Soil heterogeneity and chloroplast genome variation jointly shape photosynthetic plasticity in Ficus tikoua Bur.

Abstract

Ficus tikoua Bur., a perennial creeping fig of both medicinal and ecological importance, demonstrates notable adaptability across heterogeneous soil conditions; however, the physiological and genetic bases of its photosynthetic plasticity remain inadequately characterized. In this study, we evaluated leaf morphology, gas-exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence indices, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and light-response characteristics in eight naturally occurring populations from contrasting soil habitats in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, and concurrently conducted complete chloroplast genome sequencing for all samples. Phenotypic analyses revealed substantial variation in photosynthetic performance, which demonstrated a strong correlation with edaphic factors such as soil pH, organic matter content, and the availability of macronutrients. Notably, individuals inhabiting nutrient-deficient substrates exhibited reduced chlorophyll content and diminished photosynthetic capacity. Furthermore, our findings suggest that mature leaves integrate broader soil conditions, whereas developing leaves serve as sensitive bio-indicators of specific nutrient stressors. Comparative synteny analysis of chloroplast genomes indicated an overall conserved genomic architecture with no evidence of large-scale structural rearrangements, while phylogenomic reconstruction resolved the eight accessions into two well-supported clades that corresponded to provenance: one comprising the six wild accessions (A‒F) and the other containing the two cultivated varieties (G and H). Collectively, these results indicate that both soil environment and chloroplast genetic variation contribute to the modulation of photosynthetic traits in F. tikoua, thereby providing a genomic and physiological framework that may inform targeted breeding and conservation strategies.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Ficus tikoua / photosynthesis / soil heterogeneity / chloroplast genome

Highlight

	● Photosynthetic performance is differentiated by soil heterogeneity.
	● Young leaves are more sensitive to available nutrients than mature ones.
	● Cultivated vs. wild chloroplast lineages modulate physiological response.

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