Insights into tundra fern physiology from close-distance remote sensing and leaf level gas exchange

Abstract

We have deployed, for the first time, a close-distance remote sensing system to study leaf level physiological processes of Blechnum penna-marina at fine time scales (minute x minute. on Marion Island, over an annual cycle. Combined with this, standard leaf gas exchange approaches were also employed. We placed the remote sensing stations at a range of elevations, and these collected micro meteorological data, as well as an index which indicates levels of plant stress. Experiments using a LICOR 6400xt gas exchange system were performed on low altitude plants, which were acclimated for 3 days at different treatment temperatures. Field data suggested that plants experienced stress above 11°C, and leaf gas exchange information allowed us to explore this relationship in more detail. We used structural equation modelling, to identify the major meteorological factors that influence plant stress response. Machine learning was used to characterize the archetypical diurnal conditions, which in turn allowed us to further understand how plant physiology reacts to the abiotic environment. We argue that this mix of techniques allows the exploration of crucial aspects of how the abiotic environment affects plant function. In conclusion, a multi-tiered approach using both remote sensing and gas exchange will be valuable in future to understand the complex interaction climate has with organisms. - Abstract as displayed in the - Abstract booklet. The presentation on the day may differ from the - Abstract.