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How strong is intracanopy leaf plasticity in temperate deciduous trees?
Lawren Sack1, Peter J Melcher, Wendy H Liu
1Department of Botany, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 USA;
American Journal of Botany
|June 7, 2011
Summary
Tree leaf form changes within the canopy (intracanopy plasticity) is driven by light, not height. This plasticity optimizes canopy performance across diverse temperate deciduous species.
Area of Science:
- Plant Ecology
- Forest Science
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Intracanopy plasticity in tree leaf form significantly influences whole-plant function and forest understory ecology.
- Limited systematic data exists on the extent of this plasticity, its relationship with height and light exposure, and its variation across species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify intracanopy plasticity for 11 leaf traits across three canopy positions in six temperate deciduous tree species.
- To determine if plasticity is linked to tree height and light exposure (irradiance).
- To assess the variation in plasticity among different species.
Main Methods:
- Studied arboretum-grown trees (13-18 m height) of six temperate deciduous species.
- Quantified 11 leaf traits at basal-interior, basal-exterior, and top canopy locations.
- Utilized maximum likelihood analyses to link plasticity with environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Pronounced intracanopy plasticity was observed, primarily linked to irradiance, independent of height.
- Leaf area decreased (0.5-0.6x) at canopy tops, while stomatal density (1.1-1.5x), sapwood area (up to 1.7x), and leaf mass per area (1.5-2.2x) increased.
- Guard cell and stomatal pore lengths remained invariant; species varied in plasticity for leaf mass, margin dissection, and area ratios.
Conclusions:
- Intracanopy plasticity is largely driven by irradiance, showing convergence across species, suggesting general developmental optimization.
- This bounded plasticity enhances overall canopy performance.
- Plasticity was independent of light requirements for regeneration and canopy gradients in irradiance or height.
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