Investigations on net CO₂ assimilation, transpiration and root growth of Fagus sylvatica infested with four different Phytophthora species

In this contribution, we compare the influence of four different Phytophthora species on root development, net CO₂ assimilation and transpiration of beech seedlings and saplings. Some few days after inoculation, photosynthesis and transpiration of seedlings infected with either P. citricola or P. cambivora were strongly reduced. In parallel, about 60% of their root systems was destroyed compared to control plants. Three weeks after infection, all seedlings were dead, showing severe wilt symptoms on leaves. Remarkably, P. syringae and P. undulate infected seedlings and older beech plants did not differ from controls regarding photosynthesis and transpiration, although the root systems were damaged. However, a significant influence on net CO₂ assimilation and transpiration of P. citricola infected beech saplings was visible after bud break in the following year. Some days before plants started to wilt, photosynthesis and transpiration were reduced to almost zero. Water use efficiency data (WUE) clearly indicated that infected plants suffered from severe drought.