Photosynthetic Electron Transport in Plants of Sitka Spruce Subjected to Differing Light Environments during Growth

Seedlings of Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. (Sitka spruce) have been grown in four different light regimes in growth chambers. Chloroplast fragments have been isolated from the needles and Photosystem I and Photosystem II activities measured. Measurements were made at eight photon flux densities giving light response curves for photosystem activity in needles grown in the four different light regimes. Chlorophyll concentration was higher in needles from the low cultivation light environments than in those from the high light environments. Photosystem activity was higher in needles from the high cultivation light environments. Evidence that Photosystem I was limiting photosynthesis in needles grown in the high light environments was obtained.