Leaf Carbon and Water Isotopes Correlate with Leaf Hydraulic Traits in Three Solanum Species (S. peruvianum, S. lycopersicum and S. chilense)

Leaf hydraulic conductance (KLeaf) is a measure of the efficiency water transport through leaf, which determines physiological parameters such as stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and transpiration rates. One key anatomical structure that supports KLeaf leaf venation, could be subject to evolutionary pressure in dry environments. In this context, it useful assess these traits species from arid climates S. peruvianum chilense, order determine their strategy potential aptitude for improvement domestic tomato (S. lycopersicum). work, we measured KLeaf, vein density, together with isotope composition (δ18O, δ2H) carbon (δ13C), derived proxies outside-vein resistance (Rox) intrinsic use (WUEi), respectively. The two wild showed contrasting strategies, chilense performing water-spender, whereas water-saving strategy. Interestingly, lycopersicum was rather conservative, highest WUEi. low capacity not explained by density traits, but related effective pathlength L, an isotope-derived proxy Rox. WUEi suggest strong photosynthetic limitations. Our results show wide diversity water-use strategies genus, encouraging detailed characterization relatives. From methodological point view, provide evidence supporting isotopes changes mesophyll attributable density.