Possibile uso dell etilene da ferita, prodotto dalle foglie di Cistus Monspeliensis e Pistacia lentiscus, come indicatore biochimico dello stress idrico per la vegetazione mediterranea in condizioni naturali

The research was conducted in 1998 and 1999 in a natural reserve located in north-western Sardinia (Italy). Two typical species of Mediterranean maquis were studied: Pistacia lentiscus L. and Cistus monspeliensis L. From March to November, the wound ethylene produced by the leaves of both species was measured by gas chromatography. During the trial, plant phenology and environmental conditions were monitored. From May to July, a period characterised by severe drought and soil moisture values constantly lower than the wilting point, ethylene production increased in both years for Cistus monspeliensis and in 1998 for Pistacia lentiscus. The amount of ethylene produced dropped sharply as soon as rainfall occurred. Significant relationships between ethylene production and Canopy Drought Stress Index were found.