Abstract
The maintenance activity of plants is investigated in terms of a simple model. Maximization of a certain biomass fraction we refer to asnonactive biomass is postulated. Optimal behaviour of plants according to this principle is explicitly derived and expressed depending on environmental conditions. Several interesting hypotheses result, e.g. a quadratic law relating specific growth rate and gross rate of photosynthesis. A qualitative comparison with data from the literature is performed, with a special emphasis on the question whether plants stressed by air pollutants repair optimally. Regarding long-term constant environmental conditions, no data were found that contradict optimal behaviour. Exact quantitative testing of the theory is desirable, appropriate experiments are suggested.
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Velten, K., Richter, O. Optimal maintenance investment of plants and its dependence on environmental conditions. Bltn Mathcal Biology 55, 953–971 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02460694
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02460694