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

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 demons...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Photosynthetica 2018-09, Vol.56 (3), p.932-941
Main Authors: Marino, G., La Mantia, M., Caruso, T., Marra, F. P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Annual variations
Assimilation
Bearing
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Carbon
Gas exchange
Leaf area
Leaves
Life Sciences
Light effects
Photosynthesis
Plant Physiology
Respiration
Seasonal variations
Seasons
Senescence
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0300-3604
1573-9058
DOI:10.1007/s11099-017-0752-x