Variations in Physiological Characteristics of Different Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. Half-Sib Families

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the genetic variation in growth and physiological characteristics (light-saturated net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, intrinsic water-use efficiency and pre-dawn water potential) related to the growth of 10 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. half-sib families. The results indicated that the differences in all growth parameters were highly significant among families, while the differences in all physiological characteristics were highly significant among seasons, but not among families. Nevertheless, the results showed three seasonal trends of physiological characteristics: high values with high seasonal variation; high values with moderate seasonal variation; and low values in all seasons. Therefore, a further study on the correlation between physiological parameters and growth is recommended for the selection of E. camaldulensis families that could grow and adapt well to the site.

Keywords: Physiological characteristics, Eucalyptus, Half-sib families