Seasonal CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-exchange variations of temperate semi-desert grassland in Hungary

CO₂ exchange components of a temperate semi-desert sand grassland ecosystem in Hungary were measured 21 times in 2000–2001 using a closed IRGA system. Stand CO₂ uptake and release, soil respiration rate (R _s), and micrometeorological values were determined with two types of closed system chambers to investigate the daily courses of gas exchange. The maximum CO₂ uptake and release were –3.240 and 1.903 mol m^–2 s^–1, respectively, indicating a relatively low carbon sequestration potential. The maximum and the minimum R _s were 1.470 and 0.226 mol(CO₂) m^–2 s^–1, respectively. Water shortage was probably more effective in decreasing photosynthetic rates than R _s, indicating water supply as the primary driving variable for the sink-source relations in this ecosystem type.     

Photosynthesis and Water Use Efficiency in Twenty Tropical Tree Species of Differing Succession Status in a Brazilian Reforestation

Leaf gas exchange characteristics were measured in twenty woody species that differ in succession status ranging from pioneer species (PS) to late succession species (LS) in a Brazilian rain-reforestation ecosystem. Photon-saturated photosynthetic rate, calculated per either a leaf area (P _NA) or a dry mass (P _NM) basis, differed among species. P _NA and P _NM were highest in PS and lowest in LS. Variation among species was 3-fold (from 7 to 23 mol m^–2 s^–1) for P _NA, and 5-fold (from 50 to 275 mol kg^–2 s^–1) for P _NM. The highest P _NA (23 mol m^–2 s^–1) and P _NM (275 mol kg^–2 s^–1) values were recorded in PS Croton urucurana, while the lowest P _NA (7 mol m^–2 s^–1) and P _NM (50 mol kg^–2 s^–1) values were recorded in LS Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon. A considerable overlap was recorded between PS and LS in values of stomatal conductance (g _s), transpiration rate (E), and leaf mass to area ratio (ALM). However, C. urucurana also showed highest g _s and E. P _NM was highly correlated with ALM in both PS and LS (r=–0.75 and –0.90, respectively). The high values of instantaneous transpiration efficiency (ITE) and intrinsic water use efficiency (WUE_i) were also observed in the PS when compared with the LS.     

Linkage between seasonal gas exchange and hydraulic acclimation in the top canopy leaves of Fagus trees in a mesic forest in Japan

We investigated how leaf gas exchange and hydraulic properties acclimate to increasing evaporative demand in mature beech trees, Fagus crenata Blume and Fagus japonica Maxim., growing in their natural habitat. The measurements in the top canopy leaves were conducted using a 16-m-high scaffolding tower over two growing seasons. The daily maxima of net photosynthetic rate for the early growing season were close to the annual maximum value (11.9 mol m^–2 s^–1 in F. crenata and 7.7 mol m^–2 s^–1 in F. japonica). The daily maxima of water vapor stomatal conductance were highest in the summer, approximately 0.3 mol m^–2 s^–1 in F. crenata and 0.15 mol m^–2 s^–1 in F. japonica. From the early growing season to the summer season, the leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit increased and the daily minima of leaf water potentials decreased. However, there was no loss of leaf turgor in the summer as a result of effective osmotic adjustment. Both the soil-to-leaf hydraulic conductance per unit leaf area and the twig hydraulic conductivity simultaneously increased in the summer, probably as a result of production of new vessels in the xylem. These results suggest that both osmotic adjustment and increased hydraulic conductance resulted in the largest diurnal maximum of stomatal conductance in the summer, resulting in the lowest relative stomatal limitation on net photosynthetic rate, although the leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit was highest. These results indicate that even in a mesic forest, in which excessive hydraulic stress does not occur, the seasonal acclimation of hydraulic properties at both the single leaf and whole plant levels are important for plant carbon gain.     

Environmental control of canopy dynamics and photosynthetic rate in the evergreen tussock grass Stipa tenacissima

Seasonal changes in leaf demography and gas exchange physiology in the tall evergreen tussock grass Stipa tenacissima, one of the few dominant plant species in the driest vegetation of Europe, were monitored over a period of two years at a field site in semi-arid south-eastern Spain. Three age-classes of leaves – young, mature and senescent – were distinguished in the green canopy. Production of new leaves and extension growth of older leaves occurred exclusively from October–November to May–June. The rate of extension was significantly correlated with gravimetric soil water content. Leaf growth ceased after gravimetric soil water content fell below 0.015 g g^–1 at the beginning of the dry season which corresponded to pre-dawn leaf water potentials of -3.0 MPa. Leaf senescence and desiccation reduced green leaf area by 43–49% during the dry season. Diurnal changes in the net photosynthetic rate of all three cohorts of leaves were bimodal with an early morning maximum, a pronounced midday depression and a small recovery late in the afternoon. Maximum photosynthetic rates of 10–16 mol CO₂ m^–2 s^–1 were attained from November 1993 to early May 1994 in young and mature leaves. Photosynthetic rate declined strongly during the dry season and was at or below compensation in September 1994. Gas exchange variables of young and mature leaves were not significantly different, but photosynthetic rate and diffusive conductance to water vapour of senescing leaves were significantly lower than in the two younger cohorts. Leaf nitrogen content of mature leaves varied seasonally between 2.9 and 5.2 g m^–2 (based on projected area of folded leaves), but was poorly correlated with maxima of the photosynthetic rate. There was a stronger linear relationship between the daily maxima of leaf conductance and pre-dawn leaf water potential than with atmospheric water vapour saturation deficit. Seasonal and between-year variation in daily carbon assimilation were caused mainly by differences in climatic conditions and canopy size whereas the effect of age structure of canopies was negligible. Since water is the most important limiting factor for growth and reproduction of S. tenacissima, any future rise in mean temperature, which might increase evapotranspiration, or decrease in rainfall, may considerably reduce the productivity of the grasslands, particularly at the drier end of their geographical distribution.     

Stomatal conductance in a tropical xerophilous shrubland at a lava substratum

Diurnal variation in leaf stomatal conductance (g _s) of three xerophilous species (Buddleia cordata, Senecio praecox and Dodonaea viscosa) was measured over a 10-month period during the dry and wet seasons in a shrubland that is developing in a lava substratum in Mexico. Averaged stomatal conductances were 147 and 60.2 (B. cordata), 145 and 24.8 (D. viscosa) and 142.8 and 14.1 mmol m^–2 s^–1 (S. praecox) during the wet and dry season respectively. Leaf water potential () varied in a range of –0.6 to –1.2 (S. praecox), –0.6 to –1.8 (B. cordata) and –0.9 to –3.4 MPa (D. viscosa) during the same measurement periods. Stomata were more sensitive to changes in irradiance, air temperature and leaf–air vapour pressure difference in the rainy season than the dry season. Although stomatal responses to were difficult to distinguish in any season (dry or rainy), data for the entire period of measurement showed a positive correlation, stomata tending to open as increased, but there is strong evidence of isohydric behaviour in S. praecox and B. cordata. A multiplicative model relating g _s to environmental variables and to accounted for 79%–83% of the variation of g _s in three sites (pooled data); however, the performance of the model was poorer (60%–76%) for individual species from other sites not included in the pooled data.     

Apparent carboxylation efficiency and relative stomatal and mesophyll limitations of photosynthesis in an evergreen cerrado species during water stress

Miconia albicans, a common evergreen cerrado species, was studied under field conditions. Leaf gas exchange and pre-dawn leaf water potential (Ψ_pd) were determined during wet and dry seasons. The potential photosynthetic capacity (P _Npmax) and the apparent carboxylation efficiency (ε) dropped in the dry season to 28.0 and 0.7 %, respectively, of the maximum values in the wet season. The relative mesophyll (L_m) and stomatal (L_s) limitations of photosynthesis increased, respectively, from 24 and 44 % in the wet season to 79 and 57 % at the peak of the dry season when mean Ψ_pd reached −5.2 MPa. After first rains, the P _Npmax, ε, and L_m recovered reaching the wet season values, but L_s was maintained high (63 %). The shallow root system growing on stonemason limited by lateral concrete wall to a depth of 0.33 m explained why extreme Ψ_pd was brought about. Thus M. albicans is able to overcome quickly the strains imposed by severe water stress.     

Diurnal changes in needle gas exchange in alpine Pinus pumila during snow-melting and summer seasons

Pinus pumila (Pallas) Regel. is a dominant dwarf tree in alpine regions of Japan. The possible factors limiting the net photosynthetic rate (P_n) of the needles of P. pumila were examined in the snow-melting (May) and the summer (August) seasons. In August, in situ maximum P_n was 20 mol kg^–1 needle s^–1 in the current-year needles and 25 mol kg^–1 needle s^–1 in the 1-year-old needles. Diurnal trends of P_n in August were positively related to fluctuations in photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and no midday depression of P_n was found, indicating that a decrease in PPFD rather than an increase in needle-to-air vapor pressure deficit (W) might cause the reduction of P_n. Both stomatal conductance (g_s) and P_n were lower in May than in August. In May, P_n and g_s were almost zero in the morning, but gradually increased with decreasing W, reaching maximum P_n values (4 mol kg^–1 needle s^–1) and g_s (60 mmol kg^–1 needle s^–1) at 16.00 hours. The daytime P_n in May was positively related to g_s. Relative water content in the exposed needles above the snow in May was 83%, which was far above the lethal level. This indicates that the water flow from stems or soils to needles was enough to compensate for a small amount of water loss due to the low g_s in May, although the water supplied to needles would be impeded by the low temperatures. Thus, the reduced g_s in May would be important for avoiding needle desiccation, and would result in a reduced P_n.     

Effects of water vapour pressure deficit and stomatal conductance on photosynthesis,internal pressurization and convective flow in three emergent wetland plants

Internal pressurization and convective gas flow in emergent wetland plants is a function of the water vapour pressure deficit (WPD) and stomatal conductance (G _s) separating the external atmosphere from the internal aerenchyma. We have compared the effects of WPD and G _s under a range of light intensities on static pressures and convective flows in Phragmites australis, Typha orientalis and Baumea articulata. The capacity of the three species to generate flows per unit leaf area differed, being greatest in P. australisand lowest in B. articulata. In all three species, decreasing light intensity from full sunlight (2200 mol m^–2 s^–1 photosynthetically active photon flux density (PPFD)) to < 200 and < 10 mol m^–2 s^–1PPFD caused immediate decreases in photosynthetic assimilation, followed by more gradual decreases in transpiration and G _s. However, internal pressures and flows in the two low light intensities remained similar to values recorded in full sunlight. WPD was more significantly related to pressures and flows in P. australis and T. orientalis than G _s. In B. articulata, pressures increased at low G _s values but flow rates were unaffected, as predicted by earlier models describing pore size effects on pressures and flows. The data suggest that emergent macrophytes can maintain significant internal convection even at low light intensities, and this may be beneficial for nocturnal aeration, particularly in arid climates where the atmospheric humidity at night is low.     

Exceptional Photosynthetic Performance of Capparis spinosa L. Under Adverse Conditions of Mediterranean summer

Diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in water potential (), stomatal conductance (g _s), transpiration rate (E), and net photosynthetic rate (P _N) were monitored in Capparis spinosa L., a Mediterranean plant growing during summer, i.e. at the period considered the most stressful for local plant life. In spite of the complete absence of rain, exhibited a modest drop at midday (–2.7 MPa), but was fully recovered overnight, indicating sufficient access to water sources. The stomata remained open throughout the day and season and the high E resulted in leaf temperatures up to 3.9 °C below air temperature. Additionally, P _N of the fully exposed leaves was higher than 25 mol m^–2 s^–1 for more than 10 h per day throughout the summer growth period. No symptoms of photooxidative stress were shown, as judged by maximum photosystem 2 photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m) and the function of xanthophyll cycle. Indeed, diurnal inter-conversions of the xanthophyll cycle components were modest during the summer and a more intensive function of the cycle was only evident during leaf senescence in autumn. In comparison with a semi-deciduous and an evergreen sclerophyll co-existing in the same ecosystem, C. spinosa assimilated up to 3.4 times more CO₂ per m² during its growth period (May to October) and up to 1.8 times more on an annual basis.     

Relationship Between Photosystem 2 Electron Transport and Photosynthetic CO2 Assimilation Responses to Irradiance in Young Apple Tree Leaves

The responses to irradiance of photosynthetic CO₂ assimilation and photosystem 2 (PS2) electron transport were simultaneously studied by gas exchange and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence measurement in two-year-old apple tree leaves (Malus pumila Mill. cv. Tengmu No.1/Malus hupehensis Rehd). Net photosynthetic rate (P _N) was saturated at photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) 600-1 100 (mol m^-2 s^-1, while the PS2 non-cyclic electron transport (P-rate) showed a maximum at PPFD 800 mol m^-2 s^-1. With PPFD increasing, either leaf potential photosynthetic CO₂ assimilation activity (F_d/F_s) and PS2 maximal photochemical activity (F_v/F_m) decreased or the ratio of the inactive PS2 reaction centres (RC) [(F_i – F_o)/(F_m – F_o)] and the slow relaxing non-photochemical Chl fluorescence quenching (q_s) increased from PPFD 1 200 mol m^-2 s^-1, but cyclic electron transport around photosystem 1 (RFp), irradiance induced PS2 RC closure [(F_s – F_o)/F_m – F_o)], and the fast and medium relaxing non-photochemical Chl fluorescence quenching (q_f and q_m) increased remarkably from PPFD 900 (mol m^-2 s^-1. Hence leaf photosynthesis of young apple leaves saturated at PPFD 800 mol m^-2 s^-1 and photoinhibition occurred above PPFD 900 mol m^-2 s^-1. During the photoinhibition at different irradiances, young apple tree leaves could dissipate excess photons mainly by energy quenching and state transition mechanisms at PPFD 900-1 100 mol m^-2 s^-1, but photosynthetic apparatus damage was unavoidable from PPFD 1 200 mol m^-2 s^-1. We propose that Chl fluorescence parameter P-rate is superior to the gas exchange parameter P _N and the Chl fluorescence parameter F_v/F_m as a definition of saturation irradiance and photoinhibition of plant leaves.     

Influence of Potassium Nutrition on Gas Exchange Characteristics and Water Relations in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

The effects of potassium nutrition [0, 6.25, 12.50, 25.00 g(K) m^–2 of K₂SO₄ or KCl] on gas exchange characteristics and water relations in four cultivars (CIM-448, CIM-1100, Karishma, S-12) of cotton were assessed under an arid environment. Net photosynthetic rate (P _N) and transpiration rate (E) increased with increased K supply. The leaf pressure potential (_p) increased significantly by the addition of 25.00 g(K) m^–2 compared to zero K level. The water use efficiency (P _N/E) was improved by 24.6 % under the highest K dose compared to zero K. There were positive correlations (0.99^**, 0.98^**, 0.95^**, 0.97^**) between K-doses and P _N, E, _p, and P _N/E, respectively.     

Leaf gas exchange in a clonal eucalypt plantation as related to soil moisture, leaf water potential and microclimate variables

In order to determine how environmental and physiological factors affect leaf gas exchange in a 9-year-old clonal eucalypt plantation (Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex. Maiden hybrids) in the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, the diurnal patterns of predawn leaf water potential (Ψ_pd), and leaf gas exchange were monitored from November 1995 to August 1996. Soil water content (Θ) and microclimatic variables were also recorded. Most of the rainfall during the experimental period occurred from October to December 1995 and from March to April 1996, causing a significant variation in Θ and Ψ_pd. A high positive correlation (r ²=0.92) was observed between Ψ_pd and Θ measured at 0.3 m depth from the soil surface. During conditions of high soil water availability, the maximum values of stomatal conductance for water vapor (g _s) and net photosynthetic rate (A) were over 0.4 mol m^–2 s^–2 and l5 μmol m^–2 s^–1, respectively. The results showed that Ψ_pd and leaf gas exchange of the examined trees were susceptible to changes in the water content of the upper soil layers, where the major concentration of active roots occur. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that photosynthetic active radiation (Q), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), atmospheric CO₂ molar fraction (C _a), and Ψ_pd were the most important factors controlling g _s whereas Q and VPD were the main microclimatic variables controlling A. Received: 5 November 1998 / Accepted: 10 November 1999     

Analysing the responses of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation to long-term elevation of atmospheric CO2 concentration

Understanding how photosynthetic capacity acclimatises when plants are grown in an atmosphere of rising CO₂ concentrations will be vital to the development of mechanistic models of the response of plant productivity to global environmental change. A limitation to the study of acclimatisation is the small amount of material that may be destructively harvested from long-term studies of the effects of elevation of CO₂ concentration. Technological developments in the measurement of gas exchange, fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy, coupled with theoretical developments in the interpretation of measured values now allow detailed analyses of limitations to photosynthesisin vivo. The use of leaf chambers with Ulbricht integrating spheres allows separation of change in the maximum efficiency of energy transduction in the assimilation of CO₂ from changes in tissue absorptance. Analysis of the response of CO₂ assimilation to intercellular CO₂ concentration allows quantitative determination of the limitation imposed by stomata, carboxylation efficiency, and the rate of regeneration of ribulose 1:5 bisphosphate. Chlorophyll fluorescence provides a rapid method for detecting photoinhibition in heterogeneously illuminated leaves within canopies in the field. Modulated fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy allow parallel measurements of the efficiency of light utilisation in electron transport through photosystems I and IIin situ.Abbreviations A net rate of CO₂ uptke per unit leaf area (µmol m^–2 s^–1) - A_sat light-saturated A - A₈₂₀ change in absorptance of PSI on removal of illumination (OD) - c CO₂ concentration in air (µmol mol^–1) - c_a c in the bulk air; c_i, c in the intercellular spaces - ce carboxylation efficiency (mol m^–2 s^–1) - E transpiration per unit leaf area (mol m^–2 s^–1) - F fluorescence emission of PSII (relative units) - F_m maximal level of F - F_o minimal level of F upon illumination when PSII is maximally oxidised - F_s the steady-state F following the m peak - F_v the difference between F_m and F_o - F'_m maximal F' generated after the m peak by addition of a saturating light pulse - F'_o the minimal level of F' after the m peak determined by re-oxidising PSII by far-red light - g₁ leaf conductance to CO₂ diffusion in the gas phase (mol m^–2 s^–1) - g'₁ leaf conductance to water vapour diffusion in the gas phase (mol m^–2 s^–1) - k_c and k_o the Michaelis constants for CO₂ and O₂, respectively, (µmol mol^–1); - J_max the maximum rate of regeneration of rubP (µmol m^–2 s^–1) - l stomatal limitation to CO₂ uptake (dimensionless, 0–1) - LCP light compensation point of photosynthesis (µmol m^–2 s^–1) - o_i the intercellular O₂ concentration (mmol mol^–1) - Pi cytosol inorganic phosphate concentration - PSI photosystem I - PSII photosystem II - Q photon flux (µmol m^–2 s^–1) - Q_abs Q absorbed by the leaf - rubisCO ribulose 1:5 bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase; rubP, ribulose 1:5 bisphosphate; s, projected surface area of a leaf (m²) - V_c,max is the maximum rate of carboxylation (µmol m^–2 s^–1) - W_c the rubisCO limited rate of carboxylation (µmol m^–2 s¹) - W_j the electron transport limited rate of regeneration of rubP (µmol m^–2 s^–1) - W_p the inorganic phosphate limited rate of regeneration of rubP (µmol m^–2 s^–1) - absorptance of light (dimensionless, 0–1) - _a of standard black absorber ₁, of leaf - _s of integrating sphere walls - , CO₂ compensation point of photosynthesis (µmol mol^–1) - the specificity factor for rubisCO carboxylation (dimensionless) - , convexity of the response of A to Q (dimensionless 0–1) - the quantum yield of photosynthesis on an absorbed light basis (A/Q_abs; dimensionless) - the quantum yield of photosynthesis on an incident light basis (A/Q; dimensionless) - _app the maximum - _m the maximum - _m,app the photochemical efficiency of PSII (dimensionless, 0–1) - _PSII,m the maximum      

Gas exchange in San Francisco Bay

Gas exchange across the air-water interface is one of the most important processes controlling the concentrations of dissolved gases in estuarine systems. A brief review of principles and equations to predict gas exchange indicates that both current shear and wind shear are possible sources of turbulence for controlling gas exchange rates in estuaries. Rates of exchange determined by constructing a mass balance for radon-222 indicate that wind shear is dominant in San Francisco Bay. Because many estuaries have wind shear and current speeds comparable to this system, this conclusion may be true for other systems as well. A compilation of gas exchange rates measured in San Francisco Bay with those for other wind-dominated systems updates previous compilations and yields an equation for predicting gas exchange: K _l = 34.6 R _v (D_m20)^1/2 (U₁₀)^1.5 where R is the ratio of the kinematic viscosity of pure water at 20° C to the kinematic viscosity of water at the measured temperature and salinity, D_m20 is the molecular diffusivity of the gas of interest at 20°C in cm² s^–1, U₁₀ is the wind speed at 10 meters above the surface in m s^–1, and K_L is the liquid phase gas transfer coefficient in m d^–1. This relationship fits the available field data within 20% for wind speeds between 3 and 12 m s^–1. It is used to show that the residence time of dissolved oxygen in San Francisco Bay should range from 2 days during windy summer periods to as much as 15 days during calm winter periods. Because these times are short compared to time constants for other processes controlling oxygen distribution in this system, dissolved oxygen concentrations in San Francisco Bay are usually near atmospheric equilibrium. Other systems, such as Chesapeake Bay, may differ. There, despite ample air-water gas exchange rates, some bottom waters become anoxic during summer months due to slow vertical mixing.     

Gas exchange and water relations of two Rocky Mountain shrub species exposed to a climate change manipulation

Gas exchange and water relations responses to warming were compared for two shrub species, Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (Asteraceae), a widely distributed evergreen species of the Great Basin and the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, and Pentaphylloides floribunda (Rosaceae), a deciduous shrub limited in distribution to moist, high-elevation meadows. Plants were exposed to an in situ infrared (IR) climate change manipulation at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, near Crested Butte, CO. Measurements of gas exchange and water relations were made on the two species in July and August, 1993 from plants growing in situ in infrared-heated and control plots. Carbon dioxide uptake, water loss, leaf temperature, water use efficiency, and water potential were compared to test the hypothesis that leaf and soil responses to IR will cause leaf level changes in photosynthesis. Photosynthetic CO₂ uptake and water use efficiency increased for A. tridentata (2.9 vs. 1.9 mol m^–2 s^–1 and 1.2 vs. 0.7 mmol C/mol H₂O) in the heated plots compared to the controls, while water potential was significantly lower in the heated plots (–1.1 vs. –0.5 MPa). The heating treatment decreased rates of photosynthesis for P. floribunda, but not significantly so. For A. tridentata, the results are consistent with the community-level changes observed with heating. Taken together, the evidence suggests that global warming is likely to result in increasing dominance of A. tridentata in subalpine meadow habitat now dominated by forbs.     

Photosynthetic Responses of Four Hosta Cultivars to Shade Treatments

The effects of shade on the gas exchange of four Hosta cultivars were determined under differing irradiances (5, 30, 50, and 100 % of full irradiance) within pots. Irradiance saturation ranged between 400–800 mol m^–2 s^–1 among the four cultivars, of which H. sieboldiana cv. Elegans and H. plantagenea cv. Aphrodite exerted the lowest saturation and compensation irradiances. The maximal photosynthetic rate (P _max) was significantly higher in shade than in full irradiance in Elegans and Aphrodite, and was at maximum in seedlings grown in 30 % of full irradiance. The best shade treatment for cvs. Antioch and Golden Edger was 50 % of full irradiance. The diurnal gas exchange patterns in four cultivars were greatly influenced by the irradiance. Single-peak patterns of net photosynthetic rate (P _N) and stomatal conductance (g _s) were observed under 5 and 30 % full irradiance for all the cultivars while Elegans and Aphrodite suffered from midday depression in 50 % of full irradiance. Under open sky, all four cultivars showed two-peak patters in their diurnal gas exchange, but the midday depression was less in Antioch and Golden Edger than in Elegans and Aphrodite. According to their photosynthetic responses to shade, the shade tolerance of the four cultivars was in the order: Elegans>Aphrodite>Antioch>Golden Edger.     

Physiological responses to water stress in<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Eucalyptus cloeziana</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type="Italic"> E. argophloia</Emphasis> seedlings

Effects of water stress duration and intensity on gas exchange and leaf water potential were investigated in 7-month-old seedlings of a humid coastal provenance (Gympie) and a dry inland (Hungry Hills) provenance of E. cloeziana F. Muell. and in a dry inland (Chinchilla) provenance of E. argophloia Blakely supplied with 100% (T₁₀₀), 70% (T₇₀), 50% (T₅₀) of their water requirements, or were watered only after they were wilted at dawn (T₀). Seedlings of E. argophloia had the highest midday net photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (g _s), stomatal density and predawn leaf water potential (_pd) in all treatments. The E. cloeziana provenances did not differ in these attributes. The T₇₀ and T₅₀ treatments caused reductions in A of 30% in E. argophloia, and 55% in the E. cloeziana provenances. Under the T₀ treatment, E. argophloia maintained higher rates of gas exchange at all levels of water stress than E. cloeziana provenances. The estimates of _pd and midday water potential (_md) at which plants remained wilted overnight were respectively: –2.7 and –4.1 MPa for E. cloeziana (humid), –2.8 and –4.0 MPa for E. cloeziana (dry) and, –3.7 and –4.9 MPa for E. argophloia. Following stress relief, both A and g _s recovered more quickly in E. argophloia and in the dry provenance of E. cloeziana than in the humid provenance. We conclude that E. argophloia is more drought tolerant and has a potential for cultivation in the humid and semi humid climates, whilst E. cloeziana has greater potential in the humid subtropical climates.     

Photosynthesis and Leaf Nutrient Contents in Ochroma Pyramidale (Bombacaceae)

In Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urb., photon-saturated photosynthetic capacity (P _Nmax) was 13 mol(CO₂) m^–2 s^–1. Average stomatal conductance (g _s) and water-use efficiency (WUE) were greater at high irradiance, about 260 mmol(H₂O) m^–2 s^–1 and 2.15 g(C) kg^–1(H₂O), respectively. In the dark, g _s values were about 30% of maximum g _s. Leaf nutrient contents on a leaf area basis were 131, 15, 36, 21, and 12 mmol m^–2 for N, P, K, Ca, and Mg, respectively. Ochroma also accumulated a greater amount of soluble saccharides than starch, 128 versus 90 g kg^–1 (DM). The availability of N and Mg, but not P, Ca, or K, may limit photosynthetic rates of Ochroma in this site.     

Leaf anatomy and photosynthetic acclimation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Valeriana jatamansi</Emphasis> L. grown under high and low irradiance

Relationship of leaf anatomy with photosynthetic acclimation of Valeriana jatamansi was studied under full irradiance [FI, 1 600 mol(PPFD) m^–2 s^–1] and net-shade [NS, 650 mol(PPFD) m^–2 s^–1]. FI plants had thicker leaves with higher respiration rate (R _D), nitrogen content per unit leaf area, chlorophyll a/b ratio, high leaf mass per leaf area unit (LMA), and surface area of mesophyll cell (S _mes) and chloroplasts (S _c) facing intercellular space than NS plants. The difference between leaf thickness of FI and NS leaves was about 28 % but difference in photon-saturated rate of photosynthesis per unit leaf area (P _Nmax) was 50 %. This indicates that P _Nmax can increase to a larger extent than the leaf thickness with increasing irradiance in V. jatamansi. Anatomical studies showed that the mesophyll cells of FI plants had no open spaces along the mesophyll cell walls (higher S _c), but in NS plants wide open spaces along the mesophyll cell wall (lower S _c) were found. Positive correlation between S _c and P _Nmax explained the higher P _Nmax in FI plants. Increase in mesophyll thickness increased the availability of space along the mesophyll cell wall for chloroplasts (increased S _c) and hence P _Nmax was higher in FI plants. Thus this Himalayan species can acclimate to full sunlight by altering leaf anatomy and therefore may be cultivated in open fields.