Mesophyll conductance to CO2 and leaf morphological characteristics under drought stress during Quercus ilex L. resprouting

? Quercus ilex L., the dominant species in Mediterranean forests and one with a great capacity for resprouting after disturbances, is threatened by the expected increase in fire frequency and drought associated with climate change.

? The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of photosynthesis limitants, especially mesophyll conductance (g _mes) during this species’ resprouting and under summer drought.

? Resprouts showed 5.3-fold increased g _mes and 3.8-fold increased stomatal conductance (g _s) at mid-day with respect to leaves of undisturbed individuals. With increased drought, structural changes (decreased density and increased thickness) in resprouts contributed to the observed higher photosynthesis and increased g _mes. However, g _mes only partially depended on leaf structure, and was also under physiological control. Resprouts also showed lower non-stomatal limitations (around 50% higher carboxylation velocity (V _c,max) and capacity for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate regeneration (J _max)). A significant contribution of g _mes to leaf carbon isotope discrimination values was observed.

? g _mes exhibits a dominant role in photosynthesis limitation in Q. ilex and is regulated by factors other than morphology. During resprouting after disturbances, greater capacity to withstand drought, as evidenced by higher g _mes, g _s and lower non-stomatal limitants, enables increased photosynthesis and rapid growth.