Abstract

Pitavia punctata (Ruiz & Pav.) Molina ('Pitao') is an endangered species that regenerates under the shade. We monitored the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II in four localities spanning the geographical distribution of the species in Central Chile. Technical fluorescence parameters and JIP-test-derived parameters were measured in trees (up to 15 m) and seedlings (< 50 cm). We observed significant effects of the type of plant and locality on the performance index (PIABS) and maximum fluorescence (F-M). PIABS was higher in trees from the Los Barros locality (PIABS = 41), whereas seedlings located in Colcura locality had PIABS = 26. Seedlings exhibited higher F-M compared to trees (F-M = 940 and 895 for seedlings and trees, respectively), particularly in locality Ramadillas (F-M = 1,025). Our results provide information on a topic largely understudied in native species in Chile and are useful for designing and monitoring restoration processes for P. punctata.