Photosynthetica 2018, 56(3):932-941 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0752-x

Seasonal dynamics of photosynthesis and total carbon gain in bearing and nonbearing pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) shoots

G. Marino1,2,*, M. La Mantia1, T. Caruso1, F. P. Marra1
1 Department of Agricultural and Forestry Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
2 Department of Land Air and Water Resources, 213, Veihmeyer Hall, University California at Davis, Davis, USA

Seasonal changes in leaf gas exchange, assimilation response to light and leaf area were monitored in bearing and nonbearing pistachio shoots. Shoot bearing status did not directly affect leaf photosynthetic rate. However, photosynthetic light-response curves strongly varied during the season demonstrating the dominant effect of the tree's seasonal phenology on assimilation. Early in the season low photosynthetic rates were associated with high rates of dark respiration indicating limited photosynthesis in the young leaves. As leaves matured, dark respiration decreased and assimilation reached maximum values. Photosynthetic efficiency was strongly reduced late in the season due to leaf age and senescence. Fruit load precipitated an early leaf senescence and drop that resulted in a 53% decrease in leaf area in bearing vs. nonbearing shoots, strongly decreasing the seasonal photosynthetic performance of bearing shoots. Bearing shoots produced a 26% lower seasonal carbon gain compared to nonbearing shoots.

Additional key words: alternate bearing; bud drop; carbohydrates; light-response curve; photosynthetic photon flux density

Received: November 18, 2016; Accepted: June 8, 2017; Prepublished online: September 1, 2018; Published: August 1, 2018  Show citation

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Marino, G., La Mantia, M., Caruso, T., & Marra, F.P. (2018). Seasonal dynamics of photosynthesis and total carbon gain in bearing and nonbearing pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) shoots. Photosynthetica, 56(3), 932-941. doi: 10.1007/s11099-017-0752-x
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