ISSN:
0931-1890
Keywords:
Key words Bark-stripping
;
Fluorescence emission
;
Quercus suber L.
;
Water relations
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract Quercus suber is the primary source for industrial cork and becomes bark-stripped every 9 – 10 years. Recurring cork extraction is a major stress factor and the large water loss from the stripped trunk surface may affect the water balance and tree productivity. To evaluate the effect of bark-stripping, fluorescence emission and stomatal conductance of leaves were determined in groups of bark-stripped and control trees. Fv/Fm ratio was found to be significantly lower in bark-stripped trees indicating a reduced photosynthetic efficiency of PSII. Photosynthesis was not found to be stomata limited. The reduction in Fv/Fm resulted from a decline in maximum and variable fluorescence while the initial fluorescence of the dark-adapted state (Fo) remained constant. A general decline in photosynthetic efficiency of PSII was found in all trees during the summer, probably reflecting the prolonged environmental stresses during a hot and dry season. Additional stress caused by the bark-stripping seems to enhance the susceptibility to photoinhibition of the trees.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/PL00009650
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