Needle metabolome, freezing tolerance and gas exchange in Norway spruce seedlings exposed to elevated temperature and ozone concentration

Northern forests are currently experiencing increasing mean temperatures, especially during autumn and spring. Consequently, alterations in carbon sequestration, leaf biochemical quality and freezing tolerance (FT) are likely to occur. The interactive effects of elevated temperature and ozone (O(3)), the most harmful phytotoxic air pollutant, on Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings were studied by analysing phenology, metabolite concentrations in the needles, FT and gas exchange. Sampling was performed in September and May. The seedlings were exposed to a year-round elevated temperature (+1.3 °C), and to 1.4× ambient O(3) concentration during the growing season in the field. Elevated temperature increased the concentrations of amino acids, organic acids of the citric acid cycle and some carbohydrates, and reduced the concentrations of phenolic compounds, some organic acids of the shikimic acid pathway, sucrose, cyclitols and steroids, depending on the timing of the sampling. Although growth onset occurred earlier at elevated temperature, the temperature of 50% lethality (LT(50)) was similar in the treatments. Photosynthesis and the ratio of photosynthesis to dark respiration were reduced by elevated temperature. Elevated concentrations of O(3) reduced the total concentration of soluble sugars, and tended to reduce LT(50) of the needles in September. These results show that alterations in needle chemical quality can be expected at elevated temperatures, but the seedlings' sensitivity to autumn and spring frosts is not altered. Elevated O(3) has the potential to disturb cold hardening of Norway spruce seedlings in autumn, and to alter the water balance of the seedling through changes in stomatal conductance (g(s)), while elevated temperature is likely to reduce g(s) and consequently reduce the O(3)-flux inside the leaves.     

Responses of Picea mariana to elevated CO2 concentration during growth, cold hardening and dehardening: phenology, cold tolerance, photosynthesis and growth

Seedlings from a northern and a southern provenance of black spruce (Picea mariana Mill. BSP) from eastern Canada were exposed to 37 or 71 Pa of carbon dioxide (CO2) during growth, cold hardening and dehardening in a greenhouse. Bud phenology, cold tolerance and photosynthetic efficiency were assessed during the growing and over-wintering periods. Bud set occurred earlier in elevated [CO2] than in ambient [CO2], but it was later in the southern provenance than in the northern provenance. An increase in seedling cold tolerance in early fall was related to early bud set in elevated [CO2]. Maximal photosystem II (PSII) photochemical efficiency (F(v)/F(m)), effective quantum yield (phi(PSII)), photochemical quenching (q(P)), light-saturated photosynthesis (Amax), apparent quantum efficiency (alpha'), light-saturated rate of carboxylation (Vcmax) and electron transport (Jmax) decreased during hardening and recovered during dehardening. Although Amax and alpha' were higher in elevated [CO2] when measured at the growth [CO2], down-regulation of photosynthesis occurred in elevated [CO2] as shown by lower F(v)/F(m), phi(PSII), Vcmax and Jmax. Elevated [CO2] reduced gene expression of the small subunit of Rubisco and also decreased chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratio and nitrogen concentration in needles, confirming our observation of down-regulation of photosynthesis. Elevated [CO2] increased the CO2 diffusion gradient and decreased photorespiration, which may have contributed to enhance Amax despite down-regulation of photosynthesis. Total seedling dry mass was higher in elevated [CO2] than in ambient [CO2] at the end of the growing season. However, because of earlier bud formation and cold hardening, and down-regulation of photosynthesis during fall and winter in elevated [CO2], the treatment difference in dry mass increment was less by the end of the winter than during the growing season. Differences in photosynthetic rate observed during fall, winter and spring account for the inter-annual variations in carbon assimilation of black spruce seedlings: our results demonstrate that these variations need to be considered in carbon budget studies.     

Nutrient contents and efficiencies of beech and spruce saplings as influenced by competition and O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> regime

Saplings of Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies were grown under conditions of intra and interspecific competition in a 2-year phytotron study under combinations of ambient and elevated ozone (+O₃ which is 2 × O₃, but <150 nl l⁻¹) as well as carbon dioxide concentrations (+CO₂ which is amb. CO₂ + 300 μl CO₂ l⁻¹) in a full factorial design. Saplings were analysed for various mineral nutrients in different plant organs as well as biomass production and crown development. The study was based on the assumption that nutritional parameters important for growth and competitiveness are affected by stress defence under limiting nutrient supply. The hypotheses tested were (1) that nutrient uptake-related parameters (a) as well as efficiencies in nutrient use for above-ground competition (b) of beech rather than spruce are impaired by the exposure to elevated O₃ concentrations, (2) that the efficiency in nutrient uptake of spruce is enhanced by elevated CO₂ concentrations in mixed culture, and (3) that the ability to occupy above-ground space at low nutrient cost is co-determinant for the competitive success in mixed culture. Clear nitrogen deficiencies were indicated for both species during the 2-year phytotron study, although foliar nitrogen-biomass relationships were not so close for spruce than for beech. O₃ stress did not impair nutrient uptake-related parameters of beech; thus hypothesis (1a). was not supported. A negative effect of elevated O₃ (under amb. CO₂) on the N and P based efficiencies in above-ground space occupation (i.e. lower crown volume per unit of N or P invested in stems, limbs and foliage) of beech supported hypothesis (1b). It appeared that ozone stress triggered a nutrient demand for stress defence and tolerance at the expense of above-ground competition (trade-off). Crown volume of beech under O₃ stress was stabilized in monoculture by increased nutrient uptake. In general, the +CO₂-treatment was able to counteract the impacts of 2 × O₃. Elevated CO₂ caused lower N and S concentrations in current-year foliage of both tree species, slightly higher macronutrient amounts in the root biomass of spruce, but did not increase the efficiencies in nutrient uptake of spruce in mixed culture. Therefore hypothesis (2) was not supported. At the end of the experiment spruce turned out to be the stronger competitor in mixed culture as displayed by its higher total shoot biomass and crown volume. The amounts of macronutrients in the above-ground biomass of spruce individuals in mixed culture distinctly exceeded those of beech, which had been strongly reduced by interspecific competition. The superior competitiveness of spruce was related to higher N and P-based efficiencies in above-ground space occupation as suggested in hypothesis (3). This article belongs to the special issue “Growth and defence of Norway spruce and European beech in pure and mixed stands”.     

Do limited cold tolerance and shallow depth of roots contribute to yellow-cedar decline?

It has been proposed that yellow-cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis) decline is initiated by the freezing injury of roots when soils freeze during times of limited snowpack. To explain the unique susceptibility of yellow-cedar in contrast to co-occurring species, yellow-cedar roots would need to be less cold tolerant and/or more concentrated in upper soil horizons that are prone to freezing. We measured the root cold tolerance and used concentrations of foliar cations as an assay of rooting depth for five species in one forest in Ketchikan, Alaska. Species evaluated were yellow-cedar, western redcedar (Thuja plicata), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis). Roots were collected in November 2007 and January, March and May 2008; foliage was collected in January 2008. Soil samples from surface and subsurface horizons were analyzed for available calcium (Ca) and aluminum (Al) to compare with foliar cation concentrations. Across all dates the sequence in hardiness from the least to most cold tolerant species was (1) yellow-cedar, (2) western redcedar, (3) western and mountain hemlock, and (4) Sitka spruce. Yellow-cedar and redcedar roots were less cold tolerant than roots of other species on all sample dates, and yellow-cedar roots were less cold tolerant than redcedar roots in January. Yellow-cedar roots were fully dehardened in March, whereas the roots of other species continued to deharden into May. Yellow-cedar roots exhibited the highest electrolyte leakage throughout the year, a pattern that suggests the species was continuously poised for physiological activity given suitable environmental conditions. Yellow-cedar and redcedar had higher foliar Ca and lower Al concentrations, and greater Ca:Al ratios than the other species. Yellow-cedar had higher foliar Ca and Ca:Al than redcedar. Soil measurements confirmed that the upper horizon contained more extractable Ca, less Al and higher Ca:Al than the lower horizon. Considering the distribution of Ca and Al in soils, we propose that concentrations of Ca and Al in yellow-cedar and redcedar foliage reflect a greater proportional rooting of these species in upper soil horizons compared to other species tested. Greater Ca and Ca:Al in the foliage of yellow-cedar suggests shallower rooting compared to redcedar, but broad similarities in foliar cation profiles for these species also highlight some overlap in rooting niche. Our data indicate that both limited root cold tolerance and shallow rooting likely contribute to the unique sensitivity of yellow-cedar to freezing injury and decline relative to sympatric conifers.     

Species mixing effect on Norway spruce response to elevated CO2 and climatic variables: root and radial growth response

A 7-year study was conducted to examine the growth (diameter and root) response of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings to elevated CO₂ (CO_2ELV, 770 μmol (CO₂) mol^?1) in different mixture types (monospecific (M): a Norway spruce seedling surrounded by six spruce seedlings, group-admixture (G): a spruce seedling surrounded by three spruce and three European beech seedlings, single-admixture (S): a spruce seedling surrounded by six beech seedlings). After seven years of treatments, no significant effect from elevated CO₂ was found on the root dry mass (p?=?0.90) and radial growth (p?=?0.98) of Norway spruce. Neither did we find a significant interaction between [CO₂]?×?mixing treatments (p?=?0.56), i.e. there was not a significant effect of CO₂ concentrations [CO₂] in all the admixture types. On the contrary, spruce responses to admixture treatments were significant under CO_2AMB (p?=?0.05), which demonstrated that spruce mainly increased its growth (diameter and root) in M and neighbouring with beech was not favourable for spruce seedlings. In particular, spruce growth diminished when growing beside high proportions/numbers of European beech (S). Here, we also evaluated the association between tree-ring formation and climatic variables (precipitation and air temperature) in different admixture types under elevated and ambient CO₂ (CO_2AMB, 385 μmol (CO₂) mol^?1). Overall, our result suggests that spruce responses to climate factors can be affected by tree species mixing and CO₂ concentrations, i.e. the interaction between climatic variables?×?admixture types?×?[CO₂] could alter the response of spruce to climatic variables.

     

Cold tolerance and water content of current-year red spruce foliage over two winter seasons

Red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) in high elevation forests of northeastern North America suffers from frequent and severe winter injury, leading to apical dieback, decreased growth, and high mortality. To examine the role of winter desiccation and freezing injury in winter damage, weekly assessments of cold tolerance and water content were made on current-year foliage collected from native red spruce trees at a high elevation site over two winter seasons. In both years, foliage maintained high water contents and adequate cold tolerance; nonetheless, slight to moderate injury was observed each year on some trees. Despite brief thaw periods each winter, no mid-winter dehardening sufficient to put foliage at risk of freezing injury was evident. These findings suggest that, at least in some years, winter injury to current-year red spruce foliage is produced by a mechanism other than desiccation or absolute low temperatures.     

Frost tolerance of two-year-old Picea glauca seedlings grown under different irrigation regimes in a forest nursery

Abstract

This study examined the impact of increased irrigation efficiency on the hardening and frost tolerance of 2-year-old containerized white spruce seedlings in the context of groundwater protection, irrigation management and the maintenance of seedling quality in northern climates. The seedlings were grown under three different irrigation regimes (IR =30%, 40% and 55% v/v; cm³ H₂O/cm³ substrate) and were hardened under conditions of natural photoperiod and temperature. After being subjected to artificial frost tests on four sampling dates during autumn, the seedlings were compared for bud development and frost tolerance. IR had no influence on frost tolerance as determined by measurements of physiological (electrolyte leakage, root water loss) and morphological (shoot damage, root initiation) variables. At the end of the second growing season, there was no significant difference between IRs in seedling height, root collar diameter, shoot dry mass and root dry mass. The results indicate that the amount of water applied to large-dimension 2-year-old white spruce seedlings during the growing season can be significantly decreased without prematurely impeding their growth or hindering their acquisition of frost tolerance.     

Effects of elevated CO(2) and temperature on cold hardiness and spring bud burst and growth in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

We examined effects of elevated CO(2) and temperature on cold hardiness and bud burst of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedlings. Two-year-old seedlings were grown for 2.5 years in semi-closed, sunlit chambers at either ambient or elevated (ambient + ~ 4 degrees C) air temperature in the presence of an ambient or elevated (ambient + ~ 200 ppm) CO(2) concentration. The elevated temperature treatment delayed needle cold hardening in the autumn and slowed dehardening in the spring. At maximum hardiness, trees in the elevated temperature treatment were less hardy by about 7 degrees C than trees in the ambient temperature treatment. In general, trees exposed to elevated CO(2) were slightly less hardy during hardening and dehardening than trees exposed to ambient CO(2). For trees in the elevated temperature treatments, date to 30% burst of branch terminal buds was advanced by about 6 and 15 days in the presence of elevated CO(2) and ambient CO(2), respectively. After bud burst started, however, the rate of increase in % bud burst was slower in the elevated temperature treatments than in the ambient temperature treatments. Time of bud burst was more synchronous and bud burst was completed within a shorter period in trees at ambient temperature (with and without elevated CO(2)) than in trees at elevated temperature. Exposure to elevated temperature reduced final % bud burst of both leader and branch terminal buds and reduced growth of the leader shoot. We conclude that climatic warming will influence the physiological processes of dormancy and cold hardiness development in Douglas-fir growing in the relatively mild temperate region of western Oregon, reducing bud burst and shoot growth.     

Black spruce family growth performance under ambient and elevated atmospheric CO2

Seedlings from 20 families of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.), representing a large range in field productivity, were subjected to a greenhouse retrospective test under ambient (409 ppm – year 1, 384 ppm – year 2) and high (686 ppm – year 1, 711 ppm – year 2) atmospheric CO₂ environments. After one and two growth cycles, seedling height and diameter growth significantly increased under elevated CO₂. At the end of the experiment, seedlings grown under high CO₂ had a mean above-ground dry weight of 48.77 g as compared to 26.36 g for seedlings grown under ambient atmospheric CO₂. Families were a significant source of variation for all growth parameters. Although the family × CO₂ environment interaction was not a statistically significant source of variation in the analysis of variance, the correlation between greenhouse and 15-year field height growth was weaker (r = 0.29, p = 0.2177) under elevated CO₂ compared to ambient CO₂ (r = 0.51, p = 0.0223) following the first growth cycle. However, following the second growth cycle, greenhouse-field correlations were similar between the two CO₂ environments (ambient CO₂: r = 0.55, p = 0.0115; elevated CO₂: r = 0.56, p = 0.0101). Thus, with this set of families, growth performance ranking after two years appears relatively stable under ambient and elevated CO₂.     

Frost hardiness of nutrient-loaded two-year-old <Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea abies</Emphasis> seedlings in autumn and at the end of freezer storage

The effects of nutrient loading (NLOAD) on the frost hardening and dehardening of Picea abies (L.) Karst. seedlings were investigated under nursery conditions. Before NLOAD, second-year container seedlings were either short-day (SD) treated for 3 weeks in July or left for the natural photoperiod (CO). By mid-September, after 5 weeks of NLOAD, the fertilization of three foliar nutrient concentration levels (low = L-SD, medium = M-SD, and high = H-SD) for the SD-treated seedlings and one (medium = M-CO) for the CO-seedlings was completed. The NLOAD resulted in foliar nitrogen concentration 10.6, 16.1, 22.3, and 17.5 g kg⁻¹ for L-SD, M-SD, H-SD and M-CO seedlings, respectively. The NLOAD had no effects on the morphology or dry mass variables of the seedlings, while SD-treatment reduced the dry mass of shoots, but not that of roots. The frost hardiness (FH) of different batches of the seedlings was assessed by the visual scoring of damage in their needles, stems and buds after their controlled exposure to freezing during frost hardening and dehardening. The low nutrient concentration in the SD-treated seedlings (L-SD seedlings) resulted in poor FH, to an even lower extent than that of the M-CO seedlings. The NLOAD did not affect the dehardening of the seedlings at the end of the freezer storage in the following spring.     

Characterizing the frost sensitivity of black spruce photosynthesis during cold acclimation

We used photosynthetic light response curves to measure and model the responses of two provenances of 3-year-old black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) seedlings to severe artificial frost treatments applied at 2-week intervals during cold acclimation. Black spruce seedlings responded to cold acclimation with long-term suppression of photosynthetic capacity (Amax) and apparent quantum-use efficiency (alpha'). Short-term reductions in both photosynthetic parameters following frost treatments were dependent on the extent of cold acclimation of the seedlings and the severity of the frost treatments. Large reductions in Amax in response to the frost treatments were observed in seedlings that had undergone little cold acclimation and these reductions were associated with an irreversible reduction in alpha'. Such seedlings recovered only partially during the subsequent 23 days, whereas seedlings in most other treatments showed complete recovery of Amax after 13 days. The impact of frost treatments on Amax and alpha' did not vary with seedling provenance. We propose an algorithm that predicts the combined effects of cold acclimation and severe freezing temperatures on the extent of the suppression of A(max) during autumn. The algorithm is based on (1) the maximum Amax observed during the growing season, (2) the accumulation of cold degree-days, based on a minimum nocturnal temperature < 5 degrees C, and (3) the severity of freezing temperatures during autumn. The parameters developed in the algorithm showed that cold acclimation of black spruce seedlings had a greater impact on the reduction of Amax in autumn than did the severe frost treatments. Mean Amax of seedlings subjected to artificial frosts showed a strong correlation with values predicted by the algorithm (r2 = 0.91).     

Growth response of three plantation species of the tropics exposed to elevated CO2 levels

The response of forest trees, the largest carbon sinks on the earth, to continuing rise in atmospheric carbon levels is unknown. Reports state that increasing levels of atmospheric CO₂ will stimulate photosynthesis and productivity in most ecosystems. However, the duration and magnitude of this stimulation, particularly in the tropics, remains a question. To investigate the effects of CO₂ fertilization on plant growth, seedlings of three common plantation species, Casuarina equisetifolia, Ailanthus excelsa and Tectona grandis were grown in closed chambers enriched with CO₂. After 180 days of treatment, morphological traits of seedling height, biomass of root and shoot and root-shoot allometric co-efficient were measured. The activity of carbonic anhydrase and contents of chlorophylls, total carbohydrates and soluble proteins were determined. In Tectona grandis, significant effects of CO₂ supply were found on chlorophylls, root-shoot allometric ratio and seedling quality index. Ailanthus excelsa showed significant effect on only the shoot characteristics on exposure to elevated CO₂ but the root characteristics and concentrations of chlorophylls were not significantly different. Casuarina equisetifolia also showed significant effects on exposure to elevated CO₂ in terms of shoot characteristics and concentrations of chlorophylls. Total sugars, the major photosynthates, did not show any significant variation to elevated CO₂ in any of the three species. Carbonic anhydrase, the key enzyme responsible for transfer of CO₂ into the tissues significantly increased in all three species. Overall, all the variables responded to elevated CO₂, reflecting the positive effects of one parameter of climate change conditions on seedling quality. A positive response of these three plantation species to elevated CO₂ content is a good indication for their future existence in potentially changed climatic conditions.     

Cold acclimation induced accumulation of phenolic compounds and freezing tolerance in Ammopiptanthus mongolicus

Ammopiptanthus mongolicus, the only freezing tolerant evergreen broad-leaved shrub, local species of the Alashan desert, northwest sand area of China, can survive -30°C or even lower temperature in winter. In the present study, the secondary products phenolics in A. mongolicus cotyledons were determined to study the effects of phenolics on cold tolerance. Cytochemical localization of phenolics in cotyledon cells was observed by electron microscopy and the content of phenolic compounds was assayed by spec-trophotometric measurement. The results showed that the freezing tolerance of A. mongolicus seedlings increased after acclimation at 2-6°C for 14 days, which accompanied the increase of the content of phenolic compounds in cotyledons. Cytochemical observation showed that phenolic deposits were mainly localized in vacuoles and in close proximity to tonoplast, and also in the cytoplasm. The amount and the size of phenolics droplets increased obviously in cytoplasm and vacuoles after cold acclimation, predominantly ag-gregated along membranes of vacuoles and tonoplast. No phenolic deposits were found in cell walls. As hydrogen-or elec-tron-donating agents, phenolics may protect plant cells against reactive oxygen species formed during chilling or freezing stress and improve the freezing tolerance of cold-acclimated A. mongolicus seedlings.     

Effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on soil microbial respiration and root/rhizosphere respiration in forest soils

The two main components of soil respiration, i.e., root/rhizosphere and microbial respiration, respond differently to elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations both in mechanism and sensitivity because they have different substrates derived from plant and soil organic matter, respectively. To model the carbon cycle and predict the carbon source/sink of forest ecosystems, we must first understand the relative contributions of root/rhizosphere and microbial respiration to total soil respiration under elevated CO₂ concentrations. Root/rhizosphere and soil microbial respiration have been shown to increase, decrease and remain unchanged under elevated CO₂ concentrations. A significantly positive relationship between root biomass and root/rhizosphere respiration has been found. Fine roots respond more strongly to elevated CO₂ concentrations than coarse roots. Evidence suggests that soil microbial respiration is highly variable and uncertain under elevated CO₂ concentrations. Microbial biomass and activity are related or unrelated to rates of microbial respiration. Because substrate availability drives microbial metabolism in soils, it is likely that much of the variability in microbial respiration results from differences in the response of root growth to elevated CO₂ concentrations and subsequent changes in substrate production. Biotic and abiotic factors affecting soil respiration were found to affect both root/rhizosphere and microbial respiration. __________ Translated from Journal of Plant Ecology, 2007, 31(3): 386–393 [译自: 植物生态学报]     

Dynamics of low-temperature acclimation in temperate and boreal conifer foliage in a mild winter climate

To provide baseline data for physiological studies of extreme low-temperature (LT) tolerance in boreal conifers, we profiled LT stress responses, liquid nitrogen (LN(2))-quench tolerance, and sugar concentrations in foliage of boreal-temperate species pairs in the genera Abies, Picea and Pinus, growing in an arboretum in a temperate oceanic climate from August 2006 through April 2007. The boreal species acclimated more rapidly and deeply than the temperate species, acquiring LN(2)-quench tolerance by late November, despite unusually warm conditions throughout the autumn and early winter. Maximum LT tolerance in the temperate species was in the -25 to -35 degrees C range, and was reached only after a period of freezing temperatures in late January and February. During LT acclimation in the temperate species, sigmoid temperature-relative electrolyte leakage (REL) curves shifted toward lower temperatures, whereas in boreal species there was both a temperature shift and a lowering of the maximum REL until it fell below a threshold associated with irreversible injury. These differences may reflect differences in mechanisms of LT acclimation and LT tolerance. The concentrations of total and individual sugars did not show a clear pattern that could differentiate the boreal and temperate groups. Raffinose and, in three of the six species, stachyose showed the closest association with LT tolerance. Sugar concentrations, principally sucrose, decreased during mild weather, perhaps because of respiratory losses or phloem export, and increased after periods of freezing temperatures. Low-temperature acclimation in boreal species appears to follow a rigid program that may affect their ability to avoid excessive respiratory losses in the event of continued climate warming in boreal regions.     

Storability measures of Norway spruce and Scots pine seedlings and assessment of post-storage vitality by measuring shoot electrolyte leakage

As indoor frozen storage is increasing in forest tree nurseries it is important to have accurate methods for assessing seedling storability in autumn and methods to determine post-storage vitality. Storability of spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings can be based on determination of dry matter content (DMC) of seedling shoots or by freezing shoots at –25°C and thereafter measure electrolyte leakage (SEL_diff–25). To compare these two methods we stored 1-year-old spruce and pine seedlings at different occasions during the autumn. To test if leakage of electrolytes from shoots (SEL) could indicate deteriorated vitality, we measured SEL at the end of storage. After storage seedling viability was determined in a three-week growth test, measuring shoot and root growth capacity (RGC). Determination of freezing tolerance (SEL_diff–25) before storage had a better ability to predict the outcome of storage compared to the DMC test. Measuring SEL at the end of the frozen storage period accurately indicated seedling vitality. Seedlings with SEL of 0–5% had a high survival rate whereas SEL over 10% indicated low survival and growth capacity after storage. The SEL method has a potential to become a screening test for identifying batches of seedlings that have been damaged during storage in the nursery.     

Relationship between carbohydrate concentration and root growth potential in coniferous seedlings from three climates during cold hardening and dehardening

Greenhouse-cultured, container-grown seedlings of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.), radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don), and interior Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) were cold acclimated and deacclimated in growth chambers over 24 weeks. Needle and root cold hardiness and root growth potential (RGP) were measured weekly. Root, needle and stem analyses for soluble sugars and starch were performed biweekly. In all tissues, there was a close correspondence between cold hardiness and the absolute concentration of soluble sugars, as well as between the increase and decrease in concentration of soluble sugars during cold hardening and dehardening, respectively, supporting the theory that soluble sugars function as cryoprotectants in plant tissues. The magnitude of starch concentration did not parallel the magnitude of the cold hardiness attained, and changes in starch concentration were related to production and consumption factors, rather than timing of changes in cold hardiness. The rise and fall of RGP paralleled the rise and fall of total carbohydrate concentration in roots. The behavior of the three species was surprisingly similar, considering the different climates to which they are adapted.     

外源糖溶液和高浓度CO2处理对白桦叶片糖和蛋白质含量的影响

3年生白桦同时接受3种外源糖溶液(蔗糖、果糖、葡萄糖)和3种高浓度CO2(700、1400、2100μL·μL-1CO2)处理.处理1个月后,测定了叶片的总糖、蔗糖、果糖和蛋白质含量.结果表明:在700μL·L-1和1400μL·L-1 CO2下,外源糖溶液增加了叶片的可溶性糖和蛋白质含量,其中外源蔗糖的效果最好:外源糖溶液与2100μL·L-1CO2结合,会抑制叶片积累总糖和蛋白质:在700μL·L-1和1400μL·L-1CO2下,喷施葡萄糖、果糖的叶片在蛋白质含量上没有明显差别:同700、1400μL·L-1CO2相比,除喷施果糖植株外,2100μL·L-1 CO2明显增加了叶片的总糖、蔗糖、果糖和蛋白质含量:在喷施同种外源糖溶液的情况下,叶片的糖含量与CO2浓度呈正相关性.图6参7.     

Relationship between temperature, respiratory loss of sugar and premature dehardening in dormant Scots pine seedlings

Increased intracellular sugar concentration is an important contributor to the increased cold tolerance of conifers in winter. This study examines the extent to which wintertime respiratory loss of sugars leads to premature dehardening. Two-year-old seedlings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), grown and cold-hardened in the field, were exposed to different temperature regimes for 16 weeks while dormant. To minimize short-term carry-over effects, after the temperature treatments, all seedlings were conditioned to 5.5 degrees C and watered before the assessment of non-structural carbohydrates and cold tolerance. Needle sugar concentration was decreased by 54, 32, 21 and 9% following treatment at 5.5, 0, -1.5 and -8.5 degrees C, respectively. Sugar concentration did not decrease as much in root tissues as in needles because starch was mobilized in roots. Cold tolerance of needles was analyzed by controlled freezing, and the temperature causing an initial 10% damage (LT(10)) was plotted as a function of needle sugar concentration, revealing a strong, linear relationship. When one-third of the initial sugars had been consumed, LT(10) had increased from -24.5 to -16.5 degrees C, and when one half had been consumed, LT(10) had increased to -10 degrees C. Consequences of these findings for the field performance of conifers are discussed in relation to climatic variation and change.