Effects of drought on non-structural carbohydrates and C, N, and P stoichiometric characteristics of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings

Zhijuan Zhao1, Lina Wang1, Yuanxi Liu1, Jianli Sun1, Jiandong Xiao1, Qiong Dong1, Lianfang Li1, Wanjie Zhang1, Chao Wang1, Junwen Wu1()

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Journal of Forestry Research ›› 2023, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (1) : 12. DOI: 10.1007/s11676-023-01667-6

Effects of drought on non-structural carbohydrates and C, N, and P stoichiometric characteristics of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings

  • Zhijuan Zhao1, Lina Wang1, Yuanxi Liu1, Jianli Sun1, Jiandong Xiao1, Qiong Dong1, Lianfang Li1, Wanjie Zhang1, Chao Wang1, Junwen Wu1()
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Abstract

To study non-structural carbohydrate characteristics and nutrient utilization strategies of Pinus yunnanensis under continuous drought conditions, 2-year-old seedlings were planted in pots with appropriate water, light and moderate and severe drought treatments [(80 ± 5), (65 ± 5), (50 ± 5), and (35 ± 5)% of field water-holding capacity]. Non-structural carbohydrates, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations were measured in each plant component. The results show that: (1) With increasing drought, non-structural carbohydrates gradually increased in leaves, stems, and coarse roots, while gradually decreased in fine roots; (2) C concentrations of all were relatively stable under different stress levels. Phosphorous utilization of each component increased under light and moderate drought conditions, while N and P utilization efficiency of each plant component decreased under severe drought. Growth was mainly restricted by N, first decreasing and then increasing with increased drought; (3) There was a correlation between the levels of non-structural carbohydrates and C, N, and P in each component. Changes in N concentration affected the interconversion between soluble sugar and starch, which play a regulatory role in the fluctuation of the concentration of non-structural carbohydrates; and, (4) Plasticity analysis showed that P. yunnanensis seedlings responded to drought mainly by altering starch concentration, the ratio of soluble sugar to starch in leaves and stems, and further by altering N and P utilization efficiencies. Overall, these results suggest that the physiological activities of all organs of P. yunnanensis seedlings are restricted under drought and that trade-offs exist between different physiological indicators and organs. Our findings are helpful in understanding non-structural carbohydrate and nutrient adaptation mechanisms under drought in P. yunnanensis seedlings.

Keywords

Pinus yunnanensis seedlings / Drought / Non-structural carbohydrates / C, N, P stoichiometric characteristics

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Zhijuan Zhao, Lina Wang, Yuanxi Liu, Jianli Sun, Jiandong Xiao, Qiong Dong, Lianfang Li, Wanjie Zhang, Chao Wang, Junwen Wu. Effects of drought on non-structural carbohydrates and C, N, and P stoichiometric characteristics of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings. Journal of Forestry Research, 2023, 35(1): 12 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-023-01667-6

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