Abstract
Plant temperature (Tp) is an important indicator of plant health. To determine the dynamics of plant temperature and self-cooling ability of the plant, we measured Tp in Artemisia ordosica in July, in the Mu Us Desert of Northwest China. Related factors were also monitored to investigate their effects on Tp, including environmental factors, such as air temperature (Ta), relative humidity, wind speed; and physiological factors, such as leaf water potential, sap flow, and water content. The results indicate that: 1) Tp generally changes in conjunction with Ta mainly, and varies with height and among the plant organs. Tp in the young branches is most constant, while it is the most sensitive in the leaves. 2) Correlations between Tp and environmental factors show that Tp is affected mainly by Ta. 3) The self-cooling ability of the plant was effective by midday, with Tp being lower than Ta. 4) Increasing sap flow and leaf water potential showed that transpiration formed part of the mechanism that supported self-cooling. Increased in water conductance and specific heat at midday may be additional factors that contribute to plant cooling ability. Therefore, our results confirmed plant self-cooling ability. The response to high temperatures is regulated by both transpiration speed and an increase in stem water conductance. This study provides quantitative data for plant management in terms of temperature control. Moreover, our findings will assist species selection with taking plant temperature as an index.
Highlights
Plant temperature (Tp) is an important physiological and ecological characteristic of plants and is a result of the interaction between the external environment and internal adjustment mechanisms [1]
2) Correlations between Tp and environmental factors show that Tp is affected mainly by Ta. 3) The self-cooling ability of the plant was effective by midday, with Tp being lower than Ta. 4) Increasing sap flow and leaf water potential showed that transpiration formed part of the mechanism that supported selfcooling
The response to high temperatures is regulated by both transpiration speed and an increase in stem water conductance
Summary
Plant temperature (Tp) is an important physiological and ecological characteristic of plants and is a result of the interaction between the external environment and internal adjustment mechanisms (the energy exchange between the plant and its environment) [1]. Plant Temperature (Tp) Dynamic in Desert Area. Many studies of plant growth have used the measured air temperature (Ta) as an index to determine Tp [5]. Numerous studies indicate differences in the response of Tp when Ta changes by only a few degrees Celsius [6]. The adaptations for species’ survival in environments of intense heat and water stress are closely related to its accommodative responses. The measurement of Tp can aid the selection of drought and heat-resistant species for vegetation in areas of desertification. Previous studies have shown that plants have evolved mechanisms to achieve some degree of self-cooling ability, plant self-cooling is still poorly understood [8, 9]
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