Changes in osmotic potential during bud break and leaf development of nothofagus menziesii, weinmannia racemosa, quintinia acutifolia, and ixerba brexioides

Abstract

Osmotic potential (ψs) was determined from freezing point depression measurement on leaf exudates. Similar values of ψs were found from pressure volume methods. Increased ψs before and during budbreak was followed by a recovery towards normal values. This pattern is similar to that usually reported for evergreen trees. ψs was generally higher on sites of greater altitude reflecting the wetter environment. The results suggest that the seasonal variation in ψs is greater than betweensite differences. © 1983 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.