Antitranspirant Effects on the Transpiration and Physiology of Tamarisk

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Abstract
Five‐stamen tamarisk, an important phreatophyte in the southwestern United States, is difficult to eradicate for water salvage. There also is increasing opposition to its eradication because this species provides cover for wildlife and greenery in the environment. The application of nontoxic antitranspirant sprays to reduce tamarisk transpiration may be an alternative to eradication. We tested several antitranspirants, including a combination of the monomethyl and monoglyceryl esters of n‐decenylsuccinic acid (MDSA‐GDSA), 8‐hydroxyquinoline sulfate (8‐HQS), and phenylmercuric acetate (PMA), on tamarisk in greenhouse and field environments. PMA was toxic at a concentration of 0.001 M and was therefore not considered in the evaluation described below. The effects of MDSA‐GDSA and 8‐HQS on transpiration, growth, net photosynthesis, dark respiration, relative stomatal apertures, chlorophyll and protein contents, and foliage temperature were evaluated. Transpiration rates of plants treated with MDSA‐GDSA and 8‐HQS were 25–35% less than those of control plants for 20 days in the greenhouse and for at least 5 days in the field. Growth was reduced for 2–3 weeks, and net photosynthesis for less than 1 week. The other physiological factors were not changed substantially. Foliage temperatures increased 2°–3°C for 3 days following treatment in the field. Further study for possible management application is suggested.