Leaf gas exchange differences between males and females of yerba-mate Condutância estomática, fotossíntese, luz, temperatura, transpiração

A preliminary study was developed on leaf gas exchange properties of males and females in yerbamate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.), planted in open growth conditions. The photosynthesic photon flux density (PPFD) on leaf level, stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthesis (A), transpiration (E), and leaf temperature (Tl) was measured during the biennial production period: in the summer during the fruit ripening when there is a pause in its growth (January, February), spring sprouting (November) and autumn sprouting (March, Jun). The measurements have been taken in different tree crown positions (inside, exterior and tips). First indications of sex physiological dimorphism in yerba-mate have been shown. Conductance was superior on female plants, with exception on tips, whereas the A and E were superior on females, on the exterior of the third medium of the tree crown. Positive correlations among gas exchange properties and PPFD were established. The seasonality in gas exchange was observed. The maximum gas exchange values were registered in active sprouting whereas the minimum values were registered during fruit ripening, in full summer. A and E were positively correlated with gs for both males and females. The functional strategy of females, aiming to finish the reproductive process, is to proportionate the relative increase of A and E on self-shaded leaves, through the superior gs compared to males. Neste estudo preliminar foram determinadas as propriedades ecofisiológicas de plantas femininas e masculinas da erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St.Hil.) cultivadas no campo. Fluxo de fótons ativo na fotossíntese (PPFD), condutância estomática (gs), fotossíntese liquida (A), transpiração (E) e temperatura foliar (Tl) foram avaliados em um ciclo bienal de produção: no verão (janeiro e fevereiro) durante o período de maturação dos frutos quando ocorre pausa no crescimento; na primavera (novembro) e no outono (março a junho) durante emissão de novas brotações. As medições foram efetuadas em diferentes posições na copa (interior, exterior e ponteiras). Resultados indicam existência de dimorfismo sexual fisiológico na espécie. A condutância foi superior nas plantas femininas, exceto nas ponteiras. A e E foram superiores na parte exterior do terço médio das copas das plantas femininas. Foi detectada sazonalidade na troca gasosa, com os maiores valores registrados na época de emissão de novas brotações e menores durante a fase de maturação dos frutos. Observa