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.

Correlations Between Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Climate of Native Habitats for Diverse Eucalypt Taxa Growing in a Common Garden

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 311 ◽  
Author(s):  
JE Anderson ◽  
J Williams ◽  
PE Kriedemann ◽  
MP Austin ◽  
GD Farquhar
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Carbon Isotope Discrimination ◽  
Common Garden ◽  
Potential Evaporation ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Isotope Discrimination ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Native Habitats

Distributions of common species of Eucalyptus in south-eastem Australia are related to gradients in temperature and rainfall. To determine whether intrinsic water-use efficiency (as indexed by carbon isotope discrimination, Δ) or other leaf attributes were related to climate of native habitats, we sampled 17 populations representing 14 species of Eucalyptus growing in a common garden in south- central New South Wales. Phreatophytes were clearly distinguished from populations that are totally dependent upon soil moisture derived from rainfall by having higher Δ at a particular level of rainfall. Among 12 non-phreatophytic populations (11 species), Δ was positively correlated with mean annual precipitation (r = 0.75, P = 0.005), December-March precipitation (r = 0.79, P = 0.002), an index of annual soil moisture (r = 0.81, P = 0.001) and seasonality of precipitation (r = 0.85, P < 0.001). There were similarly strong but negative correlations between Δ and potential evaporation during the summer months, but Δ was not correlated with annual potential evaporation of the source sites. Leaf mass per unit area (ρe) was negatively correlated with indices of water availability, positively correlated with nitrogen per unit leaf area (r = 0.90, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with Δ (r = -0.73, P = 0.007). A was negatively correlated with area-based leaf nitrogen (r = -0.79, P = 0.002). These complementary correlations among Δ, ρe, and nitrogen per unit leaf area indicate that variation in Δ may stem largely from variation in photosynthetic capacity. The results provide strong evidence that variation in Δ and ρe reflect genetic adaptations to native habitats.

Effect of Interspecific Interference, Light Intensity, and Soil Moisture on Soybean (Glycine max), Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), and Sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia) Water Uptake

Weed Science ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 534-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald E. Jones ◽  
Robert H. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Light Intensity ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Water Uptake ◽  
Root Weight ◽  
Pressure Potential ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Shoot Weight ◽  
The Relationship

Greenhouse and growth chamber experiments with potted plants were conducted to determine the effects of interspecific root and canopy interference, light intensity, and soil moisture on water uptake and biomass of soybean, common cocklebur, and sicklepod. Canopy interference and canopy plus root interference of soybean with common cocklebur increased soybean water uptake per plant and per unit leaf area. Root interference with soybean decreased common cocklebur water uptake per plant. Canopy interference of soybean with sicklepod increased soybean water uptake per unit leaf area, while root interference decreased uptake per plant. Combined root and canopy interference with soybean decreased water uptake per plant for sicklepod. Soybean leaf area and shoot weight were reduced by root interference with both weeds. Common cocklebur and sicklepod leaf area and shoot weight were reduced by root and canopy interference with soybeans. Only common cocklebur root weight decreased when canopies interfered and roots did not. The relationship between light intensity and water uptake per unit leaf area was linear in both years with water uptake proportional to light intensity. In 1991 water uptake response to tight was greater for common cocklebur than for sicklepod. The relationship between soil moisture level and water uptake was logarithmic. Common cocklebur water uptake was two times that of soybean or sicklepod at −2 kPa of pressure potential. In 1991 common cocklebur water uptake decreased at a greater rate than soybean or sicklepod in response to pressure potential changes from −2 to −100 kPa.

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.

FIELD EVALUATION OF GROWTH AND NITROGEN FIXATION IN PEAS SELECTED FOR HIGH AND LOW PHOTOSYNTHETIC CO2 EXCHANGE

1982 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. MAHON
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Co2 Exchange ◽  
Physiological Age ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Area Basis

Six genotypes of pea (Pisum sativum L.), selected for either high or low CO2 exchange rate per unit leaf area (CER) on the basis of field measurements, were grown in field plots during 1978 and 1979. During two growing seasons, CER was determined in leaves of different physiological age at several times of the day and season. Dry weights, leaf areas and node numbers were determined 4, 7 and 10 wk after planting, and again after pod ripening. C2H2 reduction by detached roots was measured 5, 6, 8 and 9 wk after planting. Despite the large variability in CER with years, leaf numbers, and times of measurement, the mean CER of the three genotypes selected for high rates was always greater than that of the low selected group. CER was significantly correlated with growth per unit leaf area (E) and the high to low group ratios averaged 1.4 for CER and 1.3 for E. C2H2 reduction on an equivalent leaf area basis was not different in the two groups. On a land area basis, the low CER group had a significantly greater leaf area index which compensated for the decreased CER, and estimates of total CO2 exchange, growth and C2H2 reduction were similar in the two groups. Total aboveground dry matter and seed yields were greater in the low CER group, but harvest index was generally greater in those genotypes selected for high CER.

Aboveground production efficiency and canopy nutrient contents of mixed-hardwood forest communities along a moisture gradient in the central United States

1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 2214-2223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shibu Jose ◽  
Andrew R. Gillespie
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Specific Leaf Area ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Moisture Gradient ◽  
Light Transmittance ◽  
Nutrient Contents ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Aboveground Production ◽  
Area Basis

The significance of canopy nutrients in regulating aboveground production efficiency of mixed-hardwood forest communities (ecological land type phases, ELTPs) was examined along a moisture gradient in southern Indiana, U.S.A. A total of 39 plots were established in six ELTPs in which canopy specific leaf area, canopy nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg on unit leaf area basis and on unit leaf weight basis), light transmittance, aboveground net primary productivity, and production efficiency (on unit leaf area basis, i.e., Earea; and on unit leaf weight basis, i.e., Emass) were quantified. ELTPs exhibited significant differences in canopy specific leaf area and aboveground net primary productivity. Although Earea varied significantly among ELTPs, Emass exhibited no significant differences. Variation in canopy specific leaf area was significantly correlated with ELTP site water balance (R2 = 0.93, p = 0.0083). Along a decreasing moisture gradient, canopy specific leaf area decreased, which resulted in an increase in canopy nutrient content per unit leaf area. Canopy nutrient contents (N, P, and K) in turn exhibited strong positive correlations with Earea (no strong correlations with Emass), which increased along a decreasing moisture gradient. Higher canopy nutrient contents coupled with higher light transmittance through the canopy probably results in a higher canopy photosynthetic efficiency (area basis) in dry ELTPs. This is suggested as one of the reasons for higher Earea in dry ELTPs than in mesic ELTPs.

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.

The Relationship Between CO2 Transfer Conductance and Leaf Anatomy in Transgenic Tobacco With a Reduced Content of Rubisco

1994 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 475 ◽  
Author(s):  
JR Evans ◽  
SV Caemmerer ◽  
BA Setchell ◽  
GS Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Transgenic Tobacco ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Leaf Anatomy ◽  
Co2 Assimilation ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Transfer Conductance

The CO2 transfer conductance in leaves quantifies the ease with which CO2 can diffuse from sub-stomatal cavities to sites of carboxylation within the chloroplast. The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that the CO2 transfer conductance is proportional to the surface area of chloroplasts exposed to intercellular airspaces. We compared two genotypes, wild-type and transgenic tobacco, that had been transformed with an antisense gene directed at the mRNA of the Rubisco small subunit. Transgenic tobacco had lower rates of CO2 assimilation than wild-type but similar chlorophyll contents. Leaf anatomy was altered by growing plants in two different environments: a high daily irradiance in a growth cabinet (12 h photoperiod of 1 mmol quanta m-2 s-1) and a sunlit glasshouse. The growth cabinet gave at least twice the daily irradiance compared to the glasshouse. The CO2 transfer conductance was calculated from combined measurements of gas exchange and carbon isotope discrimination measured in 2% oxygen. Following gas exchange measurement, leaves were sampled for biochemical and anatomical measure- ment. In transgenic tobacco plants, Rubisco content was 35% of that found in the wild-type tobacco, the CO2 assimilation rate was 50% of the wild-type rate and the chlorophyll content was unaltered. While leaf mass per unit leaf area of transgenic tobacco was 82% of that of the wild-type, differences in leaf thickness and surface area of mesophyll cells exposed to intercellular airspace per unit leaf area (Smes) were small (92 and 87% of wild-type, respectively). Leaves grown in the growth cabinet under high daily irradiance were thicker (63%), had a greater Smes (41%) due to the development of thicker palisade tissue, had higher photosynthetic capacity (27%) and contained more chlorophyll (58%) and Rubisco (77%), than leaves from plants grown in the glasshouse. Irrespective of genotype or growth environment, CO2 transfer conductance varied in proportion to surface area of chloroplasts exposed to intercellular airspaces. While the method for calculating CO2 transfer conductance could not distinguish between limitations due to the gas or liquid phases, there was no reduction in CO2 transfer conductance associated with more closely packed cells, thicker leaves, nor with increasing chloroplast thickness in tobacco.

Effect of verticillium wilt on gas exchange of entire eggplants

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 557-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin P. Gent ◽  
Francis J. Ferrandino ◽  
Wade H. Elmer
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Verticillium Wilt ◽  
Verticillium Dahliae ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Solanum Melongena ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Infested Soil ◽  
Unit Leaf Area ◽  
Unit Leaf

Verticillium dahliae infection may reduce growth and yield of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) by inhibiting gas exchange per unit leaf area, and (or) by reducing leaf area. To quantify this inhibition, eggplants were grown in a field in fumigated soil or soil naturally infested with V. dahliae. Photosynthesis, dark respiration, transpiration, leaf area, disease symptoms, and yield were measured. Whole plants were enclosed in clear-walled chambers to measure gas exchange for 24-h periods. Before fruit set, there were no symptoms of wilt and no difference in leaf area or in gas exchange of plants grown in infested or fumigated soil. After fruit set, plants grown in the Verticillium-infested soil became symptomatic and had less leaf area, smaller leaves, and less photosynthesis per plant under high irradiance than plants grown in the fumigated soil. When whole plant gas exchange was normalized per unit leaf area there was no significant effect of disease on photosynthesis or transpiration. Although verticillium wilt reduces photosynthesis per unit leaf area in other species, our findings suggest that verticillium wilt reduced gas exchange of the entire eggplant predominantly by reduced leaf area rather than by reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Key words: Verticillium dahliae, Solanum melongena L., photosynthesis, transpiration, leaf area.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document