Abdulla Naseef S A, Kerala Forest Research Institute
Abdulla Naseef S A
Kerala Forest Research Institute
Research interests: Plant Ecophysiology, Leaf Thermotolerance, Plant Functional Ecology
Poster Number / Talk Time

52

Abstract:

High leaf thermotolerance in mangroves and relationship with leaf traits.
A NASEEF, D BARUA, A JAVAD, A K KAUSAL, K A SREEJITH
Tropical Ecology lab, Forest Ecology Department, Kerala Forest Research Institute - Peechi, Thrissur, Kerala, PIN: 680 653, India.

Mangroves are productive ecosystems that provide a multitude of ecosystem goods and services. However, how these systems will respond to future climates with more frequent and severe extreme temperatures has received little attention.  Indeed, there is already evidence of the adverse effects of warming temperatures on these systems, and recent large-scale dieback of mangroves has occurred during periods of severe heat stress.


To understand how vulnerable mangroves are to future warming compared to other terrestrial ecosystems, we quantified leaf thermotolerance and estimated thermal safety margins (TSM) for thirteen mangrove species from the southwestern Indian coast. We quantified thermotolerance as temperatures that resulted in a 50% reduction in photosystem II function (T 50 ) and TSM as the difference between T 50 and estimates of maximum leaf temperatures. Additionally, we tested if thermotolerance was related to leaf traits.


T 50 ranged from 48.5°C in Avicennia marina to 56°C in Bruguiera gymnorhiza, with a mean of 53.3°C for the thirteen species. Both thermotolerance and TSMs were exceptionally high compared to other plant communities. Contrary to other studies, we observed no clear relationships between the leaf traits and thermotolerance. With their high thermotolerance and large safety margins, mangroves may be relatively less vulnerable to increased temperatures.

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