Abstract: Potted seedlings of Pinus massoniana, Schima superba, Castanopsis fissa and Cryptocarya concinna, the dominant tree species in Dinghushan subtropical forests, are grown under 100%,40% and 16% of natural illumination for one year, and their photosynthesis light response curves are determined with O₂ electrode under a series of light intensity from 0 to 2500 μmol quanta m^-2·s^-1. The comparison of dark respiration rate (DRR), maximum net photosynthetic rate (Amax), quantum use efficiency (QUE), light compensation point (LCP), light saturation point (LSP) and photo inhibition point (PP) for the seedlings of these tree species under different irradiances shows that Cryptocarya concinna is shade tolerant and has a limited photosynthetic potential of acclimating high PFD. The Amax of its seedlings growing under 100% sunlight is about 58% of those growing under heavy shade (16% sunliht). Pinus massoniana, Schima superba and Castanopsis fissa are sun loving species with higher DRR, Amax, LCP, LSPand PP. For Pinus massoniana, its photosynthetic potential of acclimating low PFDis limited, while Schima superba and Castanopsis fissa show a relatively high photosynthetic potential of acclimating high and low PFD. The relationship between photosynthetic physiological characters of tree species and their succession status is also discussed.

Key words: Photosynthesis, Growth irradiance, Forest succession, Photosynthetic characteristics, pheromones, biological control, Varroa destructor, Apis mellifera