My PhD studies focus on tropical tree species in a changing climate. It is expected that climate change might particularly affect tropical trees as they are adapted to a moist and thermally stable environment. However, this hypothesis is poorly evaluated due to a lack of data. In this study, we will study traits and mechanisms that predispose tropical trees to mortality following heat and drought stresses. A major focus will be put on hydraulic, photochemical as well as biochemical traits. Using plantations of 20 species on different sites that exhibit large variation in elevation (1300-2400 m) and climate (14-21C; 850-1750 mm precipitation), we will be able to understand the impacts of increased temperature and drought on different species divided into different groups (Early vs late-successional, montane vs. lower-elevation species). Moreover, the water treatments at all sites will help us to disentangle the effect of temperature from that of drought.
Bruno Simmen,
Claire Harpet,
Annette Hladik,
Roger Edmond,
Charlotte Pioch,
Ashouraffi S. Combo,
Nicole Andriaholinirina,
Hery Lisy Tiana Ranarijaona,
Lantotiana M.E. Randriamanana,
Mouna Chambon,
Tian Li,
Camelia Rasoamanantenaniaina,
Aina M. Randriarisoa,
Henintsoa Razanajatovo,
Olivier Jean Leonce Manzi,
Claude Marcel Hladik,
Bernard Riera
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
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2022