ISHS Acta Horticulturae 496: International Symposium on Urban Tree Health
THE POTENTIAL OF CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE MEASUREMENTS TO DETECT SALT AND WATERLOGGING STRESS IN URBAN TREES |
| Authors: | G.C. Percival, A. Galloway |
| Keywords: | stress, diagnostic tool, chlorophyll fluorescence, Betula pendula |
| Abstract:
The measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence for use as a rapid diagnostic tool which detected stress interactions in Betula pendula seedlings is reported. Seedlings in well-drained or waterlogged conditions were subjected to foliar applications of various concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions. Measurements of leaf chlorophyll fluorescence provided strong correlations with visual necrosis (r2adj = 94.5%), and cell electrolyte leakage (r2adj = 86.9%). Leaf chlorophyll fluorescence was not correlated with stem growth. Chlorophyll fluorescence values <0.8 indicated the onset of stress. The opportunities offered by measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence to provide a diagnostic tool for arborists are discussed. | |
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