Dynamics of tissue heat tolerance and thermotolerance of PS II in alpine plants

Abstract

At first sight heat may not be expected to be an environmental constraint of significant importance in alpine environments, as low atmospheric temperatures are among the well-known common features of the alpine macroclimate (see Körner 2003). Although atmospheric temperatures are low, alpine plants - due to their small, prostrate growth form - often grow very close to the soil surface and can be surrounded by bare soil, causing a decoupling from ambient air temperature. In addition, the decoupling effect is promoted by an appropriate protection from cooling winds, a favourable slope, and exposure to the usually increased solar irradiation at high altitudes.