respond to heatwaves in different ways, however it remains unclear if plants have the adaptive capacity to successfully respond to hotter and more frequent heatwaves. We exposed eight tree populations from two climate regions grown under cool and warm temperatures to repeated heatwave events of moderate (40°C) and extreme (46°C) severity to assess adaptive capacity to heatwaves. Leaf damage and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv /Fm ) were significantly impacted by heatwave severity and growth temperatures, respectively; populations from a warm-origin avoided damage under moderate heatwaves compared to those from a cool-origin, indicating a degree of local adaptation. We found that plasticity to heatwave severity and repeated heatwaves contributed to enhanced thermal tolerance and lower leaf temperatures, leading to greater thermal safety margins (thermal tolerance minus leaf temperature) in a second heatwave. Notably, while we show that adaptation and physiological plasticity are important factors affecting plant adaptive capacity to thermal stress, plasticity of thermal tolerances and thermal safety margins provides the opportunity for trees to persist among fluctuating heatwave exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin W Ahrens
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | - Anthea Challis
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | - Margaret Byrne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Bentley Delivery Centre, Locked Bag 104, Bentley, WA, 6983, Australia
| | - Andrea Leigh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Adrienne B Nicotra
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - David Tissue
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | - Paul Rymer
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
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