Ecophysiological leaf traits of native and exotic palm tree species under semi-arid conditions

Abstract

AbstrAct:The main goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of two palm species under semi-arid conditions during the rainy and dry periods: the semi-arid native Syagrus coronata and a native to tropical America, Acrocomia aculeata. The leaf water potential, gas exchange, leaf soluble sugars, starch, free amino acids, total soluble protein content and morphological traits were measured.The highest leaf water potential and CO 2 assimilation values in both species were achieved during the rainy period. In response to the low soil moisture content during the dry period, gas exchange when compared with values from rainy period. As evergreen plants, both species maintained intact leaf photosynthetic pigment contents during the rainy and dry periods. Other important traits for drought tolerance are larger adaxial surface hypoderm and cuticle found in both species with higher stomatal density on the abaxial leaf surface.When comparing the species, S. coronata exhibited lower sensitivity to low water availability, showing higher CO 2 assimilation and water use efficiency.

Genetic diversity of macaúba fruits from 35 municipalities of the state of Goiás, Brazil

“…-has been used as a raw material in the production of biofuels due to its high content of oil in the fruit, production of various energy residues, besides being a native perennial plant found naturally in almost all the Brazilian territory (Pimentel et al, 2015, Evaristo et al, 2016. The oil of the macaúba mesocarp is rich in oleic acid, and is demanded by both the food and the agroenergy industry (Coimbra & Jorge, 2011).Currently, a large part of macaúba cultivation is restricted to extractive activity, and the few plantations are not yet in full production, and others in some research centers (Oliveira et al, 2016). These research centers in Brazil have been evaluating the genetic potential of different genotypes through quantitative and qualitative analyses as well as physical and chemical analysis of macaúba fruits (Matsimbe et al, 2015).…”

“…Currently, a large part of macaúba cultivation is restricted to extractive activity, and the few plantations are not yet in full production, and others in some research centers (Oliveira et al, 2016). These research centers in Brazil have been evaluating the genetic potential of different genotypes through quantitative and qualitative analyses as well as physical and chemical analysis of macaúba fruits (Matsimbe et al, 2015).…”

Ecophysiology of caatinga native species under semi-arid conditions

“…According to Oliveira et al (2016), the mean PN of S. coronata during rainy and dry periods was 10 and 2 µmol·m −2 ·s −1 , respectively, which also occurred in native species of the Caatinga as shown in Fig. 2 A and B.…”

“…Numerous studies have been carried out in order to obtain better understanding about drought tolerance strategies of Caatinga trees (Oliveira et al, 2016;Suresh et al, 2012). Studies on drought tolerance strategies of adult trees may also be required because they can better explain the physiological resources many species have used to survive and settle in such an extreme environment as Caatinga.…”

Gas exchange in gariroba palms grown under subtropical conditions

“…According to Köppen classification, the climate is Cwa with a warm and rainy season from October to March, medium air temperature from 22 to 24ºC and 1057 mm precipitation; a dry season from April to September, with medium air temperature varying from 18 to 22ºC, 325 mm precipitation, according to Ortolani et al (1995).…”