Evaluation of Alnus subcordata for urban environments through assessment of drought and flooding tolerance

The urban environment is stressful and trees experience multiple stresses, including drought, flooding, extreme heat, all of which are likely to increase under future climate warming increasing urbanisation. In the selection tree species maximise ecosystem services, tolerance site characteristics such as flooding severe drought critical importance. This study evaluated suitability a rare species, Alnus subcordata C.A. Mey (Caucasian alder) from Hyrcanian forests southern Azerbaijan,for its functionality an tree. A total 48 pot-grown, two-year-old saplings A. were tested in greenhouse experiment using complete randomised block design. Each contained four replicates three treatments (waterlogging, control), with 16 plants per treatment. Height differences between measured, water status was estimated by determination midday leaf potential (ΨL) stomatal conductance (gs). To estimate reaction treatments, at turgor loss (ΨP0) used together broken-stick modelling over time. There significant difference height different treatments. treatment, showed no increase, while both waterlogged control increased during nine-week experiment. Over 63 days plant slightly more negative waterlogging but did not deviate essentially control. rapidly deviated differencein ΨP0 drought-treated showing lowest value (−2.31 MPa).This demonstrated that has limited seems rely on waterloss-avoiding strategies. However, may be usable periodically sites, due high flooding. It could therefore recommended for wet environments stormwater management facilities, reliable guidance suitable currently lacking.