Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content and C:N:P stoichiometry of Pinus yunnanensis seedling needles in response to shade treatment

• Published in: Industrial crops and products Vol. 210; p. 118138
• Main Authors: Liu, Yuanxi, Jing, Huiqing, Wu, Junwen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.04.2024
• Subjects: Light intensity; Pinus yunnanensis natural regeneration; Soluble sugar; Starch; Stoichiometry; Stoichiometry; Light intensity; Pinus yunnanensis natural regeneration; Starch; Soluble sugar
• ISSN: 0926-6690; 1872-633X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.118138

Pinus yunnanensis is a major forest tree species in central Yunnan Province, but many stands have seedlings but no young trees, which is unfavorable for natural regeneration. The responses to P. yunnanensis seedlings to shade were analyzed in five treatments: 0% shade (light intensity of 14.06 ×104 to 14.42 ×104Lx), 20% shade (light intensity of 11.95 ×104 to 10.55 ×104Lx;), 55% shade (light intensity of 7.73 ×104 to 6.33 ×104Lx), 70% shade (light intensity of 4.22 ×104 to 2.812 ×104Lx), and 95% shade (light intensity of 2.11 ×104 to 0.71 ×104Lx). The growth indicators, needle chlorophyll content, stoichiometric characteristics, and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content of the seedlings were investigated under different shade treatments. The results showed that the shade treatment affected the growth and physiological indicators of the needles of P. yunnanensis seedlings. The growth and chlorophyll content increased and then decreased with the increasing shade level, reaching the maximum at 70% shade. The soluble sugar, starch, and non-structural carbohydrate contents were significantly lower, and the soluble sugar/starch ratio was higher in the shade treatment than in the control. The three shade treatments (20%, 55%, and 70% shade) increased the P utilization efficiency of the P. yunnanensis needles. A significant correlation existed between the NSC content and C:N:P stoichiometry. In summary, P. yunnanensis seedlings showed shade tolerant, and 70% shade is best for P. yunnanensis seedlings. •Pinus. yunnanensis seedlings are shade tolerant, the seedlings were best grown at 70% shade level.•P. yunnanensis seedlings responded to the shade environment by adjusting the P utilization efficiency, changing their nutrient limitation factors, and adjusting the conversion of needle NSC.