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Vol. 53 (2), 104–113
Folia Forestalia Polonica, series A, 2011, Vol. 53 (2),
104–113
Acclimatization of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)
leaves first year after planting into different light conditions of
young spruce stand
Ondřej Špulák
Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, Forest Research
Station at Opocno, Na Olive 550, 517 73 Opocno,
Czech Republic, phone: +420494668392, fax: +420494668393, e-mail:
spulak@vulhmop.cz
Abstract
The study presents the results of investigation on reaction of beech
(Fagus sylvatica L.) leaves observed next year after planting
seedlings in different positions in a young spruce stand located in
upper mountain conditions. The methods of chemical analyses and
assessments of chlorophyll fluorescence were applied with the aim to
evaluate a course of leaf adaptation. In the young spruce stand located
in the Karkonoše Mts, bare root beech seedlings after cultivation in
full light were planted into three main positions to spruce trees
(under the crown, within crown perimeter and in stand gaps). Next year
after planting, the total biomass, leaf nutrient content and
chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were evaluated. The beech trees
planted under spruce (Picea sp.) crowns had significantly
lower specific leaf mass and the mean leaf area was decreasing from
shade to sun. Differences in nutrient contents were not significant
between the treatments. We found significantly higher values of minimal
(F0) and the maximum fluorescence (Fm) as well as
of the maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry
(Fv/Fm) in the leaves of beeches growing under
the spruce crown. Significant differences among treatments were found
also in the courses of the values of maximum fluorescence yield Y(II)
and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). Our study indicated that bud
forming processes are only partially responsible for physiological
properties of beech leaves evaluated next year after planting.
Photosynthetic performance is also influenced by actual growing
conditions. A great part of acclimation occurs already in the first
year after planting (change of the light conditions). We speculate that
this phase of gradual acclimation of the assimilation apparatus can be
one of the reasons of physiological weakening of the plant after
planting to different light environment.
Key words
different light conditions, planting, Fagus sylvatica, leaves,
chlorophyll a fluorescence, chemical analyses
