CAM photosynthesis in Bulnesia retama (Zygophyllaceae), a non-succulent desert shrub from South America.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Bulnesia retama is a drought-deciduous, xerophytic shrub from arid landscapes of South America. In a survey of carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) in specimens from the field, B. retama exhibited less negative values, indicative of CAM or C4 photosynthesis. Here, we investigate whether B. retama is a C4 or CAM plant.

Methods

Gas-exchange responses to intercellular CO2, diurnal gas-exchange profiles, δ13C and dawn vs. afternoon titratable acidity were measured on leaves and stems of watered and droughted B. retama plants. Leaf and stem cross-sections were imaged to determine whether the tissues exhibited succulent CAM or C4 Kranz anatomy.

Key results

Field-collected stems and fruits of B. retama exhibited δ13C between -16 and -19 ‰. Plants grown in a glass

SUBMITTER: Mok D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10799978 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature