Ecological relevance of minimum seasonal water potentials

dThe minimum seasonal water potential a plant experiences, psi(min), provides an important measure of plant water status, as it reflects the maximum water deficit that leaves and xylem must tolerate to maintain physiological activity. psi(min) also acts as a selective force on xylem structure which, in turn, generates correlations between psi(min) and numerous hydraulic traits. This review focuses on the ecological relevance Of psi(min) as a reflection of overall plant hydraulic strategy. The focus is on plant functional strategies with respect to soil drought, but we conclude with preliminary findings on the role of atmospheric drought.