Acclimation of the Leaf Photosynthetic Apparatus and the Reproductive Sphere in Dryas octopetala L. Plants Introduced into Central Russia

• Published in: Contemporary problems of ecology 2023-04, Vol.16 (2), p.149-157
• Main Authors: Chernyaeva, E. V., Kuranova, N. G., Viktorov, V. P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acclimation; Acclimatization; Autumn; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Carotenoids; Chlorophyll; Dry matter; Dryas octopetala; Ecology; Germination; Introduced plants; Leaf area; Leaves; Life Sciences; Moisture content; Parameters; Photosynthesis; Photosynthetic apparatus; Plants; Plants (botany); Seasonal variations; Spring; Spring (season); Structure-function relationships; Water content
• ISSN: 1995-4255; 1995-4263
• DOI: 10.1134/S1995425523020051

The following parameters have been studied in leaves of the spring and autumn generations formed by D. octopetala plants introduced into Central Russia: development rhythm, seasonal dynamics of the photosynthetic pigment content, specific leaf area (SLA), water content, and dry matter accumulation rate. The data are compared with the literature data on the same D. octopetala parameters in its native distribution range. It is found that the specific leaf area in introduced plants has increased 3.7–4 times as a result of transformations at the cellular–tissue level. The vegetation duration and life span of leaves of the spring generation increased, as did the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids in them. In leaves of the autumn generation, these parameters have not changed. The chlorophyll content in leaves of the spring and autumn generations is 7.89 and 3.32–6.48 mg g –1 , respectively. The structural and functional characteristics of the pigment apparatus in leaves of the spring generation indicate a high photosynthesis intensity and, in leaves of the autumn generation, a low photosynthesis intensity. In introduced plants, leaves of the spring generation demonstrate environmental plasticity and a high acclimation-related changeability, while leaves of the autumn generation demonstrate a conservative stenobiontic adaptation strategy. The growth parameters in introduced D. octopetala plants remain at the level typical for the species. The number and weight of diasporae per flower and the length of peduncles have increased by 2.2 and 2.8 times, respectively. The germination rate computed for the entire 6-year observation period is low: 2.32 ± 0.7%.