Leaf phenology and carbon dynamics in six leguminous trees

Abstract

AbstractI documented photosynthetic rates and seasonal stem total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) in six leguminous tree species Burkea africana, Baikiaea plurijuga, Erythrophleum africanum, Guibourtia coleosperma, Julbernardia globiflora and Pterocarpus angolensis exhibiting a range of leaf phenological patterns. My goal was to (i) measure photosynthetic characteristics and levels of stored stem carbohydrates in species with varying patterns of leaf phenology and (ii) determine seasonal patterns of stem carbohydrate storage.Despite significant differences in the timing of bud break and leaf cover between the six species, there were no significant differences in maximum photosynthetic rate, quantum efficiency or light saturation point between species. Similarly, there was no significant difference in seasonal mean stem TNC levels despite significant differences in the timing of bud break and leaf cover both between species and within a single species. However, while the average amount of TNC does not seem to be related to leaf phenology, the patterns of carbohydrate use and storage do seem to be related to leaf phenology.