Comparative study of growth, photosynthesis and respiration of several boreal species under the conditions of the north and extreme-north taiga

• Main Authors: E. V. Garmash, S. P. Maslova, I. V. Dalke, S. N. Plyusnina
• Format: Dataset
• Language: Russian
• Published: Theoretical and Applied Ecology 2014
• Subjects: boreal plant species; middle taiga; extremely northern taiga; growth; photosynthesis; respiration; leaf anatomy; ecological strategies; taiga
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.25750/1995-4301-2014-2-091-100; http://envjournal.ru/ari/v2014/v2/files/14215.pdf

Comparative investigation on growth, CO2-exchange, metabolic properties, and ultrastructure of leaf cells of six widespread boreal plant species with different types of adaptive strategy (Pyrola rotundifolia, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Geranium silvaticum, Trienthalis europaea, Trollius europaeus, Comarum palusrte), growing in the middle and extreme-north taiga subzones of the Komi Republic, was carried out. Plants from the extreme-north taiga subzone had lower biomass indices; biomass was mainly accumulated in underground plant part in contrast to middle taiga plants. Leaves of the northern plants were characterized by a low quantum yield of photosynthesis and net-CO2 assimilation rate within a broad range of illumination. There was a reduction of energy use efficiency by photosynthesis. Higher a/b chlorophyll and carotinoids/chlorophylls ratios were connected with improving the light-harvesting function of photosynthetic machinery. Plant respiration rate (at 20 °C) under extreme-north conditions was by 30% higher than that in the middle taiga subzone. It provided for a maintenance of metabolic activity level that was beneficial for plant survival at low temperatures and short vegetative period. Thus, adaptation of plants to severe climatic conditions was directed towards lowering the carbon assimilation processes and increasing the respiratory activity. It caused a decrease of plant habitus with accumulation of biomass in underground part. In the North, level of adaptive changes depended on ecological physiological conditions of plant habitats. Close relationship between life strategy of species and their functional properties was revealed.