Seasonal Differences in Ecophysiological Performance between Resprouters and Non-Resprouters across an Aridity Gradient in Northwest Tunisia

Understanding the functioning of shrub species during dry periods is necessary to forecast ecosystem responses future climates, particularly in Mediterranean environments. We evaluated seasonal changes leaf gas exchange, hydraulic traits, carbon and nitrogen isotopes, non-structural carbohydrates seeders resprouting typical Aleppo pine forests across an aridity gradient Tunisia: Djebel Zaghouan (subhumid climate), Mansour (semiarid transitional El Sarj (semi-arid climate). monitored seven woody species: Pistacia lentiscus, Erica multiflora, Phillyrea latifolia (resprouters), Cistus monspeliensis, Rosmarinus officinalis (seeders), Globularia alypum, Calicotome villosa (resprouters-seeders). The variation water content was usually higher than resprouters associated with resistance embolism. In contrast, resprouters, especially at driest site. Both δ13C δ15N displayed enrichment-depletion patterns, showing overall summer spring, consistent a water-saving strategy increasing use efficiency. Discriminant analysis suggested that can sustain positive balance drought periods. differential impact droughts on status ecophysiology these plant strategies may lead different dynamics depending whether climate change tips towards preponderance stressors (drought) or disturbances (fire) areas.