The BEMA-Project. Ecophysiological Studies of Mediterranean Plant Species at the Castelporziano Estate.

The aim of this work was to characterize the eco-physiological performance of the main plant species of the Castelproziano site by single leaf investigations. We measured the leaf gas exchange of Quercus ilex L., Pinus pinea L., Pistacia lentiscus L. and Asphodelus microcarpus L. for several days. Additionally, the xylem water potential of Quercus ilex, Pinus pinea and Pistacia lentiscus was recorded in order to deliver more physiological background information for the discussion of the trace gas emissions. This study indicates significantly different physiological reponses to the different environmental conditions. In particular, summer conditions caused the depression of photosynthesis in Quercus ilex and Pinus pinea but did not affect photosynthesis of Pistacia lentiscus and Asphodelus microcarpus.JRC.(EI)-Environment Institut