Ecotype effects on photosynthesis performance using A/PFFD among Pinus nigra Arn.

Abstract

This study aimed to provide insights on intraspecific variability of photosynthesis performance of 19 provenances of black pine planted in a common garden. The experiment was conducted in an experimental trial located at Souiniet (the southern limit of its range) Photosynthetic capacity char­acterized by light-saturated net photosynthetic rates, associated light compensation points and apparent quantum yield was monitored by measuring the response of leaf gas exchange to light levels. Amax was the highest in provenances Puget Theniers (nigra ssp), Saint-Guilhem (salzmanni ssp), Marghese and les barres (laricio ssp). The lowest value was recorded in Olette of the subspecies salzmanni. Needles from two provenances Crimea (pallasiana ssp) and Les Barres (ssp laricio) revealed the highest apparent quantum yield (ɸ), followed by Brougatlès Ales (salzmanni ssp), Trenta Coste (ssp laricio), Les barres and Puget Theniers (nigra ssp). The lowest apparent quantum Yield was recorded in Laricio subspecies (Cosenza; Les barres and Bois frerot). The highest value of dark respiration (Rd) was shown in provenance Les barres (laricio ssp), while Grancia and Tavola of the laricio subspecies reported the lowest one. Provenances Tavola (laricio ssp) and Puget Theniers (nigra ssp) exhibited the highest LCP. The provenance Crimée (pallasiana ssp) and Aspromonto (laricio ssp) recorded the lowest values.  The maximum values of photosynthesis are positively correlated with the total chlorophyll contents and Leaf Mass area. Our study illustrates that Photosynthesis performance showed a difference between 19 provenances of black pine; it seems that black pine photosynthetic performance is eco-typical independent.