Effect of Seasonal, Altitudinal and Climatical Variations on SLA and LMA Parameters of Diospyros kaki L.

Abstract

In the present study, the variation of key leaf characteristics, such as SLA and LMA in plant samples collected from four locations were determined using a Li-Cor portable leaf area measuring device. The effect of seasonal, altitudinal and climatic variations on SLA and LMA was evaluated. There were significant differences (P<0.01) in SLA and LMA values in terms of localities, months, temperature and precipitation. There were both elevation and seasonal variables in SLA and LMA values. The highest SLA and LMA values were in May and December, respectively. SLA and LMA values increased and decreased with increasing elevation, respectively. SLA and LMA of Diospyros kaki were related with temperature and precipitation. Results indicated that there were variations on SLA and LMA parameters due to ecological factors.