Abstract: According to the forest cycle theory, forest communities are the embedded systems with different development patch types. The heterogeneity of the photosynthetic characteristics of Pinus dabeshanensis seedling in different patch types (gap patch, building patch, mature patch and degenerate patch) were studied. Our results were as follows: compared to other patch phases, in gap patch phase, the seedlings of P. dabeshanensis exhibited the highest net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), carboxylation efficiency (CE), and the maximum quantum efficiency of PSⅡ (Fv/Fm). The diurnal variations of coefficient of photochemical quenching (qP), coefficient of non-photochemical quenching (qN), PSⅡ quantum yields (ΦPSⅡ) and electron transport were (ETR) the highest in the gap patch, and the lowest in the mature patch. Our results suggest that the gap patch is the optimal environment for their growth, and the mature patch inhabits the growth of P. dabeshanensis seedling. 

Key words: photosynthetic capability, chlorophyll fluorescence, diurnal variation, patch