Influence of drought and minimum temperature on tree growth and water use efficiency of Mediterranean species

• DOI: 10.1016/j.dendro.2023.126162
• Publication Date: 2023-12-22T08:03:36Z
• Authors: Simona Altieri; Francesco Niccoli; Jerzy Piotr Kabala; Iqra Liyaqat; Giovanna Battipaglia
• Keywords: Pinus pinaster; Aleppo Pine; Water Use Efficiency; Water use; Basal area

The world's forests are currently facing the impacts of climate change and associated extreme events, which adversely affecting natural ecosystems increasing risks forest mortality. In Mediterranean region, where water is already a limiting factor, drought stress having severe impact on tree growth. Different species have developed physiological mechanisms to cope with drought, an increase in use efficiency has been observed several drought-tolerant species. This paper analysed growth trends ecophysiological responses four widespread (Pinus pinaster Aiton, Pinus pinea L., halepensis Mill Quercus ilex L.) variability, reserve Vesuvio National Park (Southern Italy). Dendrochronological analyses were used measure tree-ring widths estimate basal area increments for each Stable isotope δ13C performed calculate intrinsic annual scale Climate-growth relationships suggested that temperatures, particular minimum temperature, had significant showed highest resistance hot periods scarcity was halepensis, presenting values. On other hand, found be most susceptible prolonged sensitive changes precipitation, resulting weakest rates during heat cold periods. Our study demonstrated importance better understanding develop sound conservation management plans.