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Contrasting hydraulic regulation in closely related forage grasses: implications for plant water use
Citation
Holloway-Phillips, M and Brodribb, TJ, Contrasting hydraulic regulation in closely related forage grasses: implications for plant water use, Functional Plant Biology: An International Journal of Plant Function, 38, (7) pp. 594-605. ISSN 1445-4408 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
Copyright © CSIRO 2011
Official URL: http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/103/issue/5607.htm
DOI: doi:10.1071/FP11029
Abstract
Plant traits that improve crop water use efficiency are highly sought after but difficult to isolate. Here, we
examine the integrated function of xylem and stomata in closely related forage grasses to determine whether quantitative
differences in water transport properties could be used to predict plant performance under limited water conditions. Cultivars
of two forage grass species with different drought tolerance ratings, Lolium multiflorum Lam. and Festuca arundinacea
Schreb., were assessed for maximum hydraulic conductivity (Kmax), vulnerability of xylem to hydraulic dysfunction (P50)
and stomatal sensitivity to leaf water potential. Species-specific differences were observed in several of these traits, and their
effect on whole-plant performance was examined under well-watered and restricted watering conditions. It was shown that
although P50 was comparable between species, for F. arundinacea cultivars, there was greater hydraulic risk associated with
reduced stomatal sensitivity to leaf hydration. In contrast, L. multiflorum cultivars expressed a higher capacity for water
transport, but more conservative stomatal regulation. Despite different susceptibilities to leaf damage observed during acute
drought, under the sustained moderate drought treatment, the two strategies were balanced in terms of water conservation and
hydraulic utilisation, resulting in similar dry matter production. Characterisation of water use patterns according to the key
hydraulic parameters is discussed in terms of implications to yield across different environmental scenarios as well as the
applicability of water transport related traits to breeding programs.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | Festuca arundinacea, grass, hydraulic conductivity, leaf water potential, Lolium multiflorum, stomatal regulation, water stress, water-use efficiency, xylem vulnerability. |
Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
Research Group: | Evolutionary biology |
Research Field: | Biological adaptation |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Terrestrial systems and management |
Objective Field: | Terrestrial biodiversity |
UTAS Author: | Holloway-Phillips, M (Miss Meisha-Marika Holloway-Phillips) |
UTAS Author: | Brodribb, TJ (Professor Tim Brodribb) |
ID Code: | 71952 |
Year Published: | 2011 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 19 |
Deposited By: | Plant Science |
Deposited On: | 2011-08-16 |
Last Modified: | 2017-11-01 |
Downloads: | 6 View Download Statistics |
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