The photosynthetic characteristics of differently shaped leaves in Populus euphratica Olivier

There is a distinct leaf shape polymorphism within a single plant of P. euphratica Olivier. The anatomical structure, carbon isotope discrimination (Δ¹³C), and stomatal and photosynthetic behaviour were investigated in broad-ovate (BOL) and lanceolate (LL) leaves, located at the top and bottom in crown, respectively, of a mature Euphrates poplar growing in its native habitat. Both types of leaves had a non-Kranz anatomy and low Δ¹³C values. However, Δ¹³C of a LL was in average 3.2‰ larger than that of a BOL. In comparison with the LL, the BOL had a smaller stomatal conductance, causing subsequent decreases in transpiration rate and ratio of CO₂ concentrations in intercellular spaces to air. Carbon assimilation rate and water use efficiency were higher in the BOLs than in the LLs. The BOL exhibited C₄-like enzymological features, the activity of glycollate oxidase, and the ratio of activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPC) to phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) was lower in BOL than in LL throughout the whole growing season. The lowered ratio of RuBPC/PEPC in BOL was mainly associated with a marked decline in the activity of RuBPC, and only a slight increase in the activity of PEPC. These differences might contribute to microclimate adaptation in both types of leaves. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.