Seasonal pattern of photosynthetic production in a subalpine evergreen herb,<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Pyrola incarnata</Emphasis> |
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Authors: | Nozomi Isogai Yasuo Yamamura Shigeru Mariko Takashi Nakano |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Ibaraki University, 2-1-1 Bunkyo, Mito 310-8512, Japan;(2) Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan;(3) Yamanashi Institute of Environmental Sciences, Fujiyoshida, Japan |
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Abstract: | The seasonal pattern of growth and matter production of Pyrola incarnata, an evergreen herb on the forest floor in subalpine deciduous forests, was analyzed to understand the ecological significance
of evergreenness in a subalpine climate with a short growing season and low temperature. Net production was highest under
favorable light conditions in spring after the disappearance of snow cover, and 68% of the annual net production was attained
before the canopy tree foliage had fully expanded. Most of the photosynthetic production in this period was carried out with
over-wintered leaves. This appears to be an advantage of evergreenness. New leaves and inflorescences had developed in the
period. Positive net production was maintained under deteriorating light conditions during summer, when 32% of the annual
net production occurred. This production was used mainly for growth of fruits and underground organs. The net production of P. incarnata during summer was much higher than that of a related species that inhabits warm-temperate regions, because of its higher
photosynthetic activity rather than its lower respiratory losses. The storage of dry matter in leaves and underground organs
was not conspicuous. Unlike the warm-temperate species and another subalpine species that inhabits higher altitudes, P. incarnata is not strongly dependent on its reserve matter for the development of new organs. |
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Keywords: | Evergreenness Matter production Pyrola Seasonal growth Subalpine |
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