Using Vulnerability Curves To Determine Whether Tissue Water Relations Differ Among Fraser Fir Christmas Trees Growing At Different Elevations
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Jessica Noelle Alizieri Stevens (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Howard Neufield
Abstract: The capacity for Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) to adjust to the effects of climate change could have a profound effect on the economy of North Carolina, since this species brings in approximately $100 million each year in revenue. This project uses elevation as a surrogate for warming to determine differences in the functioning of the xylem of trees from farms at low and high elevation in the North Carolina mountains. I hypothesized that Fraser firs growing at low elevation would increase their hydraulic conductivity (Kh) and have a greater vulnerability to cavitation. A higher Kh (the ease with which water moves through the xylem per unit pressure) would enhance the ability to move water to the needles during times of water stress and a lower vulnerability would allow water transport during times of drought. Initial Kh measurements were taken, followed by air-seeding induction of embolisms. The pressure at which Kh is reduced by 50% (Kh50) was determined for all twigs measured. Analyses of the vulnerability curves and baseline Kh did not find any statistical differences in Kh among trees from low and high elevations or in their vulnerability to cavitation. Low elevation twigs did show a significantly greater wood density.
Using Vulnerability Curves To Determine Whether Tissue Water Relations Differ Among Fraser Fir Christmas Trees Growing At Different Elevations
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Created on 6/22/2017
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Honors Project
- Stevens, J. (2017). "Using Vulnerability Curves To Determine Whether Tissue Water Relations Differ Among Fraser Fir Christmas Trees Growing At Different Elevations." Unpublished Honors Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2017
- Keywords
- Fraser fir, Abies fraseri, water relations, xylem,
vulnerability curves