Photosynthetic responses and growth dynamics of Allagoptera arenaria (Gomes) Kuntze (Arecaceae) in a chronosequence in a Restinga restoration area

Knowledge about plant species' growth dynamics is essential in restoring degraded environments. In this study, we evaluated the growth dynamics of Allagoptera arenaria (Gomes) Kuntze in a chronosequence of plantations in the Restinga. The sampling was taken from three populations with different planting ages (n = 12): group GI - 8 months; GII - 4 years; GIII - 7 years. We analyzed biometric measurements, leaf traits, photosynthetic pigments, and chlorophyll a fluorescence. The GI group's maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry was significantly higher. On the other hand, the energy dissipation by heat was significantly higher in GIII. Our findings demonstrate that A. arenaria has high ecophysiological plasticity as it can adjust its photosynthetic machinery to avoid permanent damage to the proteins and structures of the photosystems. GI plants group can invest in greater carbon allocation, which is essential for survival in the field, as observed in groups GII and GIII.