Photosynthetic responses of species of Anibae exposed to contrasting light environments

Abstract Photosynthesis of species of Anibae in response to the exposure to contrasting light environments. Ecophysiological traits and the light environment have implications for the establishment of forest plantations. The aim of this study was to investigate the photosynthetic activity of Aniba canelilla and A. rosaeodora in response to changes in the availability of light in the field. Gas exchange, content of chlorophylls (ICC) and photochemical performance (FV/FM) were measured in leaves acclimated in the shade during 300 days, after in the full sun (28 days) and again in the shade by 28 days. The photosynthesis, ICC and FV/FM of A. Canelilla and A. rosaeodora were negatively affected in full sunlight, but the plants recovered when submitted to shade. Photosynthesis, ICC and FV/FM were twice as high in shade plants. Aniba rosaeodora presented photosynthetic performance twice higher than A. canelilla. Differences in photosynthetic responses to light suggest that species could occupy different succession “niches” in enrichment plantation, and plasticity (recovery-mediated) implies acclimatization under variable light environments. The fact that the studied species of Anibae have differences in plasticity for light should be viewed with caution to suggest conventional plantations, but it reinforce the indication for enrichment plantations in forest sites with variations in the availability of light.