Freezing sensitivity of leaves and xylem was examined in four co-occurring Mediterranean oaks (Quercus spp.) grown in a common garden to determine whether freezing responses of leaves and xylem were coordinated and could be predicted by leaf lifespan. Freezing-induced embolism and loss of photosynthetic function were measured after overnight exposure to a range of subzero temperatures in both s...

The effect of drought on forest water use is often estimated with models, but comprehensive models require many parameters, and simple models may not be sufficiently flexible. Many tree species, Pinus species in particular, have been shown to maintain a constant minimum leaf water potential above the critical threshold for xylem embolism during drought. In such cases, prediction of the relative...

the anatomical and epidermal characteristics, as well as the physiological response, of 'colombia' ecotype cape gooseberry plants treated or untreated with foliar applications of kaolin at 2 irrigation levels (well-irrigated plants vs. water-stressed plants) were evaluated. relative water content (rwc), stomatal density, and chlorophyll index were reduced under water stress. water stress increa...

Leaf and whole plant-level functional traits were studied in five dominant woody savannah species from Central Brazil (Cerrado) to determine whether reduction of nutrient limitations in oligotrophic Cerrado soils affects carbon allocation, water relations and hydraulic architecture. Four treatments were used: control, N additions, P additions and N plus P additions. Fertilizers were applied twi...

One of the most tantalizing unresolved questions in plant hydraulics is: where does water evaporate within the leaf? While several studies have explored experimental routes to answer this question (e.g. Sheriff & Meidner 1974; Farquhar & Raschke 1978), none have been able to provide a clear answer. In this issue of Plant, Cell & Environment, Tom Buckley has presented a new mathematical model in...

some of the morpho-physiological characteristics related to the leaf growth and development of phaseolus vulgaris l. genotypes have been studied in the field conditions at the seed and plant improvement institute (spii). the study was performed as split plot experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications in well-watered and water deficit conditions with eight genotypes ...