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Seasonal and annual changes in leaf δ 13 C in two co‐occurring Mediterranean oaks: relations to leaf growth and drought progression
Author(s) -
Damesin C.,
Rambal S.,
Joffre R.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
functional ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.272
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2435
pISSN - 0269-8463
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2435.1998.00259.x
Subject(s) - evergreen , biology , deciduous , mediterranean climate , botany , fagaceae , horticulture , environmental factor , ontogeny , ecology , genetics
1. Changes of δ 13 C and its relation to leaf development, biochemical content and water stress were monitored over a 2 year period in two co‐occurring Mediterranean oak species: the deciduous Quercus pubescens and the evergreen Quercus ilex . 2. The time course of leaf δ 13 C showed different patterns in the two species. Young Q. pubescens leaves had a high δ 13 C and a marked decrease occurred during leaf growth. In contrast, leaves at budburst and maturity did not differ significantly in the case of Q. ilex . We suggest that the difference between δ 13 C of young leaves was linked to differential use of reserves of carbon compounds in the two species. 3. δ 13 C values of mature leaves were negatively correlated with minimum seasonal values of predawn water potential, suggesting that a functional adjustment to water resources occurred. 4. There was a significant correlation between individual δ 13 C values for two successive years. This interannual dependence showed that δ 13 C rankings between trees were constant through time.