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Stem hydraulic supply is linked to leaf photosynthetic capacity: evidence from New Caledonian and Tasmanian rainforests

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posted on 2023-05-16, 20:09 authored by Timothy BrodribbTimothy Brodribb, Field, TS
A strong relationship between hydraulic supply of water to leaves and maximum photosynthetic capacity was found in a group of seven conifers and 16 angiosperm species, including two vessel-less taxa, from similar rainforest communities in New Caledonia and Tasmania (Australia). Stem hydraulic supply was expressed as the hydraulic conductivity of branches in terms of leaf area supplied (ΚL) and leaf photosynthetic capacity was measured as the mean quantum yield of PSII (Φ/PSII) in leaves exposed to full sun, as determined by chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. A single, highly significant linear regression (r2 = 0.74) described the relationship between hydraulic conductivity and quantum yield in all species. This suggests that the maximum photosynthetic rate of leaves is constrained by their vascular supply. In both rainforest locations, the ΚL of conifer wood overlapped broadly with that of associated vessel-bearing and vessel-less angiosperms indicating a degree of hydraulic convergence in these forests.

History

Publication title

Plant, Cell and Environment

Volume

23

Issue

12

Pagination

1381-1388

ISSN

0140-7791

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

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