Morphoanatomy and ecophysiology of tree seedlings in semideciduous forest during high-light acclimation in nursery

• DOI: 10.1007/s11099-015-0151-0
• Publication Date: 2015-06-15T08:46:00Z
• Authors: A. K. Calzavara; E. Bianchini; T. Mazzanatti; H. C. Oliveira; R. Stolf-Moreira; J. A. Pimenta
• Keywords: Ecophysiology; Stomatal Conductance; Specific leaf area; Pioneer species

The recomposition of deforested environments demands the acclimation seedlings in nurseries. This process induces changes physiological, anatomical, and morphological traits plants, favouring their establishment after transplantation to field. present study aimed verify influence full-sun on seedling hardiness. For purpose, leaf gas-exchange, plant anatomical parameters three tree species [Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hil.) Ravenna (Malvaceae), Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae), Cecropia pachystachya Trecul (Urticaceae)], which are used for reforestation Brazilian Atlantic biome, were evaluated. Seedlings grown under 40% total PPFD (shaded control) full sun (acclimated) 168 days. induced a higher production rate C. floribundus, whereas replaced leaves quickly, irrespective light conditions. newly developed all presented lower area thicker palisade parenchyma, resulting reduced specific area. showed increases light-saturated net photosynthesis transpiration rates, water-use efficiency generally remained unchanged species. acclimated relative growth rate, height/stem diameter (H/D) shoot root dry mass ratios, characteristics that may result greater physical resistance ability water nutrient uptake support transpiratory demand sun. reduction H/D ratio also occurred speciosa. few during acclimation, but they did not seem be affected by excessive light. In spite observed differences among species, them hardiness characteristics, mainly related anatomy, should favour