Diurnal changes in photosynthesis in Sclerocarya birrea from South Africa and Israel after introduction and acclimatization in Wenshan, Yunnan Province, China

Abstract

Photosynthetic activity is one of the most important indicators for evaluating the introduction and acclimatization of trees to new geographies. The aim of this study was to investigate the photosynthetic characteristics of marula [Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro (Anacardiaceae)] and the environmental conditions relevant to its growth in China. We analyzed the diurnal dynamics of photosynthesis in two S. birrea varieties, one from South Africa and one from Israel, after introduction into China using a portable photosynthesis measuring system. Our results showed that the diurnal net photosynthetic rate (P n ) exhibited an atypical double-peak pattern that was influenced mainly by stomatal factors. Moreover, the diurnal change in stomatal conductance (G s ) was consistent with that for P n and showed an obvious double-peak curve, whereas the diurnal change in the transpiration rate (T r ) was opposite to that in intercellular CO 2 concentration (C i ), which presented a single-peak curve. The extreme values of the environmental factors we monitored occurred at approximately the same time of day and influenced photosynthesis by affecting C i , T r , and leaf temperature (T L ), with light intensity exerting an especially strong effect. The P n of the S. birrea variety from Israel was higher than that of the S. birrea variety from South Africa, while South Africa S. birrea exhibited superior growth trait in southern China. We suggest that the photosynthetic performance of S. birrea can be acclimated to a new environment.

Physiological responses of photosynthesis in black pepper plants under different shade levels promoted by intercropping with rubber trees

“…defense strategy against excessive water loss, this fact, is usually attributed to an increase of radiation and temperature, typical conditions during diurnal period which has been reported in different species, in leaves and whole plants (Zhu et al, 2012;Morandi et al, 2014;Li et al, 2015;Ferraz et al, 2016;Rodrigues et al, 2016). In the present study, this fact also occurred as a result of the relative humidity reduction during the afternoon period, associated to a significant reduction in the stomatal conductance ( Figure 2).…”

“…Plant responses to environmental factors usually result in changes in the diurnal photosynthetic parameters (Palmer, 2014;Li et al, 2015). Considered as a plant Figure 6: The actual PSII efficiency of energy conversion under light exposure values (F v '/F m ') values at 8:00 (early morning), 12:00 (late morning), and 16:00 (afternoon) in summer (A), autumn (B), winter (C) and spring (D) seasons, for the six treatments related to black pepper distances to the rubber trees: at 2.0 m from on the southern (T2S) and northern (T2N) sides; at 5.0 m on the southern (T5S) and northern (T5N) sides; at 8.0 m (T8), which was the central row of black pepper, and unshaded black pepper (Tsun).…”

Severe simulated herbivory constrains Sclerocarya birrea saplings regardless of resource availability

“…deciduous species widely considered to be both iconic and keystone in semi-arid savannas of southern Africa (Helm & Witkowski 2012). Leaves, fruit, bark and roots are heavily used by both herbivores and people, and the species is widely cultivated (Nyoka et al 2015;Li et al 2015). Marula leaves are known to contain various flavonoids, especially quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin compounds (all flavonols), which contribute to the medicinal properties of marula leaves (Braca et al 2003).…”

“…2015; Li et al . 2015). Marula leaves are known to contain various flavonoids, especially quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin compounds (all flavonols), which contribute to the medicinal properties of marula leaves (Braca et al .…”

Photosynthetic adjustment after rehydration in Annona emarginata

“…These adjustments regulate the photosynthesis during the day (Geiger and Servaites 1994). Therefore, the evaluation of photosynthesis along the day may provide information about the adaptive potential of plants on the environment (Li et al 2015), in special under water deficit conditions (Tominaga et al 2014).…”