Integrated Approaches to Understanding Plant Photosynthesis Dynamics in Forest Ecosystems under Climate Change

Dear Colleagues,

Forests cover almost one-third of the biosphere and represent the most complex terrestrial ecosystems. Forest ecosystems are a vital refugium for global terrestrial biodiversity and support various natural processes, including plant photosynthesis, which is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance. However, in recent decades, climate change has significantly impacted forest ecosystems, including alterations in plant photosynthesis processes.

Chlorophyll, a fluorescence emission, is a valuable tool for assessing photosynthetic activity, providing insights into the state of photosynthetic apparatus and photosystem II (PSII). With this Special Issue, we seek to expand our understanding of plant photosynthesis under climate change and plant responses to stress, including those found in forest ecosystems.

Integrating insights from forest canopy dynamics research enhances our comprehension of how climate change influences photosynthetic processes at both the individual and ecosystem levels. Recent advancements in remote sensing technologies and ecological modeling have allowed for the detailed 3D modeling of forest canopies, enabling the assessment of canopy structure and biomass distribution.

Additionally, the role of soil microbial communities in mediating plant–soil interactions and influencing plant health and productivity cannot be overlooked. Soil microbes play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, pathogen suppression, and enhancing plant resilience to environmental stressors. Understanding the intricate relationships between soil microbial diversity, plant photosynthesis, and climate change is essential for devising effective strategies for forest management and conservation.

Controlled environment experiments, such as growth chamber studies, provide valuable insights into the physiological responses of forest species to changing environmental conditions, including interactions with soil microbial communities. Large-scale ecological experiments, such as Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) facilities, offer platforms for studying the interactive effects of climate change, soil microbes, and biotic factors on forest ecosystems.

By incorporating findings from canopy-level studies, soil microbial research, and ecosystem-scale experiments, we can develop comprehensive models that capture the complex interactions between climate change, forest dynamics, soil microbial communities, and photosynthetic processes. These integrated approaches not only enhance our understanding of forest responses to environmental stress but also inform conservation strategies aimed at preserving the integrity and resilience of forest ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.

We welcome contributions from plant scientists across disciplines, including original research, review/mini-review articles, and opinion pieces, to highlight new applications and the sophisticated roles of plant photosynthesis analysis in understanding and addressing the challenges posed by climate change and stress in forest ecosystems.

Dr. Nan Xu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• forest ecosystems
• plant photosynthesis
• climate change impacts
• soil microbial communities
• canopy dynamics
• ecological modeling
• environmental stress
• conservation strategies