Work

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of the Eco-Physiological Characteristics of Picea schrenkiana in the Tianshan Mountains and Its Adaptive Mechanisms

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Trees in arid mountainous forests adapt to seasonal water variability through dynamic eco-physiological adjustments. This study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics and environmental drivers of such adaptations in Picea schrenkiana Fisch. et Mey, a keystone conifer in China’s Tianshan Mountains. We monitored key indicators—including osmoregulatory substances, antioxidant enzyme activities, and stoichiometric traits—across three regions (eastern, central, western) and three seasons (spring, summer, autumn) during the 2023 growing season. The results revealed significant seasonal shifts in all the measured traits (p < 0.05). Spring was characterized by high carbon allocation toward soluble sugars and starch, supporting growth; summer triggered elevated antioxidant enzyme activities to mitigate oxidative stress; and autumn favored nitrogen accumulation and proline synthesis, indicating preparatory storage for winter. Soil factors were primarily positively associated with antioxidant enzyme activity (path coefficient = 0.51; p < 0.001), whereas microenvironmental factors were more complex and often negatively correlated. The partial least squares path model confirmed that osmoregulatory substances centrally link stoichiometric adjustments with antioxidant defense, revealing an integrated physiological strategy. These findings elucidate the mechanism underlying the resilience of P. schrenkiana in arid highlands and provide a framework for its conservation under environmental change.

Source: Plants

DOI: 10.3390/plants15081199