Effect of photon flux density on carbon assimilation and chlorophyll a fluorescence of cold-stored white spruce and lodgepole pine seedlings

White spruce (Picea glauca (Moench.) Voss) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) seedlings previously held in dark, frozen storage (-2 degrees C) for 2.5 or 6 months, and nursery-grown white spruce seedlings lifted in summer were exposed to photon flux densities (PFDs) similar to those that might be encountered at planting. Photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyll a (chl a) fluorescence were examined in cold-stored and summer-lifted seedlings before and after a 9 h-exposure to artificial illumination of high PFD (2000 micro mol m(-2) s(-1)) or low PFD (ca. 500 micro mol m(-2) s(-1)), and during exposure to 400 micro mol m(-2) s(-1) for 4-9 days. In the 2.5-month-stored and summer-lifted seedlings, the high-PFD treatment caused a small decrease in carbon fixation and a large decrease in the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (F(v)/F(m)) relative to the effect of the low-PFD treatment. In contrast, in the 6-month-stored seedlings the high-PFD treatment caused a significant decrease in rate of light-saturated carbon fixation but little decrease in F(v)/F(m) relative to the effect of the low-PFD treatment, indicating that the mechanisms for maintaining integrity of the photochemical apparatus had changed during the storage interval.     

Xylem cavitation and loss of hydraulic conductance in western hemlock following planting

Following planting, western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) seedlings experience water stress and declining xylem pressure potential (Psi(x)). Low Psi(x) can result in xylem cavitation and embolism formation, causing a decline in hydraulic conductance. This study focused on the relationship between Psi(x), xylem cavitation and transpiration (E) of newly planted seedlings. Leaf specific hydraulic conductance (k(AB)) declined from 0.56 to 0.09 mmol m(-2) s(-1) MPa(-1) over a 9-day period. Stomatal conductance (g(s)) declined from 143.5 to 39.15 mmol m(-2) s(-1) over the same period without an associated change in environmental conditions. A vulnerability profile indicated a 30% loss in hydraulic conductivity when seedlings experienced a Psi(x) between -2.5 and -3.0 MPa. A Psi(x) of -4.0 MPa led to a complete loss of conductivity. We conclude that following planting, western hemlock seedlings often experience Psi(x) values that are low enough to cause xylem cavitation and a decline in k(AB).     

Relationship between nuclear DNA markers and physiological parameters in Sitka x interior spruce populations

Eight populations of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) and interior spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss x Picea engelmannii Parry ex. Engelm.) seedlings were sampled from a zone of Sitka-interior spruce introgression in British Columbia, Canada. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) were used to define species-specific hybridization patterns for the Sitka spruce and interior spruce populations. Hybridization was estimated from an index based on the relative abundance of polymorphic rDNA combining bands for each population. Sitka x interior hybrid seedlings had an index value for the relative abundance of interior spruce rDNA (Si-rDNA) ranging from 0.07 (Lower Nass; the most westerly collected source) to 0.95 (Bulkley Valley low-elevation seed orchard). During shoot elongation, osmotic potential at saturation (Psi(sat)) and turgor loss point (Psi(tlp)) increased, whereas total turgor (Psi(PTotal)) decreased. After bud set in the summer and throughout the fall, Psi(sat) and Psi(tlp) decreased, whereas Psi(PTotal) increased. At all times of year, populations with a higher Si-rDNA index had lower Psi(tlp) and Psi(sat) and higher Psi(PTotal) than populations with a lower Si-rDNA index. During the fall, Sitka x interior hybrid seedlings exhibited a seasonal decline in the temperature causing 50% needle electrolyte leakage (LT(50)) and in the critical temperature indicating the initial point of freezing injury. Seedlings with a higher Si-rDNA index had lower LT(50) and critical temperature values indicating greater freezing tolerance in the fall. Throughout most of the year, seedling population Si-rDNA index was related to the degree of drought and freezing tolerance.     

Planting stress in newly planted jack pine and white spruce. 2. Changes in tissue water potential components

Water relations of bare-root jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) planted in a greenhouse and on a boreal cut-over site were examined during the first growing season. In field-planted trees, maximum stomatal conductances (g(wv)) were initially low (< 0.10 cm s(-1)). Base and minimum xylem pressure potentials (Psi(x(base)) and Psi(x(min))) were less than -1.5 and -1.7 MPa for jack pine and -2.0 and -2.6 MPa for white spruce, respectively. During the growing season, maximum g(wv) increased in both species to around 0.2 cm s(-1). Base and minimum xylem pressure potentials also increased in both species to around -0.5 and -1.0 MPa in jack pine and -1.0 and -1.5 MPa in white spruce, respectively. Minimum xylem pressure potentials in white spruce fell below the turgor loss point during the first half of the growing season. Osmotic potential at the turgor loss point Psi(pi(TLP)) decreased after field planting to around -2.7 and -2.3 MPa in jack pine and white spruce, respectively. In the greenhouse, minimum values of Psi(pi(TLP)) were -2.2 and -2.3 MPa in jack pine and white spruce, respectively. Maximum bulk modulus of elasticity was greater in white spruce and underwent greater seasonal change than in jack pine. Relative water content (RWC) at turgor loss ranged between 71 and 74% in jack pine and 80 and 87% in white spruce. Available turgor (T(avail)), defined as the integral of turgor over the range of RWC between Psi(x(base)) and xylem pressure potential at the turgor loss point, was similar in jack pine and white spruce just after field planting. For the rest of the growing season, however, T(avail) in jack pine was two to three times that in white spruce. Diurnal turgor (T(diurnal)), defined as the integral of turgor over the range of RWC between Psi(x(base)) and Psi(x(min)), as a percent of T(avail) was higher in field-planted white spruce than jack pine until the end of the season. Dynamics of tissue water potential components are discussed in relation to plantation establishment.     

Water deficits at anthesis reduce CO(2) assimilation and yield of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) trees

Ten-year-old 'Tai So' lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) trees growing on a sandy loam soil in subtropical South Africa (latitude 25 degrees S) were watered weekly (well-watered treatment) or droughted from late July until January (drought treatment). After 16 weeks, at which time the trees obtained most of their water from below 150 cm, average soil water content at 0 to 150 cm depth was 14.5 +/- 0.1% in the well-watered treatment and reached a minimum of 7.6% in the drought treatment. At Week 7, minimum leaf water potential (Psi(L)) in the morning and early afternoon declined to -2.6 and -2.8 MPa, respectively, in droughted trees compared with -1.5 and -2.2 MPa, respectively, in well-watered trees. From Week 9, stomatal conductance and net CO(2) assimilation rate ranged from 70 to 300 mmol m(-2) s(-1) and 3 to 13 micro mol CO(2) m(-2) s(-1), respectively, in well-watered trees. The corresponding values for droughted trees were 50 to 180 mmol m(-2) s(-1) and 2 to 6 micro mol CO(2) m(-2) s(-1). Five weeks after rewatering the droughted trees, gas exchange had not recovered to the rate in well-watered trees, although tree water status recovered within a week of rewatering. In the well-watered trees, water use (E(t)) was 26 +/- 1 mm week(-1) with evaporation (E(p)) of 20 to 70 mm week(-1) indicating a crop factor (k(c) = E(t)/E(p)) of 0.4 to 1.2. Before anthesis, tree water status did not affect extension growth of floral panicles or leafy shoots. In contrast, no vegetative shoots were initiated after fruit set in the droughted trees when Psi(L) in the morning declined to -2.5 MPa. Water deficits reduced initial fruit set by 30% and final fruit set by 70% as a result of fruit splitting (41.2 +/- 4.0% versus 10.0 +/- 1.3%). Water deficits did not alter the sigmoidal pattern of fruit growth, but reduced yield from 51.4 +/- 5.5 kg tree(-1) in well-watered trees to 7.4 +/- 3.3 kg tree(-1) in droughted trees.     

Photosynthetic response of white spruce families to drought stress

In the context of climate change, an increased frequency of drought stresses might occur at a regional scale in boreal forests. To assess photosynthetic responses to drought treatment, seedlings of 12 open-pollinated families of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) differing in their growth performance were grown in a controlled environment. Gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters as well as shoot xylem water potential (WP) were measured for 21 successive days after watering was stopped. Net photosynthesis decreased as stomatal conductance decreased. Net photosynthesis was not affected by drought until WP reached –2.0 MPa when stomata were closed. Initial fluorescence (F and basic fluorescence after induction (F00) were not affected by drought. A progressive decrease in maximal (Fm) and variable fluorescences (Fv), maximum photosystem II (PS II) efficiency (Fv = Fm), effective quantum yield of PS II (FII), photochemical efficiency of open PS II (Fp), and photochemical quenching (qP) was observed at WP < - 1.0 MPa, whereas non-photochemical quenching (qN) remained high throughout the drought treatment. White spruce families with inferior growth performance showed higher values of Fm, Fv, Fv = Fm, Fp, and qN at WP< - 2.0MPa. The results indicated that chlorophyll fluorescence variables can be used as drought markers in relation to present or predicted climate conditions. These could be used for selecting planting stock adapted to drought periods or dry environments. These markers showed that slow-growing genotypes are better adapted to drought conditions than intermediate or fast-growing genotypes in present and predicted drought conditions.     

Photosynthetic traits around budbreak in pre-existing needles of Sakhalin spruce (Picea glehnii) seedlings grown under elevated CO2 concentration assessed by chlorophyll fluorescence measurements

To assess the effects of elevated CO(2) concentration ([CO(2)]) on the photosynthetic properties around spring budbreak, we monitored the total leaf sugar and starch content, and chlorophyll fluorescence in 1-year-old needles of Sakhalin spruce (Picea glehnii Masters) seedlings in relation to the timing of budbreak, grown in a phytotron under natural daylight at two [CO(2)] levels (ambient: 360?μmol mol(-1) and elevated: 720?μmol mol(-1)). Budbreak was accelerated by elevated [CO(2)] accompanied with earlier temporal declines in the quantum yield of PSII electron transport (Φ(PSII)) and photochemical quenching (q(L)). Plants grown under elevated [CO(2)] showed pre-budbreak leaf starch content twice as high with no significant difference in Φ(PSII) from ambient-CO(2)-grown plants when compared at the same measurement [CO(2)], i.e., 360 or 720?μmol mol(-1), suggesting that the enhanced pre-budbreak leaf starch accumulation might not cause down-regulation of photosynthesis in pre-existing needles under elevated [CO(2)]. Conversely, lower excitation pressure adjusted for the efficiency of PSII photochemistry ((1?-?q(P)) F(v)'/F(m)') was observed in plants grown under elevated [CO(2)] around budbreak when compared at their growth [CO(2)] (i.e., comparing (1?-?q(P)) F(v)'/F(m)' measured at 720?μmol mol(-1) in elevated-CO(2)-grown plants with that at 360?μmol mol(-1) in ambient-CO(2)-grown plants), which suggests lower rate of photoinactivation of PSII in the elevated-CO(2)-grown plants around spring budbreak. The degree of photoinhibition, as indicated by the overnight-dark-adapted F(v)/F(m), however, showed no difference between CO(2) treatments, thereby suggesting that photoprotection during the daytime or the repair of PSII at night was sufficient to alleviate differences in the rate of photoinactivation.     

Biophysical constraints on leaf expansion in a tall conifer

The physiological mechanisms responsible for reduced extension growth as trees increase in height remain elusive. We evaluated biophysical constraints on leaf expansion in old-growth Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees. Needle elongation rates, plastic and elastic extensibility, bulk leaf water (Psi(L)) and osmotic (Psi(pi)) potential, bulk tissue yield threshold and final needle length were characterized along a height gradient in crowns of > 50-m-tall trees during the period between bud break and full expansion (May to June). Although needle length decreased with increasing height, there was no height-related trend in leaf plastic extensibility, which was highest immediately after bud break (2.9%) and declined rapidly to a stable minimum value (0.3%) over a 3-week period during which leaf expansion was completed. There was a significant positive linear relationship between needle elongation rates and plastic extensibility. Yield thresholds were consistently lower at the upper and middle crown sampling heights. The mean yield threshold across all sampling heights was 0.12 +/- 0.03 MPa on June 8, rising to 0.34 +/- 0.03 MPa on June 15 and 0.45 +/- 0.05 MPa on June 24. Bulk leaf Psi(pi) decreased linearly with increasing height at a rate of 0.004 MPa m(-1) during the period of most rapid needle elongation, but the vertical osmotic gradient was not sufficient to fully compensate for the 0.015 MPa m(-1) vertical gradient in Psi(L), implying that bulk leaf turgor declined at a rate of about 0.011 MPa m(-1) increase in height. Although height-dependent reductions in turgor appeared to constrain leaf expansion, it is possible that the impact of reduced turgor was mitigated by delayed phenological development with increasing height, which resulted in an increase with height in the temperature during leaf expansion.     

Response of gas exchange to water stress in seedlings of woody angiosperms

Responses of net photosynthesis (A), leaf conductance to water vapor (g(wv)) and instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE) to decreasing leaf and soil water potentials (Psi(l), Psi(s)) were studied in three-month-old white oak (Quercus alba L.), post oak (Q. stellata Wangenh.), sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), and black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) seedlings. Quercus seedlings had the highest A and g(wv) when plants were well watered. As the soil was allowed to dry, both A and g(wv) decreased; however, trace amounts of A were observed at a Psi(l) as low as -2.9 MPa in Q. stellata and -2.6 MPa in Q. alba and A. saccharum. Photosynthesis was not measurable at Psi(l) lower than -2.2 MPa in J. nigra and water stress-induced leaflet senescence was observed in this species. Within each species, g(wv) showed a similar relationship to soil and leaf Psi, but the response to Psi(l) was shifted to more negative values by 1.2 to 1.6 MPa. As Psi(s) declined below -1 MPa, the difference between soil and leaf Psi diminished because of the suppression of transpiration. There was no indication that Psi(s) had a more direct influence on g(wv) than did Psi(l). Water use efficiency showed an initial increase as the soil dried, followed by a decline under severe water stress. Water use efficiency was highest in J. nigra, intermediate in Quercus species and lowest in A. saccharum. There was an evident relationship between gas exchange characteristics and natural distribution in these species, with the more xeric species showing higher A and g(wv) under both well-watered and water-stressed conditions. There was no trend toward increased efficiency of water use in the more xeric species.     

Physiological responses of radiata pine roots to soil strength and soil water deficit

We investigated physiological responses of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) roots to soil strength and soil water deficit by measuring the osmotic potential (Psi(pi)) and yield turgor (Y) in the elongation zone of root segments of seedlings growing (i) in polyethylene glycol 4000-containing rooting solution of different water potentials (Psi(s)) and (ii) in soil of different soil strengths (Q) at the same soil matric potential (Psi(m)). Root elongation rate (Deltal/Deltat) decreased progressively with decreasing Psi(s) and was associated with decreased Psi(pi) and decreased turgor pressure (P). Osmotic adjustment occurred at Psi(s) < -0.2 MPa. Over a range in Psi(s) of -0.01 to -1.0 MPa, Psi(pi) fell 0.3 MPa whereas P fell 0.7 MPa. Mean Psi in the solution experiment was 0.37 MPa and did not differ significantly with Psi(s) (P = 0.10). Root elongation rate decreased exponentially as Q increased from 0 to 3.0 MPa, and was associated with an increase in P of 0.11 MPa as a consequence of Psi(pi) decreasing by the same amount. Mean Y in the soil experiment was 0.49 MPa and did not change significantly with Q (P = 0.87).     

Shoot water relations of mature black spruce families displaying a genotype x environment interaction in growth rate. II. Temporal trends and response to varying soil water conditions

Pressure-volume curves and shoot water potentials were determined for black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) trees from four full-sib families at the Petawawa Research Forest, Ontario, Canada. Trees were sampled from a dry site in 1992 and from the dry site and a wet site in 1993. Modulus of elasticity (epsilon), osmotic potential at turgor loss point (Psi(tlp)) and relative water at turgor loss point (RWC(tlp)) all decreased during the growing season. Osmotic potential at saturation (Psi(sat)) and turgor displayed no general temporal trend. Across a range of environmental conditions, Female 59 progeny had equal or lower Psi(sat), and higher or similar epsilon, mean turgor pressure (P(x)) and predawn turgor pressure (P(pd)) compared with Female 63 progeny. Osmotic potential at saturation decreased as water stress increased from mild to moderate and increased as water stress increased from moderate to severe. Stable genetic differences in Psi(sat) were maintained by the same rate of osmotic adjustment from low to moderate water stress. Modulus of elasticity and RWC(tlp) decreased with decreasing water availability, whereas Psi(tlp) showed no response. The combined effects of Psi(sat) and epsilon resulted in no change in P(pd) as water stress increased from low to moderate values, but turgor declined sharply as water stress increased from moderate to high values. We conclude that drought tolerance traits strongly influence the growth of these black spruce families across sites of varying water availability.     

Hydraulic and stomatal adjustment of Norway spruce trees to environmental stress

A study of how the water conducting systems of 30-50-year-old Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) trees growing at three sites adjust to shade and waterlogging indicated that water relations characteristics varied with the life histories of the trees. Xylem was more efficient at conducting water and stomata were more sensitive to atmospheric evaporative demand in trees subjected to favorable growth conditions (control trees) than in trees growing in shade or waterlogged conditions. At the same soil water availability, shade-grown trees suffered more severely from water deficit than control trees. Under conditions of high atmospheric vapor pressure deficit, foliage of shade-grown trees exhibited low water potentials, as a result of low hydraulic conductance of the vascular system and inefficient stomatal control. Because of the increased internal resistance to water flow, more negative leaf water potentials (Psi(x)) must be reached to provide an adequate water supply to the foliage. It is concluded that dynamic water stress is one of the main causes of the continuing growth retardation in suppressed Norway spruce trees after their release from the overstory. Trees growing in waterlogged soil (bog-grown trees) were characterized by weak stomatal control, resulting in large water losses from the foliage. Although bog-grown trees exhibited uneconomical water use, they possessed mechanisms (e.g., osmotic adjustment) that allowed leaves to tolerate low Psi(x) while stomata remained open. Under conditions of sufficient soil water availability and moderate atmospheric vapor pressure deficit, soil-to-leaf conductance was highest in bog-grown trees (1.45 +/- 0.06 mmol m(-2) s(-1) MPa(-1)), followed by control and shade-grown trees (1.04 +/- 0.04 and 0.77 +/- 0.05 mmol m(-2) s(-1) MPa(-1), respectively). The lowest soil-to-leaf conductance (0.45 +/- 0.04 mmol m(-2) s(-1) MPa(-1)) was recorded in control trees at high atmospheric evaporative demand, and was probably caused by tracheid cavitation.     

Patterns of leaf conductance and water potential of five Himalayan tree species

We studied variations in water relations and drought response in five Himalayan tree species (Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth. (chilaune) and Castanopsis indica (Roxb.) Miq. (dhale katus) at an elevation of 1400 m, Quercus lanata Smith (banjh) and Rhododendron arboreum Smith (lali gurans) at 2020 m, and Quercus semecarpifolia Smith (khasru) at 2130 m) at Phulchowki Hill, Kathmandu, Nepal. Soil water potential at 15 (Psi(s15)) and 30 cm (Psi(s30)) depths, tree water potential at predawn (Psi(pd)) and midday (Psi(md)), and leaf conductance during the morning (g(wAM)) and afternoon (g(wPM)) were observed from December 1998 to April 2001, except during the monsoon months. There was significant variation among sites, species and months in Psi(pd), Psi(md), g(wAM) and g(wPM), and among months for all species for Psi(s15). Mean Psi(pd) and Psi(md) were lowest in Q. semecarpifolia (-0.40 and -1.18 MPa, respectively) and highest in S. wallichii (-0.20 and -0.63 MPa, respectively). The minimum Psi value for all species (-0.70 to -1.79 MPa) was observed in March 1999, after 4 months of unusually low rainfall. Some patterns of Psi(pd) were related to phenology and leaf damage. During leafing, Psi(pd) often increased. Mean g(wAM) and g(wPM) were highest in Q. semecarpifolia (172 and 190 mmol m(-2) s(-1), respectively) and lowest in C. indica (78 and 74 mmol m(-2) s(-1), respectively). Soil water potential (Psi) at 15 cm depth correlated with plant Psi in all species, but rarely with g(wAM) and not with g(wPM). Plant Psi declined with increasing elevation, whereas g(w) increased. As Psi(pd) declined, so did maximal g(w), but overall, g(w) was correlated with Psi(pd) only for R. arboreum. Schima wallichii maintained high Psi, with low stomatal conductance, as did Castanopsis indica, except that C. indica had low Psi during dry months. Rhododendron arboreum maintained high Psi(pd) and g(w), despite low soil Psi. Quercus lanata had low g(w) and low Psi(pd) in some months, but showed no correlation between tree Psi and g(w). Quercus semecarpifolia, which grows at the highest elevation, had low soil and plant Psi and high g(w).     

涝渍胁迫对转多基因库安托杨生长及生理性状的影响

以库安托杨转多基因株系(D5-9、D5-18、D5-19、D5-20、D5-21、D5-24、D5-26)和未转化株系(对照CK)为试材,研究不同水分处理(水涝胁迫、浸渍胁迫、正常供水)对其生长及生理性状的影响。结果表明:随着胁迫的加剧,各株系株高、根系生长和生物量累积呈下降趋势,而地径生长有所增加。浸渍、水涝胁迫下对照株系的净光合速率均最低,分别为11.99、10.37 μmol·m^-2·s^-1,比正常供水分别减少了14.0%和25.6%;浸渍胁迫下D5-26的净光合速率最高,为13.95 μmol·m^-2·s^-1;水涝胁迫下D5-19的净光合速率最高为12.01 μmol·m^-2·s^-1。蒸腾速率、水分利用效率、气孔限制值、叶绿素a、叶绿素b和总叶绿素含量均下降,叶绿素a的降幅小于叶绿素b,叶绿素a/b值先降后升,而气孔导度和细胞间隙CO₂浓度增大。PSⅡ的实际光化学效率、电子传递速率、潜在光化学活性和最大光化学效率均降低,初始荧光产量和最大荧光产量增加。涝渍胁迫对所有供试材料的生长及光合、叶绿素荧光等生理性状均有影响,但对转多基因株系的影响明显较对照小,且株系间存在差异。以生长、光合参数和叶绿素荧光参数为指标对供试材料进行综合评价,各株系的抗涝能力从高到低的排序为:D5-26>D5-19>D5-18>D5-21>D5-9>D5-20>D5-24>CK。     

Seasonal photosynthetic gas exchange and leaf reflectance characteristics of male and female cottonwoods in a riparian woodland

Cottonwoods (Populus spp.) are dioecious phreatophytes of hydrological and ecological importance in riparian woodlands throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In streamside zones of southern Alberta, groundwater and soil water typically decline between May and September. To understand how narrowleaf cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia James) are adapted to this seasonal decrease in water availability, we measured photosynthetic gas exchange, leaf reflectance, chlorophyll fluorescence and stable carbon isotope composition (delta(13)C) in trees growing in the Oldman River valley of southern Alberta during the 2006 growth season. Accompanying the seasonal recession in river flow, groundwater table depth (Z(gw)) declined by 1.6 m, but neither mean daily light-saturated net photosynthetic rate (A(max)) nor stomatal conductance (g(s)) was correlated with this change. Both A(max) and g(s) followed a parabolic seasonal pattern, with July 24 maxima of 15.8 micromol m(-2) s(-1) and 559 mmol m(-2) s(-1), respectively. The early summer rise in A(max) was related to an increase in the chlorophyll pool during leaf development. Peak A(max) coincided with the maximum quantum efficiency of Photosystem II (F(v)/F(m)), chlorophyll index (CI) and scaled photochemical reflectance index (sPRI), but occurred one month after maximum volumetric soil water (theta(v)) and minimum Z(gw). In late summer, A(max) decreased by 30-40% from maximum values, in weak correlation with theta(v) (r(2) = 0.50). Groundwater availability limited late-season water stress, so that there was little variation in mean daily transpiration (E). Decreasing leaf nitrogen (% dry mass), CI, F(v)/F(m) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were also consistent with leaf aging effects. There was a strong correlation between A(max) and g(s) (r(2) = 0.89), so that photosynthetic water-use efficiency (WUE; A(max)/E) decreased logarithmically with increasing vapor pressure deficit in both males (r(2) = 0.75) and females (r(2) = 0.95). The male:female ratio was unequal (2:1, chi(2) = 16.5, P < 0.001) at the study site, but we found no significant between-sex differences in photosynthetic gas exchange, leaf reflectance or chlorophyll fluorescence that might explain the unequal ratio. Females tended to display lower NDVI than males (P = 0.07), but mean WUE did not differ significantly between males and females (2.1 +/- 0.2 versus 2.5 +/- 0.2 mmol mol(-1)), and delta(13)C remained in the -28.8 to -29.3 per thousand range throughout the growth season, in both sexes. These results demonstrate changes in photosynthetic and water-use characteristics that collectively enable vigorous growth throughout the season, despite seasonal changes in water supply and demand.     

Effect of mineral nutrition content on oxygen exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence in needles of Norway spruce

Photosynthetic O(2) evolution at high irradiances (approximately 600-1000 micro mol m(-2) s(-1)) and O(2) uptake in darkness were measured in needles of control, irrigated and irrigated-fertilized trees of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). Measurements were made at 20 degrees C and at high CO(2) concentrations. The results suggest that, at given times of the year, a major part of the variation in gross photosynthesis of current-year and one-year-old needles across treatments is associated with differences in needle N content. Furthermore, the rate of O(2) uptake measured after 5 or 10 min in darkness was positively correlated with both the preceding rate of gross O(2) evolution and the N content in fully expanded current-year needles. Measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence, taken simultaneously with measurements of O(2) evolution in current-year sun needles, showed that Stern-Volmer quenching of minimum fluorescence and the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence in the dark- and light-adapted state were strongly correlated with the gross rate of O(2) evolution. This suggests that the increased rate of gross photosynthesis in needles of irrigated-fertilized trees was associated with adjustments in the thermal energy dissipation within photosystem II.     

Physiological responses to water stress and waterlogging in Nothofagus species

Gas exchange and water relations were investigated in Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides (Hook. f.) Poole (mountain beech) and Nothofagus menziesii (Hook. f.) Oerst (silver beech) seedlings in response to water stress and waterlogging. At soil matric potentials (Psi(soil)) above -0.005 MPa, N. solandri had significantly higher photosynthetic rates (A), and stomatal and residual conductances (g(sw) and g(rc)), and lower predawn xylem water potentials (Psi(predawn)) than N. menziesii. The relative tolerance of plants to water stress was defined in terms of critical soil matric potential (Psi(cri)) and lethal xylem water potential (Psi(lethal)). The estimated values of Psi(cri) and Psi(lethal) were -1.2 and -7 MPa, respectively, for N. solandri, and -0.7 and -4 MPa, respectively, for N. menziesii. Photosynthesis was sustained to a xylem water potential (Psi(xylem)) of -7 MPa in N. solandri compared with -4 MPa in N. menziesii. Following rewatering, both A and Psi(xylem) recovered quickly in N. solandri, whereas the two variables recovered more slowly in N. menziesii. During the development of water stress, nonstomatal inhibition significantly affected A in both N. solandri and N. menziesii. Nothofagus menziesii was more susceptible to inhibition of A by waterlogging than N. solandri. However, the tolerance of N. solandri to severe waterlogging was also limited as a result of a failure to form adventitious roots, suggesting a lack of adaptation to these conditions. The differences in tolerance to water stress and waterlogging between the two species are consistent with the distribution patterns of N. solandri and N. menziesii in New Zealand.     

Effects of irrigation deprivation during the harvest period on leaf persistence and function in mature almond trees

In nut tree orchards in California, irrigation is typically withheld during the harvest period to reduce the likelihood of bark damage during mechanical shaking of the trees. The ensuing water stress, however, may result in premature defoliation and subsequent yield declines. Our objective was to establish and quantify the water stress resulting from irrigation deprivation and determine its impact on leaf function and persistence in mature almond trees (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb cv. Nonpareil) during a 3-year field experiment. The severity of the water stress was characterized by measurements of predawn leaf (Psi(pd)) and midday stem (Psi(ms)) water potentials, stomatal conductance (gs), net CO2 assimilation rate (A) and leaf abscission. During 1995, Psi(ms) of fully irrigated (FI) trees was maintained above -1.0 MPa. In trees in the moderate- (MS) and severe-stress (SS) treatments, Psi(ms) was reduced to -1.4 to -2.0 MPa and -2.0 to -2.6 MPa, respectively. After 18 days of irrigation deprivation, A was reduced by 32 and 58% at midday and early afternoon, respectively, compared with morning values. A significant decrease in morning values of A only occurred after 30 days of irrigation deprivation. Water-use efficiency and A declined as evaporative demand increased from morning to afternoon. Assimilation also declined seasonally as leaves aged. Midday stem water potential was highly correlated with A, but less so with gs. The coefficient of determination between Psi(ms) and gs improved considerably when vapor pressure deficit and wind were multiply regressed with Psi(ms). Although A recovered rapidly when MS trees were irrigated, recovery in SS trees was slower and incomplete. Integrating the MS and SS effects for an extended period during 1995 resulted in 14 and 30% declines in A, and 6 and 20% declines in gs, respectively. The apparent Psi(ms) threshold for leaf abscission was -1.8 MPa. Daily canopy light interception declined with decreasing Psi(ms) as a result of premature defoliation (and perhaps altered leaf angles) from 67.9% in FI trees to 61.4 and 60.7% in MS and SS trees, respectively.     

持续干旱对科尔沁沙地3种灌木叶绿素荧光参数的影响

试验以连翘(Forsythia suspensa)、水蜡(Ligustrum obtusifolium)、紫丁香(Syringa oblata)为材料,研究了不同干旱胁迫对3种灌木叶绿素荧光参数的影响,结果表明:随着干旱胁迫程度的加剧,3种灌木的最大荧光(F_m)、原初光能转换效率(F_v/F_m)、PSⅡ潜在活性(F_v/F_o)、光化学淬灭系数(q_P)和光合量子产额(Yield)逐渐下降,非光化学淬灭系数(q_N)逐渐上升,初始荧光(F_o)先下降后上升。3种灌木各参数的变化幅度不同,运用隶属函数对3种灌木进行分析,得出抗旱性强弱次序为水蜡紫丁香连翘。     

Relationship between freezing tolerance and shoot water relations of western red cedar

Freezing tolerance and shoot water relations parameters of western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn) seedlings were measured every 2 weeks from October 1989 to April 1990. Freezing tolerance, measured by freeze-induced electrolyte leakage, showed seasonal shifts in the temperature causing 50% foliage electrolyte leakage (LT(50)). The LT(50) value was -4 degrees C in October, it decreased to -20 degrees C in February and then increased to -6 degrees C in April. The foliage index of injury at -10 degrees C (II(-10)) also showed seasonal shifts from a high of 98% in October to a low of 18% in February followed by an increase to 82% in April. Osmotic potentials at saturation (Psi(s(sat))) and turgor loss point (Psi(s(tlp))) were, respectively, -1.07 and -1.26 MPa in October, -1.57 and -2.43 MPa in January, and -1.04 and -1.86 MPa in April. Dry weight fraction (DWF) increased and symplastic volume at full turgor (V(o)) decreased during the fall-winter acclimation phase, whereas DWF decreased and V(o) increased during the late winter-spring deacclimation phase. Relationships between seasonal patterns of freezing tolerance and shoot water relations parameters showed that LT(50) and II(-10) decreased linearly as Psi(s(tlp)) and V(o) decreased and DWF increased. There was no discernible difference in the relationship during fall acclimation or spring deacclimation. The freezing dehydration index at -10 degrees C (FDI(-10)) declined from 0.69 in November to 0.41 in February and increased to 0.56 in April. The value of II(-10) decreased linearly as FDI(-10) decreased, although a measurement made on actively growing spring foliage did not fit this relationship. The results indicate that seasonal changes in freezing tolerance of western red cedar are partially due to changes in tissue water content, symplastic volume, passive osmotic adjustment and FDI(-10).