Relationship between dry matter production and carbon dioxide absorption in seedlings of Scots pine (Pinus silvestris L.) in their second vegetation season

Abstract

Accumulation of dry matter in needles, lignified stems and roots during the second vegetation season was compared with seasonal changes in photosynthesis and respiration activities of the se organs. Whereas growth analysis concerned plants growing at nearly natural course of external conditions, gas exchange determinations were made at constant laboratory conditions. For comparison of dry matter production and photosynthetic ability of a plant new terms „assimilation capacity" and „efficiency of assimilation" were introduced as possible expressions of photosynthetic productivity. Two ecotypes of Scots pine originating from lowland and highland regions of the country exhibited slightly different pattern of the investigated characteristics.