Summary:
Published in New Forests 57(27)
Known for its adaptability to diverse ecological conditions, red maple (Acer rubrum L.) demonstrates significant plasticity in leaf characteristics making a good candidate for forest management. However, the spread of invasive species such as glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill.) threatens native tree growth, disrupting local ecological balance and altering soil and light conditions in North American forests. This study aimed to compare the photosynthetic capacities of red maple and glossy buckthorn under different conditions. Field data were collected from three forested sites in southern Québec (Canada), where photosynthetic activity was measured using two parameters: the maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and electron transport rate (Jmax), both essential for evaluating physiological performance. The results revealed that glossy buckthorn exhibited higher photosynthetic rates than red maple. However, red maple’s physiology was not significantly impacted by the presence of glossy buckthorn. This study underscores the need for ongoing research into the interactions between invasive and native species. By addressing the challenges posed by invasive species, forest managers can better support the resilience and sustainability of native ecosystems.
Permanent identifier (DOI):
Sector(s):
Forests
Catégorie(s):
Scientific Article
Theme(s):
Forest Ecology, Forestry Research, Forests
Departmental author(s):
Author(s):
HÉBERT, François. Tiana Mara CUSTODIO and François GIRARD
Year of publication:
2026
How to get the publication:
Keyword(s):
article scientifique, écologie forestière, forest ecology, maximum carboxylation rate, electron transport rate, invasive species, glossy buckthorn, red maple