Photosynthetic and foliar morpho-anatomical strategies of Lgustrum sinense (Oleaceae), an invasive exotic species in the yungas forest understory

Authors

  • María Inés Mercado Instituto de Morfología Vegetal, Área Botánica, Fundación Miguel Lillo. Miguel Lillo 251 (4000), San Miguel de Tucumán. Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8128-3377
  • Sebastian Edgardo Buedo Instituto de Ecología, Comportamiento y Conservación, Área de Biología Integrativa, Fundación Miguel Lillo, Tucumán, Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0186-0523
  • Daniela Alejandra González Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal (INBIOFIV), CONICET-UNT; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Tucumán, Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3434-2151
  • Priscila Ana Powell Instituto de Ecología Regional (UNT CONICET) & Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Tucumán, Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3911-0912
  • Juan Antonio González Instituto de Ecología, Comportamiento y Conservación, Área de Biología Integrativa, Fundación Miguel Lillo, Tucumán, Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3434-2151

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31055/1851.2372.v58.n2.40335

Keywords:

Biological invasion, Chinese privet, leaf anatomy, Northwestern Argentine, photosynthesis, subtropical forest, water use efficiency

Abstract

Background and aims: Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) is a recognized invasive exotic species. The objective of this study was to determine the physiological and foliar anatomical traits of Chinese privet saplings that would give it an advantage for its establishment in the understory of the Yungas forest environment.

M&M: This study was conducted in Parque Nacional Aconquija (Tucumán, Argentina). The foliar physiological and morpho-anatomical traits deployed were investigated in an understory environment during spring-summer and winter. The anatomical features of the leaf blade and physiological variables related to gas exchange were analyzed. Also, the specific leaf area, leaf density, leaf nitrogen content and photosynthetic efficiency in the use of leaf nitrogen were calculated.

Results: During spring-summer L. sinense displays a higher photosynthetic assimilation rate and a better photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency. Carboxylation efficiency, intrinsic water use efficiency, and leaf thickness were 26%, 34%, and 41% higher, respectively, during winter in contrast to spring-summer. During winter an increase in leaf thickness contributed to improved CO2 incorporation during suboptimal conditions for photosynthesis. 

Conclusions: Chinese privet undergoes photosynthesis throughout the year and its success as an invasive species in the Yungas forest understory could be attributed at least in part to morpho-anatomical and physiological strategies.

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Published

2023-06-28

Issue

Section

Physiology

How to Cite

“Photosynthetic and Foliar Morpho-Anatomical Strategies of Lgustrum Sinense (Oleaceae), an Invasive Exotic Species in the Yungas Forest Understory”. 2023. Boletín De La Sociedad Argentina De Botánica (Journal of the Argentine Botanical Society 58 (2). https://doi.org/10.31055/1851.2372.v58.n2.40335.

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