1
|
Ramirez JA, Craven D, Herrera D, Posada JM, Reu B, Sierra CA, Hoch G, Handa IT, Messier C. Non-structural carbohydrate concentrations in tree organs vary across biomes and leaf habits, but are independent of the fast-slow plant economic spectrum. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1375958. [PMID: 38766471 PMCID: PMC11099217 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1375958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Carbohydrate reserves play a vital role in plant survival during periods of negative carbon balance. Under a carbon-limited scenario, we expect a trade-offs between carbon allocation to growth, reserves, and defense. A resulting hypothesis is that carbon allocation to reserves exhibits a coordinated variation with functional traits associated with the 'fast-slow' plant economics spectrum. We tested the relationship between non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) of tree organs and functional traits using 61 angiosperm tree species from temperate and tropical forests with phylogenetic hierarchical Bayesian models. Our results provide evidence that NSC concentrations in stems and branches are decoupled from plant functional traits. while those in roots are weakly coupled with plant functional traits. In contrast, we found that variation between NSC concentrations in leaves and the fast-slow trait spectrum was coordinated, as species with higher leaf NSC had trait values associated with resource conservative species, such as lower SLA, leaf N, and leaf P. We also detected a small effect of leaf habit on the variation of NSC concentrations in branches and roots. Efforts to predict the response of ecosystems to global change will need to integrate a suite of plant traits, such as NSC concentrations in woody organs, that are independent of the 'fast-slow' plant economics spectrum and that capture how species respond to a broad range of global change drivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Andres Ramirez
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
- Centre d’Étude de la Forêt (CEF), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Dylan Craven
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology and Environment, Universidad Mayor, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile
- Data Observatory Foundation, and Technology Center, Santiago, Chile
| | - David Herrera
- Department of Biogeochemical Processes, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany
| | - Juan Manuel Posada
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Bjorn Reu
- School of Biology, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | | | - Guenter Hoch
- Department of Environmental Sciences – Botany, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ira Tanya Handa
- Centre d’Étude de la Forêt (CEF), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christian Messier
- Centre d’Étude de la Forêt (CEF), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Institut des Sciences de la Foret Tempérée, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Ripon, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cong L, Shi YK, Gao XY, Zhao XF, Zhang HQ, Zhou FL, Zhang HJ, Ma BQ, Zhai R, Yang CQ, Wang ZG, Ma FW, Xu LF. Transcription factor PbNAC71 regulates xylem and vessel development to control plant height. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:395-409. [PMID: 38198215 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Dwarfism is an important agronomic trait in fruit breeding programs. However, the germplasm resources required to generate dwarf pear (Pyrus spp.) varieties are limited. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying dwarfism remain unclear. In this study, "Yunnan" quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) had a dwarfing effect on "Zaosu" pear. Additionally, the dwarfism-related NAC transcription factor gene PbNAC71 was isolated from pear trees comprising "Zaosu" (scion) grafted onto "Yunnan" quince (rootstock). Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana and pear OHF-333 (Pyrus communis) plants overexpressing PbNAC71 exhibited dwarfism, with a substantially smaller xylem and vessel area relative to the wild-type controls. Yeast one-hybrid, dual-luciferase, chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that PbNAC71 downregulates PbWalls are thin 1 expression by binding to NAC-binding elements in its promoter. Yeast two-hybrid assays showed that PbNAC71 interacts with the E3 ubiquitin ligase PbRING finger protein 217 (PbRNF217). Furthermore, PbRNF217 promotes the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of PbNAC71 by the 26S proteasome, thereby regulating plant height as well as xylem and vessel development. Our findings reveal a mechanism underlying pear dwarfism and expand our understanding of the molecular basis of dwarfism in woody plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu Cong
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Yi-Ke Shi
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Xin-Yi Gao
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zhao
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Hai-Qi Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Feng-Li Zhou
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Hong-Juan Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Bai-Quan Ma
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Rui Zhai
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Cheng-Quan Yang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Wang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Feng-Wang Ma
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Ling-Fei Xu
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang KY, Yang D, Zhang YB, Ai XR, Yao L, Deng ZJ, Zhang JL. Linkages among stem xylem transport, biomechanics, and storage in lianas and trees across three contrasting environments. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2024; 111:e16290. [PMID: 38380953 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
PREMISE Stem xylem transports water and nutrients, mechanically supports aboveground tissues, and stores water and nonstructural carbohydrates. These three functions are associated with three types of cells-vessel, fiber, and parenchyma, respectively. METHODS We measured stem theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Kt), modulus of elasticity (MOE), tissue water content, starch, soluble sugars, cellulose, and xylem anatomical traits in 15 liana and 16 tree species across three contrasting sites in Southwest China. RESULTS Lianas had higher hydraulic efficiency and tissue water content, but lower MOE and cellulose than trees. Storage traits (starch and soluble sugars) did not significantly differ between lianas and trees, and trait variation was explained mainly by site, highlighting how environment shapes plant storage strategies. Kt was significantly positively correlated with vessel diameter and vessel area fraction in lianas and all species combined. The MOE was significantly positively correlated with fiber area fraction, wood density, and cellulose in lianas and across all species. The tissue water content was significantly associated with parenchyma area fraction in lianas. Support function was strongly linked with transport and storage functions in lianas. In trees, transport and support functions were not correlated, while storage function was tightly linked with transport and support functions. CONCLUSIONS These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between stem xylem structure and function in lianas and trees, providing valuable insights into how plants adapt to environmental changes and the distinct ecological strategies employed by lianas and by trees to balance the demands of hydraulic transport, mechanical support, and storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Yan Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Da Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun-Bing Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Xun-Ru Ai
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Deng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Jiao-Lin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schönauer M, Hietz P, Schuldt B, Rewald B. Root and branch hydraulic functioning and trait coordination across organs in drought-deciduous and evergreen tree species of a subtropical highland forest. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1127292. [PMID: 37377798 PMCID: PMC10291250 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1127292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Vessel traits are key in understanding trees' hydraulic efficiency, and related characteristics like growth performance and drought tolerance. While most plant hydraulic studies have focused on aboveground organs, our understanding of root hydraulic functioning and trait coordination across organs remains limited. Furthermore, studies from seasonally dry (sub-)tropical ecosystems and mountain forests are virtually lacking and uncertainties remain regarding potentially different hydraulic strategies of plants differing in leaf habit. Here, we compared wood anatomical traits and specific hydraulic conductivities between coarse roots and small branches of five drought-deciduous and eight evergreen angiosperm tree species in a seasonally dry subtropical Afromontane forest in Ethiopia. We hypothesized that largest vessels and highest hydraulic conductivities are found in roots, with greater vessel tapering between roots and equally-sized branches in evergreen angiosperms due to their drought-tolerating strategy. We further hypothesized that the hydraulic efficiencies of root and branches cannot be predicted from wood density, but that wood densities across organs are generally related. Root-to-branch ratios of conduit diameters varied between 0.8 and 2.8, indicating considerable differences in tapering from coarse roots to small branches. While deciduous trees showed larger branch xylem vessels compared to evergreen angiosperms, root-to-branch ratios were highly variable within both leaf habit types, and evergreen species did not show a more pronounced degree of tapering. Empirically determined hydraulic conductivity and corresponding root-to-branch ratios were similar between both leaf habit types. Wood density of angiosperm roots was negatively related to hydraulic efficiency and vessel dimensions; weaker relationships were found in branches. Wood density of small branches was neither related to stem nor coarse root wood densities. We conclude that in seasonally dry subtropical forests, similar-sized coarse roots hold larger xylem vessels than small branches, but the degree of tapering from roots to branches is highly variable. Our results indicate that leaf habit does not necessarily influence the relationship between coarse root and branch hydraulic traits. However, larger conduits in branches and a low carbon investment in less dense wood may be a prerequisite for high growth rates of drought-deciduous trees during their shortened growing season. The correlation of stem and root wood densities with root hydraulic traits but not branch wood points toward large trade-offs in branch xylem towards mechanical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian Schönauer
- Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, Institute of Forest Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Forest Work Science and Engineering, Department of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Hietz
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Botany, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Schuldt
- Chair of Forest Botany, Institute of Forest Botany and Forest Zoology, Technical University of Dresden, Tharandt, Germany
| | - Boris Rewald
- Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, Institute of Forest Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dória LC, Sonsin-Oliveira J, Rossi S, Marcati CR. Functional trade-offs in volume allocation to xylem cell types in 75 species from the Brazilian savanna Cerrado. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 130:445-456. [PMID: 35863898 PMCID: PMC9486921 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Xylem is a crucial tissue for plant survival, performing the functions of water transport, mechanical support and storage. Functional trade-offs are a result of the different assemblages of xylem cell types within a certain wood volume. We assessed how the volume allocated to different xylem cell types can be associated with wood functional trade-offs (hydraulics, mechanical and storage) in species from the Cerrado, the Brazilian savanna. We also assessed the xylem anatomical characters linked to wood density across species. METHODS We analysed cross-sections of branches collected from 75 woody species belonging to 42 angiosperm families from the Cerrado. We estimated the wood volume fraction allocated to different cell types and performed measurements of vessel diameter and wood density. KEY RESULTS The largest volume of wood is allocated to fibres (0.47), followed by parenchyma (0.33) and vessels (0.20). Wood density is positively correlated to cell wall (fibre and vessel wall), and negatively to the fractions of fibre lumen and gelatinous fibres. We observed a trade-off between hydraulics (vessel diameter) and mechanics (cell wall fraction), and between mechanics and storage (parenchyma fraction). The expected positive functional relationships between hydraulics (vessel diameter) and water and carbohydrate storage (parenchyma and fibre lumen fractions) were not detected, though larger vessels are linked to a larger wood volume allocated to gelatinous fibres. CONCLUSIONS Woody species from the Cerrado show evidence of functional trade-offs between water transport, mechanical support and storage. Gelatinous fibres might be potentially linked to water storage and release by their positive relationship to increased vessel diameter, thus replacing the functional role of parenchyma and fibre lumen cells. Species can profit from the increased mechanical strength under tension provided by the presence of gelatinous fibres, avoiding expensive investments in high wood density.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Sonsin-Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasilia (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Sergio Rossi
- Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, Canada
| | - Carmen Regina Marcati
- Departamento de Ciência Florestal, Solos e Ambiente, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Avenida Universitária, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang G, Maillard P, Mao Z, Brancheriau L, Engel J, Gérard B, Fortunel C, Maeght JL, Martínez-Vilalta J, Ramel M, Nourissier-Mountou S, Fourtier S, Stokes A. Non-structural carbohydrates and morphological traits of leaves, stems and roots from tree species in different climates. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:251. [PMID: 35840995 PMCID: PMC9284841 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06136-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Carbon fixed during photosynthesis is exported from leaves towards sink organs as non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), that are a key energy source for metabolic processes in trees. In xylem, NSC are mostly stored as soluble sugars and starch in radial and axial parenchyma. The multi-functional nature of xylem means that cells possess several functions, including water transport, storage and mechanical support. Little is known about how NSC impacts xylem multi-functionality, nor how NSC vary among species and climates. We collected leaves, stem and root xylem from tree species growing in three climates and estimated NSC in each organ. We also measured xylem traits linked to hydraulic and mechanical functioning. Data description The paper describes functional traits in leaves, stems and roots, including NSC, carbon, nitrogen, specific leaf area, stem and root wood density and xylem traits. Data are provided for up to 90 angiosperm species from temperate, Mediterranean and tropical climates. These data are useful for understanding the trade-offs in resource allocation from a whole-plant perspective, and to better quantify xylem structure and function related to water transportation, mechanical support and storage. Data will also give researchers keys to understanding the ability of trees to adjust to a changing climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangqi Zhang
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, 34000, Montpellier, France.
| | - Pascale Maillard
- SILVA, INRAE, Université de Lorraine, Agroparistech, Centre de Recherche Grand-Est Nancy, 54280, Champenoux, France
| | - Zhun Mao
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Loic Brancheriau
- CIRAD, Université de Montpellier, UR BioWooEB, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Julien Engel
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Bastien Gérard
- SILVA, INRAE, Université de Lorraine, Agroparistech, Centre de Recherche Grand-Est Nancy, 54280, Champenoux, France
| | - Claire Fortunel
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Luc Maeght
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Jordi Martínez-Vilalta
- CREAF, Bellaterra, 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Merlin Ramel
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Stéphane Fourtier
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexia Stokes
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, 34000, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang SB, Wen GJ, Qu YY, Yang LY, Song Y. Trade-offs between xylem hydraulic efficiency and mechanical strength in Chinese evergreen and deciduous savanna species. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 42:1337-1349. [PMID: 35157087 PMCID: PMC9272745 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Evergreen and deciduous species coexist in tropical dry forests and savannas, but differ in physiological mechanisms and life-history strategies. Hydraulic conductivity and mechanical support are two major functions of the xylems of woody plant species related to plant growth and survival. In this study, we measured sapwood-specific hydraulic conductivity (Ks), leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity (KL), modulus of rupture (MOR) and elasticity (MOE), xylem anatomical traits and fiber contents in the xylems of 20 woody species with contrasting leaf phenology (evergreen vs deciduous) in a Chinese savanna. Our results showed that deciduous species had significantly higher Ks and KL but lower MOR and MOE than evergreen species. Evergreen species experienced more negative seasonal minimum water potential (Pmin) than deciduous species during the dry season. Furthermore, we found trade-offs between xylem hydraulic efficiency and mechanical strength across species and within the evergreen and deciduous groups, and these trade-offs were modulated by structural and chemical traits. Both Ks and KL were significantly related to hydraulic weighted vessel diameter (Dh) across all species and within the deciduous group. Both MOR and MOE were significantly related to wood density, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber across species and within evergreen and deciduous groups. Our findings demonstrated that Chinese evergreen and deciduous savanna species diverged in xylem hydraulic and mechanical functions, reflecting conservative and acquisitive life-history strategies for evergreen and deciduous species, respectively. This study provides new information with which to understand the hydraulic and biomechanical properties and ecological strategies of savanna species in long-term dry-hot environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Guo-Jing Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
- Yuanjiang Savanna Ecosystem Research Station, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuanjiang, Yunnan 653300, China
| | - Ya-Ya Qu
- School of Forestry, Southwest Forestry University, No. 300, Bailongshi, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650224, China
| | - Lin-Yi Yang
- School of Forestry, Southwest Forestry University, No. 300, Bailongshi, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650224, China
| | - Yu Song
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Suissa JS. Fern fronds that move like pine cones: humidity-driven motion of fertile leaflets governs the timing of spore dispersal in a widespread fern species. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 129:519-528. [PMID: 34878516 PMCID: PMC9007102 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcab137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The sensitive fern, Onoclea sensibilis, is a widespread species in eastern North America and has an atypical timing of spore dispersal among temperate ferns. During early summer, this dimorphic species produces heavily modified spore-bearing fronds with leaflets tightly enveloping their sporangia and spores. These fronds senesce and persist above ground as dead mature structures until the following early spring when the leaflets finally open and spores are dispersed. While this timing of spore dispersal has been observed for over 120 years, the structural mechanisms underpinning this phenology have remained elusive. METHODS Based on field observations, growth chamber manipulations and scanning electron microscopy, the mechanisms underlying this distinctive timing of spore dispersal in the sensitive fern were investigated. KEY RESULTS I show that fertile leaflets of the sensitive fern move in direct response to changes in humidity, exhibiting structural and functional parallels with multicellular hygromorphic structures in seed plants, such as pine cones. These parallels include differences in cellulose microfibril orientation in cells on the abaxial and adaxial sides of the leaflet. The dynamics of this hygroscopic movement concomitant with regular abscission zones along the pinnules and coordinated senescence lead to the specific timing of early spring spore dispersal in the sensitive fern. CONCLUSIONS While hygroscopic movement is common in seed-free plants, it mostly occurs in small structures that are either one or a few cells in size, such as the leptosporangium. Given its multicellular structure and integration across many cells and tissues, the movement and construction of the sensitive fern pinnules are more similar to structures in seed plants. The evolution of this complex trait in the sensitive fern efficiently regulates the timing of spore release, leading to early spring dispersal. This phenology likely gives gametophytes and subsequent sporophytes an advantage with early germination and growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S Suissa
- The Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard UniversityBoston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kawai K, Minagi K, Nakamura T, Saiki ST, Yazaki K, Ishida A. Parenchyma underlies the interspecific variation of xylem hydraulics and carbon storage across 15 woody species on a subtropical island in Japan. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 42:337-350. [PMID: 34328187 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpab100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Parenchyma is an important component of the secondary xylem. It has multiple functions and its fraction is known to vary substantially across angiosperm species. However, the physiological significance of this variation is not yet fully understood. Here, we examined how different types of parenchyma (ray parenchyma [RP], axial parenchyma [AP] and AP in direct contact with vessels [APV]) are coordinated with three essential xylem functions: water conduction, storage of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and mechanical support. Using branch sapwood of 15 co-occurring drought-adapted woody species from the subtropical Bonin Islands, Japan, we quantified 10 xylem anatomical traits and examined their linkages to hydraulic properties, storage of soluble sugars and starch and sapwood density. The fractions of APV and AP in the xylem transverse sections were positively correlated with the percentage loss of conductivity in the native condition, whereas that of RP was negatively correlated with the maximum conductivity across species. Axial and ray parenchyma fractions were positively associated with concentrations of starch and NSC. The fraction of parenchyma was independent of sapwood density, regardless of parenchyma type. We also identified a negative relationship between hydraulic conductivity and NSC storage and sapwood density, mirroring the negative relationship between the fractions of parenchyma and vessels. These results suggest that parenchyma fraction underlies species variation in xylem hydraulic and carbon use strategies, wherein xylem with a high fraction of AP may adopt an embolism repair strategy through an increased starch storage with low cavitation resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiyosada Kawai
- Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Hirano 2 509-3 Otsu, Shiga 520-2113, Japan
- Forestry Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Ohwashi 1-1 Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8686, Japan
| | - Kanji Minagi
- Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Hirano 2 509-3 Otsu, Shiga 520-2113, Japan
| | - Tomomi Nakamura
- Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Hirano 2 509-3 Otsu, Shiga 520-2113, Japan
| | - Shin-Taro Saiki
- Department of Plant Ecology, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yazaki
- Department of Plant Ecology, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan
- Soil-Plant Ecosystem Group, Hokkaido Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Hitsujigaoka 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-8516, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ishida
- Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Hirano 2 509-3 Otsu, Shiga 520-2113, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Baer AB, Fickle JC, Medina J, Robles C, Pratt RB, Jacobsen AL. Xylem biomechanics, water storage, and density within roots and shoots of an angiosperm tree species. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:7984-7997. [PMID: 34410349 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Xylem is a complex tissue that forms the bulk of tree bodies and has several functions, including to conduct water, store water and nutrients, and biomechanically support the plant body. We examined how xylem functional traits varied at different positions within 9-year-old Populus balsamifera subsp. trichocarpa. Whole trees were excavated, and xylem samples were collected at 1-m increments along the main root-to-shoot axis of six trees, from root tip to shoot tip. We examined biomechanical and water-storage traits of the xylem, including using a non-invasive imaging technique to examine water content within long, intact branches (high-resolution computed tomography; microCT). Xylem density, strength, and stiffness were greater in shoots than roots. Along the main root-to-shoot axis, xylem strength and stiffness were greatest at shoot tips, and the tissue became linearly weaker and less stiff down the plant and through the root. Roots had greater water storage with lower biomechanical support, and shoots had biomechanically stronger and stiffer xylem with lower water storage. These findings support trade-offs among xylem functions between roots and shoots. Understanding how xylem functions differ throughout tree bodies is important in understanding whole-tree functioning and how terrestrial plants endure numerous environmental challenges over decades of growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex B Baer
- Department of Biology, California State University, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - Jaycie C Fickle
- Department of Biology, California State University, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - Jackeline Medina
- Department of Biology, California State University, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - Catherine Robles
- Department of Biology, California State University, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - R Brandon Pratt
- Department of Biology, California State University, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - Anna L Jacobsen
- Department of Biology, California State University, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xiao Y, Song Y, Wu FC, Zhang SB, Zhang JL. Divergence of stem biomechanics and hydraulics between Bauhinia lianas and trees. AOB PLANTS 2021; 13:plab016. [PMID: 34007437 PMCID: PMC8114228 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Liana abundance and biomass are increasing in neotropical and Asian tropical seasonal forests over the past decades. Stem mechanical properties and hydraulic traits influence the growth and survival of plants, yet the differences in stem mechanical and hydraulic performance between congeneric lianas and trees remain poorly understood. Here, we measured 11 stem mechanical and hydraulic traits for 10 liana species and 10 tree species from Bauhinia grown in a tropical common garden. Our results showed that Bauhinia lianas possessed lower stem mechanical strength as indicated by both modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture, and higher stem potential hydraulic conductivity than congeneric trees. Such divergence was mainly attributed to the differentiation in liana and tree life forms. Whether the phylogenetic effect was considered or not, mechanical strength was positively correlated with wood density, vessel conduit wall reinforcement and sapwood content across species. Results of principle component analysis showed that traits related to mechanical safety and hydraulic efficiency were loaded in the opposite direction, suggesting a trade-off between biomechanics and hydraulics. Our results provide evidence for obvious differentiation in mechanical demand and hydraulic efficiency between congeneric lianas and trees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Song
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Fu-Chuan Wu
- Horticulture Department, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Shu-Bin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
- Yuanjiang Savanna Ecosystem Research Station, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuanjiang, Yunnan 653300, China
| | - Jiao-Lin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jiang P, Meinzer FC, Fu X, Kou L, Dai X, Wang H. Trade-offs between xylem water and carbohydrate storage among 24 coexisting subtropical understory shrub species spanning a spectrum of isohydry. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 41:403-415. [PMID: 33079181 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpaa138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic capacitance and carbohydrate storage are two drought adaptation strategies of woody angiosperms. However, we currently lack information on their associations and how they are associated with species' degree of isohydry. We measured total stem xylem nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) concentration in the dry and wet seasons, xylem hydraulic capacitance, native leaf water potentials, pressure-volume curve parameters and photosynthetic performance in 24 woody understory species differing in their degree of isohydry. We found a trade-off between xylem water and carbohydrate storage both in storage capacitance and along a spectrum of isohydry. Species with higher hydraulic capacitance had lower native NSC storage. The less isohydric species tended to show greater NSC depletion in the dry season and have more drought-tolerant leaves. In contrast, the more isohydric species had higher hydraulic capacitance, which may enhance their drought avoidance capacity. In these species, leaf flushing in the wet season and higher photosynthetic rates in the dry season resulted in accumulation rather than depletion of NSC in the dry season. Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms through which xylem storage functions determine co-occurring species' drought adaptation strategies and improve our capacity to predict community assembly processes under drought.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Jiang
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Research, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Frederick C Meinzer
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Xiaoli Fu
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liang Kou
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoqin Dai
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Qianyanzhou Ecological Research Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aritsara ANA, Razakandraibe VM, Ramananantoandro T, Gleason SM, Cao KF. Increasing axial parenchyma fraction in the Malagasy Magnoliids facilitated the co-optimisation of hydraulic efficiency and safety. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:1467-1480. [PMID: 32981106 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of angiosperms was accompanied by the segregation and specialisation of their xylem tissues. This study aimed to determine whether the fraction and arrangement of parenchyma tissue influence the hydraulic efficiency-safety trade-off in the basal angiosperms. We examined xylem anatomical structure and hydraulic functioning of 28 woody species of Magnoliids in a tropical rainforest of Madagascar and reported, for the first time, quantitative measurements that support the relationship between vessel-to-xylem parenchyma connectivity and the hydraulic efficiency-safety trade-off. We also introduced a new measurement - the distance of species from the trade-off limit - to quantify the co-optimisation of hydraulic efficiency and safety. Although the basal angiosperms in this study had low hydraulic conductivity and safety, species with higher axial parenchyma fraction (APf) had significantly higher hydraulic conductivity. Hydraulic efficiency-safety optimisation was accompanied by higher APf and vessel-to-axial parenchyma connectivity. Conversely, species exhibiting high ray parenchyma fraction and high vessel-to-ray connectivity had lower Ks and were further away from the hydraulic trade-off limit line. Our results provide evidence that axial parenchyma fraction and paratracheal arrangement are associated with both enhanced hydraulic efficiency and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ny Aina Aritsara
- Plant Ecophysiology and Evolution Group, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences du Bois, Département Foresterie et Environnement, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 175, Antananarivo, 101, Madagascar
| | - Vonjisoa M Razakandraibe
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences du Bois, Département Foresterie et Environnement, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 175, Antananarivo, 101, Madagascar
| | - Tahiana Ramananantoandro
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences du Bois, Département Foresterie et Environnement, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 175, Antananarivo, 101, Madagascar
| | - Sean M Gleason
- Water Management and Systems Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
| | - Kun-Fang Cao
- Plant Ecophysiology and Evolution Group, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Plants often experience multiple stresses in a given day or season, and it is self-evident that given functional traits can provide tolerances of multiple stresses. Yet, the multiple functions of individual traits are rarely explicitly considered in ecology and evolution due to a lack of a quantitative framework. We present a theory for considering the combined importance of the several functions that a single trait can contribute to alleviating multiple stresses. We derive five inter-related general predictions: (1) that trait multifunctionality is overall highly beneficial to fitness; (2) that species possessing multifunctional traits should increase in abundance and in niche breadth; (3) that traits are typically optimized for multiple functions and thus can be far from optimal for individual functions; (4) that the relative importance of each function of a multifunctional trait depends on the environment; and (5) that traits will be often "co-opted" for additional functions during evolution and community assembly. We demonstrate how the theory can be applied quantitatively by examining the multiple functions of leaf trichomes (hairs) using heuristic model simulations, substantiating the general principles. We identify avenues for further development and applications of the theory of trait multifunctionality in ecology and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawren Sack
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Thomas N Buckley
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Godfrey JM, Riggio J, Orozco J, Guzmán-Delgado P, Chin ARO, Zwieniecki MA. Ray fractions and carbohydrate dynamics of tree species along a 2750 m elevation gradient indicate climate response, not spatial storage limitation. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 225:2314-2330. [PMID: 31808954 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Parenchyma cells in the xylem store nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), providing reserves of energy that fuel woody perennials through periods of stress and/or limitations to photosynthesis. If the capacity for storage is subject to selection, then the fraction of wood occupied by living parenchyma should increase towards stressful environments. Ray parenchyma fraction (RPF) and seasonal NSC dynamics were quantified for 12 conifers and three oaks along a transect spanning warm dry foothills (500 m above sea level) to cold wet treeline (3250 m asl) in California's central Sierra Nevada. Mean RPF was lower for both conifer and oak species with warmer dryer ranges. RPF variability increased with elevation or in relation to associated climatic variables in conifers - treeline-dominant Pinus albicaulis had the lowest mean RPF measured (c. 3.7%), but the highest environmentally standardized variability index. Conifer RPF variability was explained by environment, increasing predominantly towards cooler wetter range edges. In oaks, NSC was explained by environment - values increasing for evergreen and decreasing for deciduous oaks with elevation. Lastly, all species surveyed appear to prioritize filling available RPF with sugar to achieve molarities that balance reasonable tensions over starch to maximize stored carbon. RPF responds to environment but is unlikely to spatially constrain NSC storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessie M Godfrey
- Plant Sciences Department, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jason Riggio
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jessica Orozco
- Plant Sciences Department, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | | | - Alana R O Chin
- Plant Sciences Department, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Geitmann A, Niklas K, Speck T. Plant biomechanics in the 21st century. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2019; 70:3435-3438. [PMID: 31335955 PMCID: PMC6650134 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Geitmann
- Department of Plant Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
| | - Karl Niklas
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg, Botanic Garden of the Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT – Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|