Effects of chilling on the photosynthetic performance of the CAM orchid Phalaenopsis

Introduction: behind closed stomata, thereby saving considerable amounts of water. Compared to the effects of high temperatures, drought, and light, much less information is available about the effects of chilling temperatures on CAM plants. In addition a lot of CAM ornamentals are grown in heated greenhouses, urging for a deeper understanding about the physiological responses to chilling in order to increase sustainability in the horticultural sector. Methods: fluorescence induction (OJIP) parameters and the carbon fixation reactions by measuring diel leaf gas exchange and diel metabolite patterns. Results and Discussion: uptake diminished to near zero levels after 3 weeks, indicating that plants were not successful in cold acclimation on the longer term.