Response of Pinus koraiensis seedling growth to different light conditions based on the assessment of photosynthesis in current and one-year-old needles

As one of the three major five-leaved pines in the northern hemisphere, Pinus koraiensis is the most important dominant tree species in the natural mixed-broadleaved Korean pine forests. However, the regeneration of P koraiensis under the canopy of secondary forest stands is poor because of the light limitation. This study was conducted to understand how P koraiensis seedlings adapt to different light intensities and what would be the optimum light level for their establishment and growth. Three repetition plots with four light intensities （15%, 30%, 60% and 100% of the natural incident irradiances, achieved by suspending layers of black nylon net above and surrounding the plots） were set up under natural climate conditions in a montane region in eastern Liaoning Province, Northeast China. A total of 80 P koraiensis seedlings with similar height and root collar diameter were transplanted into four plots. After one year of acclimation to the specific light conditions, the seasonal variations of the photosynthetic variables and needle traits of the current and one-year-old needles, and the growth parameters were observed under four light intensities. The results indicated that： （1） The seedling at 60% treatment exhibited the greatest growth, which agreed with the response of the light-saturated photosynthetic rates （Amax） and the dark respiration rate （Rd） in the current and one-year-old needles, i.e., Rd at 60% treatment was significantly lower than that at 100% treatment, but Amax did not differ between the seedlings at 100% and 60% treatments. （2） The P. koraiensis seedlings have a certain photosynthetic plasticity to adapt the light conditions by adjusting their needle traits and regulating the physiological processes, because Amax, Rd, light saturation point and compensation point, the needle mass area, needle nitrogen and chlorophyll contents were significantly （p〈0.05） correlated with the light intensities. Especially, Am,x at 100% and 60% treatments was significantly higher （p〈0.05） than that at 30% and 15% treatments for both current and one-year-old needles. （3） The needles of different ages played a commutative role during the growing season, i.e., the one-year-old needles played a major role for the photosynthesis in the early growing season; the current year needles did in the later growing season. This ensured the effective photosynthesis throughout the growing season. These findings suggest that P. koraiensis is the in-between heliophilous and shade-tolerant tree species at least for the seedlings up to 8 years.

Cold stratification,temperature,light,GA3,and KNO3 effects on seed germination of Primula beesiana from Yunnan,China

Primula beesiana Forr.is an attractive wildflower endemically distributed in the wet habitats of subalpine/alpine regions of southwestern China.This study is an attempt to understand how this plant adapts to wet habitats and high altitudes.Specifically,we examined the effects of cold stratification,light,GA3,KNO3,and temperature on P.beesiana seed germination.KNO3 and GA3 increased germination percentage and germination rate compared to control treatments at 15/5 and 25/15℃.Untreated seeds germinated well(>80%)at higher temperatures(20,25 and 28℃),whereas at lower(5,10 and15℃)and extremely high temperatures(30 and 32℃)germination decreased significantly.However,after cold stratification(4-16 weeks),the germination percentage of P.beesiana seeds at low temperatures(5-15℃)and the germination rate at high temperatures(30℃)increased significantly,suggesting that P.beesiana has type 3 non-deep physiological dormancy.The base temperature and thermal time for germination decreased in seeds that were cold stratified for 16 weeks.Cold-stratified seeds incubated at fluctuating temperatures(especially at 15/5℃)had significantly high germination percentages and germination rates in light,but not in dark,compared to the corresponding constant temperature(10℃).Seeds had a strict light requirement at all temperatures,even after experiencing cold stratification;however,the combinations of cold stratification and fluctuating temperature increased germination when seeds were transferred from dark to light.Such dormancy/germination responses to light and temperature are likely mechanisms that ensure germination occurs only in spring and at/near the soil surface,thus avoiding seedling death by freezing,inundation and/or germination deep in the soil.