Increased water use efficiency does not prevent growth decline of Pinus canariensis in a semi-arid treeline ecotone in Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain).

ABSTRACT:

Key message

Intrinsic water-use efficiency of Pinus canariensis (Sweet ex Spreng.) growing at a semi-arid treeline has increased during the past 37 years. Tree-ring width by contrast has declined, likely caused by reduced stomatal conductance due to increasing aridity.

Context

Rising atmospheric CO₂ concentration (C_a ) has been related to tree growth enhancement accompanied by increasing intrinsic water-use-efficiency (iWUE). Nevertheless, the extent of rising C_a on long-term changes in iWUE and growth has remained poorly understood to date in Mediterranean treeline ecosystems.

Aims

This study aimed to examine radial growth and physiological responses of P. canariensis in relation to rising C_a

SUBMITTER: Brito P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4961253 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature