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Comparative assessment of leaf photosynthetic traits for improved carbon dioxide fixation in selected tree species of Pachamalai hills

  • Biochemistry & Physiology - Original Article
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Abstract

Forest plays a major role in the carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration process, understanding that the CO2 sequestration capacity of individual tree species is essential for the effective management of atmospheric CO2. In this regard, 50 tree species belonging to 23 families from Pachamalai hills were taken. After the initial screening, 24 tree species were subjected to leaf anatomy, morphology, physiology, and biochemical studies. The anatomical study revealed that A. heterophyllus, F. benghalensis, A. eleagnoidea, A. occidentale, F. religiosa, and M. peltata have high leaf thickness, stomatal density, and stomatal pore index. The morphological study showed that T. grandis, M. peltata, and G. arborea have more leaf area index, specific leaf area, and petiole length. The physiological study suggested maximum CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration in leaves of M. peltata, F. religiosa, and M. indica. The biochemical characteristics of leaves revealed that F. religiosa, P. marsupium, and S. album possessed high content of total chlorophyll pigments. Further, based on the parameters 15 tree species were shortlisted for the photosynthetic enzyme (rubisco, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, and carbonic anhydrase) activity in leaves. The enzyme activity was higher in M. peltata, Mangifera indica, F. benghalensis, and F. religiosa; further, RT-qPCR analysis of genes involved in CO2 fixation and photosynthesis confirmed higher expression in M. peltata, and Mangifera indica. The study highlighted the importance of Macaranga peltata, Mangifera indica, Ficus benghalensis, and Ficus religiosa in photosynthetic CO2 assimilation. These findings can be incorporated into atmospheric CO2 maintenance programs toward climate change mitigation.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Science and Engineering Research Board (DST-SERB) for their financial support to carry out the research work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India

    Suganthi Kanagaraj & Govindaraju Munisamy

  2. ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India

    Maniraj Rathinam, M. K. Ramkumar & Rohini Sreevathsa

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  1. Suganthi Kanagaraj
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  2. Maniraj Rathinam
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  3. M. K. Ramkumar
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  4. Rohini Sreevathsa
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  5. Govindaraju Munisamy
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Correspondence to Rohini Sreevathsa or Govindaraju Munisamy.

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40415_2022_855_MOESM1_ESM.xlsx

Table S1 Geographical coordinates of sampling sites at Pachamalai hills. Table S2 Candidate reference genes and characteristics of qRT-PCR primers. Table S3 Target genes and its characteristics of qRT-PCR primers. Table S4 List of identified tree species in the study area. Table S5 Leaf morphological traits at full leaf expansion of the selected tree species. Table S6 Gas exchange rate parameters at full leaf expansion among the selected tree species. Table S7 Relationship between tree leaves anatomy and morphology. Table S8 Relationship between tree leaves anatomy and biochemical properties. Table S9 Relationship between tree leaves physiology and anatomy. Table S10 Relationship between tree leaves physiology and morphology. Table S11 Multiple regression correlation between different leaf characteristics

Fig. S1 Map of sampling locations in the study area

40415_2022_855_MOESM3_ESM.docx

Fig. S2 Photomicrograph images for the transverse cross-section of different tree species leaves at 150 and 500 μm in 40 and 100 X magnification. Fig. S3 Paradermic section of different tree species leaf displaying stomata on the abaxial surface by light micrographs at 150 and 50 μm in 10 and 40 X magnification

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Kanagaraj, S., Rathinam, M., Ramkumar, M.K. et al. Comparative assessment of leaf photosynthetic traits for improved carbon dioxide fixation in selected tree species of Pachamalai hills. Braz. J. Bot 46, 1–14 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40415-022-00855-8

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