Rapid field measurement of the assimilation rate versus internal CO2 concentration relationship in green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.): the influence of light intensity

Assimilation rate (A) versus intercellular CO(2) concentration (C(i)) relationships for leaflets of five-year-old green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) trees were computed from gas exchange measurements obtained in the field with a closed-circuit, portable photosynthesis measurement system comprising an LI-6200 gas analyzer and an LI-6000 computer, (Li-Cor, Inc., Lincoln, Nebraska, USA). Observations were made over a range of light intensities achieved by attenuating direct sunlight with neutral density filters, and over a range of ambient CO(2) concentrations achieved by breathing into the assimilation chamber and then lowering the CO(2) concentration to the desired level with the LI-6200's soda-lime scrubber. Boundary layer conductance was determined by use of a leaf replica made of moist filter paper. Typically, A-C(i) curves at four light intensities were obtained in three to four hours. The initial slope (when A = 0) of the A-C(i) curve obtained at a light intensity of 1750 micromol m(-2) s(-1) (full sunlight) was similar to that obtained at a light intensity of 840 micromol m(-2) s(-1). However, when light intensity was reduced further (to 370 and 160 micromol m(-2) s(-1)), the initial slope of the A-C(i) curve also decreased, indicating that at these light intensities, assimilation was limited by photochemical energy supply, as well as CO(2) concentration.