Physiological traits of two Populus x euramericana clones, Luisa Avanzo and Dorskamp, during a water stress and re-watering cycle

Abstract

We compared responses to drought and re-watering of greenhouse-grown cuttings of Populus x euramericana (Dode) Guinier clones, Luisa Avanzo and Dorskamp. Total leaf area, leaf number, leaf area increment and stomatal conductance were evaluated periodically during a 29-day drought period and for 16 days after re-watering. Soil water content and predawn leaf water potential (Psi(wp)) were measured on Days 29 and 45. On the same days, relative water content (RWC), specific leaf area (SLA), nitrogen, chlorophyll, soluble sugars, total phenols, flavanols and antioxidant activity were determined for leaves taken from the bottom to the top of each cutting. Leaves of Luisa Avanzo cuttings grew more rapidly than leaves of Dorskamp and exhibited higher SLA, but lower concentrations of nitrogen, chlorophyll and soluble sugars and lower antioxidant activity per unit area. On Day 29, after withholding water, both clones had closed their stomata, reduced rates of leaf growth, and lower Psi(wp) and RWC; however, the clones differed in their responses to soil water depletion. Compared to Dorskamp, Luisa Avanzo closed its stomata earlier and maintained higher Psi(wp), but lower RWC and leaf sugar concentrations. Antioxidant activity of leaf methanolic extracts decreased in response to water stress only in Luisa Avanzo. Leaf physiology and its modulation by water stress were age dependent in Luisa Avanzo.