Diurnal Patterns of Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, and PRI to Evaluate Water Stress in the Invasive Species, Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb

Abstract

Photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and hyperspectral reflectance were used to evaluate diurnal changes of Elaeagnus umbellata to quantify physiological responses of the invasive species during times of stress. Field measurements showed that E. umbellata is able to maintain higher levels of photosynthesis relative to nearby Quercus alba plants, with less water loss. Plants subjected to progressive drought were able to recover photosynthesis one day following re-watering. Laboratory and field measurements revealed decreasing delta F/F1m values in response to drought stress, with little corresponding decrease in photochemical reflectance index values. This research supports the view that xanthophyll cycle dissipation is not the photoprotective mechanism at work for Elaeagnus species under water stress. Elaeagnus umbellata maintains photosynthetic carbon assimilation even under drought conditions, in part, due to chemical dissipation of excess light, and in part because of morphological features that limit excess radiation while maximizing photosynthetic carbon gain. These characteristics may contribute to the invasive success of E. umbellata.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA636850

Entities

People

  • Donald R Young .
  • Jarrod Edwards
  • John E. Anderson
  • Julie C. Naumann
  • Spencer N. Bissett

Organizations

  • Engineer Research and Development Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Assimilation
  • Diurnal Variations
  • Environment
  • Geography
  • Measurement
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North America
  • Photosynthesis
  • Precipitation
  • Quantum Yields
  • Radiation
  • Remote Sensing
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Trichomes
  • United States
  • Virginia

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Marine Ecotoxicology