Relationships between optically assessed polyphenols and chlorophyll contents, and leaf mass per area ratio in woody plants: a signature of the carbon–nitrogen balance within leaves?

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3040.2006.01514.x
• Publication Date: 2006-05-19T09:25:00Z
• Authors: S. MEYER; Z. G. CEROVIC; Y. GOULAS; P. MONTPIED; S. DEMOTES‐MAINARD; L. P. R. BIDEL; I. MOYA; E. DREYER
• Keywords: Dry weight; Specific leaf area

ABSTRACT Chlorophyll (Chl) and epidermal polyphenol (EPhen) contents were estimated in vivo using two optical leaf‐clips, SPAD‐502 Dualex, respectively. The area‐based measurements transformed into mass‐based data by taking account the leaf dry mass per area (LMA). Measurements performed on forest trees saplings grown under controlled conditions. While LMA increased with irradiance along a vertical transect beech canopy or different increasing levels, EPhen (EPhen m ) increased, whereas Chl (Chl decreased. This was signature of gradual switch investment from protein production. A similar obtained nitrogen‐deficient soil respect to fertilized controls. However, nitrogen effects remained moderate compared irradiance‐induced effects. both declined plant ageing‐induced increases LMA, all tested growth an accumulation matter that diluted EPhen. described competition between leaves fits well predictions Protein Competition Model (PCM), is, total polyphenols content (Phen t is biosynthetic pathways its metabolic regulation.