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Influence of frost on nutrient resorption during leaf senescence in a mangrove at its latitudinal limit of distribution

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Abstract

The latitudinal distribution of mangrove species is limited mainly by low temperature. Leaf scorch and massive leaf fall are the predominant symptoms of frost damage. Nutrient resorption during leaf senescence is an important adaptation mechanism of mangroves. Abnormal defoliation disturbs nutrient resorption. We evaluated the effects of frost on nutrient loss of mangroves and the protective effects of warmer seawater inundation on reducing nutrient loss. On January 14, 2009, the most cold-tolerant mangrove Kandelia obovata at its naturally latitudinal limit (Fuding, China, 27°17′N) was exposed to freezing temperature (−2.4°C) for 4 h (minimum −2.8°C). The freezing air temperature occurred during flood tide, resulting that the flooded shoots were protected by warmer seawater. Frost caused 31.3% and 13.0% defoliation on the exposed shoots and the flooded shoots, respectively. Frost restricted nutrient resorption during leaf senescence. K. obovata resorbed 61% N and 42% P during normal leaf senescence, respectively. However, frost-damaged leaves only resorbed 13% N and 10% P during the course, respectively. Foliar N:P molar ratios were <31, suggesting N limitation. Tidal inundation can partially protect mangroves from frost damage. Reduced nutrient resorption efficiency and massive leaf fall caused by frost add pressure to mangroves under nutrient limitation at their latitudinal limits.

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Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Prof SY Lee, Prof S Shi and anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments during manuscript preparation. This research was jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30930017), the National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2009CB426306) and the National Special Research Programs for Non-Profit Trades (Oceanography) (No. 200805072).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China

    Wenqing Wang, Siyang You, Yunbo Wang & Mao Wang

  2. State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China

    Wenqing Wang

  3. Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4222, Australia

    Wenqing Wang & Mao Wang

  4. Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Marine Aquaculture Research, Wenzhou, China

    Li Huang

  5. School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China

    Mao Wang

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  1. Wenqing Wang
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  2. Siyang You
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  3. Yunbo Wang
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Correspondence to Mao Wang.

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Wang, W., You, S., Wang, Y. et al. Influence of frost on nutrient resorption during leaf senescence in a mangrove at its latitudinal limit of distribution. Plant Soil 342, 105–115 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-010-0672-z

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