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Drought affects the competitive interactions between Fagus sylvatica seedlings and an early successional species, Rubus fruticosus : responses of growth, water status and δ 13 C composition
Author(s) -
Fotelli Mariangela N.,
Geßler Arthur,
Peuke Andreas D.,
Rennenberg Heinz
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-8137.2001.00186.x
Subject(s) - fagus sylvatica , beech , biology , botany , agronomy
Summary• Competitive interactions between European beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings and the early successional species Rubus fruticosus , and the role of water availability, are reported and discussed in relation to management practices and climatic changes in beech ecosystems of Central Europe. • Responses of growth, water status, gas exchange and carbon isotope composition (δ 13 C) to two competition and three irrigation treatments were examined in a factorial‐design glasshouse study. • Under regular irrigation, coexistence with R. fruticosus did not significantly affect growth, water potential and gas exchange of beech seedlings. However, moderate water shortage caused a twofold reduction in beech biomass and changes in root : shoot ratios. Drought lowered transpiration rates and predawn water potentials (below the xylem embolism threshold) for F. sylvatica; δ 13 C of leaves and fine roots increased (discrimination was reduced). By contrast, significantly lower δ 13 C of R. fruticosus foliage indicated an improved water status. Competitive interference intensified the effects of reduced irrigation. • Water availability regulates the competitive interactions between beech seedlings and R. fruticosus . Natural regeneration of beech seedlings may be inhibited by interference from a species such as R. fruticosus , especially during summer drought, as predicted by actual climate models.