Growth Analysis of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): 2. Interacting Effects of Irradiance, Temperature and Plant Age in Controlled Conditions

A growth analysis was carried out with sweet pepper plants grownin a phytotron. Irradiance conditions were: 0.84 or 3.25 MJm^–2 in 8 h, 1.67 MJ m^–2 in 16 h and 2.51 MJ m^–2in 24 h. Temperatures applied were 25 or 21 °C during thephotoperiod in combination with 25, 21 and 17 or 21, 17 and13 °C respectively during the nyctoperiod. Highest values for leaf area and total dry weight were foundwhen applying 1.67 MJ m^–2 in 16 h, followed by 3.25 MJm^–2 in 8 h, irrespective of the temperature regime. Continuousirradiance ultimately resulted in leaf drop. A reduction inthe day temperature decreased leaf area and total dry weight.At a day temperature of 25 °C the dry weight increased withdecreasing night temperature when applying 3.25 MJ m^–2in 8 h. At a day temperature of 21 °C leaf area and dryweight were reduced when 17 or 13 °C were applied duringa 16 h nyctoperiod. Values for relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, leafarea ratio and leaf weight ratio strongly decreased with advancingplant age. The effects of irradiance treatment on RGR and NARwere analogous to those on total dry weight while the reversepattern was observed for the LAR. A decrease in day temperaturedecreased the RGR. The effects of night temperature exhibitedstrong interactions with day temperature and photoperiod. Theinfluence of temperature on RGR was largely mediated throughchanges in the LAR. The latter parameter was highly correlatedwith the specific leaf weight. Capsicum annuum L., sweet pepper, growth analysis, irradiance, temperature, plant age     

The Interrelated Effects of Stage of Development and Seasonal Changes in Light and Temperature on the Components of Growth in Zea mays

Seeds of Orla 266, a double cross hybrid of Zea mays, were sownin pots in the open 3, 6, and 9 weeks before the individualplants were sampled at consecutive weekly intervals from theend of August. On each occasion the weights of the whole plantand its parts plus leaf area were recorded, and the proceduresof growth analysis applied to the data. Between the youngest and oldest plants over all occasions thegreatest reductions with age were for the rate of leaf expansionand the ratio of leaf area to leaf weight. The net assimilationrate (NAR) and the leaf weight ratio (LWR) were depressed leastwhile the relative growth-rate (RGR) and leaf area ratio (LAR)occupied an intermediate position. The age effects were mostpronounced for RGR, NAR and the ratio of leaf area to leaf weightat the beginning of the experiment, whereas for LAR and LWRthe divergencies were largest at the end. On the basis of the recorded changes in solar radiation andtemperature and prior studies of the interacting effects oflight and temperature on the vegetative growth of Zea it waspossible to predict for the several growth components the patternsof change which should be expected. For the youngest and intermediatepopulations there was close agreement between the expected andobserved values for RGR, NAR, and LAR and it was concluded thatthe time courses were primarily dependent on environmental factors.On the other hand, for the oldest plants from the third intervalonwards the observed values for NAR and less so for RGR werematerially above expectation. It was noted that this divergencecoincided with the rapid extension of the shoot which was confinedto the oldest plants. It is advanced that the higher NAR isassociated with the vertical separation of the leaves.     

Photomorphogenesis and photoassimilation in soybean and sorghum grown under broad spectrum or blue-deficient light sources

The role of blue light in plant growth and development was investigated in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv Williams) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench. cv Rio) grown under equal photosynthetic photon fluxes (approximately 500 micromoles per square meter per second) from broad spectrum daylight fluorescent or blue-deficient, narrow-band (589 nanometers) low pressure sodium (LPS) lamps. Between 14 and 18 days after sowing, it was possible to relate adaptations in photosynthesis and leaf growth to dry matter accumulation. Soybean development under LPS light was similar in several respects to that of shaded plants, consistent with an important role for blue light photoreceptors in regulation of growth response to irradiance. Thus, soybeans from LPS conditions partitioned relatively more growth to leaves and maintained higher average leaf area ratios (mean LAR) that compensated lower net assimilation rates (mean NAR). Relative growth rates were therefore comparable to plants from daylight fluorescent lamps. Reductions in mean NAR were matched by lower rates of net photosynthesis (A) on an area basis in the major photosynthetic source (first trifoliolate) leaf. Lower A in soybean resulted from reduced leaf dry matter per unit leaf area, but lower A under LPS conditions in sorghum correlated with leaf chlorosis and reduced total nitrogen (not observed in soybean). In spite of a lower A, mean NAR was larger in sorghum from LPS conditions, resulting in significantly greater relative growth rates (mean LAR was approximately equal for both light conditions). Leaf starch accumulation rate was higher for both species and starch content at the end of the dark period was elevated two- and three-fold for sorghum and soybean, respectively, under LPS conditions. Possible relations between starch accumulation, leaf export, and plant growth in response to spectral quality were considered.     

光强对两种入侵植物生物量分配、叶片形态和相对生长速率的影响

 比较研究了不同光强下生长的（透光率分别为12.5%、36%、50%、100%）两种入侵性不同的外来种——紫茎泽兰（Eupatorium adenophorum）和兰花菊三七（Gynura sp.）的生物量分配、叶片形态和生长特性。结果表明: 1）两种植物叶片形态对光环境的反应相似。弱光下比叶面积（SLA）、平均单叶面积（MLS）和叶面积比（LAR）较大,随着光强的升高,SLA、MLS、LAR和叶根比（LARMR）降低。2）100%光强下紫茎泽兰叶生物量比（LMR）、叶重分数（LMF）和叶面积指数高于低光强下的值,也高于兰花菊三七,支持结构生物量比（SBR）则相反。强光下紫茎泽兰叶片自遮荫严重,这可能是其表现入侵性的重要原因之一;兰花菊三七分枝较多,避免了叶片自遮荫,较多的分枝利于种子形成对其入侵有利。3）随生长环境光强的升高,两种植物的净同化速率（NAR）、相对生长速率（RGR）和生长对NAR的响应系数均升高（但100%光强下兰花菊三七RGR降低）,平均叶面积比（LARm）和生长对LARm的响应系数均降低,但不同光强下LARm对生长的影响始终大于NAR。4）随着光强的减弱,两种植物都增加高度以截获更多光能,但它们的生物量分配策略不同,紫茎泽兰根生物量比（RMR）降低,SBR增大,而兰花菊三七SBR降低,RMR增大。紫茎泽兰的生物量分配策略更好的反应了弱光环境中的资源变化情况。结论：紫茎泽兰对光环境的适应能力强于兰花菊三七。     

Growth Responses of Two Solanum Species to Contrasting Temperatures and Irradiance Levels: Relations to Photosynthesis, Dark Respiration and Chlorophyll Fluorescence

Potato production in the tropical lowlands during the rainyseason is constrained by high temperature and low irradiance.This study examined the effect of these two variables on drymatter production and allocation, using plant growth, leaf anatomy,gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. Plantsof two clones, Solanum goniocalyx cv. Garhuash Huayro (GH) andDTO-33, a heat tolerant clone of S. tuberosum x S. phureja,were grown in growth chambers at 33/25 °C or 20/10 °Cday/night temperature. At each temperature, plants were grownin either 12 h high irradiance (430–450 µmol m^–2s^–1 PAR) or 12 h low irradiance (250–280 µmolm^–2 s^–1) both with a 6–h photoperiod extensionof 6 µmol m^–2 s^–1. Plants were harvested after10 d (initial harvest) and after 20 d (final harvest). By theend of the study DTO-33 had produced more dry matter and hadtuberized, whereas GH had a greater leaf area ratio (LAR) andspecific leaf area (SLA). The highest relative growth rate (RGR)was at low temperature and low irradiance, possibly due to acombination of thin leaves with a large surface area. At thehigh temperature, low irradiance had the opposite effect, producingthe lowest net assimilation rate (NAR) and lowest RGR. Bothtuber number and weight were markedly reduced by high temperature.Low irradiance, in combination with high temperature, producedvirtually no tubers. Stomatal density, which was greater onGH than in DTO-33, was increased at high temperature. When measuredat 30 °C both clones, especially DTO-33, showed heat-adaptationin terms of ability to maintain a high rate of net photosynthesisat 30 °C. Plants grown at high irr-adiance and low temperaturehad the lowest net photosynthetic rate at 30 °C. Concurrentmeasurements of chlorophyll fluorescence indicated that onlythe initial (O) fluorescence parameter was affected. The dataconfirm the field observation that reduction in potato growthat high temperature can be aggravated by lower irradiance. Thisreduction is associated with a reduced leaf area and NAR. Growth analysis, heat adaptation, light     

Changes in Net Assimilation Rate and Leaf-area Ratio with Time in Dactyl is glomerata L.

Two natural populations of Dactylis glomerata, one from Norwayand the other from Portugal, were grown at four temperaturesin a 16-h photoperiod. Seedlings were harvested at six equalintervals of 7 days at 5 and 10 °C, and 3.5 days at 20 and30 °C. Time curves of net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf-arearatio (LAR) and other growth attributes were derived from curvesfitted to loge leaf area and loge plant weight as functionsof time. Three types of curves were found for both NAR and LARand these conformed to theoretical expectations. There was ageneral decline in NAR and LAR with time, but in certain treatmentsNAR increased during the later harvests, and the possible reasonsfor this are discussed. A similar rise in NAR was also obtainedin an experiment with 12 harvest times.     

Effects of irradiance on relative growth rates, net assimilation rates, and leaf area partitioning in cotton and three associated weeds

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. var. `Stoneville 213'), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), and hemp sesbania (Sesbania exaltata [Raf.] Cory) were grown in a controlled environment room at 31/25 C day/night temperature and three irradiances: 90, 320, and 750 μeinsteins meter⁻² second⁻¹. From total dry weights and leaf areas determined at intervals during the first exponential phase of growth, we used mathematical growth analysis techniques to calculate net assimilation rates (NAR), relative growth rates (R_w), relative leaf area expansion rates (R_a), leaf area partition coefficients (LAP), and leaf area ratios (LAR). In all four species, R_w, R_a, and NAR decreased with decreasing growth irradiance, while LAP and LAR increased. Within each species, R_w was positively correlated with NAR but negatively correlated with LAP and LAR. In comparisons among the four species within each growth irradiance, R_w was positively correlated with LAP. We discuss the relationship between LAP and LAR and show that LAP = (R_a/R_w) (LAR).     

Assimilation Rate and Growth of Lolium Populations in the Glasshouse in Contrasting Light Intensities

Using growth-analysis techniques, the variation in relativegrowth-rate (RGR) and its components, net assimilation rate(NAR), and leaf-area ratio (LAR), was examined in 18 populationsof L. perenne, six of L. multiflorum, and two hybrid cultivarsfrom contrasting climatic and agronomic origins, grown at lowand high light intensities in the glasshouse. Significant differences between populations were found for RGR,NAR, and LAR at both light intensities. At both intensitiesthe annual or biennial multiflorum group had a greater LAR anda lower specific leaf weight and chlorophyll content than theperennial perenne group. At the low intensity this was compensatedby a greater NAR in the perenne group, with no resultant differencein RGR. At the high intensity there was no difference betweenthe groups in NAR, and hence a greater RGR in the multiflorumgroup. Within the perenne and multiflorum groups, at both light intensities,the variation between populations in RGR was based on differencesin NAR rather than in LAR. There was no regular correlationof NAR with either specific leaf weight, or chlorophyll contentat either light intensity, though at low light intensity itwas significantly correlated with shoot-root ratio.     

The Effects of Infection by Rust (Puccinia lagenophorae Cooke) on the Growth of Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris L.) Cultivated under a Range of Nutrient Concentrations

Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris L.), healthy or infected with therust fungus Puccinia lagenophorae Cooke, was grown at a rangeof nutrient concentrations in sand culture. There were statisticallysignificant interactions between the effects of infection andnutrient supply upon the dry weights of stems, leaves, rootsand reproductive tissues, leaf area and cumulative capitulumproduction. This interaction occurred since infection causedsignificant inhibitions of growth only at moderate or high nutrientconcentrations. At low concentrations rusted plants were similarto or slightly larger than controls. Both in controls and rustedplants root: shoot ratios increased as nutrient supply declined.The ratio of root: shoot dry weight was consistently reducedby infection whilst root length: leaf area ratio was relativelyunchanged. More detailed investigations confirmed that infection had littleeffect on plant growth under nutrient deficient conditions despitesuppression of the host's ability to increase root: shoot ratiosin response to nutrient stress. This reflected the inhibitionof relative growth rates in rusted plants at high but not lownutrient concentrations, which in turn reflected reduced netassimilation rates (NAR). Increases in leaf-area ratio (LAR)often ameliorated the decline in NAR in rusted plants. Senecio vulgaris L., Puccinia lagenophorae Cooke, nutrient deficiency, growth, root: shoot ratio     

The response of growth rate to temperature in seedlings of several Allium crop species

Relative growth rates (R_w), leaf area ratios (LAR), net assimilation rates (NAR), and leaf weight ratios (LWR) were estimated for seedlings of onion, leek, Japanese bunching onion and chives grown at constant temperatures of 10, 12, 15, 19, 23, 27 and 31 C. R_w was greatest at 19 C in Japanese bunching onion and chives, and at 27 C in onions and leeks. R_w increased approximately linearly between 10 and 19 C in all species; between 19 and 27 C it either increased further, decreased or remained constant depending on species but at 31 C R_w was lower than the maximum in all cases. LAR's were greatest at 27 C in onions and leeks and at 23 C in the other two species. Between 10 and 19 C both LAR and NAR increased in all species. Between 19 and 27 C increases in LAR were compensated for by decreases in NAR with the result that R_w showed little change with temperature. Averaging over all temperatures the species were ranked in order of decreasing R_w, NAR and LWR as onion, leek, Japanese bunching onion and chives. For LAR this ordering was reversed with respect to onions and leeks. Plant to plant variability increased in the order onion, leek, Japanese bunching onion then chives. Although onions were the fastest growing of the Alliums tested their R_w was lower than that of several other vegetable species for which R_w was similarly measured.     

New seed morphological features in Moehringia L. (Caryophyllaceae) and their taxonomic and ecological significance

Abstract

Relative growth rate (RGR) is a fundamental trait for comparative plant ecology but cannot be measured in situ, leading to problems in interpreting vegetation function. However, the components of RGR (net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf area ratio (LAR), leaf weight ratio (LWR), and specific leaf area (SLA)) can be calculated for wild plants from morphological measurements (leaf area, leaf dry mass, whole plant dry mass), which potentially reflect RGR. Seeds of 19 species from Italian prealpine calcareous grasslands were collected and seedlings were cultivated under controlled conditions. RGR, NAR, LAR, LWR and SLA were analysed. The results demonstrated that RGR was positively correlated with SLA and LAR (p < 0.01). Furthermore, LAR was positively correlated with LWR and negatively with NAR (p < 0.05). Monocotyledons showed significantly higher LAR, LWR and NAR than dicotyledons, as the latter allocated a greater proportion of biomass to stems, but RGR and SLA showed no such phylogenetic constraint. Therefore SLA is the most reliable indicator of RGR in ecological and functional surveys of prealpine calcareous grasslands, and has the additional advantage that it can be measured from leaf material alone. Lower mean RGR and SLA for calcareous grassland species suggests that this vegetation is less likely to recover from the effects of disturbance than meadows and dry meadows.     

Effect of Photoperiod on Vegetative Growth in Two Natural Populations of Dactylis glomerata L.

The growth of two natural populations of cocksfoot from contrastingclimatic regions (Norway and Portugal) was studied at four temperaturesand two photoperiods. Serial harvests were taken and quadraticcurves were fitted to log dry weight and leaf area for eachreplicate in order to calculate growth attributes at a constantplant weight for all treatments. Interactions of population,temperature, and photoperiod on relative growth-rate (RGR) werefound, with the greatest population differences at 5 and 30°C in an 8-h photoperiod. Leaf-area ratio (LAR) played alarger part than net assimilation rate (NAR) in determiningthe differential population responses in RGR to daylength, andthese differences in LAR were primarily the result of differentpatterns of dry-matter distribution within the plant.     

Interspecific Variation in RGR and the Underlying Traits among 24 Grass Species Grown in Full Daylight

Abstract: A growth analysis was conducted with 24 central European grass species in full daylight to test whether traits underlying interspecific variation in relative growth rate (RGR) are the same in full daylight as they are at lower light, and whether this depends on the ecological characteristics of the studied species, i.e., their requirements with respect to nutrient and light availability.
In contrast to studies with herbaceous species at lower light, net assimilation rate (NAR) contributed more than leaf area ratio (LAR) or specific leaf area (SLA) to interspecific variation in RGR. This was associated with a larger interspecific variation in NAR than found in experiments with lower light. Without the two most shade-tolerant species, however, the contribution of LAR and its components to interspecific variation in RGR was similar or even higher than that of NAR.
Leaf dry matter content correlated negatively with RGR and was the only component of LAR contributing in a similar manner to variation in LAR and RGR. There was a positive correlation between NAR and biomass allocation to roots, which may be a result of nutrient-limited growth. RGR correlated negatively with biomass allocation to leaves. Leaf thickness did not correlate with RGR, as the positive effect of thin leaves was counterbalanced by their lower NAR.
Low inherent RGR was associated with species from nutrient-poor or shady habitats. Different components constrained growth for these two groups of species, those from nutrient-poor habitats having high leaf dry matter content, while those from shady habitats had thin leaves with low NAR.     

A Further Analysis of Hybrid Vigour in Zea mays during the Vegetative Phase

Employing the procedures of growth analysis further pot experimentson hybrid vigour in Zea mysa have been conducted in a glasshouse.By serial sampling the changes in plant weight and leaf areahave been followed for six hybrids and their immediate parentsof either dent or flint type. Within 2–3 weeks from sowingthe relative growth-rate (RGR) of the hybrid was significantlygreater in four out of the six triplets and in the remainingtwo the rate for the hybrid exceeded that of one parent. Thesedifferences diminished with time but when observations ceasedat the end of 7 weeks the weight and area of the hybrid wasfrom 1.5 to 1.9 times greater than that of the larger parent.By this time too all but one of the hybrids but none of theparents were in flower. The two components of growth, the leaf-area ratio (LAR) andthe net assimilation rate (NAR) did not differentiate in a consistentmanner between the hybrid and the parents, because of the considerablevariation between emergence and flowering. All the hybrids atsome time up to 28 days had a significantly higher LAR thanthose of one or both parents. Similarly for NAR on no occasionup to 4 weeks did any parent exceed the level of the hybridbut for some hybrids and for some occasions the NAR was significantlyhigher than that of at least one of the parents. Later for bothparameters none of the differences within triplets were significant. A flint and a dent triplet were grown at constant air temperaturesof 10, 15, and 20 °C and illuminated for 14 h at 22 600lx and sampled during the vegetative phase. The results showedthat there were marked differences in the temperature responseswithin and between triplets. The flint hybrid grew faster thanits parents at 15 and 20 °C but not at 10 °C. In contrast,the superiority of the RGR of the dent hybrid was greatest at10 °C. These differences are largely reflected by changesin NAR rather than LAR. The higher NAR of the flint hybrid isfound at 15 and 20 °C, but the superiority of the dent hybridis most evident at 10 °C. The comparative performance within one triplet was examinedfor small and large grains. The patterns of change in the growthcomponents were not influenced by grain size. The interacting effects of genotype, stage of development, andtemperature level are discussed. It is concluded that in thefield the over-riding factor determining hybrid vigour is thehigher RGR in the postemergence phase and that the genetic variationover the six triplets is greater for NAR than LAR.     

Biomass allocation,morphology and photosynthesis of invasive and noninvasive exotic species grown at four irradiance levels

We tested the hypotheses that invasive species had higher irradiance plasticity, capture ability and efficiency than noninvasive species using two invasive aliens – Ageratina adenophora and Chromolaena odorata, and one noninvasive alien – Gynura sp. The three aliens were grown at 4.5%, 12.5%, 36%, 50% and 100% irradiances for 64 days before harvesting. The plastic response of specific leaf area (SLA) contributed to improved light interception at low irradiance, carbon gain and water balance at high irradiance. It was a good predictor for intraspecific irradiance responses of leaf area ratio (LAR), leaf area:root mass ratio, maximum photosynthetic rate (P_max) and net assimilation rate (NAR). Biomass allocation-related traits were species specific and their plasticity to irradiance was low. The high root mass fraction, leaf mass fraction and LAR distinguished the two invaders from Gynura. However, other resource capture-related traits, such as SLA, NAR and P_max, were not always higher for the invaders than for Gynura. Furthermore, plasticity to irradiance was not different between the invasive and noninvasive aliens. With increasing irradiance, Gynura decreased biomass investment to roots and leaves but increased the investment to support structures adversely affecting both low and high irradiance acclimation. Ageratina might invade new habitat successfully through tolerating shading at low irradiance and outshading competitors by forming dense stands when irradiance is increased. The results suggested that both resource capture-related traits and irradiance acclimation conferred competitive advantage to the two invaders and some traits were common for invasive and noninvasive aliens but others were specific for invaders.     

Primary Growth and Re-growth of the Tropical Tallgrass Hybrid Pennisetum at Different Temperatures

Dry weight of plant fractions, leaf area, leaf number and tillernumber were recorded throughout primary growth and two subsequentre-growths of hybrid Pennisetum (Pennisetum americanum x P.purpureum) at five temperature regimes from 15/10 °C to33/28 °C (day/night) in summer and winter. Seedling mortality occurred at 15/10 °C, whereas at allhigher temperatures seedlings survived and plants re-grew aftercutting at a height of 10 cm. Shoot weights increased with temperatureup to 33/28 °C when compared at a common chronological agebut showed no differences at a common developmental age. Thetemperature response was associated with increased top/rootratio and rate of leaf appearance; mean individual leaf areaand NAR did not increase beyond 27/22 °C. Shoot weight incrementsin primary growth were the same in winter and summer when expressedper unit of radiation, although leaf area per unit weight wassensitive to changes in radiation associated with differencesin daylength. The rate of shoot weight accumulation in regrowthwas greater than in primary growth because of rapid tilleringfollowing defoliation and an enhanced rate of leaf appearanceper tiller. Pennisetum hybrid, tallgrass, growth, regrowth temperature response     

Management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) with moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf powder

A major constraint facing sweet pepper production is infestation by nematodes leading to reduced yields. Field studies were conducted during the 2012 cropping season at the Experimental Farms of the University for Development Studies, Nyankpala, Northern region, Ghana, to determine efficacy of various levels of moringa leaf powder for the control of root-knot nematodes in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in the savanna ecology of Ghana. Treatments consisted of three levels of moringa leaf powder (40, 60 and 80?g/L) per plot and 0?g/L (control). The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with each treatment replicated four times. The infestations of root-knot nematodes were significantly lower in the moringa leaf powder-treated plots than the control. Although significant differences were not observed in all the parameters evaluated among the moringa leaf powder treatments, sweet pepper plants treated with 80?g/L of moringa leaf powder per plot recorded the highest mean value of plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant total yield per plot and the thickest plant girth. Similarly, the sweet pepper plants treated with 80?g/L of moringa leaf powder had the lowest infection index (root gall) and nematode population. Application of moringa leaf powder at 40, 60 and 80?g/L increased sweet pepper yield and decreased nematode population confirming their potential in management of root-knot nematodes.     

The Influences of Seasonal Changes in Solar Radiation and Air Temperature on the Growth in the Early Vegetative Phase of Zea mays

At weekly intervals from May to September over 2 years the growthof separate batches of Zea mays (Swiss hybrid Orla 266) wasrecorded for individual plants in pot experiments, togetherwith the corresponding weekly means of solar radiation and themean, maximum, and minimum diurnal air temperatures. To reducesampling errors the plants were ranked on the bases of initialgrain size and leaf number. To minimize differences in stageof development at the end of 21 days from sowing the size wasadjusted in 1965 by switching the pots in and out of a glasshouse:in 1966 the plants were kept for the first 11 days in a controlledenvironment and then hardened off in the open. Between 21 and28 days when the second sample was taken half the plants weresubjected to light shade (0.65–0.70 daylight). Multiple regression analysis showed that the relative growthrate of the whole plant (RGR), the rate of increase in leafarea (RLGR), and the net assimilation rate (NAR) were positivelydependent on both radiation and mean air temperature. In 1965there were negative effects of minimum temperature on RGR andNAR and a positive response of RLGR to leaf number. In 1966an increase in leaf number led to a higher RGR and LAR but depressedRLGR, while minimal temperature had no significant effects.In all these regressions the variation accounted for was high,ranging from 80 to 89 per cent. At the second sampling occasion the leaf-area ratio (LAR_f) wasinversely related to radiation, negatively dependent on daytemperature, but positively linked with night temperature. Theorder of the initial LAR exerted no influence. The RGRs of theshoot and the root were positively associated with both radiationand mean temperature. In 1965 there were small negative responsesof the shoot to both minimum temperature and leaf number andfor the root only leaf number. The variation accounted for wasleast for LAR_f (59–62 per cent) and intermediate for RGR_aand RGR_r (77–89 per cent). For RGR, NAR, and RLGR the calculated partial regression coefficientsfor mean temperature in 1965 were larger than those for radiationbut in 1966, apart from RLGR, they were equalled by radiation.The discrepancies between years can be ascribed to a highercorrelation coefficient between radiation and temperature in1965 (0.53) as against 1966 (0.33). The value of multiple regression analysis in the evaluationof the environment by carefully designed field experiments isemphasized in relation to other investigations of light andtemperature undertaken under controlled conditions.     

温室甜椒叶面积指数形成模拟模型

叶面积指数是光合作用驱动的作物生长模型以及冠层蒸腾模型所需的重要作物参数,温度和辐射是影响叶片生长的重要环境因子.通过不同定植期、不同品种、不同地点的试 验,定量分析了温室甜椒出叶数、叶片长度和叶面积指数与温度和辐射的关系,构建了温室 甜椒叶面积模型,并利用独立的试验资料对模型进行了检验.结果表明：甜椒出叶数与出苗 后累积辐热积呈指数函数关系;叶片长度与出叶后累积辐热积呈负指数函数关系;甜椒出叶 数、叶片长度和叶面积指数的模拟结果与实测值之间的决定系数R²分别为0.94、0.89、0.93,其回归估计标准误RMSE分别为3.4、2.15 cm、0.15.该模型能够利用气温、辐射、 种植密度和出苗日期准确地预测温室甜椒叶面积指数动态,且模型参数少、实用性强,可以为温室甜椒生长模型和蒸腾模型提供必需的叶面积指数动态信息.     

Phenotypic plasticity of lianas in response to altered light environment

The growth, morphology and biomass allocation of 11 liana species (six light-demanding and five shade-tolerant) were investigated by growing plants in three contrasting light environments (i.e., field, forest edge and forest interior). Our objectives were to determine: (1) changes in plant traits at the species level; and (2) differences in light-demanding and shade-tolerant species in response to altered light environment. We found that all seedlings of liana species increased in total biomass, total leaf area, relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), height, basal diameter, root length, leaf number, root mass/total plant mass (RMR) and root-to-shoot dry biomass (R/S ratio), and decreased in leaf area ratio (LAR), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf size, stem mass-to-total plant mass ratio (SMR) and leaf mass-to-total plant mass ratio (LMR) with increasing light availability. Under the three light environments, the two types of species differed significantly in total biomass, total leaf area, RGR, NAR, LAR, SLA and leaf number, and not in leaf area. Only light-demanding species differed significantly in height, root length, basal diameter, RMR, SMR, LMR and R/S ratio. The mean plasticity index of growth and biomass allocation were relatively higher than the morphological variables, with significant differences between the two groups. Our results showed that liana species respond differently to changing light environments and that light-demanding species exhibit higher plasticity. Such differences may affect the relative success of liana species in forest dynamics.