Abstract
The objective of this work was to compare root surface phosphatase activities of vascular epiphytes typical of a lowland tropical forest. Acid phophatase, measured at pH 5.0 with the substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate, was detected in 22 species distributed within 10 plant families. Epiphytes were classified as trunk, canopy-mat or bare-limb species based upon their usual occurrence. Phosphatase activity was not significantly correlated with plant occurrence. However, phosphatase activity was generally highest in trunk occurring and canopy-mat epiphytes rooted in mosses and humus-like accumulations, and lowest in species restricted to bare limbs. Epiphyte shoot phosphorus and chlorophyll content were correlated with species occurrence, with phosphatase being positively correlated with plant P content. The observed changes in acid phosphatase production among habitats were consistent with predicted changes in the availability of organic P sources. However, observed changes also reflect accompanying shifts in root structure including: the occurrence of velamen or waxy layers, changes in root diameter, branching and root hair density.
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Antibus, R.K., Lesica, P. Root surface acid phosphatase activities of vascular epiphytes of a Costa Rican rain forest. Plant Soil 128, 233–240 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00011114
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00011114