The Ecological Importance of Dew

Abstract

Although the ecological significance of dew is the focal point of the review, dew formation, dew measurement, and dew utilization by the plant are examined in detail. Consequently most of the published research on dew is covered either in the 123 papers cited or in the papers cited therein. The absence of a sustained research interest in dew throughout the last 200 years is considered. The author attributes this to the disappointment that must have prevailed each time it became apparent that dew is rarely if ever a limiting ecological factor. Against this background the thesis is developed that perhaps dew plays an important role in plant interactions and the relative ability of plants to dominate a site[long dash]a role yet to be evaluated.