Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Semi-High Throughput Screening for Potential Drought-tolerance in Lettuce Lactuca sativa Germplasm Collections
Published on: April 17, 2015
Some effects of soil-moisture availability on above-ground production and reproductive allocation in Larrea
G L Cunningham1, J P Syvertsen1, J F Reynolds1
1Biology Department, New Mexico State University, 88003, Las Cruces, NM, USA.
Abstract:
Data from the US/IBP Desert Biome validation studies indicate that above-ground production and biomass allocated to reproduction in Larrea tridentata vary from one year to another depending upon the timing and extent of soil-moisture availability. In an attempt to verify these observations and determine to what extent water availability can affect total aboveground production and reproductive allocation in this widely distributed warm desert shrub, a series of soil-moisture augmentation experiments were conducted. High levels of soil moisture had a greater effect on reproductive allocation than on total above-ground production. Enhanced soil moisture during the period of active growth increased total above-ground production and reduced the percentage of biomass allocated to reproduction. Enhanced soil moisture during the normal periods of little or no growth did not increase total above-ground production.
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Energy Budgets
Responses to Salt Stress
Light Acquisition
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition

