Dynamics of photosynthetic responses in 10 rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) clones in Colombian Amazon: Implications for breeding strategies

The rubber tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. Ex Adr. de Juss.) Muell.-Arg] is the main source of natural rubber in the world. However, in the Amazon region, its production is reduced by biotic and abiotic limitations, which have prompted breeding programs in order to identify desirable agronomic and physiological indicators. The objective of this study was to analyze the temporal dynamics of photosynthetic responses based on the parameters of leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence in 10 rubber tree clones during the immature phase (pre-tapping) in three large-scale clone trials, during daily cycles and under two climatic periods (dry and rainy) in the Caqueta region (Colombian Amazon). The variables A, LT, Phi(PSII), ETR and qP were significantly higher in the dry period, where the highest values of PAR, AT and VPD were seen. In San Vicente del Caguan and Florencia, the highest averages were estimated for A, E and g(s), as compared with Belen de los Andaquies. In Florencia, the highest fluorescence parameters of chlorophyll a were recorded. At 9:00 h and 12:00 h, the highest means of A, E, Phi(PSII) and ETR were observed. The majority of the clones displayed the highest F-v/F-m mean (0.82-0.84) in the dry period. The clones FX 4098, FDR 4575, MDF 180, GU198 and FDR 5788 represent genotypes with the best photosynthetic performance (greater photosynthetic rates and better ability of the photosynthetic apparatus to capture, use and dissipate light energy). These desirable genotypes constitute a promising gene pool for expanding the genetic resource of rubber trees in the Colombian Amazon.