Ecophysiological properties of white and Canadian poplar in habitats with various water regimes

Abstract

In this paper are presented the analyzes of some morphometric properties, leaves area stomata density and the intensity of leaves transpiration of white poplar, Populus alba L. and canadian poplar, Populus x canadensis Moench ‘I 214’ in populations at (1) flooded (wet) and (2) unflooded (dry) habitats on the Ada Ciganlija river island during the growing season. Six trees of each species from both habitats were selected, with similar height, age and physiological condition. The morphometric analysis of the analysed poplar species show that the type of habitat did not influence tree height and trunk as well as the leaves area. However, crown width and trunk diameter were greater in the wetter habitat. It was found that the intensity of transpiration of Populus x canadensis ‘I 214’ trees had higher average values (0,73 gH2Odmˉ²hˉ¹) than white poplar (0,68 gH2Odm ˉ²hˉ¹). Transpiration of both taxa was more intensive on the drier than on the flooded habitats. By analyzing the number and size of stomata on leaves of the investigated Populus x canadensis ‘I 214’ trees, it was found that stomata are more numerous but of smaller size on the leaves from drier habitats. It could be concluded that both species could have impact on microclimate conditions by increasing air moisture content and decreasing air temperature but Canadian comparing to white poplar, slightly greater. Increasing air temperature is a consequence of evident global climate change. Through transpiration plants reduce summer air temperature indirectly, by increasing its relative humidity. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 43007: Studying climate change and its influence on the environment: impacts, adaptation and mitigation]

Keywords

• transpiration
• stomata
• leaf area
• Populus alba
• Populus x canadensis ‘I 214’
• microclimate