Do Tree Size and Tree Shade Tolerance Affect the Photosynthetic Capacity of Broad-Leaved Tree Species?

Abstract

(1) Background: leaf structure traits are closely related to leaf photosynthesis, reflecting the ability of trees to obtain external resources in the process of growth. (2) Methods: We studied the morphological, chemical, anatomical, stomatal traits and maximum net photosynthetic rate of six broad-leaf species in northern temperate mixed broad-leaved Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) forest. (3) Aim: To investigate whether there are differences in leaf structural traits of trees with different shade tolerances and different sizes and the effects of these differences on leaf photosynthetic capacity. (4) Results: the effects of leaf structure traits on leaf photosynthesis were different among trees with different shade tolerances or different sizes. Under the condition of light saturation, the net photosynthetic rate, nitrogen use efficiency, phosphorus use efficiency and stomatal conductance of shade-intolerant trees or small trees were higher than those of shade-tolerant trees or large trees. (5) Conclusions: the shade tolerance of tree species or the size of trees affect the traits of leaf structure and indirectly affect the photosynthetic ability of plants. When constructing the leaf trait–photosynthesis model, the shade tolerance and tree size of tree species should be taken into account.

Magnetic Field Treatment in Barley: Improved Salt Tolerance in Early Stages of Development

“…A decrease in the total amount of chlorophyll was determined in parallel with the increasing salt dose. Similar results were found in studies (Ru et al, 2023;Song et al, 2023). Chlorophyll content directly affects photosynthesis (Nalley et al, 2023) and is accepted as an indicator of photosynthetic capacity in tissues (Song et al, 2023).…”

“…Similar results were found in studies (Ru et al, 2023;Song et al, 2023). Chlorophyll content directly affects photosynthesis (Nalley et al, 2023) and is accepted as an indicator of photosynthetic capacity in tissues (Song et al, 2023). Since the high photosynthetic activity will increase the production of the substance, it also increases the yield (Ru et al, 2023).…”

Influence of tree size on the scaling relationships of lamina and petiole traits: A case study using Camptotheca acuminata Decne

“…One explanation for this observation is that larger trees experience greater water stress as a consequence of being taller, which requires a greater hydraulic connectivity (Mencuccini, 2003;Ryan et al, 1997Ryan et al, , 2006Sala & Hoch, 2009;Song & Jin, 2023). However, the statistically insignificant relationship observed between PFM and LFM scaling exponents between the two groups is not in agreement with the expectation that the scaling exponents would differ between the two tree size groups (Figure 5b).…”

“…Along these lines, some studies have shown that the leaves of larger trees reduce water potential by increasing the input of solutes such as starch and lipids to obtain sufficient water, resulting in an increase in lamina mass per unit area (Sala & Hoch, 2009;Song & Jin, 2023).…”

“…Foliage leaves are the principal photosynthesis organs of the majority of vascular land plants (Esau, 1965), and the interplay among leaf functional traits at different life stages reflects fundamental tradeoffs in resource acquisition for growth and reproduction under specific environmental conditions (Falster et al, 2018;Jiao et al, 2024;Song & Jin, 2023). A whole leaf typically consists of an expanded lamina and a cantilevered beam-like petiole.…”