Impacts of tree height on leaf hydraulic architecture and stomatal control in Douglas-fir.

D.R. Woodruff; K.A. McCulloh; J.M. Warren; F.C. Meinzer; B.L. Gartner

Treesearch

Impacts of tree height on leaf hydraulic architecture and stomatal control in Douglas-fir.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

D.R. Woodruff, K.A. McCulloh, J.M. Warren, F.C. Meinzer, B.L. Gartner

Year:

2007

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Plant, Cell and Environment. 30: 559-569

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Abstract

We investigated the mechanisms involved in the regulation of stomatal closure in Douglas-fir and evaluated the potential compensatory adjustments in response to increasing tree height. Stomatal closure was initiated at values of leaf water potential corresponding to nearly complete loss of leaf hydraulic conductance. Cryogenic scanning electron microscopic images showed that relative abundance of embolized tracheids in the central vein increased with increasing leaf water stress. Leaf embolism appeared to be coupled to changes in stomatal conductance and may perform a vital function in stomatal regulation of plant water status and water transport in conifers.

Keywords

Leaf hydraulic conductance, stomatal conductance, growth limitation, water stress, Pseudotsuga menziesii

Citation

Woodruff, D.R.; McCulloh, K.A.; Warren, J.M.; Meinzer, F.C.; Gartner, B.L. 2007. Impacts of tree height on leaf hydraulic architecture and stomatal control in Douglas-fir. Plant, Cell and Environment. 30: 559-569