Potted sweet cherry ( Prunus avium L.) trees, grown under constant environmental conditions, were used to determine characteristics of leaf photosynthetic development separate from environmental influences. A maximum rate of photosynthesis of 38 mg CO 2 /dm 2 (per hour) was reached at a leaf plastochron index (LPI) of 10, which is about 80% of full leaf expansion. During development, CO 2 compensation points decreased to about 25 μl·liter −1 CO 2 at LPI 12, but gradually increased to a value of about 35 for mature leaves. Of 3 leaf ages studied, (LPI 5, 10, and 15) response to low O 2 was the least at LPI 10. Carboxylation efficiency doubled between LPI 5 and 10, while stomatal conductance was highest and mesophyll resistance was lowest from about LPI 10 to 13. Light saturation occurred at about 500 μmol·s −1 ·m −2 , and optimal temperature for photosynthesis in sweet cherry was 19° to 25°C. Light and temperature effects were apparently independent of leaf age. Our results indicate major influences of leaf development on photosynthesis in sweet cherry and serve as the basis of continuing studies aimed at the importance of leaf developmental stage for cultural and production practices.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Roper et al. (1986) studied this question.