Variability of leaf characteristics in different pedunculate oak genotypes (Ouercus robur L)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine genotype influences on pedunculate oak's leaf traits: leaf area, specific leaf area (leaf area per unit of leaf mass), concentration of photosynthetic pigments, rates of photosynthesis and respiration, and nutrient concentrations (nitrogen phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and sodium). Leaf samples were taken from seventeen Q. robur genotypes originating from clonal seed orchard Banov Brod (Srem, Vojvodina, Serbia). Leaf area of the studied genotypes ranged from 248.4 to 628.8 cm2, SLA from 109.4 to 160.7 cm2 dry matter-1, rates of photosynthesis and respiration from 6.98 to 20.32 and from 6.73 to 14.65 µmol O2 m-2 s-1, respectively. The leaves of genotype 35 contained the highest concentration of photosynthetic pigments, while the lowest were recorded in genotype 29. The following pattern of nutrient concentrations was obtained for the studied genotypes: N>Ca>K>P>Na. Genotype variability of P K, Ca, and Na concentrations was more pronounced when compared with nitrogen. Estimated quantitative differences are the consequence of interaction of certain genotype and common environmental conditions for all trees. These results will provide information on intraspecific variation of the studied leaf characteristics.

Keywords

• quercus robur
• SLA
• leaf area
• photosynthesis
• photosynthetic pigments
• respiration
• N
• P
• K
• Ca
• Na