Physiological Basis for Ecological Preference of <I>Eucalyptus globulus</I>. Labill (blue Gum) I. Photosynthesis and Growth

Abstract

The physiological basis on the ecological preference of Eucalyptus globulus was a,ssessed based on tbe identification of physiological seasons and their duration in the experimental sites with the help of thermo graphs. The growth rate of blue gum was high at the conducive circumstance of high altitude. The age altered the significance of altitudes noticed in the growth performance. Among the two components of photosynthesis viz., structural and functional abilities, the later, in terms of soluble nitrogen pool, had a major impact for the better growth rate at high altitudes irrespective of age groups. The growth of young trees in the low altitude was influenced by both structural (total chlorophyll) and functional abilities of the photosynthesis.