Nocturnal sap flow as compensation for water deficits: an implicit water-saving strategy used by mangroves in stressful environments

As part of the plant water-use process, plant nocturnal sap flow (Q(n)) has been demonstrated to have important ecophysiological significance to compensate for water loss. The purpose of this study was to explore nocturnal water-use strategies to fill the knowledge gap in mangroves, by measuring three species co-occurring in a subtropical estuary. Sap flow was monitored over an entire year using thermal diffusive probes. Stem diameter and leaf-level gas exchange were measured in summer. The data were used to explore the different nocturnal water balance maintaining mechanisms among species. The Q(n) existed persistently and contributed markedly over 5.5%similar to 24.0% of the daily sap flow (Q) across species, which was associated with two processes, nocturnal transpiration (E-n) and nocturnal stem water refilling (R-n). We found that the stem recharge of the Kandelia obovata and Aegiceras corniculatum occurred mainly after sunset and that the high salinity environment drove higher Q(n) while stem recharge of the Avicennia marina mainly occurred in the daytime and the high salinity environment inhibited the Q(n). The diversity of stem recharge patterns and response to sap flow to high salinity conditions were the main reasons for the differences in Q(n)/Q among species. For Kandelia obovata and Aegiceras corniculatum, R-n was the main contributor to Q(n), which was driven by the demands of stem water refilling after diurnal water depletion and high salt environment. Both of the species have a strict control over the stomata to reduce water loss at night. In contrast, Avicennia marina maintained a low Q(n), driven by vapor pressure deficit, and the Q(n) mainly used for E-n, which adapts to high salinity conditions by limiting water dissipation at night. We conclude that the diverse ways Q(n) properties act as water-compensating strategies among the co-occurring mangrove species might help the trees to overcoming water scarcity.

Automated summary

The study explores nocturnal water-use strategies among co-occurring mangrove species. It shows that nocturnal sap flow (Q(n)) has a significant contribution to the daily sap flow (Q), and it is associated with nocturnal transpiration and stem water refilling processes. The differences in Q(n)/Q among species are mainly due to the diversity in stem recharge patterns and response to high salinity conditions. Overall, the diverse ways Q(n) properties act as water-compensating strategies help mangrove trees overcome water scarcity.