Response of growth, photosynthetic characteristics and carbon metabolism of Pinus tabuliformis seedlings to long-term moderate warming.

Warming increases photosynthetic capacity and carbohydrate accumulation in Pinus tabuliformis seedlings, enhancing their thermal adaptability under +2°C climate scenarios.

• Why it matters: Understanding how coniferous species respond physiologically to long-term warming is crucial for predicting forest resilience amid climate change, yet such responses remain poorly characterized.
• What they did: The study involved 3-year-old Pinus tabuliformis seedlings exposed to ambient and elevated temperatures over two growing seasons, measuring growth, photosynthesis, pigment content, enzyme activities, and carbohydrate levels.
• The result: Warming improved photosynthetic rates, pigment contents, and carbohydrate concentrations, indicating coordinated physiological adjustments that bolster seedling adaptation, informing forest management strategies under future warming.