ISSN:
1432-1939
Keywords:
Cold resistance mechanisms
;
Supercooling
;
Life forms
;
High desert mountains
;
Chile
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Freezing tolerance and freezing avoidance were studied, during the growing season, in plant species from two different elevations (3200 m and 3700 m) in a desert region of the high Andes (29° 45′S, 69° 59′W) in order to determine whether there was a relationship between plant height and cold resistance mechanisms. Freezing injury and supercooling capacity were determined in plants of different height, from ground-level (〈20 cm tall) to tall shrubs (27–90 cm). All ground-level plants showed freezing tolerance as the main mechanism for resistance to freezing temperatures. Tall shrubs avoided freezing temperatures, mainly through supercooling. Supercooling was only present in plants occupying the lower elevation (i.e., 3200 m). Both avoidance and tolerance mechanisms are present in a single genus (i.e., Adesmia).
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00330019
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