In this study, we examined steady-state and dynamic photosynthetic performance and leaf nitrogen (N) partitioning in the typical shade-demanding herb Panax notoginseng grown along a light gradient. Gas exchange on a leaf area basis was significantly reduced under low irradiance, with gas exchange on a leaf mass basis reaching a maximum value and then decreasing along the light gradient. Specific leaf area significantly increased with decreasing irradiance levels (P<0.001), whereas carboxylation efficiency was decreased (P<0.001). In addition, decreasing growth irradiance levels led to declines in maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and maximum electron transport rate (Jmax), although Vcmax/ mass and Jmax/mass were relatively less affected than Vcmax/area and Jmax/area. Slow photosynthetic response to simulated sunflecks was observed under low levels of growth irradiance, with stomatal limitations only detected in leaves grown under low-light conditions. Chlorophyll content increased significantly with decreasing irradiance levels. N content on a leaf mass basis apparently increased, while N content on a leaf area basis markedly decreased. The fraction of leaf N allocated to light-harvesting components increased significantly with decreasing growth irradiance levels, whereas the fraction allocated to carboxylation and bioenergetics was significantly reduced. As an adaptation strategy to growth irradiance, we conclude that adjustments in specific leaf area may be more important than changes in leaf physiology and biochemistry in typical shade-demanding species such as P. notoginseng.
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