Photosynthesis and Transpiration in Damaged and Undamaged Spruce Trees

The investigations presented here focus on the CO2/H2O gas exchange in damaged and undamaged spruce trees while using open-air measurements as well as measurements under defined conditions in the laboratory. The studies were performed at two different sites in the Hunsrück and the Westerwald mountains. In the laboratory the CO2/H2O gas exchange was measured on detached branches under controlled conditions in the course of two years. CO2 saturation curves were also generated. In addition CO2 compensation points were deter­ mined employing a closed system. In the natural habitat diurnal course measurements of photosynthesis and transpiration as well as light-saturation curves for photosynthesis were performed. In parallel with the photosynthesis and transpiration measurements, measurements of the water potential were taken at both locations. The photosynthetic capacity and transpiration rate show a typical annual course with pronounced maxima in spring and late summer and minima in summer and winter. The needles of the damaged trees exhibit higher transpiration rates and a distinct reduction in photosyn­ thesis than the needles of the undamaged trees during two seasons. The diurnal course measurements of net photosynthesis and transpiration show a maximum in photosynthesis and transpiration in the afternoon in May and September, but a characteristic midday depression in July. Photosynthesis was markedly lower and transpiration higher in the needles of the damaged trees. The damaged trees show a lower increase in the light and CO2 saturation curves and higher CO2 compensation points as compared to the undamaged trees. The water potential reaches much lower values during the course of the day in needles of the dam­ aged trees. The reduction of the photosynthetic rate on one hand and the increase in transpiration on the other hand result in an extreme lowering of the water use efficiency in photosynthesis. The damage to the thylakoid membranes and to the guard cells obviously results in a pro­ found disturbance of the physiological homeostasis of the needles and could thus lead to premature needle loss.

PHOTOSYNTHETIC POTENTIAL OF SPUR LEAVES WITHIN AN APPLE CANOPY

Light saturation curves were developed for detached, non-fruiting `Stayman' and `Delicious' spur leaves from interior, middle, and peripheral canopy positions throughout the season in 1989 and 1990, respectively. Be inning at bloom, measurements were made every 2 weeks for the first 8 weeks, and monthly thereafter. SLW was calculated simultaneously with photosynthetic measurements. MacArthur-Wilson saturation equations were used with non-linear regression to fit the saturation curves and SLW data, and curves were compared using indicator variables. Even at bloom, saturation curves and SLW differed among positions. The peripheral position bad a greater saturation point and equilibrium rate throughout the season, and the interior and middle positions were equivalent by about 6 weeks after bloom.

PHOTOSYNTHETIC POTENTIAL OF SPUR LEAVES WITHIN AN APPLE CANOPY

Light saturation curves were developed for detached, non-fruiting `Stayman' and `Delicious' spur leaves from interior, middle, and peripheral canopy positions throughout the season in 1989 and 1990, respectively. Be inning at bloom, measurements were made every 2 weeks for the first 8 weeks, and monthly thereafter. SLW was calculated simultaneously with photosynthetic measurements. MacArthur-Wilson saturation equations were used with non-linear regression to fit the saturation curves and SLW data, and curves were compared using indicator variables. Even at bloom, saturation curves and SLW differed among positions. The peripheral position bad a greater saturation point and equilibrium rate throughout the season, and the interior and middle positions were equivalent by about 6 weeks after bloom.

EFFECTS OF SHADE ON NET PHOTOSYNTHESIS, GROWTH AND YIELD OF STRAWBERRIES

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of shade treatments (0, 30, 47 and 63%) on photosynthetic and growth responses of `Redchief' strawberries. Net photosynthesis (Pn) measured on plants under shade decreased as % shade increased. Pn of plants grown under shade but measured under saturating light intensities decreased after 30% shade. Light saturation curves of leaves allowed to expand in full sun and then placed under shade indicated a decrease in the saturation rate and point under 63% shade. Leaves which expanded under shade had decreased saturation rates and points at all levels. Specific leaf weight and total plant dry weight decreased linearly as % shade increased.A field study in which plants were either shaded in the fall or in the fall and spring demonstrated a decreasing trend in berry number for plots which were shaded in the fall and spring. Berry number decreased in fall-shaded plants after 30% shade. In both cases, berry weight decreased with increasing shade.

Photosynthetic response of phytoplankton to light: a physiological model

A theoretical representation is developed for the relationship between photosynthesis and light in phytoplankton, based on a simple model of processes associated with electron flow through photosystem II. Photoinhibition is represented as an impediment to this electron flow. Examples are shown of fits to various typical light saturation curves for natural assemblages of marine phytoplankton. An important parameter is the size of the photosynthetic unit of PSII. This feature facilitates discussion of photoadaptation in terms of changes in the light saturation curves consequent on modifications in the number and/or size of the photosynthetic units.