Survival, growth and physiological features of 3 Salicaceae plants planted in Kubuqi desert in Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract

The survival rate, physiology and growth of Populus simonii, Populus alba var. pyramidalis and Salix babylonica trees planted in April, 2013, on a dune slope in Kubuqi desert, Inner Mongolia, China, were studied in August, 2013 and 2014. Their survival rate was high because of much precipitation in 2012 and 2013. The drought tolerance of all species seems to be improved because of raised δ¹³C and osmolytes accumulation in leaves in 2014. However, P. alba is considered to be unsuitable for planting on dunes in Kubuqi desert because P. alba showed stem die-back and low stomatal conductance in dry year