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Visual assessment of wilting as a measure of leaf water potential and seedling drought survival

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 July 2007

Bettina M. J. Engelbrecht
Affiliation:
Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Department of Plant Ecology and Systematics, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, P.O. Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, Panamá, Republica de Panamá
Melvin T. Tyree
Affiliation:
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, P.O. Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, Panamá, Republica de Panamá USDA Forest Service, P.O. Box 968, Burlington VT 05402, USA Current address: Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E3
Thomas A. Kursar
Affiliation:
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, P.O. Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, Panamá, Republica de Panamá University of Utah, Department of Biology, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA

Abstract

Rainfall and soil moisture availability vary greatly both spatially and temporally. They are prime factors influencing species distribution patterns, diversity and habitat associations in a range of biomes, and limit primary productivity in many natural ecosystems, as well as in forestry and agricultural systems (Hawkins et al. 2003, Kozlowski & Pallardy 1997, Lieth 1975). Projections of drying trends, and increased frequency and intensity of drought events with climate and land-use changes (Hulme & Viner 1998, IPCC 2001) have fuelled an increased interest in the role of drought in determining the structure and function of natural and managed forest systems (Allen & Breshears 1998, Miles et al. 2004). Such projections accentuate the need to assess, understand and predict plant reactions to drought, as well as soil moisture variation at different scales.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
2007 Cambridge University Press

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