The variability of stomatal sensitivity to leaf water potential across tree species indicates a continuum between isohydric and anisohydric behaviours

Summary The relationship between stomatal conductance (g s ) and leaf water potential (Ψ l ) is key to the understanding of plant function under changing climate. The variability among tree species gave rise to selection towards either of two contrasting water management types: isohydric or anisohydric. This study explores the variability of g s to Ψ l across tree species. Curves of g s (Ψ l ) were collected from the scientific literature for 70 woody plant species. The data set is comprised of angiosperm and gymnosperm species from all major forest biomes. The hypothesis that curves from different tree species diverge between isohydric and anisohydric behaviours was tested. Species‐specific curves formed a…

• UB
  Universität Basel
• TA
  Tel Aviv University
• AR
  Army Research Office