Abstract
Ongoing climate warming induced by human activities may have great impacts on trees, yet it remains unresolved how subtropical tree species respond to rising temperature in the field. Here, we used downward translocation to investigate the effects of climate warming on leaf photosynthesis of six common tree species in subtropical China. During the experimental period between 2012 and 2014, the mean average photosynthetic rates (Asat) under saturating light for Schima superba, Machilus breviflora, Pinus massoniana and Ardisia lindleyana in the warm site were7%, 19%, 20% and 29% higher than those in the control site. In contrast, seasonal Asat for Castanopsis hystrix in the warm site were lower compared to the control site. Changes in Asat in response to translocation were mainly associated with those in leaf stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthetic capacity (RuBP carboxylation, RuBP regeneration capacity). Our results imply that climate warming could have potential impacts on species composition and community structure in subtropical forests.
Highlights
Photosynthetic responses of temperate plant species under climate warming are comparatively well studied[17,28], the responses of tropical tree species remain unexplored
Natural geographical gradients provide an excellent natural laboratory to investigate the potential effects of climate warming on terrestrial organisms[38]
We are rarely aware of this combination application to studies regarding forests, this approach has been conducted in grass or shrub[39,40]
Summary
Photosynthetic responses of temperate plant species under climate warming are comparatively well studied[17,28], the responses of tropical tree species remain unexplored. Cunningham and Read et al.[29] compared four temperate and four tropical species, and observed greater capacities for tropical species to acclimate higher temperature compared to temperate species These inconsistent results require better understandings in to what degree tropical and subtropical species respond to increasing temperature[12,30]. To measure species across a wide range of temperatures in natural systems, field studies have made use of latitudinal and altitudinal gradients, as well as seasonal changes in temperature[36,37]. We conducted a transplant experiment in two sites along an altitudinal gradient Using this approach, we assessed the effects of temperature on photosynthetic performance of co-existing species in subtropical China.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
