Comparison of photosynthetic and physiological characteristics of different Paeonia suffruticosa varieties

The comparison of photosynthetic and physiological characteristics of different Paeonia suffruticosa varieties were carried out using Li-6400 portable photosynthesis system，including photosynthetic parameters such as net photosynthetic rate，transpiration rate，stomatal rate and intercellular CO2 concentration and etc. The net photosynthetic rate，light/CO2 response curves and the contents of chlorophyll were also researched. The results showed that Wulongpengsheng had higher net photosynthetic rate，water use efficiency，light use efficiency， chlorophyll content，maximum carboxylation rate，maximum electron transfer rate and triose phosphate utilization rate compared with other two varieties. Whereas it had lower stomatal limit and dark respiration rate，and higher light saturation point and lower light compensation point. This study pointed out that Wulongpengsheng was the most appropriate P. suffruticosa varieties for introduction and planting in the local area，which have the highest photosynthetic capacity and widest adaptability of the light.