Diurnal variations of photosynthesis and dew absorption by leaves in two evergreen shrubs growing in Mediterranean field conditions

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The effects of summer drought, dew deposition on leaves and autumn rainfall on plant water relations and diurnal variations of photosynthesis were measured in two evergreen shrubs, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and lavender (Lavandula stoechas), grown in Mediterranean field conditions. Withholding water for 40 d caused a similar decrease in predawn shoot water potential (ψpd) from c.−0.4 to c.−1.3 MPa in both species, but a 50% decrease in the relative leaf water content in L. stoechas compared with 22% in R. officinalis. A similar decrease in CO2 assimilation rates by c. 75% was observed in water‐stressed plants of both species, although L. stoechas showed smaller photosynthesis: stomatal conductance ratio than R. officinalis (35 vs 45 μmol CO2:mol H2O). The relative quantum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry also decreased by c. 45% at midday in water‐ stressed plants of both species. Nevertheless, neither L. stoechas nor R. officinalis suffered drought‐induced damage to photosystem II, as indicated by the maintenance of the ratio Fv:Fm throughout the experiment, associated with an increase in the carotenoid content per unit of chlorophyll by c. 62% and c. 30%, respectively, in water‐stressed plants. Only L. stoechas absorbed dew by leaves. In this species the occurrence of 6 d of dew over a 15‐d period improved relative leaf water content by c. 72% and shoot water potential by c. 0.5 MPa throughout the day in water‐stressed plants, although the photosynthetic capacity was not recovered until the occurrence of autumn rainfall. The ability of leaves to absorb dew allowed L. stoechas to restore plant water status, which is especially relevant in plants exposed to prolonged drought.