Trees create microclimate under their crowns in comparison to the outside ambient atmosphere, which is a result of physical as well as physiological functions of the tree. The cooling produced by trees varies with spe...Trees create microclimate under their crowns in comparison to the outside ambient atmosphere, which is a result of physical as well as physiological functions of the tree. The cooling produced by trees varies with species due to variation in several anatomical, structural and physiological attributes of the species. Transpiration is one of the most significant physiological functions performed by plants, which affects cooling produced by a tree under its shade. When solar energy impinges on the leaf, water emerges from its surface through transpiration taking the latent heat to convert it into water vapour. This leads to a rise in humidity of the atmosphere and reduction in temperature of the leaf. To remain leaf in equilibrium, it takes heat from the surrounding atmosphere resulting in reduction in temperature of surroundings. Since, transpiration takes place through stomata which are normally located on the ventral side of the leaf, this reduction in temperature is more experienced beneath the crown of the tree. Therefore, the present study was carried out to analyze the role of transpiration in cooling effect of five forestry tree species. The cooling produced by tree species under their shades has been found positively correlated to the transpiration rate whereas the rate of transpiration has responded positively to the ambient temperature and water conductance. However, no definite relationship has been found between frequency of open stomata and the rate of transpiration.展开更多
Three techniques of root pressure probe, pressure chamber and high pressure flow meter were used to measure the hydraulic conductivities （Lpr） of whole root systems of young maize （Zea mays L.） seedlings grown hyd...Three techniques of root pressure probe, pressure chamber and high pressure flow meter were used to measure the hydraulic conductivities （Lpr） of whole root systems of young maize （Zea mays L.） seedlings grown hydroponically under either drought or normal water conditions. Compared to normal water conditions, drought stress simulated by polyethylene glycol 6 000 （osmotic potential =-0.2 MPa） reduced Lpr in the root system by over 50%. It indicated that water permeability in the roots decreased significantly when plants suffered from water shortages. Moreover, there was no significant difference （P〈 0.05） on the Lpr values in the root systems developed under a given water stress regime among the three techniques used. Therefore, all three methods are acceptable to study the hydraulic conductivity of maize seedling root systems. We have also highlighted some of the technical limitations of each method. It can be inferred that the root pressure probe is preferable for young maize seedlings because it is subtle and has the additional ability to determine solute transport properties, but the method is time consuming. Other advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed in order to acquaint researchers with basic information that could contribute to their choice of an appropriate technique for future studies.展开更多
文摘Trees create microclimate under their crowns in comparison to the outside ambient atmosphere, which is a result of physical as well as physiological functions of the tree. The cooling produced by trees varies with species due to variation in several anatomical, structural and physiological attributes of the species. Transpiration is one of the most significant physiological functions performed by plants, which affects cooling produced by a tree under its shade. When solar energy impinges on the leaf, water emerges from its surface through transpiration taking the latent heat to convert it into water vapour. This leads to a rise in humidity of the atmosphere and reduction in temperature of the leaf. To remain leaf in equilibrium, it takes heat from the surrounding atmosphere resulting in reduction in temperature of surroundings. Since, transpiration takes place through stomata which are normally located on the ventral side of the leaf, this reduction in temperature is more experienced beneath the crown of the tree. Therefore, the present study was carried out to analyze the role of transpiration in cooling effect of five forestry tree species. The cooling produced by tree species under their shades has been found positively correlated to the transpiration rate whereas the rate of transpiration has responded positively to the ambient temperature and water conductance. However, no definite relationship has been found between frequency of open stomata and the rate of transpiration.
基金supported by the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education,China(20093702120002)the Shandong Province Postdoctoral Special Fund Innovative Projects,China(200903024)
文摘Three techniques of root pressure probe, pressure chamber and high pressure flow meter were used to measure the hydraulic conductivities （Lpr） of whole root systems of young maize （Zea mays L.） seedlings grown hydroponically under either drought or normal water conditions. Compared to normal water conditions, drought stress simulated by polyethylene glycol 6 000 （osmotic potential =-0.2 MPa） reduced Lpr in the root system by over 50%. It indicated that water permeability in the roots decreased significantly when plants suffered from water shortages. Moreover, there was no significant difference （P〈 0.05） on the Lpr values in the root systems developed under a given water stress regime among the three techniques used. Therefore, all three methods are acceptable to study the hydraulic conductivity of maize seedling root systems. We have also highlighted some of the technical limitations of each method. It can be inferred that the root pressure probe is preferable for young maize seedlings because it is subtle and has the additional ability to determine solute transport properties, but the method is time consuming. Other advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed in order to acquaint researchers with basic information that could contribute to their choice of an appropriate technique for future studies.
