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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2004; 6(3): 350-357
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-820882
Original Paper

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

Water Sources and Water-Use Efficiency in Mediterranean Coastal Dune Vegetation

G. A. Alessio1 , M. De Lillis1 , E. Brugnoli2 , M. Lauteri2
  • 1Dip. STAT, Università degli Studi del Molise, via Mazzini 8, Isernia, Italy
  • 2CNR - Istituto di Biologia Agroambientale e Forestale, Porano (TR), Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 May 2004 (online)

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Abstract

In coastal environments plants have to cope with various water sources: rainwater, water table, seawater, and mixtures. These are usually characterized by different isotopic signatures (18O/16O and D/H ratios). Xylem water reflects the isotopic compositions of the water sources. Additionally, water-use efficiency (WUE) can be assessed with carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) analyses. Gas exchange, Δ of leaf dry matter, and isotopic composition (δ18O) of xylem water were measured from June to August 2001 in herbaceous perennials of mobile dunes (Ammophila littoralis, Elymus farctus) and sclerophyllous shrubs and climbers (Arbutus unedo, Pistacia lentiscus, Phillyrea angustifolia, Qercus ilex, Juniperus oxycedrus, Smilax aspera) of consolidated dunes. Assimilation rates were rather low and did not show clear seasonal patterns, possibly due to limited precipitation and generally low values of stomatal conductance. The lowest values were shown in S. aspera. Different physiological patterns were found, on the basis of δ18O and Δ analyses. Values of δ18O of xylem water of phanerophytes were remarkably constant and matched those of the water table, indicating dependence on a reliable water source; values of Δ were relatively high, indicating low intrinsic WUE, with the exception of J. oxycedrus. Surprisingly, very high δ18O values were found for the xylem water from S. aspera in August. This suggests retrodiffusion of leaf water to xylem sap in the stem or direct uptake of water by leaves or stems, owing to dew or fog occurrence. Low Δ values indicated high WUE in S. aspera. Contrasting strategies were shown by the species of mobile dunes: E. farctus relied on superficial water and exhibited low WUE, accordingly to its therophyte-like vegetative cycle; on the contrary, A. littoralis used deeper water sources, showing higher WUE in relation to its long-lasting vegetative habit.

Key words

Photosynthesis - oxygen and carbon stable isotopes - Mediterranean macchia - mobile dunes - sea water intrusion.

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M. Lauteri

CNR - Istituto di Biologia Agroambientale e Forestale

via Marconi 2

05010 Porano (TR)

Italy

Email: m.lauteri@ibaf.cnr.it

Guest Editor: F. Loreto