Post-drought hydraulic recovery is accompanied by non-structural carbohydrate depletion in the stem wood of Norway spruce saplings.

ABSTRACT: Hydraulic failure and carbon starvation are recognized as main causes of drought-induced forest decline. As water transport and carbon dynamics are strictly interdependent, it is necessary to clarify how dehydration-rehydration cycles are affecting the relations between stem embolism and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). This is particularly needed for conifers whose embolism repair capability is still controversial. Potted Norway spruce saplings underwent two drought-re-irrigation cycles of same intensity, but performed in two consecutive summers. During the second cycle, stem percent loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) and NSC content showed no carry-over effects from the previous drought, indicating complete long-term recovery. The second drought treatment induced moderate PLC (20%)

SUBMITTER: Tomasella M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5662761 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature