Drought-stressed plants may paradoxically open pores to cool down during heatwaves
In short: A study of 20 broadleaf evergreen tree and shrub species found that plants facing drought may behave unexpectedly during extreme heatwaves. While well-watered plants typically close their stomata to conserve water, some drought-stressed species were observed opening them significantly. This behavior appears to be a desperate attempt to prevent leaves from overheating, even though it risks accelerating dehydration and mortality.
The research highlights a critical interaction between heat and water stress. While tree death during droughts is often linked to water transport issues, these findings suggest that extreme heat adds a layer of complexity: plants might sacrifice water for cooling, potentially reaching lethal limits faster than predicted.
The researchers conducted a glasshouse study where they imposed heat exceeding 40°C and drought stress on various species. A limitation of the study is that it was conducted in a controlled glasshouse environment rather than in a natural forest setting.
Why it matters: Understanding how plants balance cooling and water conservation is vital for predicting which species will survive a warming world.
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