Ecological differentiation of Viburnum species according to their resistance to hydrothermal stress using water regime indicators

M. I. Hudimov; I. O. Zaitseva

doi:10.15421/012605

M. I. Hudimov Oles Honchar Dnipro National University
I. O. Zaitseva Oles Honchar Dnipro National University

Keywords: hydrothermal stress, drought tolerance, Viburnum, adaptive strategies, plant introduction, hierarchical clustering.

Abstract

Intensified aridization of climate and increase in the frequency of extreme weather events actualize the problem of studying the adaptive strategies of introduced woody plants to ensure stability of the cultivated phytocenoses . The paper presents a co m parative analysis of the physiological stability of 12 taxa of the Viburnum L. genus in the conditions of the Steppe Dnipro region during the growing season with the contrast moisture regime. We established the main directions of phenotypic modifications contributing to realization of the adaptive potential of species in the drought conditions – increased signs of xeromorphism of the leaf morphostructure ( V. lantana , V. сarlesii , V. rhytidophyllum , V. × juddii ), physiological mechanisms of increase in water-holding capacity of the tissues ( V. trilobum , V. × bodnantense , V. prunifolium , V. opulus ) , and complex effect of these reactions ( V. plicatum , V. lentago , V. farreri , V. farreri ' fragrans ' ). Dynamics of the physiological state of plants was assessed based on the monitoring of the set of water regime parameters using the multivariate statistical analysis (hierarchical clustering with the Ward’s method). Results of the study demonstrate a clear differentiation of species according to strategies of their adaptation to hydrothermal stress. Analysis of dendrograms allowed us to identify four stable cluster groups maintaining structural integrity under conditions of moderate moisture and to find “free elements” characterized by chaotic physiological response. T he peak drought load in July was observed to destabiliz e the cluster structure, resulting in the separation of moderately resistant species (in particular, V. lantana ) from the formed groups. Based on the assessment of the stability of interspecific relationships, the taxa under study are differentiated into three categories: resistant, moderately resistant, and nonresistant. Regarding the formation of resistance, the determining role of ecological and geographical origin in this process was revealed: T axa of North American ( V. prunifolium , V. lentago ) and European origin, evolutionarily adapted to the continental climate, demonstrated the highest adaptive potential. By contrast, the representative s of the East Asian flora ( V. carlesii , V. farreri ), being the typical mesophytes of the monsoon climate, showed the lowest drought tolerance. Partial regrouping of the studied taxa under the influence of peak loads is a consequence of sufficiently long period of introduction of these species in the conditions of steppe zone , in the area with unst a ble moisture. As a result, morphophysiological features of the plants under study are transformed. The proposed methodological approach and established ecological differentiation of mesophytic species in the xerothermic conditions allow us to predict the success of introduction and scientifically justify the selection of a sustainable assortment of ornamental shrubs for regions with risky hydrothermal regime.

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