Abstract:

In order to understand the leaf trait variations of Acer ginnala and the integrative effects of topography and soil nutrients on these changes, the author did a survey about the chloroplast pigment differences and the change patterns of the leaf chloroplast pigments along elevation gradients (1000-1800 m) within the distribution range of Acer ginnala in Qiliyu. The results showed that: there were significant or very significant differences of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll (a+b) between various populations. There were also significant variations of the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll (a+b) between different elevation gradients. With the increase of elevation gradients, the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll (a+b) content of Acer ginnala populations increased gradually, reached to a peak at the elevation of D (1500 m) or E (1600 m) and then decreased gradually. The change pattern of chlorophyll a/b was firstly decreased, following increased and then decreased with the increase of elevation gradients. Moreover, regression analysis between chloroplast pigments and soil factors suggested that pH, soli total phosphorus, available phosphorus and soil organic matters were important influenced factors. The best growing elevation for Acer ginnala in Qiliyu was from 1500 m to 1700 m elevation.Key words Acer ginnala; chloroplast pigments; elevation gradients; Qiliyu