Abstract:Photosynthesis and photosynthetic parameters of Pinus koraiensis saplings were determined after these saplings have been exposed to 500 molmol-1CO2 for six growing seasons. The response curves of net photosynthetic rate (PN) versus photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) were measured in situ. These response curves were then analysed using a biochemical model which described the limitations imposed by the amount and activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (VCmax) and by the rate of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration mediated by electron transport (Jmax). In addition, apparent quantum yield (AQY) and light-saturated photosynthetic rate (Pmax) were calculated. VCmax of needles under 500μmol mol-1CO2 decreased by 4% compared with that in the control chamber. Jmax and Jmax/VCmax ratio of plants grown at the elevated CO2 concentration were 27% and 18% greater than those in the control chamber, respectively, but the differences in Jmax and Jmax/VCmax between the two treatments were not significant. There was no evidence of photosynthetic acclimation for needles of Pinus koraiensis after six growing seasons’ exposure to 500μmol mol-1CO2. Pmax and AQY increased by 94% and 21% for plants grown at 500μmol mol-1CO2 according to PN-PAR response curves, respectively, compared with the plants in the control chamber. The proportionately greater increase in Pmax than AQY or Jmax indicates that saplings of Pinus koraiensis grown under 500μmol mol-1CO2 make more efficient use of light. Light-saturated stomatal conductance (gsmax) and transpiration rate (Emax) doubled for plants grown and measured at elevated CO2 concentration. The magnitudes of increase in gsmax and Emax were close to that in Pmax. Ci/Ca ratio declined non-linearly with increased CO2 concentration for plants grown at 500μmol mol-1CO2 and in the control chamber. Ci/Ca ratio decreased by 1% to 7% at low Ca (Ca≤200μmol mol-1), but increased by 5% to 20% at high Ca(Ca≥300μmol mol-1)for plants at elevated CO2. CO2 concentration could change Ci/Ca ratio, but Ci/Ca ratio ultimately remained at a constant range as a result of stomatal adjustment. The response of Ci/Ca ratio to Ca suggested that stomatal sensitivity to CO2 was greater at low CO2 concentration than at high CO2 concentration.