> News & Events > Deciphering tree drought responses across species: linking leaf water potentials with remote sensing greenness and photoprotection dynamics

Deciphering tree drought responses across species: linking leaf water potentials with remote sensing greenness and photoprotection dynamics

This study used drones and leaf-level measurements to track how seven common European tree species respond to drought. Researchers found that a light-based index (PRI) accurately reflected trees’ water stress and recovery after rain, while a greenness index (NDVI) mainly showed leaf loss but not recovery. Combining both indices explained about 70% of the changes […]

This study used drones and leaf-level measurements to track how seven common European tree species respond to drought. Researchers found that a light-based index (PRI) accurately reflected trees’ water stress and recovery after rain, while a greenness index (NDVI) mainly showed leaf loss but not recovery. Combining both indices explained about 70% of the changes in leaf water status. Species less tolerant to drought showed stronger protective pigment activity. Overall, the study shows that linking tree physiology with drone data can improve early warning systems for forest drought stress and enable species-specific drought monitoring across large areas.

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