Self-sustained oscillations in plant water regulation: Induction of bifurcations and anomalous rhythmicity

Authors: Prytz, Gunnar; Futsaether, Cecilia M.; Johnsson, Anders

Source: New Phytologist, Volume 158, Number 2, May 2003 , pp. 259-267(9)

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Abstract:

Summary

• The complex dynamics of the water regulatory system was explored by studying the induction of period doublings (period-1 to period-2 to period-4) and other complicated oscillatory patterns (period-3 and period-5) in the transpiration of young oat plants.

• A gas exchange system was used to record the transpiration of primary leaves of Avena sativa cv. Seger after exposure to various stimuli.

• Period-1 oscillations were induced from steady-state transpiration by a light pulse, by increasing the xylem resistance to water flow or by temporarily lowering the root medium temperature. Similarly, period doubling (period-1 to period-2) was induced by lowering the root medium temperature temporarily or by increasing the xylem resistance. The more complicated oscillatory patterns (period-3, period-4, period-5) were induced by including different concentrations of KCl or KNO₃ in the root medium of root excised, xylem-compressed plants.

• The range of oscillatory curve forms resembles those displayed by mildly chaotic nonlinear systems. The water regulatory system is discussed in relation to these nonlinear systems. Few studies of such complicated dynamics in plant systems exist.

Keywords: transpiration; oscillations; period doubling; bifurcation; chaos; Avena sativa (oat); plant water regulation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1469-8137.2003.00742.x

Publication date: 2003-05-01