VPDBeech

Investigating the effects of soil water potential and vapor pressure deficit on the growth and vitality of European beech.

This project aims to investigate how European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) responds to two key stressors during heatwaves: low soil water potential and high vapor pressure deficit (VPD). European beech, a crucial tree species in Central Europe, is increasingly affected by extreme droughts and heatwaves. These stressors, stemming from either a lack of water in the soil or dry atmospheric conditions, drive tree growth decline and may eventually lead to dieback.

The study will manipulate soil water potential and VPD in controlled conditions using the TUMmesa climate chambers. By analyzing tree responses, the project aims to determine whether tree growth is more affected by soil drought or high atmospheric dryness during heatwaves. Molecular analyses, including transcriptomic and epigenomic assessments, will be performed to identify biomarkers for early detection of drought-induced damage in beech. These biomarkers could be essential for predicting tree vitality loss even before visible symptoms appear and could inform future forest management strategies and breeding programs.

Building on insights from previous projects (epiSOMA and sensFORbeech), this study will utilize the unique setup at TUMmesa to explore the underlying (epi-)genomic mechanisms driving drought tolerance. The focus will be on linking epigenomic traits of mature trees and the next generation, providing crucial insights into the resilience of European beech under climate stress.

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