The analysis of photosynthetic performance in leaves under field conditions: A case study using Bruguiera mangroves

Abstract

In this report, we analyze the photosynthetic capacity and performance of leaves under field conditions with a case study based on the mangroves Bruguiera parviflora and B. gymnorrhiza. Using a tower through a closed canopy at a field sight in North Queensland and portable infra-red gas analyzers, a large data set was collected over a period of 11 days early in the growing season. The set was used to analyze the relationship between net photosynthesis (P_net) and light, leaf temperature, stomatal conductance and intracellular CO₂ (C_i).

There are three objectives of this report: (1) to determine photosynthetic potential as indicated by the in situ responses of P_net to light and stomatal conductance, (2) to determine the extent to which photosynthetic performance may be reduced from that potential, and (3) to explore the basis for and physiological significance of the reduction.

The results indicate that even under harsh tropical conditions, the mangrove photosynthetic machinery is capable of operating efficiently at low light and with maximal rates of more than 15 μmol CO₂ m^-2 s^-1. Though stomata were more often limiting than light, in any single measurement the average reduction of P_net from the maximum value predicted by light or conductance responses was 35%. Analysis of single leaf light and CO₂ responses indicated that photosynthetic performance was under direct photosynthetic, or non-stomatal, control at all light and conductance levels. Capacity was adjustable rapidly from a maximum value to essentially nil such that C_i varied inversely with P_net from ca. 150 μL L^-1 at the highest rates of CO₂ exchange to ambient at the lowest.