Leaf surface traits contributing to wettability, water interception and uptake of above-ground water sources in shrubs of Patagonian arid ecosystems.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The ecohydrological significance of leaf wetting due to atmospheric water in arid and semiarid ecosystems is not well understood. In these environments, the inputs of precipitation or dew formation resulting in leaf wetting have positive effects on plant functioning. However, its impact on plant water relations may depend on the degree of leaf surface wettability. In this study we evaluated leaf wettability and other leaf traits and its effects on foliar water uptake and canopy interception in plant species of a Patagonian steppe. We also studied how leaf traits affecting wettability vary seasonally from growing to dry season.

Methods

Contact angle of a water droplet with the leaf surface, water adhesion, droplet retention angle, stomatal density, cuticul

SUBMITTER: Cavallaro A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9486909 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature