Water Relation Characteristics of Prunus laurocerasus L. under Progressive Soil Drought Stress of Crimea’s Southern Coast

Abstract

The study examines the ecophysiological response of Prunus laurocerasus L. to the effects of progressive soil drought and determines optimum zones and threshold values of soil moisture, temperature, and light, limiting the photosynthesis and transpiration during its summer active growth period in the southern coast of Crimea. The paper characterizes the development of water stress and photosynthesis inhibition as well as the subsequent recovery after watering. It emphasizes the chlorophyll loss by lamina under the given condition, which was manifested in the yellow-green color of the midrib and brownish spots on the leaves. This leads to the loss of ornamental qualities in the plants. The obtained data on the plant’s functioning mechanisms in response to the environmental effects provides the basis for the ecological assessment of the evergreen species’ physiology and the possibility to choose from a variety of cultivation practices.