Leaf Photosynthesis and its Correlation with Leaf Area¹

Abstract

Comparisons among cultivars of leaf CO2 exchange rate (CER) based on leaf area may be confounded by leaf characteristics not usually accounted for in such comparisons. One such confounding characteristic appears to be leaf size. Correlation coefficients between leaf CER and leaf area (LA) were determined for genotypes of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) and were compared with correlations for other crops reported in the literature. There were negative correlations between CER and LA in all crops examined. Significant negative correlations between LA and dark respiration were observed for wheat (Triticum sp.), alfalfa, (Medicago sativa L.), and peanut. Leaf area was negatively correlated with transpiration per unit LA and with leaf conductance for soybean. The relationship between leaf size and specific leaf weight was inconsistent in most crops. Comparisons of CER for genotypes having different leaf sizes may not represent the inherent differences in photosynthetic potential. Negative correlations between LA and CER may be one of the causes for the absence of consistent relationships between CER and yield.

Statistical Analysis of Leaf Water Use Efficiency and Physiology Traits of Winter Wheat Under Drought Condition

“…Generally, reduction in stomatal conductance (g s ) and E under drought result in higher WUE due to the plant rapidly adjusting water loss through transpiration and absorption of CO 2 through stomatal regulation (Baker et al 2007;Sharkey et al 2007;Tambussi et al 2007). Moreover, Bhagsari and Brown (1986) illustrated that stomatal conductance of fiag leaf positively improves Pn and leaf WUE. Cowan (1988) reported that regulating stomata apertures in leaves can regulate leaf WUE under limited water condition.…”

Genetic Improvement in Photosynthetic Response of Hybrid Maize Cultivars, 1959 to 1988

“…Rawson et al (1983) (Dwyer and Stewart 1986), leaf morphology (Bhagsari and Brown 1986) and source and sink strengths (Thiagarajah et al l98l (Vietor etal. 1977;Bhagsari and Brown 1986 …”

Analysis of the Dry Matter Production Process Related to Yield and Yield Components of Rice Plants Grown under the Practice of Nitrogen-Free Basal Dressing Accompanied with Sparse Planting Density

“…2a). The SLW, an important factor determining photosynthetic capacity (Tanaka and Matsushima, 1971;Bhagsari and Brown, 1986), on the other hand, was heavier in BNo than in CONT in all leaves at different positions on a culm (Fig. 2b).…”