Leaf gas exchange differences between males and females of yerba-mate

Abstract

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.