Is rootstock-induced dwarfing in olive an effect of reduced plant hydraulic efficiency?

We investigated the hydraulic architecture of young olive trees either self-rooted or grafted on rootstocks with contrasting size-controlling potential. Clones of Olea europea L. (Olive) cv 'Leccino' inducing vigorous scion growth (Leccino 'Minerva', LM) or scion dwarfing (Leccino 'Dwarf', LD) were studied in different scion/rootstock combinations (LD, LM, LD/LD, LM/LM, LD/LM and LM/LD). Shoots growing on LD root systems developed about 50% less leaf surface area than shoots growing on LM root systems. Root systems accounted for 60-70% of plant hydraulic resistance (R), whereas hydraulic resistance of the graft union was negligible. Hydraulic conductance (K = 1/R) of LD root systems was up to 2.5 times less than that of LM root systems. Total leaf surface area (A(L)) was closely and positively related to root hydraulic conductance so that whole-plant hydraulic conductance scaled by A(L) did not differ between experimental groups. Accordingly, maximum transpiration rate and minimum leaf water potential did not differ significantly among experimental groups. We conclude that reduced root hydraulic conductance may explain rootstock-induced dwarfing in olive.     

Hydraulic conductance characteristics of peach (Prunus persica) trees on different rootstocks are related to biomass production and distribution

We investigated hydraulic conductance characteristics and associated dry matter production and distribution of peach trees grafted on different rootstocks growing in the field. A single scion genotype was grown on a low ('K146-43'), an intermediate ('Hiawatha') and a high ('Nemaguard') vigor rootstock. 'K146-43' and 'Hiawatha' rootstocks had 27 and 52% lower mean leaf-specific hydraulic conductances, respectively, than the more vigorous 'Nemaguard' rootstock. Tree growth rates and patterns of biomass distribution varied significantly among rootstocks. Mean dry mass relative growth rates of trees on 'K146-43' and 'Nemaguard' were 66 and 75%, respectively, of the rates of trees on 'Nemaguard', and the scion to rootstock dry mass ratios of trees on 'K146-43' and 'Hiawatha' were 63 and 82%, respectively, of the ratio of trees on 'Nemaguard'. Thus, differences in dry matter distribution between the scion and rootstock, which may be a compensatory response to the differences in leaf specific hydraulic conductance among rootstocks, appeared to be related to differences in growth rates. Correspondingly, there was a positive linear relationship between the scion to rootstock dry mass ratio and the rootstock to scion hydraulic conductance ratio when conductance was normalized for dry mass. This study confirms that rootstock effects on tree water relations and vegetative growth potential result, at least in part, from differences in tree hydraulic conductance associated with specific peach rootstocks.     

Regulation of transpirational water loss in Quercus suber trees in a Mediterranean-type ecosystem

Sap flux density in branches, leaf transpiration, stomatal conductance and leaf water potentials were measured in 16-year-old Quercus suber L. trees growing in a plantation in southern Portugal to understand how evergreen Mediterranean trees regulate water loss during summer drought. Leaf specific hydraulic conductance and leaf gas exchange were monitored during the progressive summer drought to establish how changes along the hydraulic pathway influence shoot responses. As soil water became limiting, leaf water potential, stomatal conductance and leaf transpiration declined significantly. Predawn leaf water potential reflected soil water potential measured at 1-m depth in the rhizospheres of most trees. The lowest predawn leaf water potential recorded during this period was -1.8 MPa. Mean maximum stomatal conductance declined from 300 to 50 mmol m(-2) s(-1), reducing transpiration from 6 to 2 mmol m(-2) s(-1). Changes in leaf gas exchange were attributed to reduced soil water availability, increased resistances along the hydraulic pathway and, hence, reduced leaf water supply. There was a strong coupling between changes in soil water content and stomatal conductance as well as between stomatal conductance and leaf specific hydraulic conductance. Despite significant seasonal differences among trees in predawn leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration and leaf specific hydraulic conductance, there were no differences in midday leaf water potentials. The strong regulation of changes in leaf water potential in Q. suber both diurnally and seasonally is achieved through stomatal closure, which is sensitive to changes in both liquid and vapor phase conductance. This sensitivity allows for optimization of carbon and water resource use without compromising the root-shoot hydraulic link.     

Stomatal control and hydraulic conductance, with special reference to tall trees

A better understanding of the mechanistic basis of stomatal control is necessary to understand why modes of stomatal response differ among individual trees, and to improve the theoretical foundation for predictive models and manipulative experiments. Current understanding of the mechanistic basis of stomatal control is reviewed here and discussed in relation to the plant hydraulic system. Analysis focused on: (1) the relative role of hydraulic conductance in the vicinity of the stomatal apparatus versus whole-plant hydraulic conductance; (2) the influence of guard cell inflation characteristics and the mechanical interaction between guard cells and epidermal cells; and (3) the system requirements for moderate versus dramatic reductions in stomatal conductance with increasing evaporation potential. Special consideration was given to the potential effect of changes in hydraulic properties as trees grow taller. Stomatal control of leaf gas exchange is coupled to the entire plant hydraulic system and the basis of this coupling is the interdependence of guard cell water potential and transpiration rate. This hydraulic feedback loop is always present, but its dynamic properties may be altered by growth or cavitation-induced changes in hydraulic conductance, and may vary with genetically related differences in hydraulic conductances. Mechanistic models should include this feedback loop. Plants vary in their ability to control transpiration rate sufficiently to maintain constant leaf water potential. Limited control may be achieved through the hydraulic feedback loop alone, but for tighter control, an additional element linking transpiration rate to guard cell osmotic pressure may be needed.     

Age-related trends in red spruce foliar plasticity in relation to declining productivity

Phenotypic plasticity in needle morphology with increasing tree size and age was investigated by comparing four age classes of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) ranging from juvenile (3-12 years old) to mature (over 100 years old). With increase in tree age there were significant increases in leaf mass per unit area (LMA), mesophyll and vascular bundle area as a percentage of total needle cross-sectional area, and stomatal density. Within the vascular bundle, both xylem cross-sectional area and tracheid lumen area increased significantly, whereas air space as a percentage of total cross-sectional area decreased. These morphological changes were associated with a significant decrease in photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance, and an increase in (13)C enrichment. Although both photosynthetic capacity and whole-tree conductance decreased significantly between age classes 3 and 12 years, they did not differ between age classes 53 and 127 years, even though needle (13)C enrichment was significantly greater in the 127-year age class. Thus there appear to be compensatory mechanisms that maintain photosynthetic capacity as trees increase in size and vascular complexity, which in red spruce and other species, may affect leaf hydraulic conductance. Although increased LMA may contribute to reduced photosynthetic capacity in red spruce, similar relationships are not seen in other conifers.     

Correlations between stable carbon-isotope abundance and hydraulic conductivity in Douglas-fir across a climate gradient in Oregon, USA

Stomatal conductance in trees is related to both foliar carbon-isotope abundance and stem hydraulic properties. By combining these relationships, I hypothesized that carbon-isotope abundance in foliage should vary with limitations to water movement through supporting branches. I sampled Douglas-fir branches (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) from six sites across a climate gradient in Oregon, USA for foliar carbon-isotope abundance and stem hydraulic properties. I used a forest growth model to quantify climate-induced stomatal limitations, expressed as reduced potential transpiration, across the gradient. Foliar stable carbon-isotope abundance showed a strong inverse relationship with branch specific conductivity (hydraulic conductivity per unit functional sapwood area) and leaf-specific conductivity (hydraulic conductivity per unit leaf area). Foliar stable carbon-isotope abundance was correlated with modeled reductions in potential transpiration; however, the inclusion of leaf-specific conductivity improved the correlation by more than 30%. Combined, leaf-specific conductivity and climate-induced stomatal constraints explained 84% of the variation in foliar isotope abundance in 1994 foliage. This model was confirmed on foliage classes 1990-1993.     

Canopy and hydraulic conductance in young, mature and old Douglas-fir trees

We tested for reductions in water transport with increasing tree size, a key component in determining whether gas exchange and growth are hydraulically limited in tall trees. During the summers of 1998 and 1999, we measured water transport with Granier-type, constant-heat sap flow probes, vapor pressure deficit, and leaf and soil water potentials in overstory Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco trees in three stands differing in size and age (15, 32 and 60 m in height and about 20, 40 and 450 years in age, respectively) in a P. menziesii-dominated forest in the Pacific Northwest, USA. A total of 24 trees were equipped with sap flow sensors--six 60-m trees, nine 32-m trees and nine 15-m trees. Based on the sap flow measurements and leaf area information estimated from leaf area-sapwood area relationships, we estimated crown-averaged stomatal conductance (GS) and leaf-specific hydraulic conductance (KL). We tested the hypothesis that GS and KL vary inversely with tree height (15 > 32 > 60 m). Analysis of variance of GS ranked as 15 = 60 > 32 m during the early summer and 15 > 60 > 32 m during late season drought. Over the growing season, mean daily GS (+/- SE) was 29.2 +/- 4.4, 24.0 +/- 6.8 and 17.7 +/- 7.2 mmol m-2 s-1 for the 15-, 60- and 32-m trees, respectively. The value of K(L) differed among tree heights only during late season drought and ranked 15 > 32 = 60 m. A hydraulic mass balance suggests that greater sapwood conductivity in 60-m trees compared with 32- and 15-m trees is a likely cause for the departure of the above rankings from those predicted by height and leaf-to-sapwood area ratio.     

Effects of thinning on soil and tree water relations, transpiration and growth in an oak forest (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.)

To quantify the effects of crown thinning on the water balance and growth of the stand and to analyze the ecophysiological modifications induced by canopy opening on individual tree water relations, we conducted a thinning experiment in a 43-year-old Quercus petraea stand by removing trees from the upper canopy level. Soil water content, rainfall interception, sap flow, leaf water potential and stomatal conductance were monitored for two seasons following thinning. Seasonal time courses of leaf area index (LAI) and girth increment were also measured. Predawn leaf water potential was significantly higher in trees in the thinned stand than in the closed stand, as a consequence of higher relative extractable water in the soil. The improvement in water availability in the thinned stand resulted from decreases in both interception and transpiration. From Year 1 to Year 2, an increase in transpiration was observed in the thinned stand without any modification in LAI, whereas changes in transpiration in the closed stand were accompanied by variations in LAI. The different behaviors of the closed and open canopies were interpreted in terms of coupling to the atmosphere. Thinning increased inter-tree variability in sap flow density, which was closely related to a leaf area competition index. Stomatal conductance varied little inside the crown and differences in stomatal conductance between the treatments appeared only during a water shortage and affected mainly the closed stand. Thinning enhanced tree growth as a result of a longer growing period due to the absence of summer drought and higher rates of growth. Suppressed and dominant trees benefited more from thinning than trees in the codominant classes.     

Hydraulic conductance, light interception and needle nutrient concentration in Scots pine stands and their relations with net primary productivity

Aboveground xylem hydraulic conductance was determined in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees and stands from 7 to about 60 years of age. At the stand scale, leaf area index and net primary productivity (NPP, above- plus belowground) increased and reached a plateau at about 25-30 and 15-20 years, respectively; both parameters declined in mature stands. Stand hydraulic conductance followed a similar trend to NPP, with a maximum at about 15-20 years and a pronounced reduction in old stands. At the tree scale, annual biomass growth per unit of leaf area (growth efficiency) declined with tree age, whereas aboveground sapwood volume per unit leaf area, which is linearly related to maintenance respiration costs, steadily increased. Radiation interception per unit leaf area increased significantly with reduced leaf area index of mature stands, despite increased foliage clumping in the canopies of mature trees. Needle nutrient concentration did not change in the chronosequence. Tree hydraulic conductance per unit leaf area was strongly and positively correlated with growth efficiency. We discuss our findings in the context of growth reductions in mature and old trees, and suggest that increased hydraulic resistance and maintenance respiration costs may be the main causes of reduced carbon gain in mature and old trees.     

The response of Pinus sylvestris to drought: stomatal control of transpiration and hydraulic conductance

We investigated the impact of drought on the physiology of 41-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in central Scotland. Measurements were made of the seasonal course of transpiration, canopy stomatal conductance, needle water potential, xylem water content, soil-to-needle hydraulic resistance, and growth. Comparison was made between drought-treated plots and those receiving average precipitation. In response to drought, transpiration rate declined once volumetric water content (VWC) over the top 20 cm of soil reached a threshold value of 12%. Thereafter, transpiration was a near linear function of soil water content. As the soil water deficit developed, the hydraulic resistance between soil and needles increased by a factor of three as predawn needle water potential declined from -0.54 to -0.71 MPa. A small but significant increase in xylem embolism was detected in 1-year-old shoots. Stomatal control of transpiration prevented needle water potential from declining below -1.5 MPa. Basal area, and shoot and needle growth were significantly reduced in the drought treatment. In the year following the drought, canopy stomatal conductance and soil-to-needle hydraulic resistance recovered. Current-year needle extension recovered, but a significant reduction in basal area increment was evident one year after the drought. The results suggest that, in response to soil water deficit, mature Scots pine closes its stomata sufficiently to prevent the development of substantial xylem embolism. Reduced growth in the year after a severe soil water deficit is most likely to be the result of reduced assimilation in the year of the drought, rather than to any residual embolism carried over from one year to the next.     

Age-related changes in foliar morphology and physiology in red spruce and their influence on declining photosynthetic rates and productivity with tree age

The contribution of changes in meristem behavior to age-related decline in forest productivity is poorly understood. We studied age-related trends in needle morphology and gas exchange in a population of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) growing in a multi-cohort stand where trees ranged from first-year germinants to trees over 150 years old, as well as in grafted scions from these trees. In the field study, age-related trends in foliar morphology were determined in six cohorts ranging in age from 2 to 120 years, and differences in gas exchange characteristics were compared between 60- and 120-year age classes. In a common-rootstock study, scions from trees representing 20-, 60-, and 120-year cohorts were grafted onto juvenile rootstock and maintained for three growing seasons, after which morphological and physiological foliar attributes were evaluated. The field study revealed significant age-related trends in foliar morphology, including decreasing specific leaf area, and increasing needle width, projected area, and width/length ratio. Similar trends were apparent in foliage from the grafted scions. Both in situ foliage and shoots of grafted scions from the oldest cohort showed significantly lower photosynthetic rates than their counterparts from younger trees; however, differences in stomatal conductance and internal CO(2) concentrations were not significant. These results suggest that: (1) foliage of red spruce exhibits age-related trends in both morphology and physiology; (2) age-related decreases in photosynthetic rates contribute to declining productivity in old red spruce; (3) declines in photosynthetic rates result from nonstomatal limitations; and (4) age-related changes in morphology and physiology are inherent in meristems and persist for at least 3 years in scions grafted to juvenile rootstock.     

Hydraulic characteristics and water relations in pigment-less mutant shoots of an orange tree

Phenotypes more or less deficient in photosynthetic pigments show reduced productivity. Not much is known, however, about the influence of pigment-less twigs on the water balance of whole trees. We studied the water relations and hydraulic properties of normal and pigment-less (white) and 1-year-old shoots of 12-year-old Citrus sinensis L. trees. Compared with green leaves, white leaves showed a pronounced deficiency of pigments, higher stomatal density, the absence of chloroplasts in the guard cells and a different organization of leaf parenchyma. Stomatal conductance (gL) and transpiration rate (EL) were higher in white leaves than in green leaves during the hottest hours of the day, especially in July and September. The absence of chloroplasts in the stomatal guard cells seemed to be one of the factors causing insufficient stomatal control. Hydraulic conductance (KL) was higher in white leaves than in green leaves (16.96+/-2.24x10(-5) versus 11.26+/-0.66x10(-5) kg s-1 m-2 MPa). The ratio between the sum of the fourth power of xylem conduit radius (Sigmar4) (which determines theoretical conductance) and the total leaf area supplied by petioles and midribs was higher in white leaves than in green leaves. This was because of a smaller leaf area in white leaves and a statistically different distribution of lumen diameters of the conduits in midribs and petioles. The hydraulic properties of white twigs profoundly disturbed the water balance and physiology of the whole tree.     

Age-related effects on leaf area/sapwood area relationships,canopy transpiration and carbon gain of Norway spruce stands (Picea abies) in the Fichtelgebirge,Germany

Stand age is an important structural determinant of canopy transpiration (E(c)) and carbon gain. Another more functional parameter of forest structure is the leaf area/sapwood area relationship, A(L)/A(S), which changes with site conditions and has been used to estimate leaf area index of forest canopies. The interpretation of age-related changes in A(L)/A(S) and the question of how A(L)/A(S) is related to forest functions are of current interest because they may help to explain forest canopy fluxes and growth. We conducted studies in mature stands of Picea abies (L.) Karst. varying in age from 40 to 140 years, in tree density from 1680 to 320 trees ha(-1), and in tree height from 15 to 30 m. Structural parameters were measured by biomass harvests of individual trees and stand biometry. We estimated E(c) from scaled-up xylem sap flux of trees, and canopy-level fluxes were predicted by a three-dimensional microclimate and gas exchange model (STANDFLUX). In contrast to pine species, A(L)/A(S) of P. abies increased with stand age from 0.26 to 0.48 m(2) cm(-2). Agreement between E(c) derived from scaled-up sap flux and modeled canopy transpiration was obtained with the same parameterization of needle physiology independent of stand age. Reduced light interception per leaf area and, as a consequence, reductions in net canopy photosynthesis (A(c)), canopy conductance (g(c)) and E(c) were predicted by the model in the older stands. Seasonal water-use efficiency (WUE = A(c)/E(c)), derived from scaled-up sap flux and stem growth as well as from model simulation, declined with increasing A(L)/A(S) and stand age. Based on the different behavior of age-related A(L)/A(S) in Norway spruce stands compared with other tree species, we conclude that WUE rather than A(L)/A(S) could represent a common age-related property of all species. We also conclude that, in addition to hydraulic limitations reducing carbon gain in old stands, a functional change in A(L)/A(S) that is related to reduced light interception per leaf area provides another potential explanation for reduced carbon gain in old stands of P. abies, even when hydraulic constraints increase in response to changes in canopy architecture and aging.     

Transpiration and water relations of poplar trees growing close to the water table

Sap flow was measured on five branches of two poplar (Populus trichocarpa Torr. & A. Gray x P. tacamahaca L.) trees from June to September 1994 in the south of England with stem-surface, heat balance gauges, and was scaled up to estimate transpiration from single trees on the basis of leaf area. On six days, stomatal conductance and plant water potential were measured simultaneously with a porometer and pressure chamber, respectively. The effects of solar radiation (S), vapor pressure deficit (D) and stomatal conductance on transpiration were evaluated. Sap flow per unit leaf area (F(a)) was closely related to the time course of demand attributable to S and D throughout the season, and only slightly affected by the water content of the top 120 cm of soil. Although F(a) increased linearly at low values of D, it showed a plateau with increases in D above 1.2 kPa. The canopy coupling coefficient (1 - Omega) ranged from 0.48 to 0.78 with a mean of 0.65 +/- 0.01, indicating that transpiration was controlled more by stomatal conductance than by incident radiation. The seasonal pattern of tree water loss followed potential evaporation with a peak in late June or early July. On bright days, daily transpiration over the projected crown area was 3.6 mm early in the season, 3.8 mm in mid-season, and 2.7 mm late in the season. The water balance of the system indicated that poplar trees took 15-60% of water transpired from groundwater, with the proportion increasing as the soil in the unsaturated zone dried out. Access to the water table resulted in high predawn water potentials throughout the season. Estimated hydraulic resistance to water flow in the soil-tree system was in the range of 1.5 to 1.93 x 10(6) MPa s m(-3).     

Responses to water stress in two Eucalyptus globulus clones differing in drought tolerance

We evaluated drought resistance mechanisms in a drought-tolerant clone (CN5) and a drought-sensitive clone (ST51) of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. based on the responses to drought of some physiological, biophysical and morphological characteristics of container-grown plants, with particular emphasis on root growth and hydraulic properties. Water loss in excess of that supplied to the containers led to a general decrease in growth and significant reductions in leaf area ratio, specific leaf area and leaf-to-root area ratio. Root hydraulic conductance and leaf-specific hydraulic conductance decreased as water stress became more severe. During the experiment, the drought-resistant CN5 clone maintained higher leaf water status (higher predawn and midday leaf water potentials), sustained a higher growth rate (new leaf area expansion and root growth) and displayed greater carbon allocation to the root system and lower leaf-to-root area ratio than the drought-sensitive ST51 clone. Clone CN5 possessed higher stomatal conductances at moderate stress as well as higher hydraulic conductances than Clone ST51. Differences in the response to drought in root biomass, coupled with changes in hydraulic properties, accounted for the clonal differences in drought tolerance, allowing Clone CN5 to balance transpiration and water absorption during drought treatment and thereby prolong the period of active carbon assimilation.     

Size dependency of photosynthetic water- and nitrogen-use efficiency and hydraulic limitation in Acer mono

We examined open-grown Acer mono Maxim. trees of different sizes to test the hypotheses that (1) hydraulic limitation increases with tree size, thereby reducing photosynthesis, and (2) photosynthetic water- and nitrogen-use efficiencies change with tree size. Maximum net assimilation rate per unit dry mass was significantly lower in large trees than in small trees, whereas leaf nitrogen concentration increased with tree size. As a consequence, photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency decreased with increase in tree size. Photosynthetic water-use efficiency, however, increased with tree size, partly as a result of reduced stomatal conductance. Neither root-to-leaf hydraulic conductance nor minimum leaf water potential changed with tree size.     

Linking leaf and tree water use with an individual-tree model

We tested the ability of a model to scale gas exchange from leaf level to whole-tree level by: (1) measuring leaf gas exchange in the canopy of 10 trees in a tall Eucalyptus delegatensis RT Baker forest in NSW, Australia; (2) monitoring sap flow of the same 10 trees during the measurement week; and (3) using an individual-tree-based model (MAESTRA) to link the two sets of measurements. Photosynthesis and stomatal conductance components of the model were parameterized with the leaf gas exchange data, and canopy structure was parameterized with crown heights, dimensions and leaf areas of each of the measurement trees and up to 45 neighboring trees. Transpiration of the measurement trees was predicted by the model and compared with sap flow data. Leaf gas exchange parameters were similar for all 10 trees, with the exception of two smaller trees that had relatively low stomatal conductances. We hypothesize that these trees may have experienced water stress as a result of competition from large neighboring trees. The model performed well, and in most cases, was able to replicate the time course of tree transpiration. Maximum rates of transpiration were higher than measured rates for some trees and lower than measured rates for others, which may have been a result of inaccuracy in estimating tree leaf area. There was a small lag (about 15-30 minutes) between sap flow and modeled transpiration for some trees in the morning, likely associated with use of water stored in stems. The model also captured patterns of variation in sap flow among trees. Overall, the study confirms the ability of models to estimate forest canopy transpiration from leaf-level measurements.     

Partition of nocturnal sap flow in Acacia mangium and its implication for estimating the whole-tree transpiration

We analyzed the partition of nocturnal sap flow into refilling of internal water storage and transpiration in Acacia mangium. Sap flow of trees was monitored continuously with Granier’s sensors for estimating the whole-tree transpiration. Possible night transpiration and stomatal conductance at the leaf level in the canopy were measured with a LI-6400 photosynthesis measuring system. For nocturnal leaf transpiration and stomatal conductance were weak, nocturnal sap flow of mature A. mangium trees was mainly associated with water recharge in the trunk. No significant change in night water recharge of the trunk was found at both seasonal and inter-annual scales. Morphological features of trees including diameter at the breast height (DBH), tree height, and canopy size could explain variances of night water recharge. Furthermore, although the contribution of nocturnal sap flow to the total transpiration varied among seasons and DBH classes, the error caused by night water recharge on wholetree transpiration was negligible. __________ Translated from Journal of Plant Ecology (Chinese Version), 2007, 31 (5): 777–786 [译自: 植物生态学报]     

Effects of branch height on leaf gas exchange,branch hydraulic conductance and branch sap flux in open-grown ponderosa pine

Recent studies have shown that stomata respond to changes in hydraulic conductance of the flow path from soil to leaf. In open-grown tall trees, branches of different heights may have different hydraulic conductances because of differences in path length and growth. We determined if leaf gas exchange, branch sap flux, leaf specific hydraulic conductance, foliar carbon isotope composition (delta13C) and ratios of leaf area to sapwood area within branches were dependent on branch height (10 and 25 m) within the crowns of four open-grown ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) trees. We found no difference in leaf gas exchange or leaf specific hydraulic conductance from soil to leaf between the upper and lower canopy of our study trees. Branch sap flux per unit leaf area and per unit sapwood area did not differ between the 10- and 25-m canopy positions; however, branch sap flux per unit sapwood area at the 25-m position had consistently lower values. Branches at the 25-m canopy position had lower leaf to sapwood area ratios (0.17 m2 cm-2) compared with branches at the 10-m position (0.27 m2 cm-2) (P = 0.03). Leaf specific conductance of branches in the upper crown did not differ from that in the lower crown. Other studies at our site indicate lower hydraulic conductance, sap flux, whole-tree canopy conductance and photosynthesis in old trees compared with young trees. This study suggests that height alone may not explain these differences.     

油茶不同叶龄叶片形态与光合参数的测定

为了探讨油茶叶片形态特征、光合特性与叶龄的相关性,从而为油茶的生产经营提供理论参考,利用CI-203叶面积分析仪和LI-6400便携式光合仪测定了油茶新梢不同叶龄叶片的形态特征和光合参数。结果表明:油茶叶面积和叶片鲜质量,从第1到第3位叶逐渐变大,又从第3到第7位叶逐渐减小;叶片的叶绿素含量和净光合速率均随着叶龄的增大而增大;叶龄与蒸腾速率和气孔导度均呈极显著正相关,而与胞间CO2浓度呈极显著负相关;叶片比叶面积与胞间CO2浓度间呈极显著正相关,而与净光合速率、蒸腾速率和气孔导度间均呈极显著负相关;叶片干物质含量比值与其净光合速率、气孔导度和蒸腾速率间均呈极显著负相关;叶片生长20 d,叶面积等形态特征基本发育完全,经过60 d的生长后,基本成为主要功能叶。