Relationship between the Accumulation Ability of Photoprotective Substances and the Photosynthetic Capacity in Leaves of Four Woody Plants Grown under Two Light

Abstract: Relationship between photoprotective substances accumulation ability and photosynthetic capacity was studied in leaves of four dominant tree species(Schima superba, Castanopsis fissa, Cryptocarya. Concinna, Acmena acuminatissima) of subtropical forests under two light intensities. Results showed that compare to the young leaves,, the mature leaves exhibited higher chlorophyll (Chl) content and photosynthesis rate but lower anthocyanins content, flavonoids content, phenols content, total antioxidant capacity and carotenoids/chlorophylls (Car/Chl) ratio in four dominant tree species regardless of light intensity. And the young leaves grown under full light conditions exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity and Car/Chl ratio, and contents of anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenols than young leaves grown under shading. The photoprotective ability of young leaves was largely dependent on their higher photoprotective substances, for instance, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenols, total antioxidant capacity and Car/Chl ratio etc; as the young leaves maturing, these photoprotective substances were gradually reducing and photosynthetic capacity was gradually increasing. Thus, there was a negative correlation between photoprotective substances accumulation ability and photosynthetic capacity in young and mature leaves.