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Fluorescence parameters among leaf photosynthesis-related traits are the best proxies for CO2 assimilation in Central Amazon trees

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Abstract

We investigated whether photosynthesis along the vertical profile of tropical forest can be represented by JIP-test parameters derived from the fluorescence induction curve instead of more commonly utilized traits. Photosynthesis-related traits were measured during four seasons in 45 trees along a vertical forest profile in the Central Amazon, and their combined (interspecific) correlations with canopy openness and PNmax (light-saturated photosynthesis) were examined. PNmax, canopy openness, the efficiency of electron transport in PSI (IP-phase and RE0/ET0), leaf mass per area and leaf phosphorus content had strong positive correlations (r > 0.6). JIP-test parameters related to the final steps of electron transport (IP-phase, RE0/ET0 and PItotal) were good predictors of PNmax during all seasons, whereas stomatal conductance had the strongest correlation with PNmax during the dry season. The JIP-test parameters related to PSII efficiency (PIABS and FV/FM) were poorly associated with PNmax. Therefore, the PNmax variation along the vertical profile of Central Amazonian forest can be represented by JIP-test parameters, especially those related to the final steps of the electron transport chain.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), Brazil’s National Institute for Amazon Research (INPA) and the Large-Scale Biosphere–Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia Program (LBA) for logistic support; the GOAmazon project, funded jointly by the US Department of Energy (DOE, # DE. SC0008383), by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), and by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas (FAPEAM, # 062.00570/2014); the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) and the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) for a fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Dynamics Coordination, National Institute for Amazon Research, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

    Victor Alexandre Hardt Ferreira dos Santos, Bruce Walker Nelson, Maquelle Neves Garcia & João Vitor Barbosa Ceron

  2. Center for Distance Education, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

    João Victor Figueiredo Cardoso Rodrigues

  3. Department of Forest Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

    Marciel José Ferreira

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  1. Victor Alexandre Hardt Ferreira dos Santos
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Contributions

VAHFS and MJF designed the research. VAHFS, MNG and JVBC collected the data. VAHFS analyzed the data and wrote a draft of the manuscript. BWN and JVFCR revised the text. All authors contributed to the final version of the manuscript and approved submission.

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Correspondence to Marciel José Ferreira.

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dos Santos, V.A.H.F., Nelson, B.W., Rodrigues, J.V.F.C. et al. Fluorescence parameters among leaf photosynthesis-related traits are the best proxies for CO2 assimilation in Central Amazon trees. Braz. J. Bot 42, 239–247 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40415-019-00533-2

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