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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Foliar uptake of fog water and transport belowground alleviates drought effects in the cloud forest tree species, Drimys brasiliensis (Winteraceae)

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Author(s):
Eller, Cleiton B. [1] ; Lima, Aline L. [1] ; Oliveira, Rafael S. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Dept Plant Biol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: NEW PHYTOLOGIST; v. 199, n. 1, p. 151-162, JUL 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 109
Abstract

Foliar water uptake (FWU) is a common water acquisition mechanism for plants inhabiting temperate fog-affected ecosystems, but the prevalence and consequences of this process for the water and carbon balance of tropical cloud forest species are unknown. We performed a series of experiments under field and glasshouse conditions using a combination of methods (sap flow, fluorescent apoplastic tracers and stable isotopes) to trace fog water movement from foliage to belowground components of Drimys brasiliensis. In addition, we measured leaf water potential, leaf gas exchange, leaf water repellency and growth of plants under contrasting soil water availabilities and fog exposure in glasshouse experiments to evaluate FWU effects on the water and carbon balance of D.brasiliensis saplings. Fog water diffused directly through leaf cuticles and contributed up to 42% of total foliar water content. FWU caused reversals in sap flow in stems and roots of up to 26% of daily maximum transpiration. Fog water transported through the xylem reached belowground pools and enhanced leaf water potential, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and growth relative to plants sheltered from fog. Foliar uptake of fog water is an important water acquisition mechanism that can mitigate the deleterious effects of soil water deficits for D.brasiliensis. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/17204-0 - Climate change in Brazilian mountains: functional responses of native plants from campos rupestres and campos de altitude to extreme droughts
Grantee:Rafael Silva Oliveira
Support type: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 03/12595-7 - Floristic composition, structure and functioning of the Dense Rainforest nuclei of Picinguaba and Santa Virgínia of Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Grantee:Carlos Alfredo Joly
Support type: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants