Integrating within-crown variation in net photosynthesis in loblolly and slash pine families

We examined photosynthetic characteristics of two fast- and two slow-growing half-sib families of both loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii Engelm.) on two sites in northern Florida to: (1) quantify variation in light-saturated net photosynthesis (Amax) associated with vertical crown position and foliage age; (2) quantify the amount and distribution of leaf area by foliage age class; and (3) determine whether photosynthetic indices, ranging from leaf-level through whole-crown Amax, were related to growth differences among species and families. In both species, leaf-level Amax was higher in more recently formed foliage both within the same year (where Amax in the third flush averaged 10 to 30% higher than Amax in the first flush) and between years (where Amax in current-year foliage averaged 20 to 40% higher than Amax in 1-year-old foliage). When expressed on a leaf area basis, Amax of current-year foliage was higher in slash pine than in loblolly pine, but Amax expressed on a mass basis did not differ between species. Loblolly pine had higher whole-tree leaf area than slash pine, whereas whole-tree Amax did not differ between species. When the mean values for fast-growing families were compared with the mean values for slow-growing families, there were no differences in leaf-level characteristics, whereas at the whole-tree level, fast-growing families had higher leaf area and whole-tree Amax than slow-growing families in both species. When comparisons were made among the individual fast- and slow-growing families, however, results were more variable. In both species, stem volume growth was strongly correlated with whole-tree Amax, with most of the strength of the correlation deriving from the relationship between volume growth and tree leaf area.     

Relationship of wood composition to growth traits of selected open-pollinated families of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus urophylla</Emphasis> from a progeny trial in Vietnam

Lignin and cellulose contents and wood basic density were related to diameter at breast height (DBH) in six fast-growing and five slow-growing families from a combined progeny test and seedling seed orchard of Eucalyptus urophylla grown for 10 years in northern Vietnam. The mean cellulose content of the fast-growing families was significantly higher than that of the slow growing-families (40.0 and 37.1%, respectively), and for individual trees cellulose content was significantly correlated phenotypically with DBH. Wood basic density was significantly lower in the fast-growing group than in the slow-growing group (0.506 and 0.535 g cm⁻³, respectively), and was significantly negatively correlated phenotypically with DBH. The lignin contents were not significantly different between groups. Cellulose content and wood basic density were not correlated. The main conclusion is that there is no obstacle to combining high growth rate with high cellulose content, for plantation of forests intended mainly for pulpwood.     

Diurnal changes in gas exchange and carbon partitioning in needles of fast- and slow-growing families of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

We investigated diurnal and seasonal changes in carbon acquisition and partitioning of recently assimilated carbon in fast- and slow-growing families of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) to determine whether fast-growing families exhibited greater carbon gain at the leaf level. Since planting on a xeric infertile site in Scotland County, NC, USA in 1993, five Atlantic Coastal Plain (ACP) and five "Lost Pines" Texas (TX) families have been grown with either optimal nutrition or without fertilization (control). In 1998 and 1999, gas exchange parameters were monitored bimonthly in four families and needles were analyzed bimonthly for starch and soluble sugar concentrations. Although diurnal and seasonal effects on net photosynthesis (A(net)) and maximum rate of light-saturated photosynthesis (A(max)) were significant, few family or treatment differences in gas exchange characteristics were observed. The A(net) peaked at different times during the day over the season, and A(max) was generally highest in May. Instantaneous water-use efficiency (WUE(i)), derived from gas exchange parameters, did not differ among families, whereas foliage stable isotope composition (delta(13)C) values suggested that TX families exhibited lower WUE than more mesic ACP families. Although there were no diurnal effects on foliar starch concentrations, needles exhibited pronounced seasonal changes in absolute concentrations of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), starch and soluble sugars, and in partitioning of TNC to starch and sugars, mirroring seasonal changes in photosynthesis and shoot and root growth. In all families, foliar starch concentrations peaked in May and decreased to a minimum in winter, whereas reducing sugar concentrations were highest in winter. Some family and treatment differences in partitioning of recently assimilated carbon in needles were observed, with the two TX families exhibiting higher concentrations of TNC and starch and enhanced starch partitioning compared with the ACP families. We conclude that growth differences among the four families are not a function of differences in carbon acquisition or partitioning at the leaf level.     

Ammonium and nitrate uptake, nitrogen productivity and biomass allocation in interior spruce families with contrasting growth rates and mineral nutrient preconditioning

Four full-sib families of interior spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) x Picea engelmanii Parry ex Engelm.) with contrasting growth rates (two fast-growing and two slow-growing families) were grown aeroponically with either a 2% relative nitrogen addition rate or free access to nitrogen. Fast-growing families showed greater plasticity in allocating biomass to shoots at high nitrogen supply and to roots at low nitrogen supply than slow-growing families. Compared with the slow-growing families, short-term net ammonium uptake rate measured with an ion selective electrode was significantly greater in fast-growing families at high ammonium supply, but not at low supply. Net nitrate uptake showed the same trend, but differences among families were not significant. Results indicate that differences in seedling growth rate are partly a result of physiological differences in net nitrogen uptake efficiency and nitrogen productivity.     

Family variation in gas exchange, growth and leaf traits of black locust half-sib families

Variations in several growth, gas exchange and leaf traits among greenhouse-grown black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seedlings from 11 half-sib families were investigated. Three weeks after germination, early growth rates ranged from a minimum of 1 cm d(-1) in the slowest growing family, to a maximum of 3 cm d(-1) in the fastest growing family. Significant family variation in net photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area (P(N)), stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, height, diameter, stem dry weight and total dry weight was observed. Net photosynthetic rate declined with seedling age. Net photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area was significantly correlated (r < 0.4) with specific leaf area, total chlorophyll, root dry weight, foliage dry weight and total dry weight. The correlation coefficients were higher (r >/= 0.55) between P(N) x total leaf area and growth traits (height, stem dry weight, foliage dry weight and total dry weight). The study indicated that variation in leaf area among the families was one reason for the lack of a strong relationship between P(N) and growth.     

Growth and phenology of seedlings of four contrasting slash pine families in ten nitrogen regimes

Seedlings of two fast- and two slow-growing families of slash pine, Pinus elliottii Englm. var. elliottii, were grown in a greenhouse for one growing season in one of 10 nitrogen (N) regimes. Increasing the N concentration in the nutrient solution resulted in both increased growth rates during the exponential growth phase and extended duration of the growing season. The two components of total height, free growth (epicotyl length to the first bud) and summer growth (height growth after the first bud), both increased significantly with increasing N concentrations up to 40-60 mg l(-1) but decreased at N concentrations above 180 mg l(-1). Compared to seedlings grown in the presence of an optimum N concentration, seedlings grown in the presence of trace amounts of N were smaller and had less summer growth as a percentage of total growth, earlier cessation of height growth, fewer flushes, lower shoot/root ratio, higher root fibrosity, and lower N concentrations in all seedling tissues. Compared to slow-growing families, fast-growing families had more summer height growth, more flushes and later growth cessation, higher shoot/root ratios and higher root fibrosity at all N concentrations. In the presence of an optimum or higher concentration of N, the fast-growing families also had higher needle and total N concentrations than the slow-growing families. Strong family by N-treatment interactions occurred for height, phenology and biomass traits because of the extra responsiveness of one family to increasing N concentration. Several seedling traits were identified that appear promising for predicting field performance in slash pine. The results indicated that the nutrient environment greatly influences genetic expression (e.g., family patterns of summer growth were most closely related to field rankings for seedlings in the trace-N treatment).     

红锥1.5代种子园半同胞子代苗期生长差异分析

对苗圃中种植的红锥1.5代种子园中采集到的34个半同胞子代家系的株高、地径、叶片数量、光合能力（SPAD法）、叶片长度、叶片宽度和叶面积等7个表型进行测定,并计算叶片长宽比,结果表明：15个月生红锥的平均株高为47.2cm,株高平均变异系数为25.4%,平均地径为5.4mm,地径平均变异系数为20.7%,平均叶片数量为55.3片,平均SPAD值为38.2,平均叶片长度、叶片宽度和叶面积分别为9.0cm、2.5cm和14.3cm2,平均叶片长宽比为3.6。方差分析的结果显示8个生长表型在不同家系间均存在显著差异。通过苗期株高、地径的综合评价,参考其生长量的变异系数,共筛选出4个苗期表现优良的红锥家系,分别为A02、A08、A15和A31。     

Canopy dynamics and aboveground production of five tree species with different leaf longevities

Canopy dynamics and aboveground net primary production (ANPP) were studied in replicated monospecific and dual-species plantations comprised of species with different leaf longevities. In the monospecific plantations, leaf longevity averaged 5, 6, 36, 46 and 66 months for Quercus rubra L., Larix decidua Miller, Pinus strobus L., Pinus resinosa Ait. and Picea abies (L.) Karst., respectively. Specific leaf area, maximum net photosynthesis per unit mass (A/mass), leaf N per unit mass (N(leaf)/mass) and maximum net photosynthesis on a leaf N basis (A/N(leaf)) were inversely correlated to leaf longevity (r(2) = 0.92-0.97, 0.91, 0.88 and 0.80, respectively). Maximum net photosynthesis per unit area (A/area) was not correlated to leaf longevity, whereas leaf N per unit area (N(leaf)/area) was positively correlated to leaf longevity (r(2) = 0.95). For a similar-diameter conifer, species with long-lived foliage supported a greater foliage mass than species with short-lived foliage; however, Quercus rubra did not follow this pattern. At the stand level, total foliage mass ranged from 3.3 to 30.5 Mg ha(-1) and was positively correlated (r(2) = 0.97) to leaf longevity. Leaf area index (LAI) was also positively correlated (r(2) = 0.82) to leaf longevity. Production efficiency (ANPP/LAI) was inversely related to leaf longevity and positively related to A/mass. Aboveground biomass and net primary production differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the five species but were not correlated to leaf longevity, total foliage mass or leaf area. In monospecific plantations, stem NPP for Larix decidua was 17% greater than for Pinus strobus and 14% less than for Picea abies, but in mixed-species plantations stem NPP for Larix decidua was 62 and 85% greater than for Pinus strobus and Picea abies, respectively. Similar aboveground net primary production rates can be attained by tree species with different leaf longevities because of trade-offs resulting from different structural and physiological leaf and canopy characteristics that are correlated to each other and to leaf longevity.     

Family variation in nutritional and growth traits in Douglas-fir seedlings

Nitrogen (N) uptake and utilization in seedlings of six full-sib families of coastal Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) known to differ in growth rate were assessed at the whole plant and root levels. Seedlings were grown in soil or aeroponically with high and low nutrient availability. Consistent family differences in growth rate and N utilization index were observed in both soil and aeroponic culture, and high-ranking families by these measures also had greater net N uptake in soil culture. Two of the three families found to be fast-growing in long-term field trials exhibited faster growth, higher N utilization indices and greater net N uptake at the seedling stage. Mean family net influx of ammonium (NH4+) and efflux of nitrate (NO3-) in the high- and low-nutrient treatments were significantly correlated with measures of mean family biomass. The high-nutrient availability treatment increased mean net fluxes of NH4+ and NO3- in roots. These results indicate that efficiency of nutrient uptake and utilization contribute to higher growth rates of trees. Nutrient-related traits should be considered in tree breeding programs, as the indications are that assessments may be made at an early stage.     

南洋楹5个无性系苗木光合作用特性研究

采用Li-6400便携式光合作用测定仪,对南洋楹（Paraserianthes falcataria）A1、A8、B7、B8、D1共5个无性系苗木进行光合生理特征测定,探究其日净光合速率、日蒸腾速率特性及叶片位置与日平均净光合速率的关系。结果表明：南洋楹日净光合速率曲线与日蒸腾速率曲线在多云条件下均呈现单峰式,最高峰出现在10：00-12：00时;不同无性系苗木叶片位置对日平均净光合速率的影响不同,A1、A8、B7、B8无性系的上层叶片与中层叶片的日平均净光合速率显著高于下层叶片,而D1无性系苗木不同位置叶片的日平均净光合速率无显著差异。     

基于BLUP和GGE双标图的华北落叶松家系区域试验分析

【目的】为综合评价华北落叶松参试家系的速生丰产性、稳定性及各试验地点的区分力和代表性,利用基因型主效加基因型-环境互作效应(GGE)双标图对2017年度华北落叶松区域试验中参试家系的生长数据进行分析。【方法】基于冀北地区4个试验地点26个华北落叶松家系的胸径数据,首先拟合3个线性混合效应模型,各个模型均具有相同的固定效应(“地点”和“地点中的区组”)和残差方差结构(行、列自回归AR1×AR1,以进行空间分析),其中,模型1为随机效应中包含2个公因子的因子分析模型(FA模型),模型2、3分别为随机效应里不含测量误差以及包含测量误差的非结构化矩阵模型(US模型);基于AIC信息准则选出一个最优模型,之后利用最佳线性无偏预测(BLUP)法得到各家系在各地点的胸径BLUP数据;基于胸径BLUP数据做GGE双标图分析,对华北落叶松家系和试验地点进行评价。【结果】基于AIC信息准则,模型3(空间变异结合包含测量误差的非结构化矩阵模型(US模型))被选为最优模型;基于胸径BLUP数据的GGE双标图的前2个主成分的方差解释百分比之和为92.4%,表明结果可靠;4个试验地点被分成2组,地点L1(张家口赤城马营沟)、地点L3(张家口沽源柳条沟)和地点L4(承德围场查字)为一组(以111号家系的胸径最大),地点L2(承德围场御道口)为一组(以78号家系的胸径最大),相对而言,地点L3(张家口沽源柳条沟)能更有效地选择速生丰产且稳定的家系;各家系在不同试验地点上的表现有所不同,总体而言,26个华北落叶松家系中,111号的胸径(产量)最大,接着是78、72、82、76、59、100、77、56、86、96等系号,胸径(产量)最小的是1号,97、116、53、35、46、66和49号等家系的胸径(产量)也较低,68和42号家系的胸径(产量)接近总体均值;96、86、100和76号是速生丰产且稳定的家系,速生丰产家系111、72、56号的稳定性居中,速生丰产家系78、82和77号的稳定性中等偏下,而速生丰产家系59号则不稳定。【结论】模型3(空间变异结合包含测量误差的非结构化矩阵模型(US模型))较另外2个模型而言,结果更为可靠。地点L3(张家口沽源柳条沟)既具高区分力,又具高代表性,能更有效地评价家系。家系96、86、100和76号兼具速生性、丰产性和稳定性,可被广泛推广。基于BLUP的GGE双标图能有效应用于华北落叶松家系及试验地点的评价,本研究可为冀北地区华北落叶松的家系选择和应用提供决策支持。     

Energy investment in leaves of red maple and co-occurring oaks within a forested watershed

Despite its recent expansion in eastern US forests, red maple (Acer rubrum L.) generally exhibits a low leaf photosynthetic rate, leaf mass per unit area (LMA) and leaf nitrogen concentration ([N]) relative to co-occurring oaks (Quercus spp.). To evaluate these differences from the perspective of leaf energy investment, we compared leaf construction cost (CC) and leaf maintenance cost (MC) with leaf photosynthetic rate at saturating photon flux density and ambient CO2 partial pressure (Amax) in red maple and co-occurring red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and chestnut oak (Quercus prinus L.). We also examined relationships among leaf physiological, biochemical and structural characteristics of upper-canopy leaves of these three species at lower (wetter) and upper (drier) elevation sites of a watershed in the Black Rock Forest, Cornwall, NY, USA. Although A(max), leaf [N], leaf carbon concentration ([C]) and LMA were significantly less in red maple than in either oak species at both sites, CC per unit leaf area of red maple was 28.2 and 35.4% less than that of red oak at the lower and upper site, respectively, and 38.8 and 32% less than that of chestnut oak at the lower and upper site, respectively. Leaf MC per unit leaf area, which was positively associated with leaf CC (r2 = 0.95), was also significantly lower in red maple than in either oak species at both sites. When expressed per unit leaf area, A(max) was positively correlated with both CC (r2 = 0.65) and MC (r2 = 0.59). The cost/benefit ratio of CC/Amax of red maple was significantly less than that of chestnut oak at the lower site, however, CC/A(max) did not exhibit any significant interspecific differences at the upper site. Expressed per unit leaf area, CC was correlated positively with LMA (r2 = 0.90), leaf [N] (r2 = 0.97), and leaf [C] (r2 = 0.89), and negatively correlated with leaf molar carbon to nitrogen ratio (r2 = 0.92). Combined with red maple's general success in many oak-dominated forests, our findings suggest that reduced leaf-level photosynthetic capacity and related leaf characteristics in red maple are partially balanced by lower energy and resource requirements for leaf biomass construction and maintenance, which could enhance the competitive success of this species.     

Partititioning concurrent influences of nitrogen and phosphorus supply on photosynthetic model parameters of Pinus radiata

Responses of photosynthesis (A) to intercellular CO(2) concentration (C(i)) were measured in a fast- and a slow-growing clone of Pinus radiata D. Don cultivated in a greenhouse with a factorial combination of nitrogen and phosphorus supply. Stomatal limitations scaled with nitrogen and phosphorus supply as a fixed proportion of the light-saturated photosynthetic rate (18.5%) independent of clone. Photosynthetic rates at ambient CO(2) concentration were mainly in the V(cmax)-limited portion of the CO(2) response curve at low-nitrogen supply and at the transition between V(cmax) and J(max) at high-nitrogen supply. Nutrient limitations to photosynthesis were partitioned based on the ratio of foliage nitrogen to phosphorus expressed on a leaf area basis (N(a)/P(a)), by minimizing the mean square error of segmented linear models relating photosynthetic parameters (V(cmax), J(max), T(p)) to foliar nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. A value of N(a)/P(a) equal to 23 (mole basis) was identified as the threshold separating nitrogen (N(a)/P(a) < or = 23) from phosphorus (N(a)/P(a) > 23) limitations independent of clones. On an area basis, there were significant positive linear relationships between the parameters, V(cmax), J(max), T(p) and N(a) and P(a), but only the relationships between T(p) and N(a) and P(a) differed significantly between clones. These findings suggest that, in genotypes with contrasting growth, the responses of V(cmax) and J(max) to nutrient limitation are equivalent. The relationships between the parameters V(cmax), J(max), T(p) and foliage nutrient concentration on a mass basis were unaffected by clone, because the slow-growing clone had a significantly greater leaf area to mass ratio than the fast-growing clone. These results may be useful in discriminating nitrogen-limited photosynthesis from phosphorus-limited photosynthesis.     

9501泡桐育苗试验初报

本文通过对泡桐9501苗期试验,综合分析了物候期各项指标、试验地温度和降雨量以及净光合速率对苗木生长的影响等。结果表明,7—8月份,在水肥适宜的条件下,平均温度26％是苗木的速生期;有效叶面积净光合速率与单株生长量成正比,净光合速率可作为衡量品种优越的指标。     

海南岛簕竹属5个竹种雨季光合特性与叶片形态结构性状

【目的】通过对簕竹属5个竹种雨季光合生理特性的研究,探究热带地区不同竹种雨季光合能力差异性,掌握不同竹种栽培特性,为竹种高效培育及园林应用提供理论依据。【方法】以海南岛簕竹属5个竹种作为研究材料,利用Li-6400便携式光合仪测定日变化、光响应曲线、CO2响应曲线,分析不同因子的影响及叶片形态结构性状与光合作用的相关性。【结果】1)不同竹种之间净光合速率存在较大差异,5个竹种净光合速率日变化规律呈现“双峰”曲线;2)各竹种光响应曲线在5—6月净光合速率较高,8—10月净光合速率较低,最大净光合速率(Pmax)、光饱和点(LSP)、暗呼吸速率(Rd)之间存在差异;青秆竹、粉单竹Pmax、LSP值高、Rd值低,光合能力较强;3)5个竹种CO2响应曲线均在5—8月净光合速率较高,9—10月净光合速率较低;相较于潜在最大净光合速率(Amax)、CO2饱和点(CSP),CO2补偿点(CCP)、光呼吸速率(Rp)、羧化速率(CE)之间存在差异;4)雨季中5个竹种Pn主要受气孔导度(Gs)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、气温(Ta)、光合有效辐射(PAR)、胞间CO2浓度(Ci)、大气CO2浓度(Ca)等因子制约;5个竹种叶片形态结构性状研究表明:佛肚竹、黄金间碧竹叶面积(LA)显著高于青秆竹、崖州竹、粉单竹(P<0.05),佛肚竹、青秆竹、黄金间碧竹叶厚度(LT)显著高于崖州竹、粉单竹(P<0.05),比叶面积(SLA)则相反;而5个竹种叶干物质含量(LDMC)差异不显著(F=0.691,P=0.615),不同竹种Pmax、Amax与LA、LT、LDMC、SLA相关性有所差异,与LA相关性较大。【结论】簕竹属5个竹种光合特征参数与叶片形态结构性状不同,竹种生理特性与叶片形态结构性状存在一定相关性。在竹类植物保存与利用中,叶面积可作为竹类植物筛选的主要性状指标。在园林配置中,青秆竹栽培区域较广、佛肚竹栽培区域较窄、崖州竹可在阴生条件下栽培、粉单竹适宜光照充足地区生长、黄金间碧竹介于青秆竹与崖州竹之间。     

3种楸树1年生苗木叶片光合速率和光合功能的垂直梯度变化

对楸树、灰楸、滇楸3个树种1年生嫁接苗的净光合速率、叶面积和比叶重的垂直变化进行了测定,以探讨光合速率与苗木生长的关系。结果表明,楸树、灰楸、滇楸的净光合速率、叶面积和比叶重的垂直变化趋势基本相似,但树种之间的波动幅度上存在着差异,灰楸的总体光合速率较低,滇楸前期叶面积增加速度明显大于楸树和灰楸,而后期下降趋势明显低于楸树和灰楸,且下部叶片能维持较高的光合速率,最末叶序的比叶重都比刚展叶时的比叶重高。苗高生长量与除比叶重外的4个指标呈极显著正相关,光合指标与5个指标都呈极显著正相关。     

Interrelationships among light,photosynthesis and nitrogen in the crown of mature Pinus contorta ssp. latifolia

Scaling leaf-level measurements to estimate carbon gain of entire leaf crowns or canopies requires an understanding of the distribution of photosynthetic capacity and corresponding light microenvironments within a crown. We have compared changes in the photosynthetic light response and nitrogen (N) content (per unit leaf area) of Pinus contorta Dougl. ssp. latifolia Engelm. (lodgepole pine) leaves in relation to their age and light microenvironment. The vertical gradient in integrated daily photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) from the upper to the lower crown of lodgepole pine was similar in magnitude to the horizontal gradient in daily PPFD along shoots from young to old leaves. The relationship between light-saturated net photosynthesis (A(max)) and daily PPFD was significant for both young and old leaves. However, old leaves had a lower A(max) than young leaves in a similar daily irradiance regime. For leaves of all ages from throughout the crown, A(max) was linearly related to the estimated daily net carbon gain that leaves could achieve in their natural PPFD environment (estimated A(day)) (r(2) = 0.84, P < 0.001, n = 39), indicating that estimated A(day) may be dominated by carbon fixed when leaves are light-saturated and operating at A(max). Comparison of the PPFD required to achieve A(max) and the PPFD available to the leaves showed that all of the measured leaves (n = 39), regardless of their position in the crown or age, were in light environments that could light-saturate photosynthesis for a similar proportion of the day. For all data pooled, foliar N was weakly correlated with daily PPFD. Analyzing each leaf age class separately showed that foliar N was significantly related to daily PPFD, A(max), and estimated A(day) for the youngest leaves but not for middle-aged or old leaves. Therefore, the general theory that foliar N is allocated within a crown according to total daily light availability was supported only for young (1-4 years old) leaves in this study.     

Leaf traits in relation to crown development, light interception and growth of elite families of loblolly and slash pine

Crown architecture and size influence leaf area distribution within tree crowns and have large effects on the light environment in forest canopies. The use of selected genotypes in combination with silvicultural treatments that optimize site conditions in forest plantations provide both a challenge and an opportunity to study the biological and environmental determinants of forest growth. We investigated tree growth, crown development and leaf traits of two elite families of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and one family of slash pine (P. elliottii Mill.) at canopy closure. Two contrasting silvicultural treatments -- repeated fertilization and control of competing vegetation (MI treatment), and a single fertilization and control of competing vegetation treatment (C treatment) -- were applied at two experimental sites in the West Gulf Coastal Plain in Texas and Louisiana. At a common tree size (diameter at breast height), loblolly pine trees had longer and wider crowns, and at the plot-level, intercepted a greater fraction of photosynthetic photon flux than slash pine trees. Leaf-level, light-saturated assimilation rates (A(max)) and both mass- and area-based leaf nitrogen (N) decreased, and specific leaf area (SLA) increased with increasing canopy depth. Leaf-trait gradients were steeper in crowns of loblolly pine trees than of slash pine trees for SLA and leaf N, but not for A(max). There were no species differences in A(max), except in mass-based photosynthesis in upper crowns, but the effect of silvicultural treatment on A(max) differed between sites. Across all crown positions, A(max) was correlated with leaf N, but the relationship differed between sites and treatments. Observed patterns of variation in leaf properties within crowns reflected acclimation to developing light gradients in stands with closing canopies. Tree growth was not directly related to A(max), but there was a strong correlation between tree growth and plot-level light interception in both species. Growth efficiency was unaffected by silvicultural treatment. Thus, when coupled with leaf area and light interception at the crown and canopy levels, A(max) provides insight into family and silvicultural effects on tree growth.     

Response of Ulmus americana seedlings to varying nitrogen and water status. 1 Photosynthesis and growth

Well-watered American elm (Ulmus americana L.) seedlings responded to increased nitrate availability with increased leaf nitrogen (N) concentration and photosynthetic rate, larger and more numerous leaves, greater total growth and greater proportional allocation of carbon to shoot than root. Plasticity of growth and carbon allocation were greater than plasticity of N concentration and photosynthetic capacity. For a given N availability, allocation of N per unit leaf area was positively correlated with dry mass per unit leaf area (specific leaf mass), but these relationships differed with N availability. Rates of net photosynthesis and leaf conductance declined logarithmically with decreasing predawn water status. Increased water stress resulted in a greater relative decline in net photosynthesis and leaf conductance for high-N than low-N plants.     

福建柏地理种源试验苗期研究

参试种源１５个,家系６１个,采用尼龙网圃地遮荫育苗技术,随机区组设计。对苗木主要生物量指标进行了方差,多重比较和聚类分析等综合性研究。种源或家系间苗木的全高、地上及地下部分、径粗、分枝数、秋梢高生长、干鲜重等主要性状均有显著差异。筛选出菌期表现较好的福建德化、永泰、仙游３个种源和德化２１号等１７个家系。