Drought Resistance Adaptations in Urban Honeylocust    (View PDF)

Donald F. Potts and Lee P. Herrington

Abstract: Honeylocust is being widely planted in urban environments. The species is reputed to be well adapted for survival in these locations, but nevertheless exhibits premature senescence, tissue damage and early mortality on urban sites. Despite ample rainfall or irrigation, the problem seems to be drought induced. Morphologic and physiologic drought stress resistance adaptations of honeylocust were evaluated. Small boundary layer resistances, leaf folding, wilting, small stomata, low stomatal densities, and even premature senescence itself provide the species with more xeric ecological amplitude. However, the species exhibits extremely poor stomatal control over excess water use. Advected sensible heat drives excess evapotranspiration, resulting in long periods of low plant water potentials. This in turn, probably results in metabolic imbalance, loss of carbohydrate reserves, reduced vigor and early mortality.

Keywords: Drought Stress Resistance; Gleditsia triacanthos L. f. inermis; Honeylocust; Urban Forestry

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1982.017