Leaf hydraulic properties of Antarctic plants: effects of growth temperature and its coordination with photosynthesis
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Date
2024
Authors
Sáez, Patricia LVallejos, Valentina
Sancho Knapik, Domingo
Cavieres, Lohengrin A
Ramírez, Constanza F
Bravo, León A
Peguero Pina, José Javier
Gil Pelegrín, Eustaquio
Galmes, Jeroni
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Abstract
One of the well-documented effects of regional warming in Antarctica is the impact on flora. Warmer conditions modify several leaf anatomical traits of Antarctic vascular plants, increasing photosynthesis and growth. Given that CO2 and water vapor partially share their diffusion pathways through the leaf, changes in leaf anatomy could also affect the hydraulic traits of Antarctic plants. We evaluated the effects of growth temperature on several anatomical and hydraulic parameters of Antarctic plants and assessed the trait co-variation between these parameters and photosynthetic performance. Warmer conditions promoted an increase in leaf and whole plant hydraulic conductivity, correlating with adjustments in carbon assimilation. These adjustments were consistent with changes in leaf vasculature, where Antarctic species displayed different strategies. At higher temperature, Colobanthus quitensis decreased the number of leaf xylem vessels, but increased their diameter. In contrast, in Deschampsia antarctica the diameter did not change, but the number of vessels increased. Despite this contrasting behavior, some traits such as a small leaf diameter of vessels and a high cell wall rigidity were maintained in both species, suggesting a water-conservation response associated with the ability of Antarctic plants to cope with harsh environments. Antarctic vascular plants modify leaf anatomical traits with increasing growth temperature, enabling coordinated increases in leaf hydraulic conductivity and photosynthetic capacity.
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Saez, Patricia L; Vallejos, Valentina; Sancho-Knapik, Domingo; Cavieres, Lohengrin A; Ramirez, Constanza F; Bravo, L.A.; Peguero Pina, J.J.; Gil Pelegrín, E.; Galmés, J..Leaf hydraulic properties of Antarctic plants: effects of growth temperature and its coordination with photosynthesis. Journal of experimental botany, 2024, 75, 7, 2013-2026
AGROVOC subjects
Cambio climáticoAntártida
Plantas
Fotosíntesis
Temperatura
Other field subjects
Antarctic plantsAntarctic Regions
Climate Change
Co2
Gas-Exchange
Growth temperature
Hydraulic
Induced Embolism
LEAVE
Limiting factor
Mesophyll conductance
Photosynthesis
Plant Leaves
Plants
Pressure
PRUNUS-LAUROCERASUS
Temperature
Vascular Plants
warmin
Warming
Water relations
Sponsorship
This work was supported by the National Research and Development
Agency (ANID) through the projects: FONDECYT 1211231, ANILLO ACT-210038, EQM-210094, and FB-210006, and the Chilean Antarctic
Institute (INACH) through the project INACH RT_13-16