Comparative Foliar Water Uptake and Leaf Hydrophobicity among Eight Species of California Ferns
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Keywords
Plant Physiological Ecology, Drought, Ferns, Survival, Foliar Water Uptake
Department
Biology
Major
Biology and Music Performance
Abstract
In 2014, Southern California experienced the worst drought in the last 1,200 years. Recent tree ring analysis and climate models suggest that this event may be the front end of a “mega-drought” in the southwestern United Sates. Ferns might be particularly vulnerable. In a region where drought is severe, ecological surveys provide insight into the adaptations of organisms living on the edge of survival. In this study, the mechanisms of drought tolerance for eight species of ferns in the Santa Monica Mountains are assessed with a focus on foliar water uptake and resurrection strategies. We find that species are significantly different (P < 0.001) in their ability to absorb water through leaves and correlate this to minimum seasonal water potential and hydrophobicity of leaf surface. Secondly, we irrigate Pentagramma triangularis in the field and track chloroplast recovery. We find possible evidence of embolism reversal. Taken together, this study explores the methods of survival of the most ancient family of vascular plants.
Faculty Mentor
Stephen Davis
Funding Source or Research Program
Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative, Keck Scholars Program, Summer Undergraduate Research in Biology
Presentation Session
Session C
Location
Rockwell Academic Center 170
Start Date
3-4-2015 5:45 PM
End Date
3-4-2015 6:00 PM
Comparative Foliar Water Uptake and Leaf Hydrophobicity among Eight Species of California Ferns
Rockwell Academic Center 170
In 2014, Southern California experienced the worst drought in the last 1,200 years. Recent tree ring analysis and climate models suggest that this event may be the front end of a “mega-drought” in the southwestern United Sates. Ferns might be particularly vulnerable. In a region where drought is severe, ecological surveys provide insight into the adaptations of organisms living on the edge of survival. In this study, the mechanisms of drought tolerance for eight species of ferns in the Santa Monica Mountains are assessed with a focus on foliar water uptake and resurrection strategies. We find that species are significantly different (P < 0.001) in their ability to absorb water through leaves and correlate this to minimum seasonal water potential and hydrophobicity of leaf surface. Secondly, we irrigate Pentagramma triangularis in the field and track chloroplast recovery. We find possible evidence of embolism reversal. Taken together, this study explores the methods of survival of the most ancient family of vascular plants.