Vulnerability to cavitation, hydraulic efficiency, growth and survival in an insular pine (Pinus canariensis)

• DOI: 10.1093/aob/mct084
• Publication Date: 2013-05-04T03:15:01Z
• Authors: Rosana López; Unai López de Her...; Carmen Collada; Francisco Javier ...; Brent C. Emerson; Hervé Cochard; Luis Gil
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Hydraulic conductivity; Climate; Vulnerability to cavitation; Adaptation, Biological; Trade-off; Phenotypic plasticity; Genetic differentiation; 01 natural sciences; Xylem; Pinus canariensis; XXXXXX - Unknown; Fitness; [SDV.BV]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Vegetal Biology; [SDV.BV] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Vegetal Biology; Selection, Genetic; Selection; 580; Drought; Water; 15. Life on land; Pinus; VULNERABILITY TO CAVITATION/PINUS CANARIENSIS/COMMON GARDEN/DROUGHT/GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION/HYDRAULIC/CONDUCTIVITY/PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY/FITNESS/SELECTION/TRADE-OFF; Droughts; Phenotype; Common garden

It is widely accepted that hydraulic failure due to xylem embolism a key factor contributing drought-induced mortality in trees. In the present study, an attempt made disentangle phenotypic plasticity from genetic variation traits across entire distribution area of tree species detect adaptation local environments. A series related hydraulics (vulnerability cavitation and conductivity branches), growth performance leaf mass per were assessed eight Pinus canariensis populations growing two common gardens under contrasting addition, neutral variability (FST) differentiation (QST) compared order identify evolutionary forces acting on these traits. The for was largely plasticity. Nevertheless, vulnerability displayed significant (approx. 5 % explained variation), × environment interaction (between 19 variation). strong correlation between survival xeric garden (r = –0·81; P < 0·05) suggests role former Populations drier sites higher temperature seasonality less vulnerable than those at mesic sites. No trade-off safety efficiency detected. QST parameters curve (0·365 P50 slope 0·452 P88) differed substantially FST (0·091), indicating divergent selection. contrast, drift alone found be sufficient explain patterns growth. ability P. inhabit wide range ecosystems seemed associated with high some degree adaptations Resistance conferred adaptive potential this adapt successfully conditions.