Effects of drought on non-structural carbohydrates and C, N, and P stoichiometric characteristics of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings

doi:10.1007/s11676-023-01667-6

Abstract

Abstract:

To study non-structural carbohydrate characteristics and nutrient utilization strategies of Pinus yunnanensis under continuous drought conditions, 2-year-old seedlings were planted in pots with appropriate water, light and moderate and severe drought treatments [(80 ± 5), (65 ± 5), (50 ± 5), and (35 ± 5)% of field water-holding capacity]. Non-structural carbohydrates, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations were measured in each plant component. The results show that: (1) With increasing drought, non-structural carbohydrates gradually increased in leaves, stems, and coarse roots, while gradually decreased in fine roots; (2) C concentrations of all were relatively stable under different stress levels. Phosphorous utilization of each component increased under light and moderate drought conditions, while N and P utilization efficiency of each plant component decreased under severe drought. Growth was mainly restricted by N, first decreasing and then increasing with increased drought; (3) There was a correlation between the levels of non-structural carbohydrates and C, N, and P in each component. Changes in N concentration affected the interconversion between soluble sugar and starch, which play a regulatory role in the fluctuation of the concentration of non-structural carbohydrates; and, (4) Plasticity analysis showed that P. yunnanensis seedlings responded to drought mainly by altering starch concentration, the ratio of soluble sugar to starch in leaves and stems, and further by altering N and P utilization efficiencies. Overall, these results suggest that the physiological activities of all organs of P. yunnanensis seedlings are restricted under drought and that trade-offs exist between different physiological indicators and organs. Our findings are helpful in understanding non-structural carbohydrate and nutrient adaptation mechanisms under drought in P. yunnanensis seedlings.

Key words: Pinus yunnanensis seedlings, Drought, Non-structural carbohydrates, C, N, P stoichiometric characteristics

Zhijuan Zhao, Lina Wang, Yuanxi Liu, Jianli Sun, Jiandong Xiao, Qiong Dong, Lianfang Li, Wanjie Zhang, Chao Wang, Junwen Wu. Effects of drought on non-structural carbohydrates and C, N, and P stoichiometric characteristics of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings[J]. JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH, 2024, 35(1): 12-.

Zhijuan Zhao, Lina Wang, Yuanxi Liu, Jianli Sun, Jiandong Xiao, Qiong Dong, Lianfang Li, Wanjie Zhang, Chao Wang, Junwen Wu. [J]. 林业研究(英文版), 2024, 35(1): 12-.

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