Abstract
Background: Understanding species’ reactions to environmental stressors (cold and drought) and characterizing drought tolerance can help us understand their ecosystem responses related to global change. This study aimed to understand and compare the drought and cold tolerance strategies of Juniperus excelsa, Juniperus foetidissima, and Juniperus oxycedrus, which are found in the Western Mediterranean Region. Water relation parameters [ΨTLP (osmotic potential at turgor loss point), Ψ100 (osmotic potential at full turgor), Ɛmax (bulk modulus of elasticity), V0/DW (symplastic water at the saturated point per dry weight of the shoot), RWC (relative water content)] in summer and winter were determined. Total soluble sugar and photosynthetic pigment content were identified in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Results: J. foetidissima had lower Ψ TLP and higher Ɛmax in summer than other species. The species had similar Ψ TLP 1 Ψ 100 1 Ɛmax, V0/DW, and RWC in winter. A seasonal change was observed in total soluble sugar and photosynthetic pigment content. Total soluble sugar and photosynthetic pigment contents were related to mean air temperature and total precipitation. Conclusion: J. foetidissima was more tolerant to water deficit in the summer, whereas the three species reacted similarly to the cold in the winter.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
