Modifications in morphopysiological characteristics of Garcinia brasiliensis leaves in response to seasonal variations

The environment in which plants are inserted offers numerous stimuli that can influence plant ecophysiology and metabolism. Garcinia brasiliensis is a plant species of high interest for secondary metabolites extraction, however the comprehension about its behavior in response to environmental stimuli is still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to identify the influence of seasonality on the ecophysiology, biochemistry and anatomy of G. brasiliensis, aiming to contribute for the preservation and conservation of native populations and the propagation of this species. Evaluations were carried out under field conditions on six-year-old adult plants, in four replications over four months of the year (May, September, November and February). The evaluations were carried out in the middle third of the canopy, in fully expanded leaves. Gas exchange, chlorophyll “a” fluorescence, relative chlorophyll content, leaf water potential, carbohydrate, protein and amino acid content, and leaf anatomy were assessed. Gas exchange and production of carbohydrates and proteins were higher in November, when there was the highest rainfall rate. The maximum efficiency of the photochemical process in PSII was higher in February. Seasonality influences gas exchange, chlorophyll “a” fluorescence, production of primary metabolites and the nutritional status of G. brasiliensis plants. Anatomical changes are the least pronounced due to seasonal variations. Plants were more active metabolically in November, a month typical of spring in Brazilian tropical climate, which also corresponds to the growth season.