Alcoholic fermentation in swamp and upland populations of Nyssa sylvatica: Temporal changes in adaptive strategy

Both the upland and swamp varieties of Nyssa sylvatica respond initially to flooding with an acceleration of ethanol production. Under continued flooding the roots of the upland variety sylvatica have decreased rates of ethanol production, very likely a result of the progressively worsening necrosis of the root system. Few of these plants survive a full year of flooding. The swamp variety biflora survives and grows well under flooded conditions due to sequential metabolic and anatomical changes in the roots. Within a month after flooding, var. biflora initiates new roots with greatly accelerated rates of ethanol production, perhaps providing for a short-term compensatory energy source. Long-term acclimation to flooding involves a replacement of these roots and increased oxygen transport to the roots. The hypoxic conditions of the soil environment are avoided, and these rates of ethanol production are similar to those of drained plants.