Reexamining the empirical relation between plant growth and leaf photosynthesis

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric L. Kruger ◽  
John C. Volin
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Leaf Gas Exchange ◽  
Empirical Relation ◽  
Leaf Photosynthesis ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Leaf Mass ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Growth Variation

Technological advances during the past several decades have greatly enhanced our ability to measure leaf photosynthesis virtually anywhere and under any condition. Associated with the resulting proliferation of gas-exchange data is a lingering uncertainty regarding the importance of such measurements when it comes to explaining intrinsic causes of plant growth variation. Accordingly, in this paper we rely on a compilation of data to address the following questions: from both statistical and mechanistic standpoints, how closely does plant growth correlate with measures of leaf photosynthesis? Moreover, in this context, does the importance of leaf photosynthesis as an explanatory variable differ among growth light environments? Across a wide array of species and environments, relative growth rate (RGR) was positively correlated with daily integrals of photosynthesis expressed per unit leaf area (Aarea), leaf mass (Amass), and plant mass (Aplant). The amount of RGR variation explained by these relationships increased from 36% for the former to 93% for the latter. Notably, there was close agreement between observed RGR and that estimated from Aplant after adjustment for theoretical costs of tissue construction. Overall, based on an analysis of growth response coefficients (GRCs), gross assimilation rate (GAR), a photosynthesis-based estimate of biomass gain per unit leaf area, explained about as much growth variation as did leaf mass ratio (LMR) and specific leaf area (SLA). Further analysis of GRCs indicated that the importance of GAR in explaining growth variation increased with increasing light intensity. Clearly, when considered in combination with other key determinants, appropriate measures of leaf gas exchange effectively capture the fundamental role of leaf photosynthesis in plant growth variation.

Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Gas Exchange in Coffea arabica During Adjustment to Different Soil Moisture Regimes

1992 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
FC Meinzer ◽  
NZ Saliendra ◽  
C Crisosto
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Coffea Arabica ◽  
Carbon Isotope Discrimination ◽  
Total Leaf Area ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Moisture Regimes ◽  
Area Basis

Although carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) has been reported to decline in plants growing under reduced soil moisture, there is little information available concerning the dynamics of adjustments in Δ and gas exchange following a change in soil water availability. In this study Δ, photosynthetic gas exchange, and growth were monitored in container-grown coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants for 120 days under three soil moisture regimes. At the end of 120 d, total leaf area of plants irrigated twice weekly was one half that of plants irrigated twice daily, although their assimilation rates on a unit leaf area basis were nearly equal throughout the experiment. This suggested that maintenance of nearly constant photosynthetic characteristics on a unit leaf area basis through maintenance of a smaller total leaf area may constitute a major mode of adjustment to reduced soil moisture availability in coffee. Intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUE) predicted from foliar Δ values was highest in plants irrigated weekly, intermediate in plants irrigated twice weekly and lowest in plants irrigated twice daily. When instantaneous WUE was estimated from independent measurements of total transpiration per plant and assimilation on a unit leaf area basis, the reverse ranking was obtained. The lack of correspondence between intrinsic and instantaneous WUE was attributed to adjustments in canopy morphology and leaf size in the plants grown under reduced water supply which enhanced transpiration relative to assimilation. Values of Δ predicted from the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 partial pressure determined during gas exchange measurements were not always consistent with measured foliar Δ. This may have resulted from a patchy distribution of stomatal apertures in plants irrigated weekly and from a lag period between adjustment in gas exchange and subsequent alteration in Δ of expanding leaves. The importance of considering temporal and spatial scales, and previous growth and environmental histories in comparing current single leaf gas exchange behaviour with foliar Δ values is discussed.

Diel patterns of leaf carbohydrate concentrations differ between seedlings and mature trees of two sympatric oak species

Botany ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 92 (7) ◽  
pp. 535-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ori Baber ◽  
Martijn Slot ◽  
Gerardo Celis ◽  
Kaoru Kitajima
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Carbon Balance ◽  
Leaf Gas Exchange ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Fundamental Aspect ◽  
Sink Strength ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Leaf Mass ◽  
Diel Patterns ◽  
Unit Leaf

A fundamental aspect of the carbon cycle is the exchange of carbon between plants and the atmosphere. It is, therefore, important to understand factors that affect differences in gas exchange and carbon balance within and among species. Concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates are often used as a proxy for carbon balance. We determined diel patterns of leaf carbohydrate concentrations in relation to irradiance (sun vs. shade) in seedlings and mature trees of two sympatric oak species (Quercus virginiana Mill. and Quercus hemisphaerica Bartram ex Willd.). For seedlings, we also measured leaf gas exchange. Higher sun exposure significantly increased photosynthesis and carbohydrate concentrations in both species. Carbohydrate concentrations of seedling leaves showed strong diel fluctuations, whereas concentrations in mature tree leaves did not. This contrast might be attributed to faster carbohydrate export from leaves of mature trees. The difference in sink strength between seedlings and adults may be related to the decreasing ratio of leaf mass to plant mass with ontogeny, increasing the demand for carbohydrates per unit leaf mass. Seedlings and mature trees are clearly functionally different and care must be taken when extrapolating results from seedling experiments to mature trees.

scholarly journals Pinus pumila growth at different altitudes in the Svyatoi Nos Peninsula (Russia)

2010 ◽  
Vol 56 (No. 3) ◽  
pp. 101-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Gebauer ◽  
D. Volařík ◽  
T. Funda ◽  
I. Fundová ◽  
A. Kohutka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Leaf Mass Per Area ◽  
Pinus Pumila ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Leaf Mass ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
High Site ◽  
Assimilation Capacity

Detailed research is necessary to better understand ecological adaptations of <I>Pinus pumila </I>(Pall.) Regel as a species, whose biological properties are vital for its survival. In the Svyatoi Nos Peninsula, three sites differing in altitude were selected. At all sites the growth form of <I>P. pumila</I> was determined. At the high and medium sites, the following parameters were measured: linear increment on terminal branches, leaf mass per area and the content of nitrogen per unit leaf area. Anatomical studies were carried out on shoots and four needle-year classes. It was found that needles were longer and narrower at the medium site when compared to the high site. Leaf mass per area was higher and a substantial increase in older needles occurred at the high site. Nitrogen content per unit leaf area served as an indicator of assimilation capacity and was higher at the high site. We can conclude that <I>P. pumila</I> has xeromorphic needles, higher assimilation capacity, better protection ability against pathogens and slower growth rate of terminal branches at the high site. Important is also a significant increment of the growth rate of terminal branches at the high site in recent years. Therefore, data obtained from sites at the upper forest limit are valuable in assessing the climate changes and are useful for the forest management practice in mountain areas.

scholarly journals Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Crop as Affected by Shade Level: Microenvironment, Plant Growth, Leaf Gas Exchange, and Leaf Mineral Nutrient Concentration

HortScience ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Leaf Gas Exchange ◽  
Bell Pepper ◽  
Mineral Nutrient ◽  
Specific Leaf Weight ◽  
Leaf Weight ◽  
Leaf Transpiration

Use of shading nets helps ameliorate heat stress of vegetable crops. This study evaluated the effects of shade level on microenvironment, plant growth, leaf gas exchange, and mineral nutrient content of field-grown bell pepper crop. Bell pepper cultivars Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were grown at 0%, 30%, 47%, 62%, and 80% shade levels. Photosynthetically active radiation and air, leaf, and root zone temperatures decreased as shade level increased. Despite having increased plant leaf area, there was increased soil water content with increased shade level, indicating reduced soil water use. With increased shade level, the total plant leaf area, individual leaf area, and individual leaf weight increased, whereas leaf number per plant and specific leaf weight decreased. In contrast to non-normalized chlorophyll index (CI) values, CI normalized by specific leaf weight were related to leaf nitrogen (N) and increased with increased shade level. Net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance (gS) decreased and leaf transpiration increased with increased shade level, particularly above 47% shade level. Leaf concentrations of N, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sulfur (S), aluminum (Al), and boron (B) increased with increased shade level. Relatively few differences in plant growth, leaf gas exchange, and leaf mineral nutrient concentrations were observed among cultivars. In conclusion, morphological changes such as taller plants and thinner and larger leaves likely enhanced light capture under shaded conditions compared with unshaded plants. High shade levels reduced leaf temperature and excessive leaf transpiration but resulted in reduced leaf photosynthesis. Thus, moderate shade levels (30% and 47%) were the most favorable for bell pepper plant growth and function.

scholarly journals The Effect of Wind on the Vegetative and Reproductive Growth of Four Primocane-fruiting Red Raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) in the Establishment Year

HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 575e-575
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre Privé ◽  
N. Allain
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Leaf Gas Exchange ◽  
Rubus Idaeus ◽  
Gas Exchange Parameters ◽  
Yield Increase ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Westerly Winds ◽  
Wind Exposure ◽  
Vegetative And Reproductive Growth

Four primocane fruiting (PP) red raspberry cultivars, `Bogong', `Cascade', `Heritage', and `Dinkum', were grown in exposed or sheltered (50% permeable artificial windbreak) sites fully exposed to prevailing westerly winds. The cultivars were evaluated to determine the effects of wind stress on vegetative and reproductive development and leaf gas exchange during the establishment year. The artificial windbreak resulted in an overall 35% reduction in wind velocity, increased the number of calm days (<5.4 km·h–1) and decreased the incidence of strong breezes (>36 km·h–1). Concurrently, the artificial windbreak did not have much of an effect on altering relative humidity, air or soil temperature. All cultivars responded similarly to wind exposure Plants in exposed sites had reduced leaf areas, internode lengths, leaf, cane, and total above ground dry weights. Leaf gas exchange parameters (Pn, gs and Ci) expressed per unit leaf area did nor differ between treatments for most of the season but the sheltered plants as a whole supported a greater total leaf area and must have fixed a greater amount of carbon than the exposed plants. These larger sheltered plants produced a more extensive fruiting framework and resulted in a 2-fold yield increase. For these reasons, it is highly recommended to shelter raspberry plants from wind in the establishment year.

Carbon Production of Sunflower Cultivars in Field and Controlled Environments. I. Photosynthesis and Transpiration of Leaves, Stems and Heads

1980 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 555 ◽  
Author(s):  
HM Rawson ◽  
GA Constable
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Leaf Age ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Supplementary Irrigation ◽  
Quantum Flux ◽  
Use Efficiency

Commercial cultivars of sunflower were grown either with adequate water in glasshouses, or in the field using stored moisture or with supplementary irrigation. Diurnal measurements of photosynthesis, transpiration, respiration and water use efficiency were made as leaves expanded and aged: several leaf positions of each cultivar and treatment were examined throughout the season. Responses to quantum flux density were also determined. Comparable treatments in the field and glasshouse gave similar results and any differences in gas exchange per unit leaf area among cultivars were very small. All leaves, regardless of position on the plant had the same age-determined pattern of gas exchange per unit leaf area. Rates peaked some 10-12 days after leaves were 5 cm2 and had fallen to 50% of these values 50 days later: the decline was slightly faster in field canopies. Instantaneous rates of photosynthesis were occasionally reduced in plants growing on stored moisture when leaf water potential fell below 1.0 MPa, but on a diurnal scale these reductions were small. Water use efficiency declined with leaf age though under saturating light the decline was only 13% in 60 days: efficiency was markedly reduced at quantum flux densities below 800 �E m-2 s-1. The contribution of heads and stems to photosynthesis and transpiration throughout grain growth is discussed. It is concluded that the water use efficiency of sunflower in the short term is similar to that of other C3 species in spite of the high rates of gas exchange of sunflower. On a diurnal basis, its characteristic of maintaining open stomata under conditions of high evaporative demand results in poor water economy. Sunflower appears to be set to maximize carbon fixation per unit leaf area almost regardless of conditions.

scholarly journals How functional traits influence plant growth and shade tolerance across the life cycle

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (29) ◽  
pp. E6789-E6798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel S. Falster ◽  
Remko A. Duursma ◽  
Richard G. FitzJohn
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Wood Density ◽  
Shade Tolerance ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Leaf Nitrogen ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Unit Leaf

Plant species differ in many functional traits that drive differences in rates of photosynthesis, biomass allocation, and tissue turnover. However, it remains unclear how—and even if—such traits influence whole-plant growth, with the simple linear relationships predicted by existing theory often lacking empirical support. Here, we present a theoretical framework for understanding the effect of diverse functional traits on plant growth and shade tolerance by extending a widely used model, linking growth rate in seedlings with a single leaf trait, to explicitly include influences of size, light environment, and five prominent traits: seed mass, height at maturation, leaf mass per unit leaf area, leaf nitrogen per unit leaf area, and wood density. Based on biomass growth and allocation, this framework explains why the influence of traits on growth rate and shade tolerance often varies with plant size and why the impact of size on growth varies among traits. Specifically, we demonstrate why for height growth the influence of: (i) leaf mass per unit leaf area is strong in small plants but weakens with size; (ii) leaf nitrogen per unit leaf area does not change with size; (iii) wood density is present across sizes; (iv) height at maturation strengthens with size; and (v) seed mass decreases with size. Moreover, we show how traits moderate plant responses to light environment and also determine shade tolerance, supporting diverse empirical results.

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