Leaf mechanical resistance in plant trait databases: comparing the results of two common measurement methods

ENRICO, L; DÍAZ, S; WESTOBY, M; RICE, BL

ANNALS OF BOTANY

OXFORD UNIV PRESS

Lugar: Oxford; Año: 2015

0305-7364

Background and Aims The influence of leaf mechanical properties on local ecosystem processes, such as trophictransfer, decomposition and nutrient cycling, has resulted in a growing interest in including leaf mechanical resistancein large-scale databases of plant functional traits. ?Specific work to shear? and ?force to tear? are two propertiescommonly used to describe mechanical resistance (toughness or strength) of leaves. Two methodologies have beenwidely used to measure them across large datasets. This study aimed to assess correlations and standardization betweenthe two methods, as measured by two widely used apparatuses, in order to inter-convert existing data in thoseglobal datasets. Methods Specific work to shear (WSS) and force to tear (FT) were measured in leaves of 72 species from southeasternAustralia. The measurements were made including and excluding midribs. Relationships between the variableswere tested by Spearman correlations and ordinary least square regressions. Key Results A positive and significant correlation was found between the methods, but coefficients varied accordingto the inclusion or exclusion of the midrib in the measurements. Equations for prediction varied accordingto leaf venation pattern. A positive and significant (r¼090, P