Effect of temperature on photosynthesis of Miscanthus clones collected from different elevations

Abstract

Six to twenty-eight months after transplanting, the net photosynthetic rate (PN) of Miscanthus leaves was measured at leaf temperatures between 18 to 37 °C. PN of clones from high mountain areas was more adaptable to low temperature, while that of clones from low mountain areas was more adaptable to high temperature. The clones from the lowlands were best adapted to both high and low temperatures. These characteristics lasted at least 28 months after transplanting. Thus Miscanthus had differentiated into different ecotypes to adapt to the thermal environments of different elevations. Comparison of the PN values measured in different seasons and durations after transplanting indicated that PN in Miscanthus could acclimate to environments with various temperature ranges resulting from elevation and seasonal changes.