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Abstract
White alder (
Alnus rhombifolia) is a potentially valuable indicator of water stress along California's waterways. Measurements of stomatal conductance, water potential and tissue water relations in conjunction with growth and morphological studies give evidence for the sensitivity of this species to changes in water availability. Potted seedlings and naturally occurring seedlings and trees were monitored during the 1986 and 1987 growing seasons to determine responses to artificial and natural water regimes. Osmotic adjustment provides a mechanism for drought hardening, but the process is less effective in preventing stress in seedlings than trees. Measurements of leaf area and mean instantaneous conductance were sensitive indicators of alder water status. These two parameters should be included in any physiological monitoring programs of white alder.
Parent Publication
Citation
Dains, Virginia I. 1989. Water Relations of White Alder. In: Abell, Dana L., Technical Coordinator. 1989. Proceedings of the California Riparian Systems Conference: protection, management, and restoration for the 1990s; 1988 September 22-24; Davis, CA. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-110. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 375-380
