Drought and freezing vulnerability of the isolated hybrid aspen Populus x smithii relative to its parental species, P. tremuloides and P. grandidentata.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

We assessed the vulnerability of an isolated, relictual Pleistocene hybrid aspen population of conservation interest (Populus x. smithii) and the nearest populations of its parent species (Populus grandidentata and Populus tremuloides) to springtime post-bud break freezing and growing season drought stress. Response to these stressors in the three taxa was compared in terms of avoidance and tolerance.

Location

North American Midwest; USA.

Methods

Unique genets from the hybrid Niobrara River population and from the two parental populations were propagated in a common garden from rhizome cuttings. We tracked their phenology before and after bud break and measured their vulnerability to freezing (stem electrolyte leakage and leaf chlorophyll fluo

SUBMITTER: Deacon NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6662423 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature