Abstract:
The photosynthetic characteristics of
Populus euphratica in four forest ages (2, 3, 5 and 7 years) were studied in order to reveal the photosynthetic physiological characteristics of
Populus euphratica in different forest ages and provide basis for regeneration and rejuvenation of
Populus euphratica in the lower reaches of Tarim River. Li-6400xt portable photosynthetic instrument was used to measure the physiological factors such as net photosynthetic rate (
Pn), stomatal conductance (
Gs), transpiration rate (
Tr) and ecological factors such as temperature (
T), photosynthetic effective radiation (PAR) and relative humidity (RH). Correlation analysis, stepwise regression analysis and path analysis were used to systematically study
Pn of
Populus euphratica at different ages in fast-growing period (June, July and August) and the characteristics of daily change and its relationship with physiological and ecological factors. The results showed that the
Pn was a single peak curve in the fast-growing period, and there was no significant "lunch break" phenomenon. The
Pn,
Tr and WUE of 7-year-old
Populus euphratica were significantly higher than those of the 3 other ages (
P < 0.05). The
Pn of fast-growing
Populus euphratica was positively correlated with PAR and
Gs (
P < 0.01), the direct effect and decisive coefficient of PAR were large, the direct effect of
Gs was greater than that of other factors, the determination coefficient was next to PAR, and other factors also have different effects on
Pn. The responses of
Populus euphratica to ecological and physiological factors were different.
T is the limiting variable of
Pn of 7-year-old
Populus euphratica in June,
Tl is the limiting variable of
Pn of 2-year-old and 7-year-old
Populus euphraticain August, and all physiological and ecological factors promote
Pn in July. The results showed that
Pn of
Populus euphratica at different forest ages was mainly affected by PAR and
Gs, but there was no simple linear relationship, which was the result of a comprehensive effect of many factors. With the increase of forest age, the photosynthetic performance and productivity of
Populus euphratica were better.