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Moisture: Effects of Water Stress on Trees

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Stress physiology and forest productivity

Part of the book series: Forestry Sciences ((FOSC,volume 21))

Abstract

Water stress is an important factor limiting the growth and productivity of forests. It can decrease growth directly through its effect on turgor, or indirectly by limiting carbon gain. Water availability can also alter the allocation of carbohydrates between the root and shoot. Trees resist excessive rates of water loss through stomatal regulation, a process which may be mediated by the level of growth regulators transported from the roots during periods of soil water deficits. An indirect effect of water stress on photosynthesis, due to a reduction of gaseous diffusion caused by stomatal closure, often has been noted. However, stress effects in the mesophyll may be more important limitations to photosynthesis than that caused by decreased diffusion of CO2 into the leaf. Responses to water stress, including osmotic adjustment, are also discussed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA

    R. O. Teskey (Assistant Professor)

  2. College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA

    T. M. Hinckley (Professor)

Authors
  1. R. O. Teskey
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  2. T. M. Hinckley
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA

    Thomas C. Hennessey

  2. University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA

    Phillip M. Dougherty

  3. USDA Forest Service, Gainesville, Florida, USA

    Susan V. Kossuth

  4. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA

    Jon D. Johnson

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© 1986 Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, Dordrecht

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Teskey, R.O., Hinckley, T.M. (1986). Moisture: Effects of Water Stress on Trees. In: Hennessey, T.C., Dougherty, P.M., Kossuth, S.V., Johnson, J.D. (eds) Stress physiology and forest productivity. Forestry Sciences, vol 21. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4424-4_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4424-4_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8469-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-4424-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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