Abiotic components of the environment
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Sep 09, 2016
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About This Presentation
An overview of the main factors making up the non-living (abiotic) environment of the plant. The requirements of the plant and the effects of absnormal condtions are also mentioned briefly.
Slide Content
Antoine Vella
of the Environment
Antoine Vella
of the Environment
Antoine Vella
Antoine Vella
By this term we mean everything that surrounds the plant and
affects it.This is made up of:
Non-living components –Abiotic
Living components -Biotic
2
By this term we mean everything that surrounds the plant and
affects it.This is made up of:
Non-living components –Abiotic
Living components -Biotic
2
Antoine Vella
These components may be grouped
in threecategories:
Atmosphere –including climate and
weather
Soil –including its physical and
chemical composition
Water–found both in the
atmosphere and soil
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These components may be grouped
in threecategories:
Atmosphere –including climate and
weather
Soil –including its physical and
chemical composition
Water–found both in the
atmosphere and soil
3
Antoine Vella
Because of its presence in both atmosphere and soil, water will
be included in both the other two categories.
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Because of its presence in both atmosphere and soil, water will
be included in both the other two categories.
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Antoine Vella
The main environmental factors of the atmosphere are:
Light –quality, intensity, duration
Temperature –cold and heat
MeteoricPhenomena –
wind, rain, hail, etc.
Composition of the air –
pure elements and
compounds.
6
The main environmental factors of the atmosphere are:
Light –quality, intensity, duration
Temperature –cold and heat
MeteoricPhenomena –
wind, rain, hail, etc.
Composition of the air –
pure elements and
compounds.
6
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Sunlight is the primary source of energy in
nearly all ecosystems.
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Sunlight is the primary source of energy in
nearly all ecosystems.
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Antoine Vella
Visible light is of the greatest importance to plants because it is
necessary for photosynthesis.
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Visible light is of the greatest importance to plants because it is
necessary for photosynthesis.
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Antoine Vella
Light is the energy that is used by green plants (which contain
chlorophyll) during the process of photosynthesis; a process
during which plants
manufacture sugar
by combining water
(found in the soil)
and carbon dioxide
obtained from the
air.
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Light is the energy that is used by green plants (which contain
chlorophyll) during the process of photosynthesis; a process
during which plants
manufacture sugar
by combining water
(found in the soil)
and carbon dioxide
obtained from the
air.
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Antoine Vella
Photosynthesis is the ‘knitting’ together of carbondioxidefrom
the air and water from the soil to produce simple sugars. The
energy needed to do this comes from light.
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Photosynthesis is the ‘knitting’ together of carbondioxidefrom
the air and water from the soil to produce simple sugars. The
energy needed to do this comes from light.
11
Antoine Vella
Light requirements of plants differ and, as a result, distinct
layers, or stratification, can be observed in an ecosystem.
Plants which grow well in bright sunlight are called heliophytes
(Greek helios, sun) while plants which grow well in shady
conditions are known as sciophytes(Greek skia, shade )
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Light requirements of plants differ and, as a result, distinct
layers, or stratification, can be observed in an ecosystem.
Plants which grow well in bright sunlight are called heliophytes
(Greek helios, sun) while plants which grow well in shady
conditions are known as sciophytes(Greek skia, shade )
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Factors such as the
following all play an
important part in an
ecosystem.
•quality of light,
•intensity of light
•length of light period
(day length)
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Factors such as the
following all play an
important part in an
ecosystem.
•quality of light,
•intensity of light
•length of light period
(day length)
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Quality of light refers both to its wavelength and its colour.
Plants absorb blue and red light during photosynthesis.
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Quality of light refers both to its wavelength and its colour.
Plants absorb blue and red light during photosynthesis.
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The intensity (i.e“strength”) of the light reaching earth varies
according to the latitude and season of the year.
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The intensity (i.e“strength”) of the light reaching earth varies
according to the latitude and season of the year.
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Antoine Vella
The northern hemisphere receives more than 12 hours of
sunlight between 21 March and 23 September, less than 12
hours during the following six months.
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The northern hemisphere receives more than 12 hours of
sunlight between 21 March and 23 September, less than 12
hours during the following six months.
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Antoine Vella
The northern hemisphere receives more than 12 hours of
sunlight between 21 March and 23 September, less than 12
hours during the following six months.
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The northern hemisphere receives more than 12 hours of
sunlight between 21 March and 23 September, less than 12
hours during the following six months.
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Certain plants flower only
during certain times of the year.
One of the reasons for this is
that these plants are able to
"measure" the length of the
night (dark periods).
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Certain plants flower only
during certain times of the year.
One of the reasons for this is
that these plants are able to
"measure" the length of the
night (dark periods).
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Antoine Vella
However, it was at
first thought that it
is the day length
(light periods) to
which plants
reacted and this
phenomenon was
termed
photoperiodism.
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However, it was at
first thought that it
is the day length
(light periods) to
which plants
reacted and this
phenomenon was
termed
photoperiodism.
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Antoine Vella
Photoperiodismis the relative length of daylight and darkness
that effects the physiology and behaviour of an organism.
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Photoperiodismis the relative length of daylight and darkness
that effects the physiology and behaviour of an organism.
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Antoine Vella
These plants flower only if they experience nights which are
longer than a certain critical length. Chrysanthemumand
poinsettiaare examples of short day plants.
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These plants flower only if they experience nights which are
longer than a certain critical length. Chrysanthemumand
poinsettiaare examples of short day plants.
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Antoine Vella
These plants flower if they experience
nights which are shorter than a certain
critical length. Spinach, wheat and radish
are examples of long-day plants.
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These plants flower if they experience
nights which are shorter than a certain
critical length. Spinach, wheat and radish
are examples of long-day plants.
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Antoine Vella
The flowering of day-
neutral plants is not
influenced by night
length.
Tomato and maize are
examples of day-
neutral plants.
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The flowering of day-
neutral plants is not
influenced by night
length.
Tomato and maize are
examples of day-
neutral plants.
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Phototropism is the directional
growth of plants in response to
light.
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Phototropism is the directional
growth of plants in response to
light.
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Antoine Vella
Photonastyis the movement of parts of a plant in response to a
light source, but the direction of the stimulus does not
determine the direction of the movement of the plant.
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Photonastyis the movement of parts of a plant in response to a
light source, but the direction of the stimulus does not
determine the direction of the movement of the plant.
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We can see the dramatic
effects of lack of light on a
cactus.
The cladodes which have
developed in lack of light are
small, elongated and pale.
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We can see the dramatic
effects of lack of light on a
cactus.
The cladodes which have
developed in lack of light are
small, elongated and pale.
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Antoine Vella
On this plant we can see
where it was growing in
dark conditions (the
etiolated part).
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On this plant we can see
where it was growing in
dark conditions (the
etiolated part).
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Antoine Vella
Sometimes, lack of light is used by farmers to produce “white”
vegetables such as leeks and celery.This is done by covering part
of the plant so that it grows in darkness and does not develop
chlorophyll.
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Sometimes, lack of light is used by farmers to produce “white”
vegetables such as leeks and celery.This is done by covering part
of the plant so that it grows in darkness and does not develop
chlorophyll.
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Antoine Vella
Too much light can also be harmful for some plants especially
ornamental ones.
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Too much light can also be harmful for some plants especially
ornamental ones.
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Antoine Vella
Although most crop plants need plenty of sunlight, this can also
become harmful of there is too much of it. In warm places like
Malta “overdose” of light is exacerbated because it is always
accompanied by high temperatures.
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Although most crop plants need plenty of sunlight, this can also
become harmful of there is too much of it. In warm places like
Malta “overdose” of light is exacerbated because it is always
accompanied by high temperatures.
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Antoine Vella
These are examples of sunburn on fruits.
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These are examples of sunburn on fruits.
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The distribution of plants and animals is greatly influenced by
extremes in temperature for instance the warm season.
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The distribution of plants and animals is greatly influenced by
extremes in temperature for instance the warm season.
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Antoine Vella
The occurrence or non-occurrence of frost is a particularly
important determinant of plant distribution since many plants
cannot prevent their tissues from freezing or survive the freezing
and thawing processes.
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The occurrence or non-occurrence of frost is a particularly
important determinant of plant distribution since many plants
cannot prevent their tissues from freezing or survive the freezing
and thawing processes.
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Antoine Vella
The opening of flowers during day or night is often due to
temperature differences between them.
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The opening of flowers during day or night is often due to
temperature differences between them.
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Antoine Vella
The seeds of some plants normally
germinate in spring or summer after
having been through a period of low
temperatures; a phenomenon
known as vernalisation.
This chilling ensures that the seeds
don't germinate during autumn so
that the seedlings have better
chances of survival in the warm
weather.
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The seeds of some plants normally
germinate in spring or summer after
having been through a period of low
temperatures; a phenomenon
known as vernalisation.
This chilling ensures that the seeds
don't germinate during autumn so
that the seedlings have better
chances of survival in the warm
weather.
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Antoine Vella
This can also be observed in bulbs which normally flower in
early spring but can be forcedto bloom out of season by
being subjected to a period of chilling.
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This can also be observed in bulbs which normally flower in
early spring but can be forcedto bloom out of season by
being subjected to a period of chilling.
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Antoine Vella
Some fruit trees such as the peach require a cold period each
year so that they can blossom in spring.
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Some fruit trees such as the peach require a cold period each
year so that they can blossom in spring.
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Antoine Vella
Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter and enter into a state
of dormancy, where the buds are covered for protection against
the cold.
Peach buds Plum buds 46
Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter and enter into a state
of dormancy, where the buds are covered for protection against
the cold.
Peach buds Plum buds 46
Antoine Vella
.
Cherry buds Apricot buds
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.
Cherry buds Apricot buds
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Antoine Vella
In deserts, there is a greater temperature variation between day
and night and organisms have distinct periods of activity and
dormancy.
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In deserts, there is a greater temperature variation between day
and night and organisms have distinct periods of activity and
dormancy.
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Antoine Vella
Hightemperaturescausedamagenotonlydirectlybutalsobecause
theyareusuallyaccompaniedbylowhumidityanddraught.This
causesdehydrationoftheplanttissuesandresultinitsdeath.
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Hightemperaturescausedamagenotonlydirectlybutalsobecause
theyareusuallyaccompaniedbylowhumidityanddraught.This
causesdehydrationoftheplanttissuesandresultinitsdeath.
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Antoine Vella
Low temperatures can hinder and inhibit the rate of
development and cause bloom fall. Most plants are damaged if
temperatures drop below 0°C.
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Low temperatures can hinder and inhibit the rate of
development and cause bloom fall. Most plants are damaged if
temperatures drop below 0°C.
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Antoine Vella
Effects of
extreme cold on
oranges
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Effects of
extreme cold on
oranges
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Antoine Vella
Right: Leaf death due to excessive
hot temperatures and dry winds.
Below: Kernel abortion resulting
from heat stress to plant.
Bottom rigght: Kernel abortion
resulting from heat stress to plant.
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Right: Leaf death due to excessive
hot temperatures and dry winds.
Below: Kernel abortion resulting
from heat stress to plant.
Bottom rigght: Kernel abortion
resulting from heat stress to plant.
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Antoine Vella
Capsicum under extreme
heat.
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Capsicum under extreme
heat.
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Antoine Vella
By this term we refer to the chemical elements found in the air.
Apart from the natural
elements one can also
find more complex
compounds, some of
which are harmful.
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By this term we refer to the chemical elements found in the air.
Apart from the natural
elements one can also
find more complex
compounds, some of
which are harmful.
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Antoine Vella
The most important gases used by
plants and animals are:
Oxygen(O)is used by all living
organisms during respiration.
Carbon dioxide (CO
2)is used by green
plants during photosynthesis.
Nitrogen(N) is made available to
plants by certain bacteria and through
the action of lightning.
57
The most important gases used by
plants and animals are:
Oxygen(O)is used by all living
organisms during respiration.
Carbon dioxide (CO
2)is used by green
plants during photosynthesis.
Nitrogen(N) is made available to
plants by certain bacteria and through
the action of lightning.
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Winds or air currents arise on a world-wide scale as a result of a
complex interaction between hot air expanding and rising (convection)
in the mid-latitudes.
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Winds or air currents arise on a world-wide scale as a result of a
complex interaction between hot air expanding and rising (convection)
in the mid-latitudes.
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Antoine Vella
This has various effects on the rotation of the earth and results
in a centrifugal force which tends to lift the air at the equator.
This force is known as the Coriolisforceand tends to deflect
winds to their left of the southern hemisphere and to the right in
the northern hemisphere.
62
This has various effects on the rotation of the earth and results
in a centrifugal force which tends to lift the air at the equator.
This force is known as the Coriolisforceand tends to deflect
winds to their left of the southern hemisphere and to the right in
the northern hemisphere.
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Winds carry water vapour which may condense and fall in the
form of rain, snow or hail.
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Winds carry water vapour which may condense and fall in the
form of rain, snow or hail.
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Antoine Vella
Wind plays a role in pollination and seed
dispersal of some plants.
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Wind plays a role in pollination and seed
dispersal of some plants.
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Antoine Vella
Wind erosion can remove and redistribute topsoil, especially where
vegetation has been reduced and the soil loosened by cultivation
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Wind erosion can remove and redistribute topsoil, especially where
vegetation has been reduced and the soil loosened by cultivation
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Antoine Vella
Diagram showing the effects of wind on soildparticles of
different sizes.
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Diagram showing the effects of wind on soildparticles of
different sizes.
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Antoine Vella
Warm dry winds result in desiccation which creates a fire hazard.
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Warm dry winds result in desiccation which creates a fire hazard.
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Antoine Vella
If plants are exposed to strong prevailing winds they often grow
in particular shapes to withstand the constant strain.
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If plants are exposed to strong prevailing winds they often grow
in particular shapes to withstand the constant strain.
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In the context of this
presentation, “meteoric” is used
in the sense of meteorological,
that is, weather events. These
obviously have a direct effect on
plants and animals living in the
areas where the occur.
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In the context of this
presentation, “meteoric” is used
in the sense of meteorological,
that is, weather events. These
obviously have a direct effect on
plants and animals living in the
areas where the occur.
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Plant and animal habitats vary from entirely aquatic environments
to very dry deserts. Water is essential for life and all organisms
depend on it to survive in especially desert areas. 82
Plant and animal habitats vary from entirely aquatic environments
to very dry deserts. Water is essential for life and all organisms
depend on it to survive in especially desert areas. 82
Antoine Vella
Plants can be classified into 3 groups according to their water
requirements:
Hydrophytes
Mesophytes
Xerophytes
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Plants can be classified into 3 groups according to their water
requirements:
Hydrophytes
Mesophytes
Xerophytes
83
Antoine Vella
Hydrophytesare plants which grow in water
e.g. water-lilies.
Mesophyteshave average water
requirements e.g. most crops.
Xerophytesgrow in dry environments e.gcactus.
84
Hydrophytesare plants which grow in water
e.g. water-lilies.
Mesophyteshave average water
requirements e.g. most crops.
Xerophytesgrow in dry environments e.gcactus.
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Antoine Vella
Water cycles through the biosphere in the manner is described
in the figure below and on the next slide.
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Water cycles through the biosphere in the manner is described
in the figure below and on the next slide.
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Antoine Vella
When rain falls, some of the water sinks or percolates into the
ground and saturates the earth to a certain level. The top of the
saturation level is called the groundwater table or simply the
water table.
Ground water is also sometimes
located in a porous layer, called
an aquifer, that lies between two
sloping layers of impervious rock.
Wells can be used to extract
some of this water for human
consumption.
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When rain falls, some of the water sinks or percolates into the
ground and saturates the earth to a certain level. The top of the
saturation level is called the groundwater table or simply the
water table.
Ground water is also sometimes
located in a porous layer, called
an aquifer, that lies between two
sloping layers of impervious rock.
Wells can be used to extract
some of this water for human
consumption.
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Antoine Vella
The effects of too much or too little water on
the plant will be discussed in the soil section of
this course.
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The effects of too much or too little water on
the plant will be discussed in the soil section of
this course.
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Antoine Vella
As each plant has a specific water requirement and both
extremes, too much or too little, are harmful. Even a fluctuating
supply can up the plant’s metabolism and be detrimental.
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As each plant has a specific water requirement and both
extremes, too much or too little, are harmful. Even a fluctuating
supply can up the plant’s metabolism and be detrimental.
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Antoine Vella
Waterlogging causes yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, small
and shallow root systems in plants.
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Waterlogging causes yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, small
and shallow root systems in plants.
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Antoine Vella
Soil flooding for a sufficiently long period of time will cause plant
roots to die of asphyxiation.
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Soil flooding for a sufficiently long period of time will cause plant
roots to die of asphyxiation.
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Antoine Vella
Waterlogging prevents the roots from functioning properly and this
causes, among other things, wilting and leaf-drop.
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Too much water causes roots to
rot, unless the plant is specially
adapted to such a condition.
Waterlogging prevents the roots from functioning properly and this
causes, among other things, wilting and leaf-drop.
95
Too much water causes roots to
rot, unless the plant is specially
adapted to such a condition.
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Dew is water in the form of
droplets that appears on thin,
exposed objects in the morning
or evening. As the exposed
surface cools at night the
moisture in the air condenses
and forms water droplets.
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Dew is water in the form of
droplets that appears on thin,
exposed objects in the morning
or evening. As the exposed
surface cools at night the
moisture in the air condenses
and forms water droplets.
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Antoine Vella
In dry Mediterranean climates, dew is an extremely important
source of water for trees in summer.
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In dry Mediterranean climates, dew is an extremely important
source of water for trees in summer.
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Antoine Vella
On the island of Pantelleria, special structures are built around
single citrus tree.
These are know as
“giardiniPanteschi”
and are essential
for the survival of
the tree.
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On the island of Pantelleria, special structures are built around
single citrus tree.
These are know as
“giardiniPanteschi”
and are essential
for the survival of
the tree.
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Antoine Vella
Dew is collected on the stones forming the walls and this
provides enough moisture for the orange tree to survive.
103
Dew is collected on the stones forming the walls and this
provides enough moisture for the orange tree to survive.
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Antoine Vella
Dew is essential for the
survival of many plants in hot
dry summers but it can also
favour the onset of disease as
many fungal pathogens thrive
in the high relative humidity.
104Mould forming on grapes.
Dew is essential for the
survival of many plants in hot
dry summers but it can also
favour the onset of disease as
many fungal pathogens thrive
in the high relative humidity.
104Mould forming on grapes.
Antoine Vella
Many fungal pathogens are so
dependent on the right
environmental conditions (T and
RH) that farmers can predict when
attacks will take place by looking
at weather forecasts.
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Many fungal pathogens are so
dependent on the right
environmental conditions (T and
RH) that farmers can predict when
attacks will take place by looking
at weather forecasts.
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The formation of mist follows
the same principle as that of
dew. Water moisture in the air
condenses and forms tiny
droplets.
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The formation of mist follows
the same principle as that of
dew. Water moisture in the air
condenses and forms tiny
droplets.
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Hail damage on tomato plants.
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Hail damage on tomato plants.
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Deciduous trees drop
their leaves to protect
themselves from the
effects of snow and
very low
temperatures.
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Deciduous trees drop
their leaves to protect
themselves from the
effects of snow and
very low
temperatures.
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Conifers have
physical adaptations
-especially in their
leaves -to withstand
being covered in
snow without
suffering injury.
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Conifers have
physical adaptations
-especially in their
leaves -to withstand
being covered in
snow without
suffering injury.
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When immature crops are damaged by frost, yield and quality
can all be affected.
120
When immature crops are damaged by frost, yield and quality
can all be affected.
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Antoine Vella
The effect of frost on yield
depends on how much leaf
area is killed and the stage of
development when the frost
occurs.
121
The effect of frost on yield
depends on how much leaf
area is killed and the stage of
development when the frost
occurs.
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Antoine Vella
When only a portion of leaves
are killed, those not killed can
and will continue to function
and contribute to yield if good
growing conditions exist after
the frost.
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When only a portion of leaves
are killed, those not killed can
and will continue to function
and contribute to yield if good
growing conditions exist after
the frost.
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