Effects of temperature on the morphology and photosynthetic activity of newly matured leaves of alfalfa

Effects of temperature on (1) physical characteristics of newly matured leaves throughout regrowth, and (2) net carbon dioxide exchange–irradiance response curves throughout regrowth and throughout the day are described for two alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) genotypes (AT171 and CC120) grown at 20/15C and 30/25C day/night temperatures and 53 nE cm−2 s−1 irradiance (400–700 nm).Area per leaf increased linearly with increasing leaf number up to the fourth or fifth leaf, and thereafter remained constant. Both specific leaf weight and leaf density were constant for the first four leaves, and increased sharply thereafter, particularly at day/night temperatures of 20/15C. Percentage of leaf water content did not change throughout regrowth at 30/25C, but decreased after leaf 4 at 20/15C. Intercellular space volume fluctuated with leaf number. Leaf area was larger, specific leaf weight, and leaf density were greater, intercellular space volume was higher, and percentage of leaf water content was lower, with plants grown at 20/15C than at 30/25C.The net carbon dioxide exchange rate at 116 nE cm−2 s−1 increased with leaves produced progressively until a peak was reached at leaf 4 or 5 and then decreased. At any given leaf position, net carbon dioxide exchange rate at 116 nE cm−2 s−1 was greater at 20/15C than at 30/25C for AT171, but was the same at both temperatures for CC120. In contrast, net carbon dioxide exchange rate at 76 nE cm−2 s−1 was greater at 20/15C than 30/25C for both genotypes. Net carbon dioxide exchange rates measured in the morning were always lower than those measured in the afternoon regardless of irradiance, genotype, and growth temperature.