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Abstract
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| There are three native elm species in the Iberian Peninsula: Ulmus glabra Huds, U. laevis Pall., and U. minor Mill.. The first species lives in cool valleys, associated to sub-riparian and riparian species, or as an escort species in eurosiberian forests. Meanwhile, U. laevis grows in riparian forests, and is one of the rare European trees that thrives in seasonal waterlogged soils. Lastly, U. minor lives in flood plain forests and is adapted to warmer climates. Since their habitats differ in ground water availability, we evaluated firstly if vulnerability to xylem embolism caused by water-stress has been a determinant factor affecting their distribution, and second, if their xylem anatomy differs due to water availability dissimilarities. We found clear differences in conductivity and cavitation vulnerability between the three species. Maximum xylem specific conductivity and maximum leaf specific conductivity were two to three times higher in U. glabra. Although the three species were highly vulnerable to cavitation, U. minor was significantly more resistant to water stress cavitation. This species reached 50 % loss conductivity at -1.1 MPa, while U. glabra at -0.5 MPa, and U. laevis at -0.4 MPa. In relation to xylem structure, U. minor had higher wood density and more xylem rays; U. laevis presented higher vessel frequency and percentage of grouped vessels; and U. glabra had the widest vessels. In short, U. minor higher resistance to water-stress cavitation permits this species withstand light summer droughts, while xylem structure favours a more efficient water transport in U. glabra and U. laevis. | |
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International
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Si |
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Congress
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International Symposium on Wood Structure in Plant Biology and Ecology |
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960 |
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Place
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Nápoles, Italia |
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Reviewers
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Si |
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ISBN/ISSN
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00-0000-000-0 |
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Start Date
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17/04/2013 |
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End Date
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17/04/2013 |
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From page
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8 |
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To page
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8 |
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International Symposium on Wood Structure in Plant Biology and Ecology |