Abstract
Under constant salinity we analysed the leaf characteristics of Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. in combination with gas exchange and carbon isotopic composition to estimate leaf water-use efficiency (WUE) and potential nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE). NaCl was not added to the control plants and the others were maintained at salinities of 15 and 30 ‰ (S0, S15, and S30, respectively). Leaf succulence, sodium (Na), nitrogen (N), and chlorophyll (Chl) contents increased under salinity. Salinity had a negative impact on net photosynthetic rate (P N) and stomatal conductance (g s) at high and moderated irradiances. Potential NUE declined significantly (p<0.05) with salinity by 37 and 58 % at S15 and S30, respectively, compared to S0 plants. Conversely, compared to S0 plants, P N/g s increased under saline conditions by 12 % (S15) and 50 % (S30). Thus, WUE inferred from P N/g s was consistent with salinity improved short-term WUE. Long-term leaf WUE was also enhanced by salinity as suggested by significantly increased leaf δ13C with salinity. Improved WUE under salinity explains the eco-physiological success of mangrove species under increasing salinity. Conversely, decline in NUE may pose a problem for L. racemosa under hyper-saline environments regardless of N availability.
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Sobrado, M.A. Leaf characteristics and gas exchange of the mangrove Laguncularia racemosa as affected by salinity. Photosynthetica 43, 217–221 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-005-0036-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-005-0036-8