ASHS 2024 Conference

The plant nursery production industry in Oregon and Tennessee faces escalating challenges from climate change, particularly concerning shade trees like red oak (Quercus rubra) and red maple (Acer rubrum). This research investigated the physiological responses of these species to fluctuations in soil moisture, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and leaf temperature (Tleaf) through field experiments in Oregon's Willamette Valley and Tennessee's nursery regions. Monitoring stomatal conductance (gs) and stem water potential (Ψs) under varied conditions revealed distinct responses between the two species, with red maple exhibiting greater sensitivity to soil moisture and VPD compared to red oak. Additionally, a novel correlation between VPD and maple gas exchange underscores the significance of atmospheric moisture dynamics in plant water management strategies. Furthermore, assessing the impact of abiotic stressors on flatheaded borer (FB) attacks, we found that drought-stressed red maple trees experienced the highest borer infestations. Plant growth was adversely affected by all stressors, with drought stress exhibiting the most detrimental impact. Our findings underscore the complexity of plant responses to climate stress and highlight the necessity of informed water management practices for sustainable nursery production in diverse regional contexts. Bridging knowledge gaps in plant hydraulic physiology can empower growers to adapt to evolving environmental conditions and ensure the resilience of shade tree production systems. Further research is crucial to deepen our understanding of plant hydraulic physiology and its implications amidst climate change-induced challenges.