Seasonal dynamics of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids) in woody plants of the Altai Botanical Garden

Abstract

This article reflects the results of studies of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids) in 14 species of deciduous plants (trees and shrubs) and one coniferous Juniperus sabina L. in the Altai Botanical Garden during two growing seasons. The following species have a high accumulation of pigments: Acer ta-taricum L., Juglans cinerea L., Tilia cordata L., Corylus avellana L., Cotoneaster lucidus Schlecht., Lonicera tatarica L. For the coniferous species Juniperus sabina L. low levels of chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids are characteristic. Berberis thunbergii DC is also distinguished by a low accumulation of photosynthetic pigments. Minor differences between the species were noted in the content of carotenoids, twelve species were included in the group with low and medium content of this pigment. There is no definite pattern in the accumulation of carotenoids, and the data on the types and number of yellow pigments do not differ significantly. As a result of the conducted studies, a correlation was revealed between the content of carotenoids and the content of chlorophyll a in most species. The data obtained indicate the presence of species specificity in the content of chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids. Also, the photosynthetic apparatus of woody plants is sensitive to light and water conditions.