Photosynthesis and Growth of Copaiba Seedlings Subjected to Soil Flooding

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of soil flooding on photosynthesis, growth, and biomass partitioning of young plants of copaiba (Copaifera lucens Dwyer, Fabaceae ) to investigate the possibility of using this species in restoration projects of riparian forests. Based on our results, we concluded that young plants of C. lucens are able to tolerate soil flooding for a period of approximately one month, despite significant decreases in the growth rate of roots, stomatal conductance to water vapor, and the net photosynthetic rate. These results indicate the possibility of including C. lucens in restoration programs for degraded riparian forests in regions where this species naturally occurs.