Abstract
The goal of this research was to assess the health and physiological stress of understory balsam fir (Abies balsamea) seedlings and saplings within Lake Superior Provincial Park (LSPP) in Ontario, Canada to provide an indication of the degree to which they are affected by ambient light levels . The photochemical efficiency of balsam fir photosystem II was tested by measuring fluorescence . Seedlings and saplings within four sites were sampled and measured for their daily photochemical efficiencies . It was hypothesized that the sampled balsam fir would display little, if any, light stress because balsam fir is relatively shade tolerant and the study area is located near the central portion of balsam f ir’s range, theoretically providing optimum growing conditions . Overall, balsam fir exhibited relatively little variation in photosystem stress, particularly across size classes and location; however photosystem stress varied by time of day (greater stress at midday and afternoon) and presence of sunspots
Recommended Citation
McCarragher, Shannon R. and Goldblums, David
(2010)
"Photosystem Stress of Understory Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) in Ontario, Canada as Measured by Chlorophyll Fluorescence,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 51:
Iss.
2, Article 1.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol51/iss2/1