Sandstorms cause shrinkage of Haloxylon ammodendron shrubs and limit their self-renewal

Abstract Haloxylon ammodendron is an excellent windproof and sand-fixing species whose shrubs are widely cultivated in arid desert areas of northwest China but now at risk degradation shrinkage. Using the chlorophyll fluorescence image analysis technique, response photosystem II (PSII) photochemical efficiency non-photochemical quenching capacity to sediment-carrying wind sand-free (both 12 m s −1 ) lasting for 10, 20, 40 min were studied with seedlings a tunnel. The results indicated that had little influence on maximum quantum PSII photochemistry, F v / , which was approximately 0.80 average; however, decreased over exposure time group, values smaller than those wind-only group. sensitive erosion, could aggravate reduction ( NPQ ). Except 10 duration, photochemistry after dark recovery 15 min, r lower exposed Compared wind-only, wind-blown sand led water imbalance withering seedlings, causing concentration photosynthetic pigments (when based fresh mass green branches) not decrease. With longer wind, both probability extent lignified spots occurring increased assimilative branches. Our demonstrated 20 or more cause irreversible damage apparatus H. seedlings. Therefore, frequent strong sandstorms main disturbance factors leading shrinkage limiting their self-renewal.