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Effects of light regime on the growth and physiology of Pentaclethra macroloba (Mimosaceae) in Costa Rica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Steven F. Oberbauer  and
Boyd R. Strain
Steven F. Oberbauer
Affiliation:
Duke Phytotron, Department of BotanyDuke University, Durham, NC 27706, USA
Boyd R. Strain
Affiliation:
Duke Phytotron, Department of BotanyDuke University, Durham, NC 27706, USA
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Abstract

Seedlings of Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze, a dominant, shade-tolerant species of tropical moist forest in Costa Rica, were raised under three light conditions to assess their acclimatization and growth responses to irradiance. The light environments used were full sun, partial shade (25% of full sun), and full shade (1% of full sun). To test the effect of a sudden change in light level such as would occur in the event of a treefall gap, the seedlings in the above conditions were switched between environments after two months and grown for an additional 1.5 months. Plants in full sun and partial shade had similar total weight; switching between the two environments had no effect on biomass. Plants switched from full sun and partial shade to full shade had negative growth as a result of negative CO2, flux and leaf abscission. Plants transferred from full shade to full sun had lower growth rates than those switched from full shade to partial shade because of severe leaf damage in full sun. The previous environment significantly affected the response of most growth and size characteristics to the present environment. Maximum photosynthesis changed only 30% in response to light level during growth. However, large changes in other photosynthetic and structural characteristics were found. Leaves developed in full shade had lower respiration, leaf thickness, and stomatal density and higher apparent quantum yield, specific leaf area, and chlorophyll content than leaves from full sun. Osmotic potentials were similar between treatments. Despite only small changes in maximum photosynthesis, acclimatization to extreme shade or sun rendered leaves unsuitable for large changes in environment. Consequently, in the event of a large treefall gap, plants already present in the understory will require a substantial period of adjustment before they respond to the increase in light.

Keywords

Costa Ricagrowth analysisirradiancephotosynthesisstomatal conductancetropical tree
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 1 , Issue 4 , November 1985 , pp. 303 - 320
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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