Differences in the response sensitivity of stomatal index to atmospheric CO2 among four genera of Cupressaceae conifers.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The inverse relationship between stomatal density (SD: number of stomata per mm(2) leaf area) and atmospheric concentration of CO2 ([CO2]) permits the use of plants as proxies of palaeo-atmospheric CO2. Many stomatal reconstructions of palaeo-[CO2] are based upon multiple fossil species. However, it is unclear how plants respond to [CO2] across genus, family or ecotype in terms of SD or stomatal index (SI: ratio of stomata to epidermal cells). This study analysed the stomatal numbers of conifers from the ancient family Cupressaceae, in order to examine the nature of the SI-[CO2] relationship, and potential implications for stomatal reconstructions of palaeo-[CO2]. Methods Stomatal frequency measurements were taken from historical herbarium specimens of Athrotaxi

SUBMITTER: Haworth M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2826259 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature