Study of Diurnal Changes in Photosynthetic Rate and Quantum Efficiency of Grapevine Leaves and Their Utilization in Canopy Management

Photosynthetic rate and quatum efficiency of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sauvignon blanc) leaves were measured under the field with ample soil water supply, and in phytotron with ample supply of water and mineral nutrients, constant air humidity and CO2 concentration, and optimum air temperature, respectively. Under field conditions CO2 assimilation quantum efficiency of leaves reached its maximum in the morning, which was followed by continuous decrease and midday depression. The leaves intercepting more light energy in the morning showed a higher quantum efficiency. Those leaves subjected continuously to strong irradiance exhibited a more obvious and longer midday depression. Reduction of leaf light interception around midday could reduce midday depression. Shaded leaves had a higher quantum efficiency than leaves under direct sunlight. The diurnal changes in photosynthetic rate and quantum efficiency of leaves were shown to be closely related to the variations in mesophyll resistance to CO2. In phytotron experiments the photosynthetic quantum efficiency of leaves was reduced after a certain period of illumination not only at 1200 μmol · m-2 · s-1 PFD, higher than the saturating light of vine leaves (≈1000 μmol · m-2 · s-1), which was caused by "photoinhibition”, but also at 800 and 200μmol · m-2 · s-1, which was similar to "photoinhibition”. But photosynthetic quantum efficiency of leaves exposed continuously to a very weak PFD (100 μmol · m -2 · s-1) remained contant. The diurnal changes in mesophyll resistance to CO2 of vine leaves could be partly related to photoinhibition. It is considered that, under field conditions without soil water limitation, midday depression of vine leaf photosynthesis could be a result of an increase of the mesophyll resistance induced by multiple effects of strong light, high temperature and low humidity. A higher light interception by canopy plane in the morning may be advantageous to exploit higher photosynthetic potentiality of leaves, but a lower light interception in the middle of day may reduce midday depression. The north-south orientation plane can provide optimum light regime and improve photosynthetic environment in vineyards.     

米瓦罐的光合特性研究

采用美国LI-COR生产的LI-6400便携式光合系统研究了米瓦罐的光合特性。结果表明,米瓦罐光 合速率的日变化呈单峰曲线,上午10:00时光合速率达到最大值;在大气CO2浓度下,米瓦罐的光饱和点为 1 800μmol·m-2·s-1,光补偿点为30μmol·m-2·s-1;在光饱和点的光强下,米瓦罐的CO2饱和点为1 200 μmolCO2·mol-1,CO2补偿点为40μmolCO2·mol-1。     

Study on Leaf Anatomy and Photosynthesis of Cymbidium sinense

The leaf surface of Cymbidium sinense(Andr.) Willd was covered with cuticle and wax. The stomata were distributed in the dorsum of the leaf, the density being 100–130 mm-2 There was a stomatal cover on each stoma. The mesophyll was not differentiated into spongy tissue and palisade tissue. No chloroplast was observed in the vascular bundle sheath cells. The chloroplast in the mesophyll cells had well developed grana, with lightly stacked thylakoids and osmiophilic granules. The highest quantum yield of functional leaf was 0.082. The light compensation point of photosynthesis was about 5 μE·m-2·s-1, the light saturation point was about 200 μE·m-2·s-1. The photosynthetic ra,e of Cymbidium sinense was very low, generally 2.0–2.6 μmol CO2· m-2·s-1. The optimum temperature of photosynthesis of one-year-old leaf was 25℃. The photosynthe,ic rate of the three-year-old leaf declined with temperature rise. The ratio of chlorophyll a/b was about 2.7. The CO2 compensation point of photosynthesis was 105–220 ppm. All these data show that Cymbidium sinense belongs to the typical shade plants with low photosynthetic rate and high CO2 compensation point that explains that the growth of Cymbidium sinense is slow in nature.     

Studies on Characteristics of Photosynthetic Ecology in Leymus chinensis

This paper deals with light-photosynthesis curve, temperature-photosynthesis curve, diurnal changes of photosynthesis, and effects of water content and nitrogen in soil on photosynthetic characteristics of leaves of Leymus chinensis. The results obtained are as follows: 1. Light-photosynthesis curve of Leymus chinensis approximates to a hyperbola below light saturation point, and the influence of light intensity on photosynthesis is expressed by light intensity coefficient of photosynthesis. When Leymus chinensis was grown in a good water condition, its light intensity coefficient was 1.33 mg CO2· dm-2· h-1 · klx-1 at 5 klx light intensity, and light saturation point was 50 klx, and net photosynthetic rate at light saturation condition was about 31 mgCO2 · dm-2 · h-1. Temperature-photosynthesis curve of Leymus chinensis was a parabola, and optimum temperature of photosynthesis was 26–29 ℃. CO2 compensation point of Leymus chinensis was about 35 ppm. According to aforesaid characteristics of photosynthetic ecology, Leymus chinensis is a sun plant of C3 type. 2. The curve of diurnal changes of photosyn thesis in Leymus chinensis shows as a two-peak type in typical steppe, when water content of soil is about 14%. Major ecological factor which caused midday depressing photosynthesis in Leymus chinensis is atmospheric humidity. 3. The photosynthetic characteristics of Leymus chinensis, especially the leaf area and aerial biomass are closely related with water and nitrogen in soil. Irrigation has greater influence on photosynthetic production as compared with fertilization. The efficiency of increasing production is more notable, combining the measures of irrigation with fertilization. Leymus chinensis may be regarded as a eurytopic xerophyte according to the relationship between some photosynthetic characteristics and soil water. 4. Compared photosynthetic rate with leaf area in Leymus chinensis, the influence of the leaf area change on photosynthetic production is greater and is more remarkable during arid conditions. Therefore, irrigation and fertilization during dry season are effective measures to develop photosynthetic organ and to raise aerial biomass of Leymus chinensis rapidly.     

几种树木的树皮中绿色组织的光合特性初探

测定10个树种树木上的三年生枝条树皮内绿色组织的叶绿素含量、光合速率和枝干的呼吸速率的结果表明：10个树种树皮内叶绿素含量为0.0649～0.3460mg·g^-1（FW）,叶绿素a/b为1.05～1.91,均低于叶片或针叶;树皮内绿色组织的光合速率为0.21（红松）～2.06（水曲柳）μmol（O2）·m^-2·s^-1,枝干呼吸速率1.76（红松）～3.21（落叶松）μmol（O2）·min^-1·g^-1（FW）。树皮内绿色组织的光补偿点（LCP）、光饱和点（LSP）低于叶片,而表观量子效率（AQY）高于叶片或针叶。据此认为,树皮内绿色组织适应于阴生环境,所以有较强的耐阴能力。     

10个秋菊品种的光合特性及净光合速率与部分生理生态因子的相关性分析

用CIRAS-2便携式光合测定系统测定了9月至10月10个秋菊[Dendranthema morifolium (Ramat.) Tvzel.]品种叶片的光合特征参数;在此基础上,对叶片光响应参数和CO2响应参数以及部分光合特征参数的日变化进行了比较分析;此外,还对净光合速率(Pn)与部分生理生态因子的相关性进行了分析.结果表明:10个秋菊品种的光补偿点(LCP)为92.83～167.37 μmol·m-2·s-1,光饱和点(LSP)为962.51～1 077.53 μmol·m-2·s-1,说明它们均为喜光植物;10个秋菊品种的CO2饱和点为1 060.46 ～1 485.48μmol·mol-1,CO2补偿点为77.62 ～ 133.16μmo1·mol-1,远大于一般的C3植物;各品种Pn的日变化呈典型的双峰型曲线,首峰(11～19μmol·m-2·s-1)出现在10:00左右,次峰出现在16:00左右,有明显的“午休”现象.相关分析结果表明:10个品种的Pn与气孔导度呈极显著正相关,与蒸腾速率呈显著或极显著正相关(品种‘关东新侠’、‘云龙凤舞’和‘日本黄’除外),与胞间CO2浓度呈显著或极显著负相关,与光合有效辐射强度和大气温度呈不显著正相关,与大气相对湿度和大气CO2浓度呈不显著负相关.早花品种‘太平的小鼓’和‘铜雀春深’具有较高的LSP以及较低的LCP和表观量子效率(AQY),对光照强度的适应范围较大,可栽培在光照较强的环境中;品种‘早粉盘’和‘檀香狮子’具有较高的LCP、AQY和LSP,对强光的利用能力较强;晚花品种‘关东新侠’、‘绿牡丹’和‘星光灿烂’具有较高的LCP和AQY以及较低的LSP,具有一定的耐阴能力,可种植在光照较弱的环境中.     

CO2对植物在光补偿点附近量子效率的影响

应用植物光合作用对光响应修正模型研究了CO2浓度分别为380和600 mol·mol-1时,栾树和辣椒在光补偿点附近光合量子效率的改变及Kok效应。结果表明:光响应修正模型可很好地拟合栾树和辣椒2种CO2浓度下的光响应曲线,且获得的光合参数与实测值相符合;2种不同CO2浓度条件下,栾树和辣椒总是存在初始量子效率(φ0)大于光补偿点处的量子效率(φc),光合量子效率在光补偿点附近不是常数,且与暗呼吸速率无关;CO2浓度的大小影响着栾树的Kok效应,但对辣椒的Kok效应影响不明显,分析认为,这是由于栾树在光补偿点附近光合量子效率的改变来自其净光合速率对光强的非线性响应,而辣椒不存在Kok效应。     

楸树无性系光合特性研究

以10个楸树无性系为试验材料,利用Li-6400光合测定仪对其光合特性进行了比较研究。结果表明:楸树净光合速率(Pn)日变化为典型的双峰曲线,气孔限制是光合"午休"的主要调节因素。楸树所有无性系光合作用对光照强度(PAR)单一生态因子水平的响应均可以用二次方程描述。楸树的光补偿点(LCP,11.37~57.4μmol.m-2.s-1)和CO2补偿点(CCP,57.73~77.06μmol.mol-1)在10个无性系间存在显著差异。10个楸树无性系的净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率和瞬时水分利用效率在无性系间存在极显著差异。在光饱和点(LSP)条件下,10个无性系净光合速率处于18.8~24.4μmol.m-2.s-1之间。环境因子与光合指标存在显著的相关关系,PAR和空气湿度(RH)对楸树无性系瞬时Pn影响最大。     

Seasonal change in the balance between capacities of RuBP carboxylation and RuBP regeneration affects CO2 response of photosynthesis in Polygonum cuspidatum

The balance between the capacities of RuBP (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate) carboxylation (V(cmax)) and RuBP regeneration (expressed as the maximum electron transport rate, J(max)) determines the CO(2) dependence of the photosynthetic rate. As it has been suggested that this balance changes depending on the growth temperature, the hypothesis that the seasonal change in air temperature affects the balance and modulates the CO(2) response of photosynthesis was tested. V(cmax) and J(max) were determined in summer and autumn for young and old leaves of Polygonum cuspidatum grown at two CO(2) concentrations (370 and 700 micromol mol(-1)). Elevated CO(2) concentration tended to reduce both V(cmax) and J(max) without changing the J(max):V(cmax) ratio. The seasonal environment, on the other hand, altered the ratio such that the J(max):V(cmax) ratio was higher in autumn leaves than summer leaves. This alternation made the photosynthetic rate more dependent on CO(2) concentration in autumn. Therefore, when photosynthetic rates were compared at growth CO(2) concentration, the stimulation in photosynthetic rate was higher in young-autumn than in young-summer leaves. In old-autumn leaves, the stimulation of photosynthesis brought by a change in the J(max):V(cmax) ratio was partly offset by accelerated leaf senescence under elevated CO(2). Across the two seasons and the two CO(2) concentrations, V(cmax) was strongly correlated with Rubisco and J(max) with cytochrome f content. These results suggest that seasonal change in climate affects the relative amounts of photosynthetic proteins, which in turn affect the CO(2) response of photosynthesis.     

枫香叶片衰老过程中光合能力的变化

利用Li-6400XT便携式光合作用测定系统,于2014年10—12月测定枫香叶片衰老过程中光合作用光响应曲线,采用叶氏模型和非直角双曲线模型进行模拟,分析枫香叶片衰老过程中光合能力的变化.结果表明: 随着枫香叶片逐渐变黄变红,其净光合速率的光响应能力逐渐降低,实测的最大净光合速率从叶片开始泛黄时的2.88 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1下降到叶片衰老后期(12月8日)的0.95 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1.2种光响应模型均较好地模拟了观测的光响应数据,其中叶氏模型表现更优.模拟得到的最大净光合速率、表观量子效率、光补偿点的量子效率、暗呼吸速率等参数均随枫香叶片衰老凋落而逐渐下降,反映出枫香叶片衰老过程中光合能力缓慢下降的过程.在树梢红叶未落期间,枫香叶片仍具有一定的净光合作用能力,这有利于增加秋冬季节的碳吸收量.     

二回原始观音座莲蕨光合作用的生理生态学研究

利用 CO2 光合测定仪分析了引种栽培的二回原始观音座莲叶片的光合补偿点和光合饱和点及其日变化 ,通过控制叶室的光合有效辐射、CO2 浓度、温度和相对湿度 ,分析了叶片的羧化效率和 CO2 补偿点 ,并进行光合有效辐射 ,温度或相对湿度对光合速率的单因子影响研究。二回原始观音座莲的二回羽状复叶上午、中午和下午的光合补偿点分别为 6 .1、6 .4和 3.1μmol/m2 s,光合饱和点分别为 2 50、50 0和 2 50 μm ol/m2 s。最适光合有效辐射为 10 0～ 50 0μmol/m2 s。叶片的羧化效率为 0 .0 191,CO2 补偿点为 59.1μmol/m ol。光合速率在叶温 2 2～ 2 8°C范围内 ,随温度升高上升 ;2 8～ 33°C随温度升高下降 ,最适温度为 2 4～ 30°C。相对湿度 30 %～85%的试验范围内 ,叶片光合速率随湿度增加而增大 ,最适相对湿度条件在 75%以上。     

崖爬藤的生态生物学特征及其扦插繁殖技术

崖爬藤为葡萄科常绿或半常绿藤本,具有重要园林绿化价值。该研究采用叶片离析法和石蜡切片法研究其叶片的形态结构。结果表明:崖爬藤平均叶面积(23.1 cm~2)较大,单位叶面积干重(4.4 mg·cm~(-2))较小,成熟叶厚约为195.5μm,栅栏组织不发达,胞间隙大。利用便携式LI-6400光合测定仪、PAM-2100荧光测定仪对崖爬藤光合生理生态指标进行研究。结果表明:其PSⅡ的最大光化学效率Fv/Fm(0.818)较高;叶片的净光合速率日变化呈单峰型,没有明显的光合午休现象,最大净光合速率Pn为3.691μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1),出现在14:00时,变化趋势与光合有效辐射Par、大气温度T、蒸腾速率Tr、气孔导度Gs等因子相同,与胞间CO_2浓度Ci相反,同时具有较高的水分利用效率(3.056μmol·mmol~(-1))。这都显示了崖爬藤喜阴湿环境,不耐寒且具有一定的耐旱特性,适合栽植于我国温度较高的南方地区。此外,以崖爬藤1~2年生老枝和当年生嫩枝为材料,经梯度溶液IBA处理进行扦插生根实验,结果表明,崖爬藤扦插繁殖迅速,生根率较高,以当年生嫩枝不经IBA处理直接扦插为最佳。该研究结果将为崖爬藤的栽培及开发利用提供重要的理论和技术指导。     

Structure and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Awns of Wheat and Barley

The surface and the cross section of awns of wheat and barley were examined by scanning electron microscopy,ultrastructure of cells were observed under a transmisson electron microscope and the photosynthetic rates were measured with an oxygen, electrode and infra-red CO2 analyser. The main results were as follows :The cross section of wheat awn appeared to be acutely trianglular whereas that of barley awn was obtusely triangular. There were rows of stomota on either side of epidermis in both wheat and barley awns. Under the stomatic band there were green tissues. The green cells in the awn were differentiated from the parenchyma cells . The mature green cells possessed papillae which were rich in chloroplasts and mitochondria. The tamella system in chloroplasts was well developed and contained many starch grains. There were three vascular bundles in each awn. The sheath cells near the green tissues contained chloroplasts. The photosynthate in the green cells might pass through the sheath cells and companion cells to sieve elements. The highest photosynthetic rate of the awn was seen at the flowering stage ,reaching about 20 μmol CO2·m-2·s-1. The light compensation point was 70—80 μE·m-2· s-1. The light saturation point was about 1500 μE·m-2·s-1. The CO2 compensation point was 50—60 ppm and the CO2 saturation point was about 900ppm . The photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance were easily effected by CO2 concentration, light intensity and the duration of illumination . There was a positive correlation between the photosynthetic rate and the chloro-phyll content in the awns. The CO2-releasing rate in photorespiration of awn was about 4–5 μmol CO2·m-2·s-1.     

地毯草的光合特性研究

地毯草是一种典型的暖季型草坪草。用Li 6400便携式光合分析仪测定地毯草的光合特性。地毯草的光合日进程呈单峰型,无"午休"现象且受非气孔限制,最大净光合速率出现在14∶00,变化趋势与光合有效辐射(PAR)、气温(Ta)、蒸腾速率(Tr)等因子相同,与空气相对湿度(RH)、胞间CO2浓度(Ci)等相反;其光饱合点超过2000μmol.m 2s 1,最大净光合速率达22μmol.m 2s 1,暗呼吸速率为1.34μmol.m 2s 1,CO2补偿点为0.97μmol.mol 1,光补偿点为22.2μmol.m 2s 1,羧化效率为0.2539μmol.m 2s 1,表观光量子效率高达0.0592μmol.mol 1;表明地毯草是一种具有较强耐荫性的C4型阳性的暖季型草坪草,除了在园林中可以广泛用作草坪地被外还可以在一些较荫湿的特殊地带作为绿化和防护之用。     

Photosynthetic Characteristics of Cyanotis arachnoidea and Their Ecological Significance

The photosynthetic characteristics of Cyanotis arachnoidea Clarke was studied through shading experimentation in pot culture. The effect of different shade level on the photosynthetic rate, the characteristics of photosynthetic organs and the bio-production of C. arachnoidea were compared. The main results are as follows: 1. C. arachnoidea was a C3 type solaphilic and shade tolerant herb. Its light saturation point was about 650 μmol · m-2 · s-1 and the light compensation point was about 17 μmol · m-2 · s-1. Its CO2 compensation point was about 130× 10-6. 2. The maximum net photosynthetic rate of C. arachnoidea was about 12.45 μmol · m-2 · s-1. The diurnal variation regularity of its photosynthetic rates exhibited a double peak curve in which the main peak appeared during 11: 00～12: 00, and the second around 15: 00. 3. 20%～50% shading favored the growth of C. arachnoidea. In comparison with those with control treatment, the content of chlorophyll b with 20%～50% of shading treatment increased by 47 %～83%, and the photosynthetic production increased by 12 %～18 % as a result of increase in the net photosynthetic rate (relative photosynthetic rate).     

The Photosynthetic Characteristics of Wheat Ear

The stomata and green cells in wheat ears were observed by electron microscopy, and the photosynthetic activity of the ears was measured with an infra-red gas analyser. 1. The awn, glume, palea, lemma, and axis were photosynthetic organs on the wheat ears. Stomata, however, only existed at the green parts in these organs. The ears which had longer awns and higher content of chlorophyll usually showed relatively high photosynthetic rates. 2. The structure and photochemical activity of the chloroplasts in the awns were similar to those in the leaves. 3. The photosynthetic rate of ears could be promoted by increasing light intensity and CO2 concentration. The CO2 compensation point (110 ppm) and the light compensation point (200μE·m-2 · s-1)of ears were higher than those of leaves. 4. The wheat ears had photoresplration. The CO2-releasing rate of the ears under light could be promoted by high O3 concentration. The CO2 outburst and the oscillation in photosynthesis in the awns could be measured. These results suggested that the photosynthetic pathway in the wheat ears was Cspathway. 5. The highest photosynthetic rate of ears emerged at flowering stage. Thereafter, the photosynthetic activity of the ears fell down as the chlorophyll content declined and the grains were filled up.     

豚草叶片和果实气体交换特性与11种土壤重金属相关性

对10个样地中Cu、Pb、Zn、Mn、Cr、Co、Ni、Cd、As、Sb和 Hg 11种土壤重金属含量及样地内豚草叶片和果实气体交换特性进行测定.结果表明,样地内豚草叶片的净光合速率在1.88～9.41 μmol·m^-2·s^-1,而果实的净光合速率最高可达2.81 μmol·m^-2·s^-1.叶片的呼吸速率、气孔导度、光合速率和水分利用效率的平均值分别为1.81 μmol·m^-2·s^-1、75.7 mmol·m^-2·s^-1、6.05 μmol·m^-2·s^-1和4.72 μmol·mmol^-1,分别是果实的5.26、0.64、1.31和1.69倍,说明非同化器官幼嫩果实具有与叶片相当,甚至更强的呼吸、光合能力和水分利用效率;研究地点重金属Ni达到轻微污染水平,其它重金属含量都接近或者显著低于重金属污染的阈值.相关分析和多元回归分析显示,大部分土壤重金属（如Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、As、Sb和Hg）含量的高低对豚草气体交换特性没有显著影响,仅部分重金属含量与豚草的叶片、果实气体交换特性密切相关,如Ni和Cr对豚草叶片、果实的气孔导度及水分利用效率显著相关;Cr与豚草叶片饱和光合速率显著相关;而As与豚草果实的气孔导度显著相关.表明大部分土壤重金属对叶片和球果的气体交换没有直接影响,而Ni、Cr和As可以在轻微污染甚至没有达到污染水平时影响豚草的气体交换特性.     

不同辐射条件下苹果叶片净光合速率模拟

以富士苹果(Malus domestica Borkh.cv.‘Fuji’)为试材,将C3植物光合生化模型、气孔导度半机理模型、叶片最大光合速率和相对光合有效辐射(RPAR)之间的经验公式相耦合,能够模拟出不同RPAR(或树冠不同部位)下叶片净光合速率(Pn)对小气候因子和叶水势(Ψl)的响应,及Pn日变化。模拟表明,不同RPAR下Pn变化主要依赖于光合有效辐射(PAR)大小,并对CO2浓度有很高敏感性。不同RPAR下叶片Pn最适温度约为20—30℃,并随PAR或CO2浓度的升高而升高。相对湿度(RH)和Ψl对不同RPAR下叶片Pn影响不大,Pn只随RH和Ψl的减小而略有降低。数值模拟表明,当RPAR减小时Pn随之迅速减小,从冠层3 m到1 m处,叶片RPAR从57.18%减少到16.22%,而最大Pn从16.65μmol.m-.2s-1减小到4.24μmol.m-.2s-1。在平均气象条件下,树冠顶部单位面积叶片每天固定CO2为420 mmol.m-.2d-1,而下层叶片只有40 mmol.m-.2d-1。当苹果树冠内叶片接受RPAR低于12%时,全天净光合总量为0,这类叶片可称为无效叶,其所在树冠空间为无效光区。果树整形修剪的主要目的就是尽量减少无效枝叶,利用该模型可确定出这类枝叶在树冠中的位置。     

巨尾桉在岩溶石山生境中的适应性研究（Ⅰ）：春季光合生理生态学特性

以岩溶石山生境的3年生巨尾桉人工林为研究对象,采用LI-6400型便携式光合仪测定巨尾桉在春季的叶片净光合速率(Pn)及其他生理生态因子日变化,同时测定巨尾桉光合-光响应曲线,并通过相关分析和通径分析探讨净光合速率与其他生理生态因子的关系。结果表明:巨尾桉光合-光响应曲线符合Walker的非直线双曲线模型。巨尾桉的光饱和点为1 340μmol.m-2.s-1,光补偿点为14.68μmol.m-2.s-1,表观量子效率(AQY)为0.06mol.mol-1,具有阳生植物的特点。净光合速率日变化呈现"单峰型"的特点。蒸腾速率(Tr)、气孔导度(Gs)和大气CO2浓度(Ca)是影响巨尾桉叶片净光合速率日变化的重要因子。巨尾桉有较高的水分利用效率,说明巨尾桉具有适应岩溶石山干旱的特征或避旱策略。     

Aquatic adventitious roots of the wetland plant Meionectes brownii can photosynthesize: implications for root function during flooding

? Many wetland plants produce aquatic adventitious roots from submerged stems. Aquatic roots can form chloroplasts, potentially producing endogenous carbon and oxygen. Here, aquatic root photosynthesis was evaluated in the wetland plant Meionectes brownii, which grows extensive stem-borne aquatic roots during submergence. ? Underwater photosynthetic light and CO(2) response curves were determined for aquatic-adapted leaves, stems and aquatic roots of M. brownii. Oxygen microelectrode and (14)CO(2)-uptake experiments determined shoot inputs of O(2) and photosynthate into aquatic roots. ? Aquatic adventitious roots contain a complete photosynthetic pathway. Underwater photosynthetic rates are similar to those of stems, with a maximum net photosynthetic rate (P(max)) of 0.38 μmol O(2) m(-2) s(-1); however, this is c. 30-fold lower than that of aquatic-adapted leaves. Under saturating light with 300 mmol m(-3) dissolved CO(2), aquatic roots fix carbon at 0.016 μmol CO(2) g(-1) DM s(-1). Illuminated aquatic roots do not rely on exogenous inputs of O(2). ? The photosynthetic ability of aquatic roots presumably offers an advantage to submerged M. brownii as aquatic roots, unlike sediment roots, need little O(2) and carbohydrate inputs from the shoot when illuminated.