Intraspecific variations in leaf functional traits of Cunninghamia lanceolata provenances

An improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to habitat heterogeneity can be achieved by clarifying the climate-driving factors of the hydraulic and photosynthetic traits of different populations. With a focus on Populus pruinosa Schrenk, which is the predominant tree species in the desert riparian forests of the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, this study investigated the hydraulic and photosynthetic trait relationships and their interactions with environmental factors in 11 P. pruinosa populations using a Pearson correlation analysis, plant trait networks, a redundancy analysis, and a least squares linear regression analysis. The results showed that the degree of variation in the hydraulic traits was higher than that in the photosynthetic traits. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) showed a significantly positive correlation with leaf-specific conductivity (Kl) and the Huber value (Hv). The Hv exhibited a significantly positive correlation with the water-use efficiency and Kl, and the branch–leaf mass ratio significantly affected the hydraulic traits. The groundwater depth (GD) in natural P. pruinosa forest habitats ranged from 3.4 to 7.9 m. With an increase in the annual average temperature, the hydraulic conductivity of the xylem significantly increased; with an increase in GD, Pn and Kl significantly decreased. The temperature annual range, temperature seasonality (standard deviation), min temperature of the coldest month, and GD were significantly correlated with the diameter and average path length of the overall trait network parameters, and these environmental factors affected the coordination of the functional traits of P. pruinosa.

Section: Interplay Between Functional Traits and Environmental Factorsmentioning

confidence: 56%

Interrelationships and Environmental Influences of Photosynthetic Capacity and Hydraulic Conductivity in Desert Species Populus pruinosa

Zhang,

Zhai,

Wang

et al. 2024

“…Similarly, Chinese fir provenance from Lingchuan, Guangxi, which is also characterized by high mean annual precipitation conditions, had high WUE and Pn. These good water conditions favor a high photosynthetic rate that, in turn, resulted in large leaf mass investment [39]. The SLA was high for Chinese fir from Yongchang, Zhejiang; Shanghang, Fujian; and Hongya, Sichuan, where the temperature is relatively high and the precipitation is relatively few in these region.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Variations in Leaf Functional Traits and Photosynthetic Parameters of Cunninghamia lanceolata Provenances

Xu,

Niu,

Wang

et al. 2023

Studying the variation and correlation of traits among provenances is of great significance for the selection of excellent provenances and the interpretation of the acclimation mechanisms of different provenances in the context of climate change. The photosynthetic characteristic parameters and leaf functional traits of 18 Cunninghamia lanceolata provenances in a common garden were measured. Redundancy analysis combined with Pearson analysis was used to analyze the relationship among leaf photosynthetic characteristics, functional traits, and geo-climatic conditions. The results showed the following: (1) Significant differences in functional traits and photosynthetic parameters among provenances were observed, and the gsw and LDMC have the greatest variation as photosynthetic indicators and functional traits, respectively, because of the acclimation ability. (2) Leaf functional traits can better reflect the variation of photosynthetic characteristic parameters. The correlation between most photosynthetic characteristic parameters and functional traits reached a significant level (p < 0.05), and the leaf dry weight (LDW) and specific leaf area (SLA) are key trait factors that determine photosynthetic characteristic parameters. (3) Precipitation appeared to be a key factor that influences intraspecific leaf traits’ variability compared to temperature. This study can explain how provenances acclimate to the environment and which provenances are more suitable for planting in the study area under the context of climate change from a mechanistic perspective.

“…[37], Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) [38], Khaya senegalensis A. Juss [39], and Cordia africana Lam [40].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation and Selection of Excellent Provenances of Eleutherococcus senticosus

Zhang,

Ding

et al. 2023

Eleutherococcus senticosus is a medicinal plant with prominent potential for pharmaceutical preparation that is naturally distributed in Northeast China. Its dried roots, stems, and fruits can be used as herbal medicine with anti-aging, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, and other health benefits. With the continuous increasing of E. senticosus planting areas, some problems, such as a reduction in growth rate, fruit yield, and medicinal substances content, have become serious restricting factors for the long-term stable development of the E. senticosus industry. Therefore, the screening and selection of superior provenances, families or clones with high growth rates and high contents of medicinal substances, is urgent. In this study, 13 provenances of E. senticosus were analyzed and evaluated for growth, leaf, photosynthetic, and medicinal traits. The results showed that the majority of traits exhibited highly significant differences (p < 0.01) among provenances. The phenotypic coefficient of the variation of each trait ranged from 4.8% for leaf water content to 70.9% for total flavonoid content. The narrow-sense heritability of each trait ranged from 0.20 ± 0.23 for WUE to 0.39 ± 0.14 for DB. The variance component of all traits reached a high level, with a range of 62.9% (DB) to 99.6% (SC). The correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between tree height, total flavonoid content, and syringin content. A multi-trait comprehensive evaluation approach enabled the selection of two provenances with 10% acceptance rate (XQ and QY). The subsequent genetic gains for tree height, total flavonoid content, and syringin content were 1.7%, 9.2%, and 20.1%, respectively. In conclusion, the present study provides a fundamental basis for the cultivation and promotion of the superior materials of E. senticosus.