An ecophysiological approach of hydraulic performance for nine Mediterranean species
(EN)
Iovi, K.
(EN)
Πανεπιστήμιο Ιωαννίνων. Σχολή Επιστημών και Τεχνολογιών. Τμήμα Βιολογικών Εφαρμογών και Τεχνολογιών
(EL)
Iovi, K.
(EN)
The existence of an efficient but also safe hydraulic system seems to be essential for plant survival under water limiting conditions. To investigate any common pattern in this safetyefficiency trade-off, static (xylem anatomy and vulnerability to xylem cavitation) and dynamic (K(plant), soil to leaf hydraulic conductance and (leaf), leaf water potential) hydraulic properties of nine Mediterranean species belonging to four functional groups (semi-deciduous malacophyllous, sclerophylls, deciduous and herbaceous) were studied across two altitude sites. Static parameters did not show any pattern, but a strong exponential relationship between K(plant) and (leaf) was evident for all the studied species. Furthermore, each species is represented by a different part and/or range of the K(plantleaf) relationship, indicative of its adaptive mechanisms and capacity for survival under water stress conditions. The use of K(plantleaf) relationship as a tool for understanding the mechanisms of plant responses to water stress is discussed.
(EN)
