Forestry management requires rapid and nondestructive methods to detect the optimal clones or cultivars or species suitable for particular geographical location. We compared the leaf size, plant height, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence of four Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) clones to understand the differences between their ecophysiological characteristics and provide recommendations for cultivation. The results demonstrate that plant height of clone 13 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than clone 3. Further, the content of chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b) and Chl a+ Chl b of clones 39 and 3 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the other clones, respectively. Compared to clones 39 and 3, clones 13 and 6 had higher Chl a/Chl b ratio. Furthermore, photochemical energy conversion (Yield) and electron transport rate (ETR) of clones 13 and 6 decreased slowly, and this corresponded well with lower non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and its coefficient (qN) of clones 13 and 6 with increasing PAR. These results indicate that the clones 13 and 6 are suitable for high light environment but clones 39 and 3 are acclimatized to low light environment. In conclusion, this suggests that a deeper understanding of chlorophyll fluorescence, Chl b and Chl a/Chl b would improve our ability to select appropriate clones or cultivars or species for a particular location.

Keywords: Chinese fir; plant height; chlorophyll content; chlorophyll fluorescence; light use efficiency.