Genetic variation in photosynthetic capacity, carbon isotope discrimination and mesophyll conductance in provenances of Castanea sativa adapted to different environments

1. Provenances of Castanea sativa from populations adapted to different climatic areas of Turkey were grown in a field trial in Italy. Carbon isotope discrimination (Delta) in leaf dry matter and in leaf soluble sugar, were measured, along with photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and mesophyll conductance, to study the variability of primary productivity and its ecological significance in European Chestnut. 2. Genetic variations were found in RuBP carboxylase, chlorophyll, leaf soluble protein and leaf thickness. 3. Carbon isotope discrimination (Delta) in leaf dry matter was greater in drought-adapted than in wet-adapted provenances. A similar variation of Delta was observed in leaf soluble carbohydrates either under watered or drought conditions. Possible environmental effects of variables such as vapour pressure difference, on the relationship between transpiration efficiency and carbon isotope discrimination are discussed, on the basis of short-term and long-term results. 4. Generally low values of Delta encountered among provenances were explained not only by low values of intercellular CO(2) partial pressure but also by consistently low values of mesophyll conductance leading to reduced chloroplastic CO(2) partial pressure. A decrease in mesophyll conductance was induced by water shortage. Coordination was found between stomatal and mesophyll conductance, with the drought-adapted provenances showing much higher mesophyll conductance than the wet-adapted provenances. Variations in mesophyll conductance were related to differences in leaf protein content. 5. Possible ecophysiological adaptive mechanisms are discussed taking into account stomatal sensitivity, modulation of photosynthetic capacity and water-use efficiency under drought conditions.