Photosynthetic responses of Cerrado plants during the rainy and dry seasons

Abstract

The diversity of combinations of microclimates and the soils of Cerrado is related to the complexity of photosynthetic and hydric responses of the plant species adapted to such environment. The present work reviews photosynthetic responses of Cerrado plant species related to the dry and the rainy seasons. During the dry season, many species reduce the carbon assimilation rate and the transpiration rate, while others keep the same performance as in the rainy season. Fotoinhibition is not seen among the species. Some trees are able to hydraulic lifting, which can eventually ammeliorate the soil condition during the dry season.