Background:To disentangle the controls on species distribution in the context of climate change is a central element in proposed strategies to maintain species diversity.However,previous studies have focused mainly on...Background:To disentangle the controls on species distribution in the context of climate change is a central element in proposed strategies to maintain species diversity.However,previous studies have focused mainly on the roles of abiotic factors(e.g.,climate and soil properties),with much less attention given to the roles of biotic factors such as functional traits.Here,we measured eight leaf traits for 240 individual trees of 53 species and analyzed the variation in traits and population composition indices and their relationships with soil properties,climate factors,and leaf traits.Results:The tree density,frequency and species importance values of the overall species and saplings significantly increased with increasing elevation,while the same indices(except for species frequency)of adults did not significantly change.The largest percentage of variation of species importance value(greater than 50%)was explained by climate,but leaf traits played a critical role in driving elevation distribution patterns of both saplings and adults;the abundance of saplings significantly increased with elevation,with increased leaf carbon contents,while the abundance of adults did not change in accordance with a nutrient conservation strategy associated with the leaf economic spectrum.Conclusions:Our results suggest that the elevation gradient distribution of woody plant species is dependent on tree size and that local atmospheric humidity and leaf traits cause considerable variation in species distribution along subtropical mountain elevations.We provide evidence of which leaf traits play a key role in the elevation gradient distribution of different sizes of woody tree species.展开更多
Leaf morphological and stoichiometric characteristics are considered to represent both the interior inheritable characters in the plant and its adaptations to specific exterior environments. Rhododendron agglutinatum,...Leaf morphological and stoichiometric characteristics are considered to represent both the interior inheritable characters in the plant and its adaptations to specific exterior environments. Rhododendron agglutinatum,an evergreen alpine shrub species,occupies a wide range of habitats above timberline in the Miyaluo Natural Reserve,southwestern China. Along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 3700 to 4150 m,we measured leaf morphological characters including leaf dry matter content(LDMC),leaf dry mass per unit area(LMA),and one leaf area(OLA),as well as carbon(C) and nutrient(N,P) contents in leaves of three different age groups(juvenile leaves,mature leaves and senescent leaves). We also calculated the stoichiometric relationships among carbon and nutrients(C/N,C/P and N/P). Results showed thatboth age and altitude affected the leaf morphological and stoichiometric properties of R. agglutinatum. Mature leaves possessed the highest LDMC,LMA and C contents both on a dry mass basis and on a unit area basis. Younger leaves possessed higher contents of nutrients. OLA as well as ratios between carbon and nutrients(C/N,C/P) increased with ages. Juvenile leaves possessed lowest ratio between nitrogen and phosphorus. In juvenile leaves,nutrients increased with altitudinal elevation,whereas other traits decreased. In mature leaves,nutrients and their ratios with carbon showed consistent trends with juvenile leaves along increasing altitude,whereas LMA and carbon on a unit area basis showed opposite trends with juvenile leaves along increasing altitude. In senescent leaves,only content of phosphorus on a unit area basis and N/P were found linearly correlated with altitude. Our results demonstrated a clear pattern of nutrient distribution with aging process inleaves and indicated that a high possibility of N limitation in this region. We also concluded that younger leaves could be more sensitive to climate changes due to a greater altitudinal influence on the leaf traits in younger leaves than those in elder leaves.展开更多
[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the response of Gardenia to purple soil drought stress,hoping to provide a reference for the selection of plants for vegetation restoration in purple soil regions.[M...[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the response of Gardenia to purple soil drought stress,hoping to provide a reference for the selection of plants for vegetation restoration in purple soil regions.[Methods]The pot-weighing water control method was used to apply different degrees of drought stress to Gardenia seedlings in purple soil,and the effects of drought stress on the electrical conductivity,chlorophyll content,leaf morphology and structure of Gardenia leaves were explored.[Results]The leaf electrical conductivity increased with the increase of drought stress intensity,and the leaf electrical conductivity under severe drought stress increased by 59.93%compared with the control;the chlorophyll content of Gardenia showed a single-peak changing trend that increased and then decreased with the development of drought stress,and it was the highest in each stress stage under severe drought stress;the leaf thickness,palisade tissue thickness and sponge tissue thickness of Gardenia were reduced with the stress degree increasing,and showed the largest decreases under severe stress;the stomatal length,stomatal width and stomatal opening of Gardenia gradually decreased with the increase of stress,while the stomatal density gradually increased.[Conclusions]This study provides a technical and resource basis for vegetation restoration in purple soil.展开更多
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry,sulfuric acid and potassium dichromate oxidation method and ultraviolet spectrophotometry,were used to determine mineral elements,fiber,the content of chlorogenic acid and flavones ...Atomic absorption spectrophotometry,sulfuric acid and potassium dichromate oxidation method and ultraviolet spectrophotometry,were used to determine mineral elements,fiber,the content of chlorogenic acid and flavones in leaves of 24 Helianthus tuberosus Linn.resources,and the characteristics of the leaf introduced from abroad were evaluated.The results showed that the highest water content of 22 species was F12(27.58%),and the lowest was F16(19.02%).The difference in mean water content between the species from Denmark and France was small,but it was lower than that of Qingyu 3 and Qingyu 4.There were 3 orbicular leaves,1 long oval-shaped leaf and 18 oval leaves.The highest K content in the leaves was F19(30.62 mg/g),which was 2.5 times than Qingyu 3.The highest Mg content was D8(14.17 mg/g).The Fe content hadlittledifference,ranging from 0.09 mg/g to 0.19 mg/g.The highest Ca content was D8(26.87 mg/g).The highest level of chlorogenic acid and flavones was F7,2.55%and 1.24 g/100 g respectively.The highest fiber content was F9(16.7%),and the lowest was F19(7.36%).Through the analysis of the main component and the clustering analysis,when the genetic distance was 0.65,the 24 resources can be divided into three major categories.The first category of leaves were mainly oval and orbicular;the second category of leaves were long oval-shaped;the third category of leaves were oval.There was a difference between the various indexes in the leaf of different kinds of H.tuberosus Linn.resources.Finally,F19,D8,F9,F7,D14 and D11,6 specific species(F19,D8,F9,F7,D14 and D11)were screened out for further studies in the future.展开更多
Leaf trait patterns and their variations with climate are interpreted as an adaptive adjustment to environment.This study assessed the adaptability of planted black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) based on the analys...Leaf trait patterns and their variations with climate are interpreted as an adaptive adjustment to environment.This study assessed the adaptability of planted black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) based on the analysis of leaf traits and the comparison of its leaf traits with inter-specific ones existing in the same area.We measured some water and N use related leaf traits: leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA) and N,P and K concentrations based on both leaf area (Narea,Parea and Karea) and leaf mass (Nmass,Pmass and Kmass) of R.pseudoacacia at 31 sites along a water stress gradient in North Shaanxi Province,China.The results show that leaves of R.pseudoacacia have high Nmass and low LMA in the study area.High Nmass and low LMA are usually representative of luxurious resource use,and will advance plant resource competitiveness in high-resource conditions.As a whole,LMA-nutrient relationships of R.pseudoacacia display patterns that are fairly similar to the inter-specific relationships in both direction and intensity.The tendency for LMA and Narea to increase with decreasing water availability and the positive correlation between LMA and Narea reflect the trend for R.pseudoacacia to enhance water use efficiency (WUE) at the expense of down-regulated photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) and high construction cost in dry conditions.However,the positive relationship between LMA and Narea in high mean annual precipitation (MAP) area is either unremarkable or reversed with decreasing water availability.This implies a lower photosynthetic capacity and a higher construction cost for high-LMA leaves.The inter-specific relationship between LMA and Narea is positive and does not change with water availability.This difference between inter-species and intra-species may be due to more diversified anatomies and more specialised structures for inter-species than intra-species.The failure of R.pseudoacacia adaption to dry conditions reflected by LMA-Narea relationship may be partially responsible for the emergence of rampike and dwarf forms found frequently in dry conditions.Incorporating intrinsic characteristics of planted trees into vegetation restoration project will be instructive and meaningful for species selection.展开更多
Three popular traditional rice landraces, namely Kalajeera, Machakanta and Haladichudi, from Koraput, India were used to analyse the leaf traits and antioxidant defence for drought tolerance. When rice plants were exp...Three popular traditional rice landraces, namely Kalajeera, Machakanta and Haladichudi, from Koraput, India were used to analyse the leaf traits and antioxidant defence for drought tolerance. When rice plants were exposed to different levels of drought stress by varying concentrations of polyethylene glycol （PEG） 6000, seed germination and growth parameters were significantly declined in all the rice landraces compared to the control. Drought stress also altered the leaf phenotypic traits based on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and chlorophyll index, with more significant differences in susceptible variety IR64 than in traditional landraces. Furthermore, activities of antioxidative enzymes and proline and protein contents overtly increased under drought stress. The traditional rice landraces showed higher relative ratios for different parameters compared to the susceptible variety IR64. Taken together, the traditional landraces had superior leaf physiological efficiency compared to the susceptible and tolerant check varieties under drought stress.展开更多
Seventeen morphological and anatomical characteristics of the leaves were selected from five natural populations to explore the variation in leaf traits of Lits ea core ana var.sinensis and the effects of geographical...Seventeen morphological and anatomical characteristics of the leaves were selected from five natural populations to explore the variation in leaf traits of Lits ea core ana var.sinensis and the effects of geographical environment on these variations.Nested analysis of variance,multiple comparisons,principal component analysis(PCA),and correlation analysis were conducted to explore the variations within and between populations and their correlation with geographical and climatic factors.Significant differences in the 17 leaf traits were observed within and among populations.On average,the relative contribution of within population variation to total variation was 24.8%,which was lower than among population variation(54.6%).The average differentiation coefficient of the traits was 65.8%,and the average coefficient of variation 11.8%,ranging from6.7%for main vein thickness to 21.4%for petiole length.The PC A results showed that morphological characteristics were divided into two categories,and the level of variation was greater than that of leaf anatomy.Most of the leaf traits were significantly correlated with geography and climate and showed a gradual variation with longitude,latitude,and altitude.In areas with high temperatures,less rainfall,and strong seasonal rainfall,the leaves are larger,longer and thicker.This study shows that variations in leaf traits of L.coreana var.sinensis mainly come from variations among populations.The level of trait differentiation among populations is high and the level of variation within populations low.These findings help further understand leaf morphological characteristics of this species and can provide a valuable reference for the protection and sustainable utilization of this natural resource.展开更多
The variation and correlation of leaf economics and vein traits are crucial for predicting plant ecological strategies under different environmental changes.However,correlations between these two suites of traits and ...The variation and correlation of leaf economics and vein traits are crucial for predicting plant ecological strategies under different environmental changes.However,correlations between these two suites of traits and abiotic factors such as soil water and nitrogen content remain ambiguous.We measured leaf economics and vein traits as well as soil water and nitrogen content for two different shade-tolerant species(Betula platyphylla and Acer mono)in four mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests along a latitudinal gradient in Northeast China.We found that leaf economics traits and vein traits were decoupled in shade-intolerant species,Betula platphylla,but significantly coupled in a shadetolerant species,A.mono.We found stronger correlations among leaf traits in the shade tolerant species than in the shade intolerant species.Furthermore,leaf economic traits were positively correlated with the soil water gradient for both species,whereas vein traits were positively correlated with soil water gradient for the shade intolerant species but negatively correlated in the shade tolerant species.Although economic traits were positively correlated with soil nitrogen gradient in shade intolerant species but not correlated in shade tolerant species,vein traits were negatively correlated with soil nitrogen gradient in shade tolerant species but not correlated in shade intolerant species.Our study provides evidence for distinct correlations between leaf economics and vein traits and local abiotic factors of species differing in light demands.We recommend that the ecological significance of shade tolerance be considered for species when evaluating ecosystem functions and predicting plant responses to environmental changes.展开更多
Leaf trait-based research has become the preferred method to understand the ecological strategies of plants.However,there is still a debate on whether area-based or mass-based traits provide different insights into en...Leaf trait-based research has become the preferred method to understand the ecological strategies of plants.However,there is still a debate on whether area-based or mass-based traits provide different insights into environmental adaptations and responses.In this study,seven key leaf traits(maximum net photosynthetic rate,dark respiration rate,nitrogen content,photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency,leaf mass per area,leaf dry matter contents and leaf area)of 43 woody species were quantified on the basis of both area and mass along an altitudinal gradient(1100–2700 m)in the Qinling Mountains of China.Differences in leaf traits and bivariate correlations between the two expressions were compared.By considering different expressions,the strengths and directions of the responses of leaf traits to the altitudinal gradient were determined.Leaf traits showed large variations;interspecific variations contributed more to total variance than intraspecific variations.Bivariate correlations between photosynthetic traits and structural traits(mass per area,dry matter content,and area)were weaker on a mass basis than those on an area basis.Most traits exhibited quadratic trends along the altitudinal gradient,and these patterns were more noticeable for area-based than mass-based traits.Area-based traits were more sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation associated with altitude.These results provide evidence that mass-versus area-based traits show different ecological responses to environmental conditions associated with altitude,even if they do not contain very broad spatial scales.Our results also indicate distinction of photosynthetic acclimation among the two expressions along an altitudinal gradient,reflecting trade-offs among leaf structure and physiological traits.展开更多
The survival strategy of plants is to adjust their functional traits to adapt to the environment.However,these traits and survival strategies of evergreen broad-leaved forest species are not well understood.This study...The survival strategy of plants is to adjust their functional traits to adapt to the environment.However,these traits and survival strategies of evergreen broad-leaved forest species are not well understood.This study examined 10 leaf functional traits(LFTs)of 70 common plant species in an evergreen broad-leaved forest in Huangshan Mountain to decipher their adaptive strategies.The phylogenetic signals of these LFTs were assessed and phylogenetically independent contrasts(PIC)and correlation analyses were carried out.LFTs were analyzed to determine their CSR(C:competitor,S:stress-tolerator,R:ruderal)strategies.The results show that plant species exhibit different leaf functional traits and ecological strategies(nine strategies were identified;the most abundant were S/CS and S/CSR strategies).Some traits showed significant phylogenetic signals,indicating the effect of phylogeny on LFTs to an extent.Trait variations among species suggest distinct adaptation strategies to environmental changes.The study species were mainly clustered on the C-S strategy axis,with a high S component.Species leaning toward the C-strategy end(e.g.,deciduous species),favored a resource acquisition strategy characterized by higher specific leaf area(SLA),greater nutrient contents(N and P),lower leaf dry matter content(LDMC),and reduced nutrient utilization efficiency(C:N and C:P).Conversely,species closer to the S-strategy end(e.g.,evergreen species)usually adopted a resource conservative strategy with trait combinations contrary to those of C-strategy species.Overall,this study corroborated the applicability of the CSR strategy at a local scale and provides insights into the varied trait combinations and ecological strategies employed by plant species to adapt to their environment.These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in biodiversity maintenance.展开更多
Variations in plant traits are indicative of plant adaptations to forest environments,and studying their relationships with tree growth provides valuable insights into forest regeneration.The spatial arrangement of pl...Variations in plant traits are indicative of plant adaptations to forest environments,and studying their relationships with tree growth provides valuable insights into forest regeneration.The spatial arrangement of plant seeds within the forest litter or soil critically infuences the variations of root-leaf traits,thereby affecting the adaptive strategies of emerging seedlings.However,our current understanding of the impacts of individual root-leaf traits on seedling growth in different relative position,and whether these traits together affect growth,remains limited.This study focuses on the dominant tree species,Castanopsis kawakamii,within the Sanming C.kawakamii Nature Reserve of China.The present experiment aimed to examine the variations in root-leaf traits of seedling,focus on the relative positions of seeds within different layers:beneath or above the litter layer,or within the bare soil layer(without litter).Our fndings provided evidence supporting a coordinated relationship between root and leaf traits,wherein leaf traits varied in conjunction with root traits in the relative positions of seeds.Specifcally,we observed that seedlings exhibited higher values for specifc leaf area and average root diameter,while displaying lower root tissue density.The mixed model explained 86.1%of the variation in root-leaf traits,surpassing the variation explained by the relative positions.Furthermore,soil nitrogen acted as a mediator,regulating the relationship between seedling growth and root-leaf traits,specifcally leaf dry matter content and root tissue density.Therefore,future studies should consider artifcially manipulating tree species diversity based on root-leaf traits characteristics to promote forest recovery.展开更多
This study was carried out to assess plasticity to drought of 30 adult fig cultivars,based on a screening of leaf structural and functional traits under sustained deficit irrigation,corresponding to 60%of crop evapotr...This study was carried out to assess plasticity to drought of 30 adult fig cultivars,based on a screening of leaf structural and functional traits under sustained deficit irrigation,corresponding to 60%of crop evapotranspiration.All trees,three per cultivar,are planted in an ex-situ collection in Sais plain,northern Morocco.The measurements concerned leaf area,blade thickness,trichomes density,trichome hair length,stomatal density,stomatal dimensions,stomatal area index,chlorophyll concentration index,relative water content,stomatal conductance,leaf temperature,water loss in detached leaves,cuticular wax content,proline content,total phenolic compounds,and total soluble sugars.The ranking of cultivars regarding drought tolerance was established based on a two-level clustering approach,primarily relying on chlorophyll concentration index and secondarily on water status traits.Results showed significant genotypic variations for all measured traits,except phenolic compounds content.Correlations between structural and functional traits have pinpointed blade thickness and trichome hair length as the key indicators of fig drought tolerance,owing to their involvement in maintaining chlorophyll content under water stress conditions.The extent of the variations shows that fig leaf is endowed with a wide structural and functional diversity,which can give to the species potential for resilience to various environmental stresses,including drought.Among the cultivars assessed,two exotic varieties,“Kadota”and“Royal Blanck”,as well as four local cultivars,namely,“Ferqouch Jmel”,“El Qoti Labied”,“Hamra”and“Fassi”showed the highest drought plasticity level.展开更多
The integration and modularity of leaf morphological traits are fundamental to plant adaptations, yet their responses to diverse environmental pressures remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the roles of leaf ...The integration and modularity of leaf morphological traits are fundamental to plant adaptations, yet their responses to diverse environmental pressures remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the roles of leaf trait integration and modularity and how they interact with environmental factors. We analyzed geometric, traditional, and functional leaf traits across 908 individuals from 72 populations of two alpine evergreen oaks, Quercus aquifolioides Rehder & E.H. Wilson and Quercus spinosa David ex Franch., distributed throughout the Himalayan-Hengduan Mountains(HHM), employing genetic assignment as a priori. Multivariate and redundancy analyses revealed that Q. aquifolioides, which inhabits harsher environments, exhibits lower trait integration and greater morphological flexibility, allowing for dynamic adaptation to fluctuating conditions. In contrast, Q. spinosa, thriving in milder environments, demonstrates stronger integration and stability in leaf morphology, facilitating resource optimization and providing a competitive advantage. Notable differences in modularity between the two species were observed, particularly in specific leaf traits, as revealed by structural equation modeling(SEM) analysis. These results underscore the adaptive significance of leaf trait integration and modularity in extreme environments and highlight the critical role of leaf morphology in enhancing species resilience.展开更多
Aims Growth rates of plants are driven by factors that influence the amount of resources captured and the efficiency of resource use.In trees,the amount of light captured and the efficiency of light use strongly depen...Aims Growth rates of plants are driven by factors that influence the amount of resources captured and the efficiency of resource use.In trees,the amount of light captured and the efficiency of light use strongly depends on crown characteristics and leaf traits.Although theory predicts that both crown and leaf traits affect tree growth,few studies have yet to integrate these two types of traits to explain species-specific growth rates.Using 37 broad-leaved tree species of subtropical forests in SE China,we investigated how interspecific differences in wood volume growth rates were affected by crown and leaf traits.We tested the hypotheses that(i)larger crown dimensions promote growth rates,(ii)species-specific growth rates are positively related to leaf stomatal conductance,leaf water potential and leaf chemical components,and negatively related to leaf C/N and leaf toughness and(iii)the two sets of traits better explain growth rates in combination than either alone.Methods Our study was conducted in a large-scale forest Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning experiment in China(BEF-China),located in a mountainous region in Jiangxi Province.We related 17 functional traits(two crown dimension and three crown structure traits;six physiological and six morphological leaf traits)to the mean annual growth rate of wood volume of young trees of the studied species.Interrelationships between crown and leaf traits were analyzed using principal component analysis.Simple linear regression analysis was used to test the effect of each trait separately.We used multiple regression analysis to establish the relationship of growth rate to each set of traits(crown traits,physiological and morphological leaf traits)and to the combination of all types of traits.The coefficients of determination(R^(2)_(adj))of the best multiple regression models were compared to determine the relative explanatory power of crown and leaf traits and a combination of both.Important Findings The species-specific growth rates were not related to any of the single crown traits,but were related positively to leaf stomatal conductance and leaf water potential individually,and negatively to leaf toughness,with approximately 13%variance explained by each of the traits.Combinations of different crown traits did not significantly explain the species-specific growth rates,whereas combinations of either physiological or morphological leaf traits explained 24%and 31%,respectively.A combination of both crown and leaf traits explained 42%of variance in species-specific growth rates.We concluded that sets of traits related to carbon assimilation at the leaf-level and to overall amount of leaves exposed at the crown-level jointly explained species-specific growth rates better than either set of traits alone.展开更多
The karst forest in southwestern China is characterized by thin soil layers,numerous fissures and holes,resulting in low soil water availability and poor water retention,making it challenging for plant growth and surv...The karst forest in southwestern China is characterized by thin soil layers,numerous fissures and holes,resulting in low soil water availability and poor water retention,making it challenging for plant growth and survival.While the relationship between plant functional traits and tree growth performance has been extensively studied,the links between tree seasonal growth and drought-tolerant traits in tree species with different leaf habit remains poorly understood.This study evaluated the associations between four-year averaged rainy season stem diameter growth rate and 17 branch and leaf traits across evergreen and deciduous species in a tropical karst forest in southwest China.The cross-species variations in tree growth rates were related to plant hydraulic traits(e.g.,vessel lumen diameter,xylem vessel density,stomatal density,and stomatal size)and leaf anatomical traits(e.g.,total leaf thickness,lower/upper epidermis thickness,and spongy thickness).The growth of evergreen trees exhibited lower hydraulic efficiency but greater drought tolerance than deciduous tree,which enabled them to maintain higher persistence under low soil water availability and consequently a relatively longer growing season.In contrast,deciduous species showed no correlation between their functional traits and growth rate.The distinct water use strategies of evergreen and deciduous trees may offer a potential explanation for their co-existence in the tropical karst forests.展开更多
Leaf turgor loss point has been recognized as an important plant physiological trait explaining a species’drought tolerance( π_(tlp)).Less is known about the variation of π_(tlp) in time and how seasonal or interan...Leaf turgor loss point has been recognized as an important plant physiological trait explaining a species’drought tolerance( π_(tlp)).Less is known about the variation of π_(tlp) in time and how seasonal or interannual differences in water availability are affecting π_(tlp) as a static trait.I monitored the seasonal variation of π_(tlp) during a drought year starting in early spring with juvenile leaves and assessed the interannual variation in π_(tlp) of fully matured leaves among years with diverting water availability for three temperate broad-leaved tree species.The largest seasonal changes in π_(tlp) occurred during leaf unfolding until leaves were fully developed and matured.After leaves matured,no significant changes occurred for the rest of the vegetation period.Interannual variation that could be related to water availability was only present in one of the three tree species.The results suggest that the investigated species have a rapid period of osmotic adjustment early in the growing season followed by a period of relative stability,when π_(tlp) can be considered as a static trait.展开更多
The success of growing vegetables indoors requires the most appropriate selection of lighting spectrum.This mini review discusses the impacts of LED spectral quality on different leafy vegetables with a focus on the s...The success of growing vegetables indoors requires the most appropriate selection of lighting spectrum.This mini review discusses the impacts of LED spectral quality on different leafy vegetables with a focus on the studies of Chinese broccoli(Brassica alboglabra),ice plants(Mesembryanthem crystallinum)and lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.cv.Canasta).For each species,plants exposed to different spectral LED lights were all under the same light intensity and same photoperiod.Chinese broccoli grown under red(R):blue(B)-LED ratio of 84:16(16B)had the highest light-saturated photosynthetic CO_(2) assimilation rate(Asat)and stomatal conductance(gs sat)compared to plants grown under other R:B-LED ratios.It was also shown that 16B is the most appropriate selection for Chinese broccoli to achieve the highest shoot productivity with a rapid leaf number and leaf area development.The highest concentrations of photosynthetic pigments,soluble and Rubisco protein on a leaf area basis were also observed in 16B plants.The results conclusively affirmed that the highest productivity of Chinese broccoli grown under 16B is closely linked to the highest photosynthetic performance on a leaf area basis.For ice plants grown under R:B-LED ratios of 90:10(10B),they had the highest shoot biomass with a faster leaf development compared to plants grown under other RB-LED combinations.However,there were no differences in Asat,gs sat,photosynthetic pigments,soluble and Rubisco proteins on a leaf area basis.In the case of lettuce plants,it was a surprise to observe that plants grown under 0B and 20G(20%green(G)-LED and 80%R-LED)had the highest shoot biomass,and largest total leaf area and light interception area but the lowest net maximal photosynthetic rate on a leaf area basis,compared to other plants.The combined RB-LED enhanced other photosynthetic parameters while 0B and 20G conditions had inhibitory effects on maximum quantum efficiency of PS II with lower photosynthetic pigments,total soluble protein and Rubisco protein.These results suggest that impacts of LED light quality on productivity of lettuce(L.sativa L.cv.Canasta)are closely linked to leaf traits not associated with photosynthetic performance on a leaf area basis.展开更多
Aims Understanding variation and coordination of leaf traits at multiscales along elevational gradients can help predict the likely responses of dominant species to climate change.We seek to determine the extent to wh...Aims Understanding variation and coordination of leaf traits at multiscales along elevational gradients can help predict the likely responses of dominant species to climate change.We seek to determine the extent to which variation in leaf stomatal,anatomical and morphological traits is associated with environmental factors,and whether ecological strategies of Cyclobalanopsis species shift with elevations.Methods In a tropical forest landscape in Jianfengling,South China,we determined leaf traits related to stomata,anatomy and morphology of six evergreen oak species(Cyclobalanopsis bambusaefolia,C.hui,C.patelliformis,C.fleuryi,C.tiaoloshanica and C.phanera)along a long elevational gradient(400–1400 m above sea level).Important Findings We found that stomatal density and stomatal pore index increased,whereas spongy mesophyll thickness to leaf thickness ratios decreased,significantly with elevation.The leaf area and leaf dry matter content increased and decreased,respectively,with elevation.Variations in stomatal,anatomical and morphological traits were mainly correlated to the mean annual temperature,mean annual sum precipitation and soil pH.At low and high elevations,the oak species exhibited strong stress tolerance combined with competition strategy,while they shifted toward more clearly the competitive strategy at intermediate elevations.And the changes in soil phosphorus concentration and soil pH along the elevation may drive the shift of ecological strategy.The results showed that the dominant oak species in tropical forests respond to environmental change by modulating traits at multiple levels,from that of the individual cell,through tissue and up to the whole leaf scale.展开更多
Acquisition of plant phenotypic information facilitates plant breeding, sheds light on gene action, and can be applied to optimize the quality of agricultural and forestry products. Because leaves often show the faste...Acquisition of plant phenotypic information facilitates plant breeding, sheds light on gene action, and can be applied to optimize the quality of agricultural and forestry products. Because leaves often show the fastest responses to external environmental stimuli, leaf phenotypic traits are indicators of plant growth,health, and stress levels. Combination of new imaging sensors, image processing, and data analytics permits measurement over the full life span of plants at high temporal resolution and at several organizational levels from organs to individual plants to field populations of plants. We review the optical sensors and associated data analytics used for measuring morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits of plant leaves on multiple scales. We summarize the characteristics, advantages and limitations of optical sensing and data-processing methods applied in various plant phenotyping scenarios. Finally, we discuss the future prospects of plant leaf phenotyping research. This review aims to help researchers choose appropriate optical sensors and data processing methods to acquire plant leaf phenotypes rapidly,accurately, and cost-effectively.展开更多
Plants of the genus Camellia are widely cultivated throughout the world as ornamentals because of their bright and large flowers.The widely cultivated varieties are mainly derived from the mutant lines and hybrid prog...Plants of the genus Camellia are widely cultivated throughout the world as ornamentals because of their bright and large flowers.The widely cultivated varieties are mainly derived from the mutant lines and hybrid progenies of Camellia japonica Linn.and Camellia reticulata Lindl.While their geographical distributions and environmental adaptabilities are significantly different,no systematic comparison has been conducted between these two species.To investigate differences in how these plants have adapted to their environments,we measured photosynthesis and 20 leaf functional traits of C.japonica and C.reticulata grown under the same conditions.Compared with C.japonica,C.reticulata showed higher values for light saturation point,light-saturated photo synthetic rate,leaf dry mass per unit area and stomatal area,but lower values for apparent quantum efficiency,leaf size,stomatal density and leaf nitrogen content per unit mass.Stomatal area was positively correlated with light-saturated photosynthetic rate and light saturation point,but negatively correlated with stomatal density.The differences between C.reticulata and C.japonica were mainly reflected in their adaptations to light intensity and leaf morphological traits.C.reticulata is better adapted to high light intensity than C.japonica.This difference is related to the two species’ differing life fo rms.Thus,leaf morphological traits have played an important role in the light adaptation of C.reticulata and C.japonica,and might be first noticed and selected during the breeding process.These findings will contribute to the cultivation of camellia plants.展开更多
基金supported by PhD Research Start-up Foundation of Tongren University(trxyDH1807,trxyDH1826,trxyDH1806)the Natural Science Foundation of Guizhou Provincial Department of Education([2019]075)+2 种基金the Science and Technology Project of Guizhou Province(ZK-[2021]221)the National Nature Sci-ence Foundation of China(31900271)the Key Laboratory Project of Guizhou Province([2020]2003).
文摘Background:To disentangle the controls on species distribution in the context of climate change is a central element in proposed strategies to maintain species diversity.However,previous studies have focused mainly on the roles of abiotic factors(e.g.,climate and soil properties),with much less attention given to the roles of biotic factors such as functional traits.Here,we measured eight leaf traits for 240 individual trees of 53 species and analyzed the variation in traits and population composition indices and their relationships with soil properties,climate factors,and leaf traits.Results:The tree density,frequency and species importance values of the overall species and saplings significantly increased with increasing elevation,while the same indices(except for species frequency)of adults did not significantly change.The largest percentage of variation of species importance value(greater than 50%)was explained by climate,but leaf traits played a critical role in driving elevation distribution patterns of both saplings and adults;the abundance of saplings significantly increased with elevation,with increased leaf carbon contents,while the abundance of adults did not change in accordance with a nutrient conservation strategy associated with the leaf economic spectrum.Conclusions:Our results suggest that the elevation gradient distribution of woody plant species is dependent on tree size and that local atmospheric humidity and leaf traits cause considerable variation in species distribution along subtropical mountain elevations.We provide evidence of which leaf traits play a key role in the elevation gradient distribution of different sizes of woody tree species.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.41071039)National Key Research and Development Program (No.2016YFC0502100)
文摘Leaf morphological and stoichiometric characteristics are considered to represent both the interior inheritable characters in the plant and its adaptations to specific exterior environments. Rhododendron agglutinatum,an evergreen alpine shrub species,occupies a wide range of habitats above timberline in the Miyaluo Natural Reserve,southwestern China. Along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 3700 to 4150 m,we measured leaf morphological characters including leaf dry matter content(LDMC),leaf dry mass per unit area(LMA),and one leaf area(OLA),as well as carbon(C) and nutrient(N,P) contents in leaves of three different age groups(juvenile leaves,mature leaves and senescent leaves). We also calculated the stoichiometric relationships among carbon and nutrients(C/N,C/P and N/P). Results showed thatboth age and altitude affected the leaf morphological and stoichiometric properties of R. agglutinatum. Mature leaves possessed the highest LDMC,LMA and C contents both on a dry mass basis and on a unit area basis. Younger leaves possessed higher contents of nutrients. OLA as well as ratios between carbon and nutrients(C/N,C/P) increased with ages. Juvenile leaves possessed lowest ratio between nitrogen and phosphorus. In juvenile leaves,nutrients increased with altitudinal elevation,whereas other traits decreased. In mature leaves,nutrients and their ratios with carbon showed consistent trends with juvenile leaves along increasing altitude,whereas LMA and carbon on a unit area basis showed opposite trends with juvenile leaves along increasing altitude. In senescent leaves,only content of phosphorus on a unit area basis and N/P were found linearly correlated with altitude. Our results demonstrated a clear pattern of nutrient distribution with aging process inleaves and indicated that a high possibility of N limitation in this region. We also concluded that younger leaves could be more sensitive to climate changes due to a greater altitudinal influence on the leaf traits in younger leaves than those in elder leaves.
基金Hunan Forestry Science and Technology Innovation Project(XLK201971)Changsha Science and Technology Program(kq1801028).
文摘[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the response of Gardenia to purple soil drought stress,hoping to provide a reference for the selection of plants for vegetation restoration in purple soil regions.[Methods]The pot-weighing water control method was used to apply different degrees of drought stress to Gardenia seedlings in purple soil,and the effects of drought stress on the electrical conductivity,chlorophyll content,leaf morphology and structure of Gardenia leaves were explored.[Results]The leaf electrical conductivity increased with the increase of drought stress intensity,and the leaf electrical conductivity under severe drought stress increased by 59.93%compared with the control;the chlorophyll content of Gardenia showed a single-peak changing trend that increased and then decreased with the development of drought stress,and it was the highest in each stress stage under severe drought stress;the leaf thickness,palisade tissue thickness and sponge tissue thickness of Gardenia were reduced with the stress degree increasing,and showed the largest decreases under severe stress;the stomatal length,stomatal width and stomatal opening of Gardenia gradually decreased with the increase of stress,while the stomatal density gradually increased.[Conclusions]This study provides a technical and resource basis for vegetation restoration in purple soil.
文摘Atomic absorption spectrophotometry,sulfuric acid and potassium dichromate oxidation method and ultraviolet spectrophotometry,were used to determine mineral elements,fiber,the content of chlorogenic acid and flavones in leaves of 24 Helianthus tuberosus Linn.resources,and the characteristics of the leaf introduced from abroad were evaluated.The results showed that the highest water content of 22 species was F12(27.58%),and the lowest was F16(19.02%).The difference in mean water content between the species from Denmark and France was small,but it was lower than that of Qingyu 3 and Qingyu 4.There were 3 orbicular leaves,1 long oval-shaped leaf and 18 oval leaves.The highest K content in the leaves was F19(30.62 mg/g),which was 2.5 times than Qingyu 3.The highest Mg content was D8(14.17 mg/g).The Fe content hadlittledifference,ranging from 0.09 mg/g to 0.19 mg/g.The highest Ca content was D8(26.87 mg/g).The highest level of chlorogenic acid and flavones was F7,2.55%and 1.24 g/100 g respectively.The highest fiber content was F9(16.7%),and the lowest was F19(7.36%).Through the analysis of the main component and the clustering analysis,when the genetic distance was 0.65,the 24 resources can be divided into three major categories.The first category of leaves were mainly oval and orbicular;the second category of leaves were long oval-shaped;the third category of leaves were oval.There was a difference between the various indexes in the leaf of different kinds of H.tuberosus Linn.resources.Finally,F19,D8,F9,F7,D14 and D11,6 specific species(F19,D8,F9,F7,D14 and D11)were screened out for further studies in the future.
基金Under the auspices of National Basic Research Program of China (No.2007CB407205)National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (No.2006BAC01A01)
文摘Leaf trait patterns and their variations with climate are interpreted as an adaptive adjustment to environment.This study assessed the adaptability of planted black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) based on the analysis of leaf traits and the comparison of its leaf traits with inter-specific ones existing in the same area.We measured some water and N use related leaf traits: leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA) and N,P and K concentrations based on both leaf area (Narea,Parea and Karea) and leaf mass (Nmass,Pmass and Kmass) of R.pseudoacacia at 31 sites along a water stress gradient in North Shaanxi Province,China.The results show that leaves of R.pseudoacacia have high Nmass and low LMA in the study area.High Nmass and low LMA are usually representative of luxurious resource use,and will advance plant resource competitiveness in high-resource conditions.As a whole,LMA-nutrient relationships of R.pseudoacacia display patterns that are fairly similar to the inter-specific relationships in both direction and intensity.The tendency for LMA and Narea to increase with decreasing water availability and the positive correlation between LMA and Narea reflect the trend for R.pseudoacacia to enhance water use efficiency (WUE) at the expense of down-regulated photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) and high construction cost in dry conditions.However,the positive relationship between LMA and Narea in high mean annual precipitation (MAP) area is either unremarkable or reversed with decreasing water availability.This implies a lower photosynthetic capacity and a higher construction cost for high-LMA leaves.The inter-specific relationship between LMA and Narea is positive and does not change with water availability.This difference between inter-species and intra-species may be due to more diversified anatomies and more specialised structures for inter-species than intra-species.The failure of R.pseudoacacia adaption to dry conditions reflected by LMA-Narea relationship may be partially responsible for the emergence of rampike and dwarf forms found frequently in dry conditions.Incorporating intrinsic characteristics of planted trees into vegetation restoration project will be instructive and meaningful for species selection.
文摘Three popular traditional rice landraces, namely Kalajeera, Machakanta and Haladichudi, from Koraput, India were used to analyse the leaf traits and antioxidant defence for drought tolerance. When rice plants were exposed to different levels of drought stress by varying concentrations of polyethylene glycol （PEG） 6000, seed germination and growth parameters were significantly declined in all the rice landraces compared to the control. Drought stress also altered the leaf phenotypic traits based on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and chlorophyll index, with more significant differences in susceptible variety IR64 than in traditional landraces. Furthermore, activities of antioxidative enzymes and proline and protein contents overtly increased under drought stress. The traditional rice landraces showed higher relative ratios for different parameters compared to the susceptible variety IR64. Taken together, the traditional landraces had superior leaf physiological efficiency compared to the susceptible and tolerant check varieties under drought stress.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32060349)China Scholarship Council([2021]15)。
文摘Seventeen morphological and anatomical characteristics of the leaves were selected from five natural populations to explore the variation in leaf traits of Lits ea core ana var.sinensis and the effects of geographical environment on these variations.Nested analysis of variance,multiple comparisons,principal component analysis(PCA),and correlation analysis were conducted to explore the variations within and between populations and their correlation with geographical and climatic factors.Significant differences in the 17 leaf traits were observed within and among populations.On average,the relative contribution of within population variation to total variation was 24.8%,which was lower than among population variation(54.6%).The average differentiation coefficient of the traits was 65.8%,and the average coefficient of variation 11.8%,ranging from6.7%for main vein thickness to 21.4%for petiole length.The PC A results showed that morphological characteristics were divided into two categories,and the level of variation was greater than that of leaf anatomy.Most of the leaf traits were significantly correlated with geography and climate and showed a gradual variation with longitude,latitude,and altitude.In areas with high temperatures,less rainfall,and strong seasonal rainfall,the leaves are larger,longer and thicker.This study shows that variations in leaf traits of L.coreana var.sinensis mainly come from variations among populations.The level of trait differentiation among populations is high and the level of variation within populations low.These findings help further understand leaf morphological characteristics of this species and can provide a valuable reference for the protection and sustainable utilization of this natural resource.
基金This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD2201100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971636)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2572022DS13).
文摘The variation and correlation of leaf economics and vein traits are crucial for predicting plant ecological strategies under different environmental changes.However,correlations between these two suites of traits and abiotic factors such as soil water and nitrogen content remain ambiguous.We measured leaf economics and vein traits as well as soil water and nitrogen content for two different shade-tolerant species(Betula platyphylla and Acer mono)in four mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests along a latitudinal gradient in Northeast China.We found that leaf economics traits and vein traits were decoupled in shade-intolerant species,Betula platphylla,but significantly coupled in a shadetolerant species,A.mono.We found stronger correlations among leaf traits in the shade tolerant species than in the shade intolerant species.Furthermore,leaf economic traits were positively correlated with the soil water gradient for both species,whereas vein traits were positively correlated with soil water gradient for the shade intolerant species but negatively correlated in the shade tolerant species.Although economic traits were positively correlated with soil nitrogen gradient in shade intolerant species but not correlated in shade tolerant species,vein traits were negatively correlated with soil nitrogen gradient in shade tolerant species but not correlated in shade intolerant species.Our study provides evidence for distinct correlations between leaf economics and vein traits and local abiotic factors of species differing in light demands.We recommend that the ecological significance of shade tolerance be considered for species when evaluating ecosystem functions and predicting plant responses to environmental changes.
基金financially supported by the National Science Foundation of China(31700348 and 41571500)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2016M602850)+1 种基金Natural Science Basic Research Plan of Shaanxi Province(2018JQ3011)the Fourth National Survey of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources(2017-66).
文摘Leaf trait-based research has become the preferred method to understand the ecological strategies of plants.However,there is still a debate on whether area-based or mass-based traits provide different insights into environmental adaptations and responses.In this study,seven key leaf traits(maximum net photosynthetic rate,dark respiration rate,nitrogen content,photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency,leaf mass per area,leaf dry matter contents and leaf area)of 43 woody species were quantified on the basis of both area and mass along an altitudinal gradient(1100–2700 m)in the Qinling Mountains of China.Differences in leaf traits and bivariate correlations between the two expressions were compared.By considering different expressions,the strengths and directions of the responses of leaf traits to the altitudinal gradient were determined.Leaf traits showed large variations;interspecific variations contributed more to total variance than intraspecific variations.Bivariate correlations between photosynthetic traits and structural traits(mass per area,dry matter content,and area)were weaker on a mass basis than those on an area basis.Most traits exhibited quadratic trends along the altitudinal gradient,and these patterns were more noticeable for area-based than mass-based traits.Area-based traits were more sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation associated with altitude.These results provide evidence that mass-versus area-based traits show different ecological responses to environmental conditions associated with altitude,even if they do not contain very broad spatial scales.Our results also indicate distinction of photosynthetic acclimation among the two expressions along an altitudinal gradient,reflecting trade-offs among leaf structure and physiological traits.
基金supported by the Special Foundation for National Science and Technology Basic Resources Investigation of China(2019FY202300)the Biodiversity Survey,Observation and Assessment Project of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment(2110404).
文摘The survival strategy of plants is to adjust their functional traits to adapt to the environment.However,these traits and survival strategies of evergreen broad-leaved forest species are not well understood.This study examined 10 leaf functional traits(LFTs)of 70 common plant species in an evergreen broad-leaved forest in Huangshan Mountain to decipher their adaptive strategies.The phylogenetic signals of these LFTs were assessed and phylogenetically independent contrasts(PIC)and correlation analyses were carried out.LFTs were analyzed to determine their CSR(C:competitor,S:stress-tolerator,R:ruderal)strategies.The results show that plant species exhibit different leaf functional traits and ecological strategies(nine strategies were identified;the most abundant were S/CS and S/CSR strategies).Some traits showed significant phylogenetic signals,indicating the effect of phylogeny on LFTs to an extent.Trait variations among species suggest distinct adaptation strategies to environmental changes.The study species were mainly clustered on the C-S strategy axis,with a high S component.Species leaning toward the C-strategy end(e.g.,deciduous species),favored a resource acquisition strategy characterized by higher specific leaf area(SLA),greater nutrient contents(N and P),lower leaf dry matter content(LDMC),and reduced nutrient utilization efficiency(C:N and C:P).Conversely,species closer to the S-strategy end(e.g.,evergreen species)usually adopted a resource conservative strategy with trait combinations contrary to those of C-strategy species.Overall,this study corroborated the applicability of the CSR strategy at a local scale and provides insights into the varied trait combinations and ecological strategies employed by plant species to adapt to their environment.These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in biodiversity maintenance.
基金sponsored by National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(31700550,31770678)Fujian Province Forestry and Technology Project of China(2022FKJ21)Forestry Peak Discipline Construction Project of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University of China(72202200205).
文摘Variations in plant traits are indicative of plant adaptations to forest environments,and studying their relationships with tree growth provides valuable insights into forest regeneration.The spatial arrangement of plant seeds within the forest litter or soil critically infuences the variations of root-leaf traits,thereby affecting the adaptive strategies of emerging seedlings.However,our current understanding of the impacts of individual root-leaf traits on seedling growth in different relative position,and whether these traits together affect growth,remains limited.This study focuses on the dominant tree species,Castanopsis kawakamii,within the Sanming C.kawakamii Nature Reserve of China.The present experiment aimed to examine the variations in root-leaf traits of seedling,focus on the relative positions of seeds within different layers:beneath or above the litter layer,or within the bare soil layer(without litter).Our fndings provided evidence supporting a coordinated relationship between root and leaf traits,wherein leaf traits varied in conjunction with root traits in the relative positions of seeds.Specifcally,we observed that seedlings exhibited higher values for specifc leaf area and average root diameter,while displaying lower root tissue density.The mixed model explained 86.1%of the variation in root-leaf traits,surpassing the variation explained by the relative positions.Furthermore,soil nitrogen acted as a mediator,regulating the relationship between seedling growth and root-leaf traits,specifcally leaf dry matter content and root tissue density.Therefore,future studies should consider artifcially manipulating tree species diversity based on root-leaf traits characteristics to promote forest recovery.
文摘This study was carried out to assess plasticity to drought of 30 adult fig cultivars,based on a screening of leaf structural and functional traits under sustained deficit irrigation,corresponding to 60%of crop evapotranspiration.All trees,three per cultivar,are planted in an ex-situ collection in Sais plain,northern Morocco.The measurements concerned leaf area,blade thickness,trichomes density,trichome hair length,stomatal density,stomatal dimensions,stomatal area index,chlorophyll concentration index,relative water content,stomatal conductance,leaf temperature,water loss in detached leaves,cuticular wax content,proline content,total phenolic compounds,and total soluble sugars.The ranking of cultivars regarding drought tolerance was established based on a two-level clustering approach,primarily relying on chlorophyll concentration index and secondarily on water status traits.Results showed significant genotypic variations for all measured traits,except phenolic compounds content.Correlations between structural and functional traits have pinpointed blade thickness and trichome hair length as the key indicators of fig drought tolerance,owing to their involvement in maintaining chlorophyll content under water stress conditions.The extent of the variations shows that fig leaf is endowed with a wide structural and functional diversity,which can give to the species potential for resilience to various environmental stresses,including drought.Among the cultivars assessed,two exotic varieties,“Kadota”and“Royal Blanck”,as well as four local cultivars,namely,“Ferqouch Jmel”,“El Qoti Labied”,“Hamra”and“Fassi”showed the highest drought plasticity level.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.42071060)to Fang Du.
文摘The integration and modularity of leaf morphological traits are fundamental to plant adaptations, yet their responses to diverse environmental pressures remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the roles of leaf trait integration and modularity and how they interact with environmental factors. We analyzed geometric, traditional, and functional leaf traits across 908 individuals from 72 populations of two alpine evergreen oaks, Quercus aquifolioides Rehder & E.H. Wilson and Quercus spinosa David ex Franch., distributed throughout the Himalayan-Hengduan Mountains(HHM), employing genetic assignment as a priori. Multivariate and redundancy analyses revealed that Q. aquifolioides, which inhabits harsher environments, exhibits lower trait integration and greater morphological flexibility, allowing for dynamic adaptation to fluctuating conditions. In contrast, Q. spinosa, thriving in milder environments, demonstrates stronger integration and stability in leaf morphology, facilitating resource optimization and providing a competitive advantage. Notable differences in modularity between the two species were observed, particularly in specific leaf traits, as revealed by structural equation modeling(SEM) analysis. These results underscore the adaptive significance of leaf trait integration and modularity in extreme environments and highlight the critical role of leaf morphology in enhancing species resilience.
基金the entire BEF-China research group for their supportfunded by the German Research Foundation(DFG FOR 891/1,2 and 3)financed by the Sino-German Centre for Research Promotion in Beijing(GZ 524,592,698,699 and 785).
文摘Aims Growth rates of plants are driven by factors that influence the amount of resources captured and the efficiency of resource use.In trees,the amount of light captured and the efficiency of light use strongly depends on crown characteristics and leaf traits.Although theory predicts that both crown and leaf traits affect tree growth,few studies have yet to integrate these two types of traits to explain species-specific growth rates.Using 37 broad-leaved tree species of subtropical forests in SE China,we investigated how interspecific differences in wood volume growth rates were affected by crown and leaf traits.We tested the hypotheses that(i)larger crown dimensions promote growth rates,(ii)species-specific growth rates are positively related to leaf stomatal conductance,leaf water potential and leaf chemical components,and negatively related to leaf C/N and leaf toughness and(iii)the two sets of traits better explain growth rates in combination than either alone.Methods Our study was conducted in a large-scale forest Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning experiment in China(BEF-China),located in a mountainous region in Jiangxi Province.We related 17 functional traits(two crown dimension and three crown structure traits;six physiological and six morphological leaf traits)to the mean annual growth rate of wood volume of young trees of the studied species.Interrelationships between crown and leaf traits were analyzed using principal component analysis.Simple linear regression analysis was used to test the effect of each trait separately.We used multiple regression analysis to establish the relationship of growth rate to each set of traits(crown traits,physiological and morphological leaf traits)and to the combination of all types of traits.The coefficients of determination(R^(2)_(adj))of the best multiple regression models were compared to determine the relative explanatory power of crown and leaf traits and a combination of both.Important Findings The species-specific growth rates were not related to any of the single crown traits,but were related positively to leaf stomatal conductance and leaf water potential individually,and negatively to leaf toughness,with approximately 13%variance explained by each of the traits.Combinations of different crown traits did not significantly explain the species-specific growth rates,whereas combinations of either physiological or morphological leaf traits explained 24%and 31%,respectively.A combination of both crown and leaf traits explained 42%of variance in species-specific growth rates.We concluded that sets of traits related to carbon assimilation at the leaf-level and to overall amount of leaves exposed at the crown-level jointly explained species-specific growth rates better than either set of traits alone.
基金financially funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(3186113307,31770533,31870591)the West Light Talent Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(xbzg-zdsys-202218).
文摘The karst forest in southwestern China is characterized by thin soil layers,numerous fissures and holes,resulting in low soil water availability and poor water retention,making it challenging for plant growth and survival.While the relationship between plant functional traits and tree growth performance has been extensively studied,the links between tree seasonal growth and drought-tolerant traits in tree species with different leaf habit remains poorly understood.This study evaluated the associations between four-year averaged rainy season stem diameter growth rate and 17 branch and leaf traits across evergreen and deciduous species in a tropical karst forest in southwest China.The cross-species variations in tree growth rates were related to plant hydraulic traits(e.g.,vessel lumen diameter,xylem vessel density,stomatal density,and stomatal size)and leaf anatomical traits(e.g.,total leaf thickness,lower/upper epidermis thickness,and spongy thickness).The growth of evergreen trees exhibited lower hydraulic efficiency but greater drought tolerance than deciduous tree,which enabled them to maintain higher persistence under low soil water availability and consequently a relatively longer growing season.In contrast,deciduous species showed no correlation between their functional traits and growth rate.The distinct water use strategies of evergreen and deciduous trees may offer a potential explanation for their co-existence in the tropical karst forests.
基金supported by the European Union as a mobility grant
文摘Leaf turgor loss point has been recognized as an important plant physiological trait explaining a species’drought tolerance( π_(tlp)).Less is known about the variation of π_(tlp) in time and how seasonal or interannual differences in water availability are affecting π_(tlp) as a static trait.I monitored the seasonal variation of π_(tlp) during a drought year starting in early spring with juvenile leaves and assessed the interannual variation in π_(tlp) of fully matured leaves among years with diverting water availability for three temperate broad-leaved tree species.The largest seasonal changes in π_(tlp) occurred during leaf unfolding until leaves were fully developed and matured.After leaves matured,no significant changes occurred for the rest of the vegetation period.Interannual variation that could be related to water availability was only present in one of the three tree species.The results suggest that the investigated species have a rapid period of osmotic adjustment early in the growing season followed by a period of relative stability,when π_(tlp) can be considered as a static trait.
基金We thank the Singapore Millennium Foundation(SMF-Farming System)and Nanyang Technological University(NTU AcRF Tier 1,RP 1/18 HJ)for their financial support.
文摘The success of growing vegetables indoors requires the most appropriate selection of lighting spectrum.This mini review discusses the impacts of LED spectral quality on different leafy vegetables with a focus on the studies of Chinese broccoli(Brassica alboglabra),ice plants(Mesembryanthem crystallinum)and lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.cv.Canasta).For each species,plants exposed to different spectral LED lights were all under the same light intensity and same photoperiod.Chinese broccoli grown under red(R):blue(B)-LED ratio of 84:16(16B)had the highest light-saturated photosynthetic CO_(2) assimilation rate(Asat)and stomatal conductance(gs sat)compared to plants grown under other R:B-LED ratios.It was also shown that 16B is the most appropriate selection for Chinese broccoli to achieve the highest shoot productivity with a rapid leaf number and leaf area development.The highest concentrations of photosynthetic pigments,soluble and Rubisco protein on a leaf area basis were also observed in 16B plants.The results conclusively affirmed that the highest productivity of Chinese broccoli grown under 16B is closely linked to the highest photosynthetic performance on a leaf area basis.For ice plants grown under R:B-LED ratios of 90:10(10B),they had the highest shoot biomass with a faster leaf development compared to plants grown under other RB-LED combinations.However,there were no differences in Asat,gs sat,photosynthetic pigments,soluble and Rubisco proteins on a leaf area basis.In the case of lettuce plants,it was a surprise to observe that plants grown under 0B and 20G(20%green(G)-LED and 80%R-LED)had the highest shoot biomass,and largest total leaf area and light interception area but the lowest net maximal photosynthetic rate on a leaf area basis,compared to other plants.The combined RB-LED enhanced other photosynthetic parameters while 0B and 20G conditions had inhibitory effects on maximum quantum efficiency of PS II with lower photosynthetic pigments,total soluble protein and Rubisco protein.These results suggest that impacts of LED light quality on productivity of lettuce(L.sativa L.cv.Canasta)are closely linked to leaf traits not associated with photosynthetic performance on a leaf area basis.
基金This work was jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41771522 and 41773071)the Key Special Project for Introduced Talents Team of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory(GML2019ZD0408)+1 种基金the Biological Resources Service Network Initiative of Chinese Academy of Sciences(ZSSD-007)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of CAS.
文摘Aims Understanding variation and coordination of leaf traits at multiscales along elevational gradients can help predict the likely responses of dominant species to climate change.We seek to determine the extent to which variation in leaf stomatal,anatomical and morphological traits is associated with environmental factors,and whether ecological strategies of Cyclobalanopsis species shift with elevations.Methods In a tropical forest landscape in Jianfengling,South China,we determined leaf traits related to stomata,anatomy and morphology of six evergreen oak species(Cyclobalanopsis bambusaefolia,C.hui,C.patelliformis,C.fleuryi,C.tiaoloshanica and C.phanera)along a long elevational gradient(400–1400 m above sea level).Important Findings We found that stomatal density and stomatal pore index increased,whereas spongy mesophyll thickness to leaf thickness ratios decreased,significantly with elevation.The leaf area and leaf dry matter content increased and decreased,respectively,with elevation.Variations in stomatal,anatomical and morphological traits were mainly correlated to the mean annual temperature,mean annual sum precipitation and soil pH.At low and high elevations,the oak species exhibited strong stress tolerance combined with competition strategy,while they shifted toward more clearly the competitive strategy at intermediate elevations.And the changes in soil phosphorus concentration and soil pH along the elevation may drive the shift of ecological strategy.The results showed that the dominant oak species in tropical forests respond to environmental change by modulating traits at multiple levels,from that of the individual cell,through tissue and up to the whole leaf scale.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32171790 and 32171818)Jiangsu Province Modern Agricultural Machinery Equipment and Technology Demonstration Promotion Project (NJ2020-18)+2 种基金Key Research and Development Program of Jiangsu Province (BE2021307)Qinglan Project Foundation of Jiangsu province333 Project of Jiangsu Province。
文摘Acquisition of plant phenotypic information facilitates plant breeding, sheds light on gene action, and can be applied to optimize the quality of agricultural and forestry products. Because leaves often show the fastest responses to external environmental stimuli, leaf phenotypic traits are indicators of plant growth,health, and stress levels. Combination of new imaging sensors, image processing, and data analytics permits measurement over the full life span of plants at high temporal resolution and at several organizational levels from organs to individual plants to field populations of plants. We review the optical sensors and associated data analytics used for measuring morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits of plant leaves on multiple scales. We summarize the characteristics, advantages and limitations of optical sensing and data-processing methods applied in various plant phenotyping scenarios. Finally, we discuss the future prospects of plant leaf phenotyping research. This review aims to help researchers choose appropriate optical sensors and data processing methods to acquire plant leaf phenotypes rapidly,accurately, and cost-effectively.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,China(31670342,31760229)the Scientific and Technological Leading Talent Project of Yunnan Province(2016HA005)project for Construction of International Flower Technology Innovation Center and Achievement Industrialization。
文摘Plants of the genus Camellia are widely cultivated throughout the world as ornamentals because of their bright and large flowers.The widely cultivated varieties are mainly derived from the mutant lines and hybrid progenies of Camellia japonica Linn.and Camellia reticulata Lindl.While their geographical distributions and environmental adaptabilities are significantly different,no systematic comparison has been conducted between these two species.To investigate differences in how these plants have adapted to their environments,we measured photosynthesis and 20 leaf functional traits of C.japonica and C.reticulata grown under the same conditions.Compared with C.japonica,C.reticulata showed higher values for light saturation point,light-saturated photo synthetic rate,leaf dry mass per unit area and stomatal area,but lower values for apparent quantum efficiency,leaf size,stomatal density and leaf nitrogen content per unit mass.Stomatal area was positively correlated with light-saturated photosynthetic rate and light saturation point,but negatively correlated with stomatal density.The differences between C.reticulata and C.japonica were mainly reflected in their adaptations to light intensity and leaf morphological traits.C.reticulata is better adapted to high light intensity than C.japonica.This difference is related to the two species’ differing life fo rms.Thus,leaf morphological traits have played an important role in the light adaptation of C.reticulata and C.japonica,and might be first noticed and selected during the breeding process.These findings will contribute to the cultivation of camellia plants.
