Dynamics of Vertical Leaf Nitrogen Distribution in a Vegetative Wheat Canopy. Impact on Canopy Photosynthesis

The development of vertical canopy gradients of leaf N has beenregarded as an adaptation to the light gradient that helps tomaximize canopy photosynthesis. In this study we report thedynamics of vertical leaf N distribution during vegetative growthof wheat in response to changes in N availability and sowingdensity. The question of to what extent the observed verticalleaf N distribution maximized canopy photosynthesis was addressedwith a leaf layer model of canopy photosynthesis that integratesN-dependent leaf photosynthesis according to the canopy lightand leaf N distribution. Plants were grown hydroponically attwo amounts of N, supplied in proportion to calculated growthrates. Photosynthesis at light saturation correlated with leafN. The vertical leaf N distribution was associated with thegradient of absorbed light. The leaf N profile changed duringcrop development and was responsive to N availability. At highN supply, the leaf N profiles were constant during crop development.At low N supply, the leaf N profiles fluctuated between moreuniform and steep distributions. These changes were associatedwith reduced leaf area expansion and increasing N remobilizationfrom lower leaf layers. The distribution of leaf N with respectto the gradient of absorbed irradiance was close to the theoreticaloptimum maximizing canopy photosynthesis. Sensitivity analysisof the photosynthesis model suggested that plants maintain anoptimal vertical leaf N distribution by balancing the capacityfor photosynthesis at high and low light. Copyright 2000 Annalsof Botany Company Canopy photosynthesis, leaf nitrogen distribution, nitrogen, Triticum aestivum L, wheat     

Optimal Nitrogen Content and Photosynthesis in Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. botrytis). Scaling up from a Leaf to the Whole Plant

A simple model of photosynthesis is described which is dependenton leaf area, organic nitrogen content and distribution withinthe canopy as well as on the light and temperature environments.The model is parameterized using a cauliflower crop as an example.The optimized protein-N profile within the canopy is calculatedwith respect to daily growth rate. By comparison with measuredprotein-N contents, the amount of super-optimal N-uptake, i.e.the N-uptake which does not increase productivity, is assessedfor two different nitrogen and light treatments. The amountof super-optimal N accumulated in cauliflower depends on N-supplyand can exceed 80 kg N ha^-1. Copyright 2000 Annals of BotanyCompany Brassica oleracea L. botrytis, cauliflower, nitrogen, photosynthesis, respiration, model, optimization     

棉花冠层高光谱参数与叶片氮含量的定量关系

建立棉花(Gossypium hirsutum)氮素状况的光谱监测技术对于棉花营养诊断和长势估测具有重要意义。该研究利用冠层高光谱反射率及演变的多种高光谱参数,分析了不同施氮水平下不同棉花品种叶片氮含量与冠层反射光谱的定量关系,建立了棉花叶片氮含量的敏感光谱参数及预测方程。结果显示,棉花叶片氮含量和冠层高光谱反射率随不同施氮水平呈显著变化。棉花叶片氮含量的敏感光谱波段为600~700 nm的可见光波段和750~900 nm的近红外波段,且叶片氮含量与比值植被指数RVI [average (760~850), 700]有密切的定量关系,4个品种的平均决定系数在0.70左右。进一步分析表明,可以用统一的回归方程来描述不同品种、不同生育时期和不同氮素水平下棉花叶片氮含量随反射光谱参数的变化模式,从而为棉花氮素营养的监测诊断与精确施肥提供技术依据。     

The Influence of Irradiance Distribution on the Growth of White Clover (Trifolium repens L.) in Differently Managed Canopies of Permanent Grassland

Growth of white clover was investigated in permanent grasslandcut three or five times per year. The influence of cutting frequencyand nitrogen fertilization on dry-matter yield, leaf-area distributionand the distribution of photosynthetically active radiationwithin the canopy were examined. In the five cut treatments, total dry-matter yield was nearlyequal, with and without nitrogen. However, nitrogen practicallyeliminated white clover. Leaf-area distribution showed characteristicpatterns for the different treatments. The small proportionof white clover in the treatment with nitrogen fertilizationwas thought to be due to the large leaf area of the other speciesat heights which white clover could not attain. This conclusionwas supported additionally by the radiation measurements withinthe canopy. The sunlit fractional area within canopy layers was measuredwith ‘quantum sensors’ and calculated from canopytransmission measured with tube solarimeters. The leaf areaindex of white clover was highly correlated (r² = 0.68) withthe sunlit fractional area above the canopy layers where whiteclover was present. This response of white clover leaf growth to the light regimeis discussed in relation to the potential petiole growth. White clover, Trifolium repens L., permanent grassland, irradiance distribution, sunlit fractional area, petiole extension, leaf area, dry matter, stratified clipping     

Dynamics of light and nitrogen distribution during grain filling within wheat canopy

In monocarpic species, during the reproductive stage the growing grains represent a strong sink for nitrogen (N) and trigger N remobilization from the vegetative organs, which decreases canopy photosynthesis and accelerates leaf senescence. The spatiotemporal distribution of N in a reproductive canopy has not been described in detail. Here, we investigated the role of the local light environment on the spatiotemporal distribution of leaf lamina N mass per unit leaf area (SLN) during grain filling of field-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum). In addition, in order to provide some insight into the coordination of N depletion between the different vegetative organs, N dynamics were studied for individual leaf laminae, leaf sheaths, internodes, and chaff of the top fertile culms. At the canopy scale, SLN distribution paralleled the light gradient below the flag leaf collar until almost the end of grain filling. On the contrary, the significant light gradient along the flag leaf lamina was not associated with a SLN gradient. Within the top fertile culms, the time course of total (alive + necrotic tissues) N concentration of the different laminae and sheaths displayed a similar pattern. Another common pattern was observed for internodes and chaff. During the period of no root N uptake, N depletion of individual laminae and sheaths followed a first-order kinetics independent of leaf age, genotype, or N nutrition. The results presented here show that during grain filling, N dynamics are integrated at the culm scale and strongly depend on the local light conditions determined by the canopy structure.     

Impact of nitrogen allocation on growth and photosynthesis of Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus)

Nitrogen (N) addition typically increases overall plant growth, but the nature of this response depends upon patterns of plant nitrogen allocation that vary throughout the growing season and depend upon canopy position. In this study seasonal variations in leaf traits were investigated across a canopy profile in Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) under two N treatments (0 and 224 kg ha^?1) to determine whether the growth response of Miscanthus to N fertilization was related to the response of photosynthetic capacity and nitrogen allocation. Miscanthus yielded 24.1 Mg ha^?1 in fertilized plots, a 40% increase compared to control plots. Photosynthetic properties, such as net photosynthesis (A), maximum rate of rubisco carboxylation (V_cmax), stomatal conductance (g_s) and PSII efficiency (F_v'/F_m'), all decreased significantly from the top of the canopy to the bottom, but were not affected by N fertilization. N fertilization increased specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf area index (LAI). Leaf N concentration in different canopy layers was increased by N fertilization and the distribution of N concentration within canopy followed irradiance gradients. These results show that the positive effect of N fertilization on the yield of Miscanthus was unrelated to changes in photosynthetic rates but was achieved mainly by increased canopy leaf area. Vertical measurements through the canopy demonstrated that Miscanthus adapted to the light environment by adjusting leaf morphological and biochemical properties independent of nitrogen treatments. GPP estimated using big leaf and multilayer models varied considerably, suggesting a multilayer model in which V_cmax changes both through time and canopy layer could be adopted into agricultural models to more accurately predict biomass production in biomass crop ecosystems.     

Light-associated nitrogen distribution profile in flowering canopies of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) altered during grain growth

In vegetative canopies of many species, the vertical gradient of lamina nitrogen concentration (NW) parallels the profile of light distribution in such a way that the actual nitrogen partitioning approaches the optimum pattern for canopy photosynthesis. This paper evaluates the hypothesis that a strong sink for nitrogen, viz. growing grain, affects the pattern of lamina nitrogen distribution usually described for vegetative canopies. The light and NW profiles of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) crops were characterised from anthesis to physiological maturity. The factorial combination of two plant populations (2.4 and 4.8 plants m^–2) and two levels of nitrogen supply (0 and 5 g N m^–2) were the sources of variation for NW and light profiles. Before the onset of nitrogen accumulation in grain, the pattern of NW was similar to that described for other species and it was related to the distribution of light in the canopy. Important changes in the profile of NW occurred during grain filling that were unrelated to the light regime. Nitrogen was mobilised from leaves in all positions in the canopy and the rate of NW change was greater in leaves closer to the grain, which were also the leaves where nitrogen was more concentrated. It is concluded that the physiological mechanisms involved in determining the distribution of leaf nitrogen in vegetative canopies do not apply to sunflower during grain filling.     

Effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on three montane grass species: III. Source leaf metabolism and whole plant carbon partitioning

Agrostis capillaris L.⁵, Festuca vivipara L. and Poaalpina L.were grown in outdoor open-top chambers at either ambient (340 3µmol mol^–1) or elevated (6804µmol mol^–1)concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) for periodsfrom 79–189 d. Photosynthetic capacity of source leaves of plants grown atboth ambient and elevated CO₂ concentrations was measured atsaturating light and 5% CO₂. Dark respiration of leaves wasmeasured using a liquid phase oxygen electrode with the buffersolution in equilibrium with air (21% O₂, 0.034% CO₂). Photo-syntheticcapacity of P. alpina was reduced by growth at 680 µmolmol^–1 CO₂ by 105 d, and that of F. vivipara was reducedat 65 d and 189 d after CO₂ enrichment began, suggesting down-regulationor acclimation. Dark respiration of successive leaf blades ofall three species was unaltered by growth at 680 relative to340 µmol mol^–1 CO₂. In F. vivipara, leaf respirationrate was markedly lower at 189 d than at either 0 d or 65 d,irrespective of growth CO₂ concentration. There was a significantlylower total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) concentrationin the leaf blades and leaf sheaths of A. capillaris grown at680µmol mol^–1 CO₂. TNC of roots of A. capillariswas unaltered by CO₂ treatment. TNC concentration was increasedin both leaves and sheaths of P. alpina and F. vivipara after105 d and 65 d growth, respectively. A 4-fold increase in thewater-soluble fraction (fructan) in P. alpina and in all carbohydratefractions in F. vivipara accounted for the increased TNC content. In F. vivipara the relationship between leaf photosyn-theticcapacity and leaf carbohydrate concentration was such that therewas a strong positive correlation between photosynthetic capacityand total leaf N concentration (expressed on a per unit structuraldry weight basis), and total nitrogen concentration of successivemature leaves reduced with time. Multiple regression of leafphotosynthetic capacity upon leaf nitrogen and carbohydrateconcentrations further confirmed that leaf photosynthetic capacitywas mainly determined by leaf N concentration. In P. alpina,leaf photosynthetic capacity was mainly determined by leaf CHOconcentration. Thus there is evidence for down-regulation ofphotosynthetic capacity in P. alpina resulting from increasedcarbohydrate accumulation in source leaves. Leaf dark respiration and total N concentration were positivelycorrelated in P. alpina and F. vivipara. Leaf dark respirationand soluble carbohydrate concentration of source leaves werepositively correlated in A. capillaris. Changes in source leafphotosynthetic capacity and carbohydrate concentration of plantsgrown at ambient or elevated CO₂ are discussed in relation toplant growth, nutrient relations and availability of sinks forcarbon. Key words: Elevated CO₂, Climate change, grasses, carbohydrate partitioning, photosynthesis, respiration     

Structure of forest canopies as related to their primary productivity

Some structural features of forest canopy were analysed in relationto their role in photosynthetic production by forest communitieswhich are thought to produce more organic matter than herbaceouscommunities under the same environment. 1) Leaf area density was found to be much smaller in forestthan in herbaceous canopies. 2) Light extinction in forest canopy followed the BEER-LAMBERT'Slaw as was found for herbaceous canopy, though the coefficientof light extinction (K) was relatively small in the former. 3) A geometrical model was proposed to account for the smallvalue of K and the resultant large leaf area index, based onthe characteristically clustered distribution of tree leavesin forest canopy. 4) Stratification in forest community was interpreted as theuneven vertical distribution of leaf area density. 5) Deterioration of leaf functions, such as photosynthesis andrespiration, toward the bottom of forest canopy was noticed. 6) An attempt to estimate total canopy photosynthesis is presentedtaking this into consideration. 7) A new method for estimating total canopy respiration is proposedand discussed. ¹Contributions from JIBP-PT No. 36. The essential parts of thispaper were presented by KIRA to the IBP symposium The BiologicalBasis of Productivity held at Varna, Bulgaria, on April 4, 1968. (Received August 15, 1968; )     

Photosynthesis of White Clover Leaves as Influenced by Canopy Position, Leaf Age, and Temperature

Microswards of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) were grownin controlled environments at 10/7, 18/13 and 26/21 °C day/nighttemperatures. The vertical distribution of leaves of differentages and their rates of ¹⁴CO₂-uptake in situ were studied. Extending petioles carried the laminae of young leaves throughthe existing foliage. A final position was reached within 1/4to 1/3 of the time between unfolding and death. Newly unfoldedleaves had higher rates of ¹⁴CO₂-uptake per leaf area than olderones at the same height in the canopy. At higher temperatures,the decrease with age was faster. However, the light-photosynthesisresponse of leaves which were removed from different heightsin the canopy varied much less with leaf age than did the ratesof ¹⁴CO₂-uptake in situ. The comparison of the rates of ¹⁴CO₂-uptake in situ with thelight-photosynthesis response curves suggests that young leavesreceive more light than older ones at the same height in thecanopy. This would imply that young white clover leaves havethe ability to reach canopy positions having a favourable lightenvironment. This ability may improve the chances of survivalof white clover in competition with other species. Trifolium repens L., white clover, photosynthesis, canopy, leaf age, ¹⁴CO₂-uptake, ecotypes, temperature     

Water Deficit Enhanced Cotton Resistance to Spider Mite Herbivory

We investigated the responses of cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.)to the combined effects of soil water deficit and two-spottedspider mite (Tetranychus urticaeKoch) infestation. Two mitetreatments (-M: uninfested, +M: artificially infested 83 d aftersowing), and two water regimes (+W: well watered, -W: waterstressed) were combined factorially in four treatments. Mitecolonies developed at similar rates in well-watered and water-stressedcrops. Despite the similar intensity of infestation, visualsymptoms of mite injury were more marked in well-watered hostplants (+M+W) than in their water-stressed counterparts (+M-W).Lint yield of unstressed controls (-M+W) was 175 g m^-2. In uninfestedcrops, water deficit reduced yield by 30%, mites reduced theyield of well-watered crops by 92%, and the combination of miteinfestation and water deficit reduced yield by 72% (water effect:P<0.01;mite and interaction effect:P<0.0001). Differences in yieldresponses to mites between well-watered and water-stressed cropswere mostly related to differences in reproductive partitioning.The interaction between mites and water deficit was also significantfor other crop variables including canopy temperature, leafwater potential, concentration of nitrogen in reproductive structuresand seed oil concentration. The magnitude and consistency ofthe interaction between both stresses indicates that, underour experimental conditions, mechanisms of adjustment to waterdeficit may have enhanced cotton resistance to mites. This isfurther supported by (a) an increase in specific leaf weightand a parallel increase in leaf penetration resistance due towater deficit; (b) a negative association between macroscopicsymptoms of mite injury and leaf penetration resistance; and(c) a choice test showing that adult female mites preferredto feed and oviposit on leaves from well-watered plants.Copyright1998 Annals of Botany Company Gossypium hirsutumL.;Tetranychus urticaeKoch; leaf water potential; leaf penetration resistance; canopy temperature; multiple stresses; specific leaf weight; radiation use efficiency; nitrogen concentration; reproductive allocation.     

Determination of a Critical Nitrogen Dilution Curve for Winter Oilseed Rape

Several controlled environmental and field experiments werecarried out to define the critical nitrogen dilution curve forwinter oilseed rape, cultivar Goeland. This curve is describedby the following power equation:N=4.48 W^-0.25,whereNis the totalnitrogen concentration in the shoot biomass andWthe shoot biomass.This curve has been validated over the range of shoot dry matterof 0.88 to 6.3 t ha^-1. For lower shoot biomasses this equationoverestimated the critical nitrogen concentration; we proposea constant value of 4.63 (Nis expressed in reduced N, whichis a more stable N fraction in the shoot at these stages ofdevelopment). These results have been validated in several pedoclimaticconditions in France on a single variety in 1994 and 1995. Thehigher position of this curve relative to the C₃species referencecurve (Greenwoodet al.,Annals of Botany67: 181–190, 1990)can be explained by the experimental conditions obtained byGreenwoodet al. (1990); therefore, all their rape data are ratherclose to the critical curve that we propose. The differencesfound between wheat and winter oilseed rape critical N dilutioncurves correspond to their respective leaf:stem dry matter ratioand the specific leaf loss phenomenon occuring in rape. Winteroilseed rape has a higher capacity of N accumulation in itsshoot than wheat for the same aerial dry matter. The proportionof nitrate in shoots rises with the nitrogen nutrition index(N.N.I.) and is more important for rapeseed than for wheat forthe same N.N.I. This difference is especially high at the beginningof flowering when the shade provided by the canopy of rapeseedflowers decreases nitrate reductase activity.Copyright 1998Annals of Botany Company Winter oilseed rape;Brassica napusL.; plant N concentration; nitrate; reduced N; shoot biomass; critical nitrogen concentration; dilution curve; N productivity.     

Effect of Temperature and Nitrogen Supply on the Growth of Perennial Ryegrass and White Clover. 1. Carbon and Nitrogen Economies of Mixed Swards at Low Temperature

Simulated mixed swards of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL. cv. S23) and white clover (Trifolium repens L. cv. S100)were grown from seed under a constant 10°C day/8°C nighttemperature regime and their growth, and carbon and nitrogeneconomies examined. The swards received a nutrient solution,every second day, which contained either high (220 µgg^–1) or low (40 µg g^–1) nitrate N. The High-N swards had rates of canopy photosynthesis and drymatter production (over the linear phase of growth) similarto those previously shown by mixed swards at high temperature.The Low-N swards grew more slowly; canopy photosynthesis, ata given LAI, was similar to that at High-N but lower LAI's weresustained. Clover increased its contribution to total carbonuptake and total dry weight throughout the period in the Low-Ntreatment and, despite the fact that grass took up most of theavailable nitrate, clover maintained a consistently higher Ncontent by virtue of N₂-fixation. At High-N, grass dominated throughout the measurement period.Earlier, when plants grew as spaced individuals, clover grewless well than grass, but once the canopy was closed it hada similar relative growth rate and thus maintained a steadyproportion of total sward dry weight. It is proposed that earlyin the development of the crop, leaf area production is thelimiting factor for growth, and that in this respect cloveris adversely affected by low temperature relative to grass.Later, as the LAI of the crop builds up, and the canopy becomesfully light intercepting, net canopy photosynthesis plays amore dominant role and here the higher photosynthetic rate perunit leaf area of the clover is crucial. Trifolium repens, white clover, Lolium perenne, perennial ryegrass, low temperature, nitrogen, photosynthesis     

基于高光谱遥感的小麦叶干重和叶面积指数监测

生物量和叶面积指数(LAI)是描述作物长势的重要参数, 叶干重和LAI的实时动态监测对小麦(Triticum aestivum)生长诊断和管理调控具有重要意义。为分析多种高光谱参数估算小麦叶干重和LAI的效果, 建立小麦叶干重和LAI的定量监测模型, 该研究连续3年采用不同小麦品种进行不同施氮水平的大田试验, 于小麦不同生育期采集田间冠层高光谱数据并测定叶片叶干重和LAI。试验结果显示, 小麦叶干重和LAI随施氮水平的提高而增加, 随生育进程呈单峰动态变化模式。小麦叶干重和LAI与光谱反射率间相关性较好的区域主要位于红光波段(590~710 nm, r<-0.60)和近红外波段(745~1 130 nm, r>0.69)。对于不同试验条件下的叶干重和LAI, 可以使用统一的光谱参数进行定量反演, 其中基于RVI (810, 560)、FD755、GM1、SARVI (MSS)和TC3等光谱参数的方程拟合效果较好。经不同年际独立试验数据的检验表明, 以参数RVI (810, 560)、GM1、SARVI (MSS)、PSSRb、(R_750-800/R_695-740) -1、VOG2和MSR705为变量建立的叶干重和LAI监测模型均给出较好的检验结果。因此, 利用关键特征光谱参数可以有效地评价小麦叶片生长状况, 尤其是光谱参数RVI (810, 560)、GM1和SARVI (MSS)可以对不同条件下小麦叶干重和LAI进行准确可靠的监测。     

Modelling Nitrogen Content and Distribution in Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.botrytis )

A model of nitrogen uptake and distribution is presented whichdescribes these processes in relation to the amount of availablesoil nitrate and the rate of plant growth. Nitrogen uptake iseither sink or source limited. Sink limitation is based on maximumN-concentrations of plant compartments. The N-uptake model iscombined with a photosynthesis model based on the productivity-nitrogenrelationship at the single-leaf level. The model is parameterizedusing cauliflower as an example crop. Applied to an independentdata set, the combined model was able to predict leaf, stemand inflorescence nitrogen concentrations with correlation coefficientsbetween predicted and simulated values of 0.89, 0.66 and 0.86,respectively. The influence of nitrogen supply and light intensityon leaf nitrate-N could also be predicted with good accuracy(r² = 0.87). Dry matter production based on the productivity-Nrelationship and the partitioning into leaf, stem and inflorescencewas also reproduced satisfactorily (r² = 0.91, 0.93 and 0.92,respectively). Copyright 2000 Annals of Botany Company Brassica oleracea L. botrytis, cauliflower, nitrogen, nitrate, nitrogen supply, nitrogen uptake, nitrogen distribution, model     

Effects of Different CO2 Environments on the Photosynthesis-Yield Relationship and the Carbon and Water Balance of a White Clover (Trifolium repens L. cv. Blanca) Sward

Effects of atmospheric CO₂ enrichment to a level above 600 parts10^–6 on leaf and canopy gas exchange characteristics wereinvestigated in Trifolium repens, using an open system for gasexchange measurement. The cuvettes of the system served as growthchambers, allowing continuous measurement in a semi-controlledenvironment of ±350 and ±600 parts 10^–6CO₂, respectively. Carbon balance data were compared with cropyield and effects on the canopy level were compared with measuredleaf responses of photosynthesis and stomatal behaviour. Photosyntheticstimulation by high CO₂ was stronger at the canopy level (103%on average) than for leaves (90% in full light), as a consequenceof accelerated foliage area development. The latter increasedabsolute water consumption by 16%, despite strong stomatal closure.The overall result was a 63% improvement in canopy water useefficiency (WUE), while leaf WVE increased almost 3-fold insaturating light. The stomatal response was such that, whilethe internal CO₂ concentration in the leaf, ch increased withrising atmospherical CO₂ concentration, c_a, ci/c_a was somewhatdecreased. Total canopy resistance, R_c, was generally lowerat high CO₂ levels, despite higher leaf resistance. Higher canopyCO₂ loss at night and faster light extinction in a larger-sizedhigh CO₂ canopy were major drawbacks which prevented a furtherincrease in dry matter production (the harvest index was increasedby a factor 1.83). Key words: CO₂ enrichment, canopy CO₂ exchange, carbon balance, water use efficiency, leaf and canopy resistance     

The Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization and the Growing Season on Photosynthesis of Field-grown Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) Canopies

Canopy gross photosynthesis of tall fescue receiving three tofour rates of N fertilization was studied under field conditionsduring three contrasting growing seasons. Under non-limitingN growing conditions, the growing seasons did not have a significanteffect on the maximum canopy gross photosynthesis (canopy grossphotosynthesis at saturating PAR) and the maximum light yield(quantum efficiency of the canopy at low PAR). In the absenceof N fertilization and for a similar LAI, the values of themaximum canopy gross photosynthesis were approximately equalto 70% of those obtained under non-limiting N conditions. Thisresponse of the tall fescue canopy to N concentration is muchsmaller than that reported at the leaf level. The reductionin canopy photosynthetic capacity with no N applied comparedto non-limiting N conditions is much less than the reductionobserved previously in above-ground dry matter accumulation.The effect of N fertilization on above-ground dry matter accumulationis due primarily to changes in C partitioning and the resultingfaster leaf area development and greater light interceptionrather than the effect of N on the canopy photosynthetic capacityper se .Copyright 1993, 1999 Academic Press Festuca arundinacea Schreb., photosynthesis, nitrogen, grass, carbon     

The Influence of Nitrogen Supply on the Use of Nitrate and Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase as Leaf Nitrogen Stores for Growth of Potato Tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Millard, P. and Catt, J. W. 1988. The influence of nitrogensupply on the use of nitrate and ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenaseas leaf nitrogen stores for growth of potato tubers (Solanumtuberosum L.).—J. exp. Bot. 39: 1–11. The capacity of field-grown potato plants to store N in theirleaves for re-use during tuber growth was studied in two experiments.Increasing the N application from 0 g to 25 g N m^–2 providedplants with more N than they needed for growth and so allowedaccumulation of N in their leaves, principally as nitrate andprotein. Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RUBISCO)concentrations increased by approximately 120% in response toN application. During tuber growth there was an export of nitrate-Nfrom the leaves of N-replete plants and of RUBISCO-N from bothhigh and low N plants. RUBISCO-N was mobilized more rapidlyfrom leaves than N from other proteins and, together with nitrate,in one experiment accounted for over 90% of the N lost fromthe leaves irrespective of the N treatment. The potential contributionof mobilization of N stored in RUBISCO to the N content of tubersat final harvest was calculated as being between 11–15%,and appeared to be unaffected by the N supply to the plants. The distribution of N accumulating within the canopy, in responseto N application was studied. Nitrate accumulated predominantlyin the lowermost (shaded) leaves, while reduced N (includingRUBISCO) was found mainly in the younger leaves at the top ofthe canopy. This is discussed in relation to the growth of theplant and the supply of N. Key words: Solanum tuberosum, nitrogen, nitrate, ribulose, 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, storage     

Microenvironmental Heterogeneity and Space Utilization by Desert Vines within their Host Trees

The three-dimensional biomass distribution and the microenvironmentsexperienced by several desert vine species growing within thecanopy of host trees were studied at the Centro Ecológicode Sonora in México. The light environment within thecrown of the host tree Cercidium microphyllum showed a horizontaland vertical gradient from the base of the trunk to the edgesof the canopy. Within this gradient total daily photosyntheticallyactive radiation (PAR) varied from 47.8 mol m^-2outside the crownto 4.6 mol m^-2at the centre of the crown and close to the ground.Maximum air temperature was 3 °C lower beneath the crownthan outside. Within the canopy, most vines experienced lessthan 50% of the daily available PAR outside the canopy. Formost of the day, leaves of vines received 15% or less of themaximum available PAR. Our study shows that vines do not growtowards full sunlight but rather they exploit different habitatpossibilities within their host tree crown. Leaves along thestems of vines experienced a wide range of light environments,showing coefficients of variation (CV) in total daily PAR from36.4 to 94.6%. Daily courses of PAR also showed that leaveswithin the canopy experienced short-term temporal variationin the light environment. Differences in CV of daily PAR valuesand preferences in heterogeneous light microenvironments amongspecies suggested that different vine species might be spatiallyseparated in the canopy. We suggest that in desert habitats,conditions within the crown of host trees result in an importantmicrohabitat that vines can exploit, allowing them to avoidthe high light, temperature and water deficits found in thesurrounding environment. Copyright 1999 Annals of Botany Company Sonoran Desert, vines, host trees, canopy light environment.     

Canopy structure and vertical patterns of photosynthesis and related leaf traits in a deciduous forest

Canopy structure and light interception were measured in an 18-m tall, closed canopy deciduous forest of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) in southwestern Wisconsin, USA, and related to leaf structural characteristics, N content, and leaf photosynthetic capacity. Light attenuation in the forest occurred primarily in the upper and middle portions of the canopy. Forest stand leaf area index (LAI) and its distribution with respect to canopy height were estimated from canopy transmittance values independently verified with a combined leaf litterfall and point-intersect method. Leaf mass, N and A _max per unit area (LMA, N/area and A _max/area, respectively) all decreased continuously by over two-fold from the upper to lower canopy, and these traits were strongly correlated with cumulative leaf area above the leaf position in the canopy. In contrast, neither N concentration nor A _max per unit mass varied significantly in relation to the vertical canopy gradient. Since leaf N concentration showed no consistent pattern with respect to canopy position, the observed vertical pattern in N/area is a direct consequence of vertical variation of LMA. N/area and LMA were strongly correlated with A _max/area among different canopy positions (r²=0.81 and r²=0.66, respectively), indicating that vertical variation in area-based photosynthetic capacity can also be attributed to variation in LMA. A model of whole-canopy photosynthesis was used to show that observed or hypothetical canopy mass distributions toward higher LMA (and hence higher N/area) in the upper portions of the canopy tended to increase integrated daily canopy photosynthesis over other LMA distribution patterns. Empirical relationships between leaf and canopy-level characteristics may help resolve problems associated with scaling gas exchange measurements made at the leaf level to the individual tree crown and forest canopy-level.