Non-structural carbohydrate dynamics associated with drought-induced die-off in woody species of a shrubland community.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The relationship between plant carbon economy and drought responses of co-occurring woody species can be assessed by comparing carbohydrate (C) dynamics following drought and rain periods, relating these dynamics to species' functional traits. We studied nine woody species coexisting in a continental Mediterranean shrubland that experienced severe drought effects followed by rain.

Methods

We measured total non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and soluble sugars (SS) in roots and stems during drought and after an autumn rain pulse in plants exhibiting leaf loss and in undefoliated ones. We explored whether their dynamics were related to foliage recovery and functional traits (height [H], specific leaf area [SLA], wood density [WD]).

Key results

During

SUBMITTER: Lloret F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6007552 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature