Thermal acclimation of leaf respiration is consistent in tropical and subtropical populations of two mangrove species

Abstract

Populations from different climates often show unique growth responses to temperature, reflecting temperature adaptation. Yet, whether populations from different climates differ in physiological temperature acclimation remains unclear. Here, we test whether populations from differing thermal environments exhibit different growth responses to temperature and differences in temperature acclimation of leaf respiration. We grew tropical and subtropical populations of two mangrove species (Avicennia germinans and Rhizophora mangle) under ambient and experimentally warmed conditions in a common garden at the species' northern range limit. We quantified growth and temperature responses of leaf respiration (R) at seven time points over ~10 months. Warming increased productivity of tropical populations more than subtropical populations, reflecting a higher temperature optimum for growth. In both species, R measured at 25 °C declined as seasonal temperatures increased, demonstrating thermal acclimation. Contrary to our expectations, acclimation of R was consistent across populations and temperature treatments. However, populations differed in adjusting the temperature sensitivity of R (Q10) to seasonal temperatures. Following a freeze event, tropical Avicennia showed greater freeze damage than subtropical Avicennia, while both Rhizophora populations appeared equally susceptible. We found evidence of temperature adaptation at the whole-plant scale but little evidence for population differences in thermal acclimation of leaf physiology. Studies that examine potential costs and benefits of thermal acclimation in an evolutionary context may provide new insights into limits of thermal acclimation.

Keywords: Climatic adaptation; New World mangroves; freeze tolerance; genetic differentiation; homeostasis; respiration.