Long-term effect of carbohydrate reserves on growth and reproduction of Prosopis denudans (Fabaceae): implications for conservation of woody perennials.

Prosopis denudans, an extreme xerophyte shrub, is consumed by ungulates and threatened by firewood gathering, because it is one of the preferred species used by Mapuche indigenous people of Patagonia. In a scenario of uncontrolled use of vegetation, it is very difficult to develop a conservation plan that jointly protects natural resources and its users. We performed a field experiment to assess the impact of defoliation on growth, reproduction and stores of a wild population of P.

Phenological responses to temperature of an annual and a perennial Lesquerella species.

Background And Aims: The annual Lesquerella fendleri, native to the south-western desert of United States and Mexico, and the perennial L. mendocina, native to Argentina, may have potential as new crops for cold-arid environments. The introduction of a new crop requires an understanding of environmental influences on growth and development, particularly temperature, which has been recognized as the main factor affecting the rate of development in crops.

PHOTOSYNTHETIC PATHWAYS OF HESPERALOE FUNIFERA AND H. NOCTURNA (AGAYACEAE): NOVEL SOURCES OF SPECIALTY FIBERS.

Hesperaloe funifera and H. nocturna are currently being studied as potential new sources of fibers for specialty papers. This study investigated canopy architecture and light interception in H.