Photosynthetica 2002, 40(1):49-56 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1020133921204

Comparative Field Summer Stress of Three Tree Species Co-occurring in Mediterranean Coastal Dunes

J.M. Castillo1, A.E. Rubio Casal1, C.J. Luque1, T. Luque1, M.E. Figueroa1
1 Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain

Chlorophyll a fluorescence, water potential (Ψs), and root system of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa, Juniperus phoenicea ssp. turbinata, and Pinus pinea were studied in Mediterranean coastal dunes of SW Spain during summer drought and after fall rains in 1999, the driest year in the 90's. A strong and reversible depression in the photochemical efficiency of photosystem 2 of the three species was recorded, which happened concomitantly with the diurnal increase and decrease in radiation. J. phoenicea, with superficial root system, was the most affected species by summer drought. It showed high rates of down-regulation of photosynthesis by photoinhibition and positive correlation between Ψs and Fv/Fp, with Ψs lower than -7 MPa. However, it tolerated this high stress, showing a fast recovery of its physiological state after fall rains. On the other hand, J. oxycedrus and P. pinea, both with deep root systems, kept their Ψs values up to -3 MPa, showing lower stress during summer drought. On the other hand, J. oxycedrus and J. phoenicea were more sensible to changes in edaphic water content than P. pinea. These specific responses to summer drought would be determined by their root distributions and stomatal control of transpiration, conditioning the efficiency in getting and using the available water resources. Ecophysiological responses indicate that these species are well-adapted to long periods of drought in Mediterranean climate areas, developing different strategies: J. phoenicea tolerates high stress with a fast recovery after fall rains, while J. oxycedrus and P. pinea are less affected by summer drought since their deep root systems would allow them to reach deep water resources.

Additional key words: chlorophyll fluorescence; fall rain; Juniperus phoenicea; Juniperus oxycedrus; Pinus pinea; photoinhibition; root system; water potential

Published: March 1, 2002  Show citation

ACS AIP APA ASA Harvard Chicago Chicago Notes IEEE ISO690 MLA NLM Turabian Vancouver
Castillo, J.M., Rubio Casal, A.E., Luque, C.J., Luque, T., & Figueroa, M.E. (2002). Comparative Field Summer Stress of Three Tree Species Co-occurring in Mediterranean Coastal Dunes. Photosynthetica, 40(1), 49-56. doi: 10.1023/A:1020133921204
Share...
Download citation
  • BibTeX (.bib)
  • Bookends (.ris)
  • EasyBib (.ris)
  • EndNote (.enw)
  • EndNote 8 (.xml)
  • ISI WoS (.isi)
  • Medlars (.medlars)
  • Mendeley (.ris)
  • MODS (.xml)
  • Papers (.ris)
  • RefWorks (.txt)
  • RefManager (.ris)
  • RIS (.ris)
  • MS Word (.xml)
  • Zotero (.ris)
    • Open full article

    References

    1. Andalusia Goverment: Catálogo andaluz de especies de la flora silvestre amenazada. [Andalusian Catalogue of Forest Flora Species.]-Pp. 7948-7953. Sevilla 1994. [In Span.]
    2. Arista, M., Ortiz, P.L.: [Juniperus phoenicea ssp. turbinata in Sierra de Grazalema.]-Acta bot. Malac. 20: 303-304, 1995. [In Span.] Go to original source...
    3. Arista, M., Ortiz, P.L., Talavera, S.: Reproductive isolation of two sympatric subspecies of Juniperus phoenicea (Cupressaceae) in southern Spain.-Plant Syst. Evol. 208: 225-237, 1997. Go to original source...
    4. Beadle, C.L., Jarvis, P.G., Talbot, H., Neilson, R.E.: Stomatal conductance and photosynthesis in mature Scots pine forest. II. Dependence on environmental variables of single shoots.-J. appl. Ecol. 22: 573-586, 1985. Go to original source...
    5. Berger, A., Heurteaux, P.: Response of Juniperus phoenicea on sandy dunes in the Camargue (France) to water and saline constraint in summer.-Vegetatio 62: 327-333, 1985. Go to original source...
    6. Björkman, O., Demmig, B.: Photon yield of O2 evolution and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics at 77 K among vascular plant of diverse origins.-Planta 170: 489-504, 1987. Go to original source...
    7. Böhm, W., Köpke, U.: Comparative root investigations with two profile methods.-J. agr. Sci. 144: 297-303, 1977.
    8. Bolhàr-Nordenkampf, H.R., Hofer, M., Lecher, E.G.: Analysis of light-induced reduction of the photochemical capacity in field-grown plants. Evidence for photoinhibition?-Photosynth. Res. 27: 31-39, 1991. Go to original source...
    9. Bolhàr-Nordenkampf, H.R., Long, S.P., Baker, N.R., Öquist, G., Schreiber, U., Lechner, E.G.: Chlorophyll fluorescence as a probe of the photosynthetic competence of leaves in the field: a review of current instrumentation.-Funct. Ecol. 3: 497-514, 1989. Go to original source...
    10. Bolhàr-Nordenkampf, H.R., Öquist, G.: Chlorophyll fluorescence as a tool in photosynthesis research.-In: Hall, D.O., Scurlock, J.M.O., Bolhàr-Nordenkampf, H.R., Leegood, R.C., Long, S.P. (ed.): Phototosynthesis and Production in a Changing Environment: A Field and Laboratory Manual. Pp. 193-206. Chapman & Hall, London-Glasgow-New York-Tokyo-Melbourne-Madras 1993. Go to original source...
    11. Castillo, J.M., Fernández-Baco, L., Castellanos, E.M., Luque, C.J., Figueroa, M.E., Davy, A.J.: Lower limits of Spartina densiflora and S. maritima in a Mediterranean salt marsh determined by differential ecophysiological tolerances.-J. Ecol. 88: 801-812, 2000. Go to original source...
    12. Damesin, C., Rambal, S.: Field study of leaf photosynthetic performance by a Mediterranean deciduous oak tree (Quercus pubescens) during a severe summer drought.-New Phytol. 131: 159-167, 1995. Go to original source...
    13. Demmig-Adams, B., Adams, W.W., III, Winter, K., Meyer, A., Schreiber, U., Pereira, J.S., Krüger, A., Czygan, F.-C., Lange, O.L.: Photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, photon yield of O2 evolution, photosynthetic capacity, and carotenoid composition during the midday depression of net CO2 uptake in Arbutus unedo growing in Portugal.-Planta 177: 377-387, 1989. Go to original source...
    14. Epron, D., Dreyer, E., Breda, N.: Photosynthesis of oak trees (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) during drought under field conditions: diurnal course of net CO2 assimilation and photochemical efficiency of photosystem II.-Plant Cell Environ. 15: 809-820, 1992. Go to original source...
    15. Fernández-Baco, L., Figueroa, M.E., Luque, T., Davy, A.J.: Diurnal and seasonal variations in chlorophyll a fluorescence in two mediterranean-grassland species under field conditions.-Photosynthetica 35: 535-544, 1998. Go to original source...
    16. Figueroa, M.E., Fernández-Baco, L., Luque, T., Davy, A.J.: Chlorophyll fluorescence, stress and survival in populations of Mediterranean grassland species.-J. Veget. Sci. 8: 881-888, 1997. Go to original source...
    17. Granados Corona, M., Martín Vicente, A., García Novo, F.: Evolución conjunta del paisaje y su gestión. El caso del Parque Nacional de Doñana.-Estudios territoriales 24: 183-197, 1987. [In Span.]
    18. Granados Corona, M., Martin Vicente, A., García Novo, F.: Long-term vegetation change on the stabilized dunes of Doñana National Park (SW Spain).-Vegetatio 75: 73-80, 1988. Go to original source...
    19. Griffiths, H., Maxwell, K.: In memory of C.S. Pittendrigh: Does exposure in forest canopies relate to photoprotective strategies in epiphytic bromeliads?.-Funct. Ecol. 13: 15-23, 1999. Go to original source...
    20. Gucci, R., Massai, R., Casano, S., Gravano, E., Lucchesini, M.: The effect of drought on gas exchange and water potential in leaves of seven Mediterranean woody species.-In: Mohren, G.M.J., Kramer, K., Sabaté, S. (ed.): Impacts of Global Change on Tree Physiology and Forest Ecosystems. Pp. 225-231. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht-Boston-London 1997. Go to original source...
    21. Hellkvist, J., Parsby, J.: The water relations of Pinus sylvestris. III. Diurnal and seasonal patterns of water potential.-Physiol. Plant. 38: 61-68, 1976. Go to original source...
    22. Jeffrey, D.W.: Plants and Water. Soil-Plant Relationships.-Croom Helm, London; Sydney Timbers Press, Portland 1987. Go to original source...
    23. Krause, G.H., Weis, E.: Chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthesis: The basics.-Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant mol. Biol. 42: 313-349, 1991. Go to original source...
    24. Krause, G.H., Winter, K.: Photoinhibition of photosynthesis in plants growing in natural tropical forest gaps. A chlorophyll fluorescence study.-Bot. Acta 109: 456-462, 1996. Go to original source...
    25. Krivosheeva, A., Tao, D.L., Ottander, C., Wingsle, G., Dube, S.L., Öquist, G.: Cold acclimation and photoinhibition of photosynthesis in Scots pine.-Planta 200: 296-305, 1996. Go to original source...
    26. Lange, O.L., Tenhunen, J.D., Beyschlag, W.: Effects of humidity during diurnal courses of the CO2-and light-saturated rate of net CO2 uptake in the sclerophyllous leaves of Arbutus unedo.-Oecologia 67: 301-304, 1985. Go to original source...
    27. Lansac, A.R., Zaballos, J.P., Martin, A.: Seasonal water potential changes and proline accumulation in Mediterranean shrubland species.-Vegetatio 113: 141-154, 1994. Go to original source...
    28. Lebkuecher, J.G., Eickmier, W.G.: Physiological benefits of stem curling for resurrection plants from the field.-Ecology 74: 1073-1080, 1993. Go to original source...
    29. Levitt, J.: Responses of Plants to Environmental Stress.-Academic Press, New York 1972.
    30. Linton, M.J., Sperry, J.S., Williams, D.G.: Limits to water transport in Juniperus osteosperma and Pinus edulis: implications for drought tolerance and regulation of transpiration.-Funct. Ecol. 12: 906-911, 1998. Go to original source...
    31. Lloret, F., Casanovas, C., Peñuelas, J.: Seedling survival of Mediterranean shrubland species in relation to root:shoot ratio, seed size an water and nitrogen use.-Funct. Ecol. 13: 210-216, 1999. Go to original source...
    32. Long, S.P., Humphries, S., Falkowski, P.G.: Photoinhibition of photosynthesis in nature.-Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant mol. Biol. 45: 633-662, 1994. Go to original source...
    33. Martínez García, F., Merino, O., Martín, A., García Martín, D., Merino, J.: Belowground structure and production in a Mediterranean sand dune shrub community.-Plant Soil 201: 209-216, 1998. Go to original source...
    34. Martínez García, F., Rodríguez, J.M.: Distributión vertical de las raíces del matorral de Doñana.-Lagascalia 15: 549-557, 1988.
    35. Miller, P.M., Eddleman, L.E., Miller, J.M.: Influence of vapor pressure deficit and soil moisture on gas exchange of Juniperus occidentalis.-Northwest Sci. 67: 147-155, 1993.
    36. Miller, R.F., Shultz, L.M.: Water relations and leaf morphology of Juniperus occidentalis in the northern Great Britain.-Forest Sci. 33: 690-706, 1987.
    37. Mohammed, G.H., Binder, W.D., Gillies, S.L.: Chlorophyll fluorescence: A review of its practical forestry applications and instrumentation.-Scand. J. Forest Res. 10: 383-410, 1995. Go to original source...
    38. Moore, D.J., Nowak, R.S., Tausch, R.J.: Gas exchange and carbon isotope discrimination of Juniperus osteosperma and Juniperus occidentalis across environmental gradients in the Great Basin of western North America.-Tree Physiol. 19: 421-433, 1999. Go to original source...
    39. Muñoz, J.C.: Patrón espacio-temporal del matorral de la reserva Biológica de Doñana y sus relaciones con el acuífero Almonte-Marismas.-Tesis Doctoral. Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 1997. [In Span.]
    40. Nieva, F.J., Luque, C.J.: Odiel Marshes.-In: Morillo, C., González, J.L. (ed.): Management of Mediterranean Wetlands. Pp. 381-393. Dirección General de Conservación de la Naturaleza, Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, Madrid 1995.
    41. Ögren, E., Rosenqvist, E.: On the significance of photoinhibition of photosynthesis in the field and its generality among species.-Photosynth. Res. 33: 63-71, 1992. Go to original source...
    42. Oliveira, G., Correia, O.A., Martins-Loução, M.A., Catarino, F.M.: Water relations of cork-oak (Quercus suber L.) under natural conditions.-Vegetatio 100: 199-208, 1992. Go to original source...
    43. Öquist, G., Chow, W.S., Anderson, J.M.: Photoinhibition of photosynthesis represents a mechanism for the long-term regulation of photosystem II.-Planta 186: 450-460, 1992. Go to original source...
    44. Ortiz, P.L., Arista, M., Talavera, S.: Low reproductive success in two subspecies of Juniperus oxycedrus L.-Int. J. Plant Sci. 159: 843-847, 1998. Go to original source...
    45. Pugnaire, F.I., Haase, P., Incoll, L.D., Clark, S.C.: Response of the tussock grass Stipa tenacissima to watering in a semi-arid environment.-Funct. Ecol. 10: 265-274, 1996. Go to original source...
    46. Pugnaire, F.I., Serrano, L., Pardos, J.A.: Constraints by water stress on plant growth.-In: Pessarakli, M. (ed.): Handbook of Plant and Crop Stress. Pp. 247-259. Marcel Dekker, New York 1993.
    47. Schindler, C., Lichtenthaler, H.K.: Is there a correlation between light-induced zeaxanthin accumulation and quenching of variable chlorophyll a fluorescence?-Plant Physiol. Biochem. 32: 813-823, 1994.
    48. Scholander, P.F., Hammel, H.T., Bradstreet, E.D., Hemmingsen, E.A.: Sap pressure in vascular plants.-Science 148: 339-345, 1965. Go to original source...
    49. Streb, P., Tel-Or, E., Feierabend, J.: Light stress effects and antioxidative protection in two desert plants.-Funct. Ecol. 11: 416-424, 1997. Go to original source...
    50. Tenhunen, J.D., Beyschlag, W., Lange, O.L., Harley, P.C.: Changes during summer drought in leaf CO2 uptake rates of macchia shrubs growing in Portugal: Limitations due to photosynthetic capacity, carboxylation efficiency, and stomatal conductance.-In: Tenhunen, J.D., Catarino, F.M., Lange, O.L., Oechel, W.C. (ed.): Plant Responses to Stress. Pp. 305-327. Springer-Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg-New York-London-Paris-Tokyo 1987. Go to original source...
    51. Tognetti, R., Minnocci, A., Peñuelas, J., Raschi, A., Jones, M.B.: Comparative field water relations of three Mediterranean shrub species co-occurring at a natural CO2 vent.-J. exp. Bot. 51: 1135-1146, 2000. Go to original source...
    52. Tsiourlis, G.M.: Etude d'un écosystème de maquis à Juniperus phoenicea L. (Naxos, Cyclaes, Grèce): structure spatiale et phytomasse des appareils racinaires.-Bull. Ecol. 23: 71-81, 1992.
    53. van Kooten, O., Snel, J.F.H.: The use of chlorophyll fluorescence nomenclature in plant stress physiology.-Photosynth. Res. 25: 147-150, 1990. Go to original source...
    54. Virginia, R.A., Jarrell, W.M.: Approaches for studing the function of deep root systems. Plant responses to stress functional analysis in mediterranean ecosystems.-In: Tenhunen, J.D., Catarino, F.M., Lange, O.L., Oechel, W.C. (ed.): Plant Responses to Stress. Pp. 305-327. Springer-Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg-New York-London-Paris-Tokyo 1987.
    55. Werner, C., Correia, O.A., Ryel, R.J., Beyschlag, W.: Modelling whole-plant primary production of macchia species: assessing the effects of photoinhibition and foliage orientation.-Revista Biol. 16: 247-257, 1998.

    Return to the content