Contrasting hydraulic strategies in two tropical lianas and their host trees

Abstract

Tropical Iiana abundance has been increasing over the past 40 yr, which has been associated with reduced rainfall. The proposed mechanism allowing lianas to thrive in dry conditions is deeper root systems than co-occurring trees, although we know very little about the fundamental hydraulic physiology of lianas. To test the hypothesis that two abundant Iiana species would physiologically outperform their host tree under reduced water availability, we measured rooting depth, hydraulic properties, plant water status, and leaf gas exchange during the dry season in a seasonally dry tropical forest. We also used a model to compare water use by one of the Iiana species and the host tree during drought. All species measured were shallowly rooted. The Iiana species were more vulnerable to embolism than host trees and experienced water potentials that were predicted to result in substantial hydraulic losses in both leaves and stems. Water potentials measured in host trees were not negative enough to result in significant hydraulic losses. Model results predicted the Iiana to have greater gas exchange than its host tree during drought and nondrought conditions. The host tree species had a more conservative strategy for maintenance of the soil-to-leaf hydraulic pathway than the lianas it supported. The two Iiana species experienced embolism in stems and leaves. based on vulnerability curves and water potentials. These emboli were presumably repaired before the next morning. However, in the host tree species, reduced stomatal conductance prevented leaf or stem embolism.

Citation

Johnson, Daniel M.; Domec, Jean-Christophe; Woodruff, David R.; McCulloh, Katherine A.; Meinzer, Frederick C. 2013. Contrasting hydraulic strategies in two tropical lianas and their host trees. American Journal of Botany. 100(2): 1-10.