Drought treatments in holm-oak (Quercus ilex) seedlings induce variations in total root length, number of root apices, shoot/ root dry weight, and root electrolyte leakage. When drought treatments last for more than 50 days a considerable number of fine lateral roots die, irrespective of branching order or distribution within the root system. Scorching of drought-treated seedlings induces a transient stimulation of root growth. These results indicate that root turnover is deeply affected during treatments, with survival of seedlings being entrusted to the tolerance of a number of roots situated in the deeper region of the root system. Activity of the meristematic tissue present within the apices of these surviving roots supports regeneration of above-ground lost organs during recovery. Knowledge of the mechanisms ensuring the survival of Mediterranean tree seedlings following drought and fire is useful for developing models of vegetation dynamics.

Root responses of Quercus ilex L. seedlings to drought and fire

SCIPPA, Gabriella
2005-01-01

Abstract

Drought treatments in holm-oak (Quercus ilex) seedlings induce variations in total root length, number of root apices, shoot/ root dry weight, and root electrolyte leakage. When drought treatments last for more than 50 days a considerable number of fine lateral roots die, irrespective of branching order or distribution within the root system. Scorching of drought-treated seedlings induces a transient stimulation of root growth. These results indicate that root turnover is deeply affected during treatments, with survival of seedlings being entrusted to the tolerance of a number of roots situated in the deeper region of the root system. Activity of the meristematic tissue present within the apices of these surviving roots supports regeneration of above-ground lost organs during recovery. Knowledge of the mechanisms ensuring the survival of Mediterranean tree seedlings following drought and fire is useful for developing models of vegetation dynamics.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11695/2860
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