Switching the light off: A break in photosynthesis and sap flow of forest trees under total solar eclipse

Eclipse effects on field crops and marine zooplankton: the 29 March 2006 total solar eclipse

“…1), no dramatic changes in plant water status, to an extent affecting stomatal movements, were likely to occur. In contrast to our findings, a moderate decline in g s was observed in forest trees at total solar eclipse in Central Europe (Häberle et al, 2001). …”

“…In addition, limited short-term effects on photosynthesis and evapotranspiration of crop plants, such as pigeon pea and bread wheat, were reported by Singh et al (1992). In mature forest trees of Picea abies, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur photosynthesis was reduced to an extent that allowed net CO 2 evolution from leaves during an eclipse (Häberle et al, 2001).…”

“…through transitional light flecks in canopies, changing cloudiness, diurnal periods of light and dusk) (Schulze and Hall, 1982;Küppers et al, 1997); the sudden drop in solar irradiance during a solar eclipse provides a challenge for investigating its related impacts on plant behaviour. Observations have shown that a drop of sap flow velocity in a number of plants was related to solar eclipses (Ladefoged, 1963;Fernandez et al, 1996;Morecroft et al, 2000;Häberle et al, 2001). Developmental processes, such as transient aberrations in the chromosomal structure of root meristems and delayed seed germination, have been also ascribed to the impact of an eclipse (Sathaiah et al, 1984;Kumar et al, 1984).…”

Eclipse Effects on CO2 Profile within and above Sorghum Canopy

“…Deen and Bruner (1933) studied stomatal movements of the gray birch during the sun eclipse in 1932. Drop of sap flow velocity during an eclipse has been observed in several plants (Lagefoged, 1963;Fernandez et al, 1996;Morecraft et al, 2000;Harberle et al, 2001). Photosynthetic reactions were also assessed during an eclipse.…”

“…Photosynthetic reactions were also assessed during an eclipse. Harberle et al (2001) assessed photosynthesis and transpiration of trees during the day of an eclipse by using a thermo-electronically controlled cuvette system. Four cereal fi eld crops and three leguminous field crops were also measured for the photosynthesis and transpiration by using a closed portable infrared gas analysis system (Economou et al, 2008).…”