Water relations of oak species growing in the natural CO2 spring of Rapolano (central Italy)

The effect of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide on water relations was examined on downy oak (Quercus pubescens) and holm oak (Q ilex) trees. The study was conducted on trees growing in a naturally enriched CO2 spring. Sap velocity and sap flow were measured by the heat pulse technique. On the same trees, daily courses of xylem water potential, leaf conductance and transpiration were monitored. Plant water relations were evaluated by pressure-volume analysis method on shoots; on the same branches, relative conductivity of xylem was measured. Both species exhibited increased osmotic potential and decreased symplasmic fraction of water in trees adapted to increased CO2. Downy oak showed lower stomatal conductance under elevated CO2, but holm oak did not. Both species displayed higher sap flow in control trees. In both species, increased carbon dioxide did not influence xylem embolism formation.