Stomatal and photosynthetic response of drought-stressed cherrybark oak (Quercusfalcata var. pagodaefolia) and sweet gum (Liquidambarstyraciflua)

Abstract

The effects of water stress on stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis of cherrybark oak (Quercusfalcata var. pagodaefolia Ell.) and sweet gum (Liquidamberstyraciflua L.) seedlings were studied under controlled environment conditions during the 1983 growing season. Drought stress induced stomatal closure and significant declines in net photosynthesis for both species. Stomatal conductance declined by as much as 43% in cherrybark oak and 82% in sweet gum compared with predrought levels. Net photosynthetic rates also declined 85% from predrought levels in sweet gum and fell below zero in cherrybark oak. The remarkable decline in net photosynthesis in cherrybark oak while stomata remained partially open suggests that in addition to a stomatal effect, nonstomatal factors were involved in the reduction of net photosynthesis. In sweet gum, however, stomatal limitation of net photosynthesis seems to be the dominant factor. The greater relative decline in mean leaf conductance in sweet gum suggests a greater reaction to drought by this species through effective and rapid stomatal closure resulting in avoidance of leaf desiccation. Stomata of cherrybark oak, on the other hand, were less sensitive to low leaf water potentials; therefore, stomatal closure occurred at significantly lower (more negative) leaf water potentials when compared with sweet gum.