Physiological responses of tree species to waterlogging condition. New Knowledge about species of interest in the urban trees of Bogota

Abstract

The global warming effects in urban areas make preponderant the study of tree species at different conditions of abiotic stress, such as waterlogging. Therefore, it is important to conduct research to select species tolerating these environmental conditions and to find physiological markers for these selection processes. In this study, we analyzed the physiological behavior of six native species with four levels of waterlogging, determining the hydric state, the photosynthetic behavior and loss of electrolytes. According to the parameters evaluated, it is recommended to establish Quercus humboldtii and Ficus. tequendamae in areas with high rainfall and with a tendency to waterlogging. This recommendation arises due to the evident tolerance, allowing these areas in Bogota to maintain urban trees under climate change scenarios. The stability of the cell membranes and the maximum photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II can be used as markers for tolerance under waterlogging conditions in trees.