Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Forests Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress"

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Published Papers

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Ecophysiology and Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2024 | Viewed by 8427

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bo Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
Interests: plant regeneration; ecological strategy; functional traits; restoration ecology; phenotypic plasticity

Dr. Shaofei Jin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
Interests: forest ecology; climate change; silicon cycle; carnon cycle; plant–soil interaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Mulualem Tigabu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 49, 23053 Alnarp, Sweden
Interests: regeneration; seedling physiology; light quality and quantity; seedling nutrition; seedling ecology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jing Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
Interests: Janzen-Connell hypothesis; microbial functional flora; rhizosphere microorganisms; seeding regeneration; succession of microbial community

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the most critical stage throughout the plant life cycle, the seedling period plays a crucial role in forest community succession and vegetation restoration. Seedlings are vulnerable to biotic and abiotic stresses during their growth stage. Ongoing climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of stresses such as drought, flood, extreme temperature, and pest spread. In the long-term evolutionary process, tree seedlings have developed a set of adaptive mechanisms to deal with these stresses. Research on seedling growth mechanisms is helpful to understand and clarify ecological adaptation characteristics that ensure better growth and performance in the field. For this Special Issue, we invite all research undertakings that deal with the adaptation mechanisms of tree seedlings to biotic and abiotic stresses, highlighting their important roles in coping with stresses in forest ecosystems. Thus, this Special Issue is generally aimed at collating up-to-date research findings on various adaptive mechanisms of tree seedlings to stress.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

morphological, physiological, and ecological adaptation mechanisms
natural regeneration of tree species
adaptation mechanism of understory seedlings to different light conditions
intraspecific and interspecific competition mechanisms between seedlings
microbial community succession and their interaction with seedling growth
soil microorganisms and tree seedling growth
effects of extreme climate events on tree seedling survival and growth
silicon, microplastic, and site preparation methods and tree seedling growth
heavy metals and tree seedling growth

Dr. Bo Liu
Dr. Shaofei Jin
Dr. Mulualem Tigabu
Dr. Jing Zhou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 2118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Responses of Growth and Root Vitality of Fokienia hodginsii Seedling to the Neighbor Competition in Different Heterogeneous Nutrient Environments

and

Forests 2023, 14(12), 2278; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14122278 - 21 Nov 2023

Viewed by 337

Abstract

Fokienia hodginsii is characterized by shallow and developed lateral roots with no obvious taproot. It can be used as a pioneer tree species for opening up barren land and as a mixed species for creating plantation forests. During the growth process of F. hodginsii seedlings, they are often exposed to heterogeneous nutrient environments and competition for nutrients, water, and space from neighboring plants, which have significant impacts on the growth of F. hodginsii. These impacts are most directly reflected in the root vitality of F. hodginsii, whose physiological changes embody the plant’s adaptability to different heterogeneous nutrient environments and neighbor competition. Herein, high-quality one-year-old F. hodginsii seedlings were subjected to three planting patterns to simulate different competition patterns. The three planting patterns were also exposed to three heterogeneous nutrient environments and a homogeneous nutrient environment (control) to determine the differences in the F. hodginsii seedling growth and root vitality under different heterogeneous nutrient environments and planting patterns. The F. hodginsii seedling height, ground diameter (root neck diameter), and root biomass under the heterospecific neighbor condition were significantly higher than under the single-plant condition. Across heterogeneous nutrient environments, the average seedling height in the N heterogeneous environments was higher than in the P and K heterogeneous environments. The root biomass in the P heterogeneous environment was slightly higher than in the N heterogeneous environment and significantly higher than in the homogeneous and the K heterogeneous environments. Moreover, the average F. hodginsii seedling root vitality under the heterospecific neighbor was the highest, and the root vitality in the N heterogeneous environment was the highest under each planting pattern. The F. hodginsii root catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities under the competition patterns were significantly higher than under the single-plant condition. Additionally, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity under single-plant was higher than under the competition patterns. At the same time, the F. hodginsii root malondialdehyde (MDA) content was the highest under the conspecific neighbor. Relative to the homogeneous environment, the root CAT, SOD, and POD activities were increased in the N and P heterogeneous environments. The CAT, SOD, and POD activities were highest in the P heterogeneous environment, while the K heterogeneous environment had the highest average MDA content. From the results of principal component analysis, when F. hodginsii seedlings were in N and P heterogeneous nutrient environments and heterospecific neighbor, their growth, root biomass accumulation, and root activity indexes reached better levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compensatory Growth and Physiological Protective Mechanisms of Popular talassica Kom. × Popular euphratica Oliv. in Response to Leaf Damage

and

Forests 2023, 14(9), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14091713 - 25 Aug 2023

Viewed by 506

Abstract

The compensatory growth and defensive capabilities of woody plants after damage are crucial to their large-scale promotion and economic value. Here, Popular talassica × Popular euphratica were subjected to artificial defoliation treatments that simulated leaf damage [25% (D₂₅), 50% (D₅₀), and 75% (D₇₅) leaf removal] to study the growth, anatomical, and physiological characteristics. The results showed that D₂₅ and D₅₀ treatments significantly increased the growth parameters, such as leaf length, leaf area, and specific leaf area, but did not affect the distributions of root and stem biomasses compared with the CK. However, the D₇₅ treatment significantly decreased most growth parameters. The time required for the chlorophyll content to recover increased along with the damage intensity as follows: D₂₅, high-flat-high; D₅₀, low-high-flat; and D₇₅, low-flat-high. Furthermore, leaf damage significantly reduced stomatal density, whereas the stomatal width, area, opening, and Pn significantly increased by 8.59%, 8.40%, 23.27%, and 31.22%, respectively, under the D₅₀ treatment, generating a photosynthetic compensation response. The leaf anatomical parameters increased along with damage intensity, except spongy tissue thickness, which decreased, while the stem anatomical parameters showed trends of first increasing and then decreasing, reaching maxima under the D₅₀ treatment. The enzymes showed an increasing and then decreasing trend as the damage time increased. After 1 d of treatment, CAT, POD, and PAL activities peak at D₇₅, in contrast to a peak of SOD activity at D_50. Overall, these findings indicate that it is advisable to keep the amount of leaf damage within 50%. The leaf damage can have an impact on the growth of P. talassica × P. euphratica. They adjusted their resource allocation strategy and physiological defense capacity by increasing the chlorophyll content, improving photosynthetic capacity, changing stem and leaf anatomy, and increasing defense enzyme activity levels, thereby improving their damage tolerance and adaptability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leaf Plasticity of the Subtropical Evergreen Tree Phoebe bournei Increases with Ontogeny in Response to Sun and Shade

and

Forests 2023, 14(8), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081683 - 20 Aug 2023

Viewed by 468

Abstract

Variation in shade tolerance is a primary mechanism driving succession in subtropical forests. However, little attention has been given to ontogenetic variation in light tolerance of late succession tree species such as Phoebe bournei. To investigate the differences in adaptive strategies between seedlings and saplings in response to sun and shade, we systematically studied the physiological and morphological leaf plasticity of P. bournei and how these variables are influenced by ontogeny. This study provided experimental evidence that leaf plasticity increases with the ontogeny of juvenile P. bournei adapting to the changing light resources. Investment in leaf construction increased with age and light resources in the evergreen P. bournei, as shown by leaf mass per unit area (LMA). Six-month-old seedlings lacked the adjustment of stomatal conductance (g_s) and stomatal density responding to sun and shade. For seedlings, maintaining high g_s under sun conditions increased stress risk instead of carbon gain. However, the leaves of 2-year-old saplings accumulated more soluble sugars and showed lower stomatal conductance and higher stomatal density under the sun than under shade conditions. The nonphotochemical quenching of sun leaves increased with plant age, indicating that the photoprotective capacity was enhanced with ontogeny. The leaf plasticity increasing along the ontogeny of juvenile P. bournei may contribute to the adaptation from shade to sun. Our study provides new insights into understanding the influence of ontogeny on shade responses of late succession trees in subtropical forests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 6413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variations in Microbial Residue and Its Contribution to SOC between Organic and Mineral Soil Layers along an Altitude Gradient in the Wuyi Mountains

and

Forests 2023, 14(8), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081678 - 18 Aug 2023

Viewed by 533

Abstract

Microbes are crucial components of soil, and their residue carbon plays a significant role in the formation and stabilization of soil carbon pools. However, current research on microbial residue carbon has predominantly focused on surface soils, with limited studies on deep soils. The patterns of variation along soil profiles and their controlling factors remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the soils from different elevations in the Wuyi Mountains, specifically focusing on the organic layers (0–10 cm) and mineral layers (30–40 cm). Amino sugars were utilized as biomarkers for the microbial residue, and the RDA (redundancy analysis) method was employed to analyze the patterns of microbial residue carbon in different soil layers and to identify the factors that control them. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the microbial residue carbon content and its contribution to soil organic carbon (SOC) between the different soil layers. Specifically, between the organic layer and the mineral layer, the microbial residue carbon content exhibited an increasing trend, whereas its contribution to SOC decreased. This finding suggests that soil layer type has a notable impact on microbial residue carbon content and its contribution to SOC. Moreover, fungal residue carbon content was found to be higher than bacterial residue carbon content in both soil layers. However, the ratio of fungal residue carbon to bacterial residue carbon gradually decreased between the organic layer and the mineral layer. This implies that although fungal residue carbon remains dominant, the contribution of bacterial residue carbon to the soil carbon pool increases as the soil transitions to the mineral layer. The total soil carbon content, elevation, and C/N ratio exhibited positive correlations with fungal and bacterial residue carbon, indicating their significant roles in the accumulation of microbial residue carbon in soils. Notably, elevation emerged as a key regulating factor in the accumulation of microbial residue carbon, explaining 85.8% and 67.9% of the variations observed in the organic layer and the mineral layer respectively. These research findings contribute to a better understanding of the soil carbon cycling process and its mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for developing strategies to enhance soil carbon sequestration by manipulating micro-organisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Shading on the Growth and Photosynthetic Fluorescence Characteristics of Castanopsis hystrix Seedlings of Top Community-Building Species in Southern Subtropical China

and

Forests 2023, 14(8), 1659; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081659 - 16 Aug 2023

Viewed by 489

Abstract

Castanopsis hystrix is a major community-building species in the top communities of southern subtropical China, with a high natural regeneration capacity. However, excessive logging and the introduction of exotic tree species have substantially reduced the area of natural forest patches of Castanopsis hystrix, and seedling regeneration is essential for the long-term continuation of Castanopsis hystrix populations. To explore the effects of light intensity on the seedling emergence and early growth of Castanopsis hystrix, shading experiments were conducted under four shading treatments (0%, 40%, 60%, and 80%). The growth, biomass accumulation, and distribution, the quality index of seedlings, the morphology and structure of the root systems of seedlings, and the leaf chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence properties of seedlings under different shading treatments were analyzed. The results displayed the following: (1) Shade intensity impacts growth of Castanopsis hystrix seedlings and biomass allocation, with optimal results observed at 60% shade, leading to the promotion of organic matter production in leaves and the limitation of stem growth. (2) Using a multi-indicator composite index, it was determined that seedling quality for Castanopsis hystrix peaks at 60% shade intensity. (3) Shade significantly impacts the morphology and structure of Castanopsis hystrix’s root system, with most root characteristics peaking at 60% shade, indicating a substantial increase in root development compared to no-shade conditions. (4) The D-values indicated the most suitable shade intensity for seedling growth to be 60%, suggesting that Castanopsis hystrix seedlings are sensitive to light and excessive light can be detrimental to their growth. (5) The 60% shade treatment showed the maximum values of chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and photochemical activity, with variations in energy conversion efficiency and dissipation reflected in parameters like photochemical burst coefficient (qP), photochemical burst coefficient (qN), the actual photometric yield of PSII under light acclimation (YII), and the maximum photosynthetic electron transport rate in photoinhibition (ETR), thereby supporting seedling growth and maintaining the normal function of photosynthetic organs. In conclusion, 60% shade treatment can effectively improve the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of Castanopsis hystrix seedlings and promote the accumulation of nutrient elements, ultimately promoting their growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Root Endophytic Bacterial Communities of Chinese Cork Oak (Quercus variabilis) Seedlings in Different Growth Years

and

Forests 2023, 14(7), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14071489 - 20 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 596 | Correction

Abstract

In forests, seedling renewal is influenced by many environmental factors, including climate change, seed size, wildfires, and ecological factors. It is unclear how different growth years of seedlings affect Chinese cork oak (Quercus variabilis) root endophyte communities. In this study, we took a holistic approach, using Illumina sequencing, to study the composition and function of bacterial communities associated with root microorganisms in four Q. variabilis seedlings after 1, 2, and 3 years of growth. The bacterial alpha diversity indexes were highest in the second year and lowest in the third year, and age was the decisive factor for the differences found in the root endophytic bacterial communities. Total phosphorus had the greatest effect on bacterial communities. The abundance of beneficial bacteria Streptomyces (8.69%) and Novosphingobium (4.22%) was highest in the second-year samples, and their abundance decreased by 7.96% and 3.61% in the third year, respectively. Higher levels of plant disease inhibition and metabolism (23.80%) were in the roots of second-year Q. variabilis seedlings. The metabolic abundance of carbohydrate was 3.66% lower in the first year and 3.95% lower in the third year compared to the second year. Our results suggest that the structure and function of bacterial communities changed with increasing growth years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Trace Elements on Ecophysiological Characteristics of Ligustrum obtusifolium Saplings

and

Forests 2023, 14(5), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14050972 - 08 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 885

Abstract

Phytoremediation is becoming more prevalent globally. Literature on phytoremediation strategies in western China is relatively scarce. The present research sought to fill this gap by examining the effects of trace elements such as Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn on growth, physiological traits, tolerances, and accumulation characteristics in 2-year-old saplings of Ligustrum obtusifolium. The gradient of trace element concentration was determined by adding exogenous trace elements to the soil in a pot experiment: CK (no exogenous trace element), T1, T2, and T3 (Cd 0, 2, 5, and 10 mg/kg; Cr 0, 300, 500, and 700 mg/kg; Pb 0, 400, 800, and 1200 mg/kg; and Zn 0, 300, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, respectively). The results indicated that Chla, Chlb, and total Chls significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the leaves of L. obtusifolium, with the lowest value obtained during soil treatment with T3. Along with the increase in trace element concentration, the net increase in height, root biomass, aerial biomass, and total biomass was reduced significantly. The net growth of L. obtusifolium under Cr stress did not differ significantly from that of CK at T1; however, the net growth of L. obtusifolium under Cr stress was considerably reduced at T2 and T3. The antioxidant enzyme activity of L. obtusifolium increased under different trace element stresses and first increased and then decreased as trace element levels increased. It was found that the SOD, POD, CAT, and APX activity of L. obtusifolium peaks at T2 under Cd and Zn stress in contrast to a peak at T1 under Cr and Pb stress. The contents of trace elements in L. obtusifolium roots, stems, and leaves increased along with the increase in soil trace element levels. Cr, Pb, and Zn threshold values can be set at 300 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg, respectively. This is carried out by using a reference index of the biomass of L. obtusifolium decreased by 10%, while the Cd threshold value needs to be further studied. L. obtusifolium would be an appropriate plant for phytoremediation of Cr-polluted soil, compared to Cd, Pb, and Zn absorption and accumulation. It showed optimal antioxidant enzyme activity and transfer ability under soil Cr contents of 300 mg/kg, and the growth of L. obtusifolium was not restricted. Therefore, L. obtusifolium was particularly suitable for phytoremediation of Cr pollution in areas in western China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cork Flour Supplementation on the Growth Indices and Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities of Quercus variabilis Seedlings

and

Forests 2023, 14(5), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14050892 - 26 Apr 2023

Viewed by 684

Abstract

Substrate and rhizosphere microorganisms are key factors affecting seedling growth; however, the effects of seedling substrates and rhizosphere bacteria on the growth of Quercus variabilis are not completely understood. Here, Q. variabilis seedlings were grown in substrates with and without cork flour, as follows: H substrate (charcoal soil/cork flour/perlite, 1:1:2), S substrate (cork flour/perlite, 1:1), and the control (CK) substrate (charcoal soil/perlite, 3:2). High-throughput sequencing and qPCR were used to investigate the effects of these substrates on seedling growth, physiological indices, and rhizosphere bacterial communities. Root and shoot weights of seedlings grown in H and S substrates were significantly higher than those of seedlings grown in CK. Moreover, H was conducive to chlorophyll synthesis in seedling leaves, and the transpiration rate and intercellular CO₂ concentration of the leaves of seedlings grown in H were higher than those of seedlings grown in CK. The number of rhizosphere bacterial 16S rRNA copies was significantly greater in the case of seedlings grown in S than for those grown in H and CK. As well, rhizosphere bacterial richness was higher in seedlings grown in H and S than in those grown in CK. Thus, cork-flour-supplemented substrates are beneficial for seedling growth and development, seedling rhizosphere bacterial abundance and diversity, and the abundance of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism-promoting microbial taxa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Light Intensity on Seedling Emergence and Early Growth of Liquidambar formosana Hance

and

Forests 2023, 14(5), 867; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14050867 - 24 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1387

Abstract

Liquidambar formosana Hance is a common deciduous broad-leaved tree known for its fast growth rate and adaptability. However, excessive logging has substantially reduced the area of natural forest patches of L. formosana, and seedling regeneration is essential for the long-term continuation of L. formosana populations. To explore the effects of light intensity on the seedling emergence and early growth of L. formosana, a controlled experiment was conducted under three light-intensity treatments (20%, 60%, and 100% of full sunlight, i.e., the photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs) were 223.93 ± 7.54, 670.94 ± 30.14, and 1119.61 ± 23.19 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, respectively). The seedling emergence percentage, mean germination time, germination synchrony, vitality index, survival percentage, emergence index, morphological characteristics, and biomass allocation under different light intensities were analyzed. The seedling vitality index and survival percentage significantly differed among the treatments and were the lowest under 20% light intensity. With increased light intensity, the seedling mean germination time and germination synchrony increased and then decreased, and the opposite was true for the emergence index. With the increased light intensity, the seedling height, stem diameter, and root length significantly increased. The total, root, stem, and leaf biomasses reached maximum values under full sunlight. With the increased light intensity, the leaf biomass ratio increased, whereas the root biomass, stem biomass, and root–shoot ratios decreased. Our results indicated that the poor light environment under the canopy is not conducive to the survival and growth of L. formosana seedlings and may be among the primary reasons for low seedling establishment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Physiological Changes on Overwintering and Spring Recovery of Needles of Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc.

and

Forests 2023, 14(2), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020168 - 17 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1070

Abstract

Overwintering and spring recovery of pine needles have important ecological significance. The natural changes in physiological state, photosynthetic function, and material metabolism in needles of Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc. from the autumn of 2020 to the spring of 2021 were assessed. The photosynthetic rate (Pn) of P. densiflora needles decreased first and then increased, with the maximum Pn observed in the autumn. After experiencing sub-zero temperatures in the winter, needles of P. densiflora still performed weak photosynthesis at a temperature above zero. In the spring, the Pn gradually recovered but could not recover to the maximum. Under sub-zero temperatures in the winter of 2020, the plasma membrane permeability and MDA content of needles increased, whereas the chlorophyll content and Fv/Fm decreased significantly. The needles showed obvious characteristics of freezing injury. During the whole process, the water content of needles remained at a low level (about 60%), which gradually decreased with the increase of leaf age. The cell sap concentration and soluble sugar content of needles decreased with the decrease in air temperature and recovered in spring. Therefore, P. densiflora needles do not improve frost resistance through osmotic adjustment. However, the increasing carotenoid content is helpful for needles to tide over the winter. The soluble sugar and protein contents increased, implying they are important for the recovery of needles in spring. This study expands our understanding of the mechanism and ecological contribution of overwintering and spring recovery of pine needles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

12 pages, 1675 KiB

Open AccessReview

Adaptive Strategies Employed by Clonal Plants in Heterogeneous Patches

and

Forests 2023, 14(8), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081648 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 622

Abstract

Heterogeneity is widespread in natural environments; as a result, connected clonal ramets often live in areas characterized by patches of different resources. Specifically, clonal plants are frequently affected by conditions of heterogeneous water stress. This raises the question of how clonal plants grow and reproduce in areas with patches of different resources. In this study, we investigated the adaptation mechanisms of clonal plants under heterogeneous environmental conditions. On the one hand, we bore in mind that phenotypic plasticity is abundantly exhibited in clonal plants. Clonal plants respond to water stress mainly through regulation of the size of individuals, the allocation of population biomass, and the number of daughter plants, as well as the extension ability and branching intensity of clonal organs, which directly affect reproduction and population stability in clonal plants. On the other hand, we also considered the physiological integration in clonal plants which has been shown in many studies. Ramets of clonal plants normally stay connected to each other through horizontal connectors (stolons or rhizomes). Communicated substances and resources such as water, mineral nutrition, photosynthetic products, and secondary metabolites are translocated between ramets; by such means, the plant relieves stress caused by heterogeneous patches. In this study, we sought to obtain scientific references to improve our understanding of how clonal plants in natural environments acclimate to stresses caused by soil heterogeneity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress"

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Published Papers (11 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI