Survival strategy of starving trees: the critical role of energy reserves

In extreme climates, plants cannot produce enough energy-rich carbon compounds through photosynthesis. They are then dependent on reserves. According to previous findings, however, these are only formed if enough photosynthesis products are available and growth processes are covered. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry have now discovered that trees continue to build up reserves even during long periods of starvation. In doing so, they refrain from continuing to grow and even digest their own energy-rich components. This new knowledge can be used to improve models that predict the fate of forests in the face of climate change.

Press Release only available in German.