Role of water relations and photosynthesis in the release of buds from apical dominance and the early reinvigoration of decapitated poplars

Terence John Blake, Timothy James Tschaplinski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

A decrease in xylem pressure potential starting 1 h after decapitation of young hybrid poplars (Populus deltoides Bartr. ×Populus nigra L. cv. DN22) reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration rates for the first 3 days after decapitation. This early moisture stress was alleviated 4 to 5 days after decapitation, resulting in substantial increases in stomatal aperture, transpiration and net photosynthetic rates which continued for the remainder of the one week measurement period. The results suggest the following sequence of events in the decapitated plant: After a brief moisture stress, decapitation increases moisture availability by increasing the root/shoot ratio and by reducing shoot competition for moisture. Improvement in hydration releases buds from apical dominance and increases stomatal conductance and rates of net photosynthesis. This, in turn, leads to the acceleration of growth observed when plants are reinvigorated by decapitation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)287-293
Number of pages7
JournalPhysiologia Plantarum
Volume68
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1986
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Populus deltoides
  • rejuvenation
  • stomatal conductance
  • transpiration
  • water potential

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Role of water relations and photosynthesis in the release of buds from apical dominance and the early reinvigoration of decapitated poplars'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this