Photosynthetic diurnal variation characteristics of Karelinia caspia on different slopes of Karamaili Mountain and its relationship with environmental factors
Objective The study aims to investigate the variation in photosynthetic characteristics of the desert plant Karelinia caspia across different slope positions,and to explore the factors and underlying mechanisms driving such variation,thereby providing insights for vegetation restoration in arid regions. Method With mature K. caspia individuals from both the valley floor and the summit of a typical gully in the Karamay Hills,Xinjiang,as the research subjects,using an LI-6400XT portable photosynthesis system,photosynthetic parameters-including net photosynthetic rate (Pn),transpiration rate (Tr),intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci),stomatal conductance (Gs),leaf temperature (Tl ),and leaf vapour pressure deficit (VPD) along with environmental factors such as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR),air temperature (Ta),relative humidity (RH),and atmospheric CO₂ concentration (Ca),were monitored over nine time periods across three consecutive clear days for six adult plants at each slope position.Simultaneously,soil moisture content (SMC) and soil bulk density (Pb) were measured using aluminium boxes and ring knife methods.Stomatal limitation (Ls),water use efficiency (WUE),and light use efficiency (LUE) were subsequently calculated.Variance analysis,correlation analysis,regression analysis,and path analysis were performed on the relevant indicators to investigate the mechanisms through which environmental factors (PAR,Ta,Ca,RH,SMC) and plant internal stability,represented by stomatal conductance,influenced the photosynthetic characteristics of K.caspia across different slope positions. Result ① The growth status of K.caspia,along with environmental parameters,soil moisture,and bulk density,showed significant differences (P<0.05) between slope positions,exhibiting clear divergent characteristics.② The diurnal variations in Pn,Tr,and Gs displayed a bimodal curve,with the primary and secondary peaks of Pn occurring at 10:00 and 18:00,respectively,indicating a photosynthetic ‘midday depression’.Although the mean daily WUE at the slope top (2.44 μmol/mmol) was significantly higher than that at the slope bottom (2.05 μmol/mmol),the mean daily LUE did not differ significantly between slope positions.③ Photosynthetic parameters of K.caspia were significantly correlated with environmental factors at different slope positions.At the slope bottom,Pn showed significant positive correlations with PAR and Ta,and a significant negative correlation with Ca. At the slope top,Pn was only significantly correlated with PAR and Ca.④ The decision coefficients of environmental factors affecting Pn varied with slope position:at the slope bottom,the order was Ca>PAR>Ta>SMC>RH,while at the slope top,it was PAR>Ca>Ta>RH>SMC. Conclusion The photosynthetic characteristics of K.caspia at different slope positions within a typical gully area of the Karamay Hills in Xinjiang are influenced by environmental factors.This influence is mainly reflected in differences in PAR,Ca, and Ta between slope positions,as well as variations in Gs under soil moisture constraints.These factors collectively drive slope-specific differentiation in photosynthetic traits through the synergistic effects of light intensity,soil moisture,and stomatal conductance.
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