Abstract:

The photosynthetic characteristics, vegetative growth and leaves color of Cotinus coggygria Scop. seedlings under different light environments were studied. The conditions of 100%, 60%, 30%, and 15% of full sunlight were set up to simulate different light environments. The results showed that, as light intensity decreasing, the photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance in seedlings leaves decreased; the long of primary branches and leaf number decreased; the leaf area increased, then decreased, in 60% of full light, seedlings gained the largest leaf area. In growth period, the chlorophyll contents of seedlings leaves under all light and high light treatments were obviously lower than the leaves under middle and low light treatments, and had significant difference (P < 0.05), so the leaves of seedlings under higher light was green yellow and thin, while under lower light treatments was green and thick. In changing color period, the leaves of seedlings under all light and high light turned red with chlorophyll contents decreased and anthocyanin contents increased, but the leaves got a little sunburn under all light, the leaves of seedlings under middle and low light treatments turned yellow. We suggested the C. coggygria seedlings is a heliophilous plant, need a light enough environment and slight shade (more than 70% of full sunligh) is the most suitable environment of C. coggygria seedlings.