Leaf gas exchanges and photosystem efficiency of the holm oak in urban green areas of Florence, Italy

Abstract In urban environments, trees are often faced with limiting physical factors at above- and below-ground levels. These factors include poor air quality, and water and soil pollution that may differ substantially from the natural environment. While numerous studies on urban climate and floristic analyses have been published, studies on the physiological performance and growth of trees in urban sites are rather scarce. They are often in contradiction with the general opinion of the growth's constraint. Generally, it is recognized that urban soils are made of poor landfill materials hampering soil water retention. Often, the soil is sealed by asphalted surfaces that prevent rain infiltration. Nevertheless, there is a gap of information to support the hypothesis by which such conditions determine plant water stress. This study will analyze the water relations and the performance of photosynthesis of Quercus ilex exemplars growing in three different conditions of urban green areas (urban park, outskirt/countryside and urban road) in the city of Florence (Italy) conducted in the year 2002. Results have evidenced a decline in photosynthetic rate in all three sites but a certain capacity of Q. ilex to acclimate to the harsh conditions of urban roads in terms of water relations, tissue elasticity and in photosystem efficiency that was higher at the beginning of summer.