By Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
July 19, 2019
Physiological responses to temperature extremes are considered strong drivers of plant species’ resilience to climate variability.
Two different physiological mechanisms may contribute to cold hardiness, but it is not known if these adaptations have any drawbacks under warming conditions that relax selection pressures. USGS and USDA Forest Service scientists measured the winter and spring freezing responses for 14 populations of big sagebrush collected throughout its range. The relationships of the freezing responses to survival were evaluated in a warm common garden experiment, and in two colder gardens. Observed survivorship patterns relative to physiological thresholds suggest tradeoffs between freezing resistance and survival in warmer or wetter climates. Seeds have often been transferred from relatively cool origins to warmer restoration sites, and the findings describe a likely ecophysiological reason why these seedings have historically been less successful. Results may assist future sagebrush restoration efforts and provide insight on population responses to climate change.
Lazarus, B.E., Germino, M.J., Richardson, B., 2019, Freezing resistance, safety margins, and survival vary among big sagebrush populations across the western United States: American Journal of Botany, https://doi.org/DOI:10.1002/ajb2.1320
Related Content
Plant-Soil-Environment Laboratory (FRESC)
We produce basic and applied science needed to manage landscapes in ways that make them resistant and resilient to stressors such as wildfire, exotic plant invasions, drought, and temperature extremes. These stressors impact ecosystem productivity and functioning and pose costly risks to human health and safety in the western United States. We team with other state and federal agencies to find...
Plant Responses to Temperature and Water Limitation
Weather and climate impacts on dominant native perennials must be understood in order to efficiently manage our western landscapes. We use an ecophysiological approach, linking to population, community, and landscape ecology, to understand the impacts and responses of plants on or to their environment.
Related Content
- Science
Plant-Soil-Environment Laboratory (FRESC)
We produce basic and applied science needed to manage landscapes in ways that make them resistant and resilient to stressors such as wildfire, exotic plant invasions, drought, and temperature extremes. These stressors impact ecosystem productivity and functioning and pose costly risks to human health and safety in the western United States. We team with other state and federal agencies to find...Plant Responses to Temperature and Water Limitation
Weather and climate impacts on dominant native perennials must be understood in order to efficiently manage our western landscapes. We use an ecophysiological approach, linking to population, community, and landscape ecology, to understand the impacts and responses of plants on or to their environment. - Publications
- Partners