Ecophysiological characteristics in photosynthesis of an endangered species manglietia patungensis: An implication for species conservation

Manglietia patungensis is list as one of the second-class protected endemic plant species in the state red book. In order to uncover the endangered mechanism and provide scientific suggestions for species conservation, the physiological characteristics of M. patungensis seedlings were researched through testing the effect of shades and soil types on photosynthetic activity and chlorophyll content. The results showed that both light intensity and soil type and their interaction had significant effects on the photosynthetic activity and chlorophyll contents. Plant photosynthetic activity and chlorophyll contents increased with the increasing of light intensity. The photosynthetic activity and chlorophyll contents also differed significantly among four soil types. These results implied that seedlings of M. patungensis prefer to grow in the condition of full light condition and fertile soil. Enhancing sun light and soil fertility could promote seedling growth and recruitment of M. patungensis.