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A retrospective, dual-isotope approach reveals individual predispositions to winter-drought induced tree dieback in the southernmost distribution limit of Scots pine.
- Source :
-
Plant, Cell & Environment . Aug2013, Vol. 36 Issue 8, p1435-1448. 14p. 3 Charts, 6 Graphs. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Winter-drought induced forest diebacks in the low-latitude margins of species' distribution ranges can provide new insights into the mechanisms (carbon starvation, hydraulic failure) underlying contrasting tree reactions. We analysed a winter-drought induced dieback at the Scots pine's southern edge through a dual-isotope approach (Δ13 C and δ18 O in tree-ring cellulose). We hypothesized that a differential long-term performance, mediated by the interaction between CO2 and climate, determined the fates of individuals during dieback. Declining trees showed a stronger coupling between climate, growth and intrinsic water-use efficiency ( WUEi) than non-declining individuals that was noticeable for 25 years prior to dieback. The rising stomatal control of water losses with time in declining trees, indicated by negative Δ13 C- δ18 O relationships, was likely associated with their native aptitude to grow more and take up more water (suggested by larger tracheid lumen widths) than non-declining trees and, therefore, to exhibit a greater cavitation risk. Freeze-thaw episodes occurring in winter 2001 unveiled such physiological differences by triggering dieback in those trees more vulnerable to hydraulic failure. Thus, WUEi tightly modulated growth responses to long-term warming in declining trees, indicating that co-occurring individuals were differentially predisposed to winter-drought mortality. These different performances were unconnected to the depletion of stored carbohydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01407791
- Volume :
- 36
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Plant, Cell & Environment
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 88904235
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.12072