Biomass production and nitrogen contents of the CAM plants Kalanchoe daigremontiana and K. tubiflora in cultures with different nitrogen and water supply

Abstract

Two CAM plant species (Kalanchoe daigremontiana and K. tubiflora) were cultivated in pure cultures with two different levels of nitrogen and water supply. A comparison of the plant dry weight showed that the productivity was severely reduced under low nitrogen or/and water conditions. Additionally the proportion of the different organs contributing to the total biomass, and thus the ratio of root/shoot dry weight shifted substantially. At the same time the production of leaf buds in ratio to leaf biomass was increased. Concentrations of organic nitrogen and nitrate in the shoots were drastically reduced under low nitrogen or/and water conditions, but organic nitrogen concentration in the roots remained relatively high. The leaf conductance over a day was investigated only for K. daigremontiana, and decreased with reduced water and nitrogen supply. The results indicate that CAM plants do not have the predicted high nitrogen use efficiency. Under environmental stress they change from biomass production towards provisions for life preservation.

Keywords: Biomass production; CAM plants; Leaf conductance; Nitrogen use efficiency; Water supply.