Interaction of drought and frost in tree ecophysiology: rethinking the timing of risks

Abstract • Key message The increase in climate variability is likely to generate an increased occurrence of both frost-induced and drought-induced damages on perennial plants. We examined how these stress factors can potentially interact would subsequently affect the vulnerability each other. Furthermore, we discussed this could be modulated by shifts annual phenological cycle. Context edges plant distribution are strongly affected abiotic constraints: heat waves drought at low latitude elevation, cold frost high elevation. will enhance probability extreme events thus potential interaction factors. initial exposure a first constraint may subsequent one. Aims Although three integrative physiological processes, namely water balance, carbon metabolism timing stages, have largely been studied response trees single constraint, their has rarely investigated. How constraints modulate given phenology interact? Conclusion suggest that between should short-term influence balance and, longer term, metabolism, consequently affecting further vulnerability. However, Significant gaps knowledge reported mechanistic framework. This framework help improve current process-based models integrating life history individual plant.