Plant Diversity ›› 2013, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (5): 594-600.DOI: 10.7677/ynzwyj201312153

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Photosynthesis Characteristics of Four Paris (Trilliaceae) Species

 LIU  Wei-Wei-1, CHEN  Cui-2, HE  Rong-Hua-3, XU  Kun-1   

  1. 1 Lijiang Forest Ecosystem Research Station, Kunming Instituted of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lijiang 674100,
    China; 2 Instituted of Alpine Economic Plant, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science, Lijiang 674100, China;
    3 Provincial Natural Protection Area Management Bureau of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang 674100, China
  • Received:2012-11-21 Online:2013-09-25 Published:2013-02-26

Abstract:

Species of Paris (Trilliaceae) have often been used as medicinalplants. Because of excessive exploitation,in this regard the wild resource of Paris is almost exhausted. Some species of Paris were transplanted for use in photosynthesis research and for conservation purposes. In the present study, light and CO2 photosynthetic response curves were investigated in four Paris taxa: P.polyphylla var. yunnanensis and var. alba, P.mairei, and P.marmorata. Our results showed that P.marmorata had the highest maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax; 8.6μmol·m-2·s-1), light saturation point (LSP; 827μmol·m-2·s-1), maximum electron transport rate (Jmax; 39.9mol·m-2·s-1), a relatively high maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax; 28.9μmol·m-2·s-1) and carbon dioxide saturation point (Cisat; 726μmol·mol-1), but a lower light compensation point (LCP; 6.23μmol·m-2·s-1) and the lowest carbon dioxide compensation point (Г*; 20.7μmol·mol-1). This suggests that P.marmorata is well adapted to light and CO2; however it has a low ability to acclimate to environmental stress as indicated by low water use efficiency (WUE) in high light conditions. P.polyphylla var. yunnanensis had the highest light compensation point (LCP; 10.1μmol·m-2·s-1), carbon dioxide compensation point (Г*; 35.3μmol·mol-1), carbon dioxide saturation point (Cisat; 727μmol·mol-1), relatively high maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax; 7.5μmol·m-2·s-1) and light saturation point (LSP; 728μmol·m-2·s-1), maximum lightsaturated electron transfer rate (Jmax; 37.7μmol·m-2·s-1), suggesting that it is suitable for conditions of higher light and CO2 concentration. This taxon can adapt to adverse conditions, as suggested by high WUE under increased CO2 concentration. In contrast, P.polyphylla var. alba exhibited a relatively lower apparent quantum yield (AQY; 0.037μmol·mol-1) and poorer growth performance than the other taxa. We suggest from our results that different light and water conditions are suitable for the growth of the different taxa. Photosynthesis assimilation efficiency and production can be increased by raising humidity for P.polyphylla var. yunnanensis and P.marmorata. To protect plants of P.polyphylla var. alba from strong sunshine, they should be shaded from March to mid June.

Key words: Paris, Photosynthetic characteristics, Water use efficiency

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