Water regime and gas exchange of Prosopis laevigata (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) M. C. Johnst. in two semi-arid ecosystems in southern Sonora
Abstract Introduction: Among the adverse conditions of forest ecosystems, salinity and drought are the abiotic factors that largely modify the genetic and productive expression of species. Objective: To evaluate the effect of salinity and drought on the water regime and gas exchange of mesquite (Prosopis laevigata [Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.] M. C. Johnst.) in two semi-arid sites, Eco Camping and Bahía de Lobos, in southern Sonora, Mexico. Materials and methods: The water and osmotic potentials were determined in the root, stem and leaves of plants taken at random with similar morphological traits (height of 1.5 m and stem diameter of 0.15 m measured at 1.3 m). In addition, photosynthesis, transpiration and water-use efficiency were evaluated. Results and discussion: Water and osmotic potentials decreased significantly (P = 0.0043); the osmotic potential was the lowest in the three organs measured, forming a potential gradient, an aspect that explains the maintenance of transpiration in both conditions (salinity and drought). Photosynthesis did not vary significantly, but transpiration did. In both sites, water-use efficiency exceeded 6 μmol CO2/H2O; however, there was greater efficiency in the saline ecosystem due to the transpiration decrease. Conclusion: Mesquite has the ability to tolerate the stressful conditions of salinity and drought in southern Sonora, showing less impact in water relations and gas exchange in the salinity condition.
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Coordinación de Revistas Institucionales
2019
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| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2007-40182019000100107 |
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