Xylem cavitation affects the recovery of plant water status and consequently acorn production in a holm oak open woodland

The hydraulic conductivity and gas exchange parameters of holm oak trees (Quercus ilex ssp. ballota (Desf.) Samp.) from an open woodland ecosystem in southwestern Spain were determined in young shoots (a parts per thousand currency sign1 year old) over the course of 3 years, at 6-7 week intervals. Acorn production (AP) was also determined. Specific hydraulic conductivity (K (s)), leaf specific hydraulic conductivity (K (l)), loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC), and xylem water potential (I) were assessed. In addition, histological cuttings of stem cross sections were examined to determine the density and diameter of xylem vessels. Acorn production was related to mid-summer K (s) and PLC values, but not for other dates or to parameters associated with instantaneous gas exchange. Although AP may depend on several physiological and climatic variables, these results indicated a close non-linear relation between hydraulic conductivity during periods of summer water stress and AP. It was difficult to recover xylem conductivity after a rain event when the PLC of twigs exceeded a threshold of approximately 68 %, which therefore had a negative effect on the AP. However, if the PLC a parts per thousand currency sign 55 %, then the hydraulic conductivity and I could be quickly recovered after a rain event and the effect of water stress would have less importance. Because holm oak usually operates at the limits of safety for hydraulic conductivity, which are surpassed under severe water stress (I (predawn) a parts per thousand currency sign -3.0 MPa), a global change scenario leading to drier conditions in the Mediterranean basin will increase the negative effects of summer drought on AP, leading to negative consequences for the ecosystem dynamics. The right choice of drought-adapted ecotypes and silvicultural practices that increase soil water retention and reduce plant competition should be taken into account for forest management.