Leaf photosynthesis and respiration of Cynara cardunculus (original) (raw)
Cynara cardunculus L. is a C 3 biomass crop of Mediterranean origin that is expected to play a very important role in the bio-energy sector in southern Europe. This paper determines the basic biological processes of Cynara cardunculus, by (a) constructing photosynthesis-light response curves; (b) estimating dark mitochondrial respiration rate, and (c) studying carbon flux responses to leaf nitrogen availability. Measurements were undertaken at leaf scale under field conditions in central Greece (Karditsa) during 2007-2008, using an open exchange system equipped with an adjustable light source and ventilation for temperature control. Results demonstrate that cynara has a maximum leaf net assimilation rate of 33.4 µmol CO 2 m -2 s -1 at 22°C and a specific leaf nitrogen (SLN) of 3.7 g N m -2 . Photosynthetic rates remained high across a wide range of temperatures (14-28°C). The Q 10 factor of cynara was estimated at 2.31, while respiration sensitivities to temperature were described very accurately using Arrhenius model (P<0.001).
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