Abstract Detail

The impact of climate change on plant physiology in natural and agricultural systems

Savage, Jessica [1], Bonfig, Max [2], Ray, Dustin [2], Vandenheuvel, Britton [2], Wear, Alexis [2].

Floral phenology, freezing tolerance and false springs in temperate forests.

Warmer winters are causing many plants to start new growth earlier in the spring, thus leaving them at a greater risk of freeze/frost damage. Because many woody species flower early in the season, floral tissue may be especially vulnerable late freeze events. However, little is known about floral freezing tolerance in many woody, temperate species. To better understand the vulnerability of tree and shrub species to freeze events, we examined the relationship between floral freezing tolerance and flowering time in twenty-five native species. We measured total tissue damage in response to freezing (-4°C) using electrolyte leakage and visually assessed damage to ovaries and germinated pollen. We also did an intensive study on two shrub species to look at how freezing tolerance changes during floral development. Overall, we found that plants that flower earlier in the spring have a higher freezing tolerance, and plants that flower mid-spring (after the chance of freezing is less than 10%) show a dramatic decrease in their freezing tolerance. Our results indicate that plants that flower mid-spring will be more susceptible to false spring events than those that flower early in the season and highlight the vulnerability of tree and shrub species to freezing temperature while in bloom.

1 - University Of Minnesota - Duluth, Biology, 1035 Kirby Drive, 207 Swenson Science Buildling, Duluth, MN, 55812, United States
2 - University of Minnesota - Duluth

Keywords:
physiology
phenology
flowers
freezing tolerance
false springs.

Presentation Type: Colloquium Presentations
Number: C1008
Abstract ID:78
Candidate for Awards:None