Cuticular Needle Erosion and Winter Drought in Polluted Environments - A Model Analysis

Maekelae, A. & Huttunen, S. (1987). Cuticular Needle Erosion and Winter Drought in Polluted Environments - A Model Analysis. IIASA Working Paper. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: WP-87-048

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Abstract

A method is developed for analyzing the consequences of pollutant-imposed cuticular erosion for the tolerance of winter drought in coniferous trees. The erosion rate of cuticular wax is modeled in terms of the contact angle of water droplets, as a function of sulphur dioxide, air temperature and relative humidity. Whole tree transpiration during drought is considered, assuming that the state of erosion affects the cuticular resistance of each needle age class. A formula is derived to compare transpiration with the water available in foliage and stem storage. The derivations are applied to a numerical example concerning the transpiration during a warm spell in the spring. Under certain assumptions, increased cuticular transpiration may well give rise to increased winter drought damage. However, many of the parameters and processes still need to be more thoroughly investigated. The most critical open question appears to be the quantitative relationship between cuticular resistance and the state of erosion of the cuticle.

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