Premium
DROUGHT RESISTANCE IN SESLERIA ALBICANS KIT. EX SCHULTES, COMPARED WITH AGROSTIS CAPILLARIS L. AND CYNOSURUS CRISTATUS L.
Author(s) -
DIXON JEAN M.
Publication year - 1986
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 - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1986.tb02893.x
Subject(s) - biology , desiccation , dry weight , shoot , drought tolerance , botany , water content , soil water , agronomy , horticulture , ecology , geotechnical engineering , engineering
S ummary The drought resistance of Sesleria albicans Kit. ex Schultes, a species of limestone cliffs, screes and dry grassland has been compared with that of Agrostis capillaris L., a species particularly prevalent on dry acid soils, and Cynosurus cristatus L., a species abundant in meadows and pastures on damp to dry soils. The response of the three species to different watering regimes, which produced fluctuating water stresses of graded severity, was examined. The total dry weight yield of S. albicans was the highest, and the quantity of shoot material which died was the lowest under all water stress regimes. The effects of a six‐week drought on the three species were monitored. Relative water content, drought damage and the capacity to recover were compared. S. albicans showed least damage and quickest recovery at all stages of the drought. The potential for drought avoidance was determined by examining the water status of excised leaves after desiccation, whilst potential for drought tolerance was estimated by monitoring their survival. The density of leaf epicuticular wax was determined for a comparative sample of the three species. S. albicans showed greater drought avoidance and tolerance, and had a greater density of leaf epicuticular wax, than the other two species. It was concluded that S. albicans is highly resistant to drought and as such is well adapted to survive as a ‘physical’ calcicole in dry limestone habitats.