Abstract

Physiological responses and growth of two Salix species — S. miyabeana and S. cinerea — were compared during one and two drought cycles. Photosynthetic rate (A_sat), stomatal conductance (g_s), and transpiration (E) were determined for each species. The highest total biomass and root: shoot ratio were recorded for S. cinerea. After two drought cycles, S. cinerea had significantly higher A_sat at wilting and recovery stages compared to S. miyabeana. In addition, after two drought cycles, the stem water potential and water use efficiency were higher in S. cinerea than in S. miyabeana. Based on the results obtained in this study, S. cinerea is more drought tolerant than S. miyabeana.