Environmental control of gas exchange in some savanna woody species. I. Controlled environment studies of Terminalia sericea and Grewia flavescens

The effects of temperature, radiation, water stress and humidity on net photosynthesis, transpiration and leaf resistances of the two savanna woody species, Grewia flavescens and Terminalia sericea were studied under controlled environmental conditions. Both species have developed morphological and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Oecologia 1980, Vol.47 (2), p.204-212
Main Author: Ferrar, P.J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dehydration
High temperature
Humidity
Leaves
Photosynthesis
Photosynthetically active radiation
plant ecology
Plants
Respiration
Transpiration
Water temperature
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Summary:The effects of temperature, radiation, water stress and humidity on net photosynthesis, transpiration and leaf resistances of the two savanna woody species, Grewia flavescens and Terminalia sericea were studied under controlled environmental conditions. Both species have developed morphological and physiological features resulting in low rates of transpiration even under non-stress conditions and are able to tolerate quite severe water stress. Grewia seemed particularly well adapted in this regard and prestressed plants of Grewia were able to photosynthesise down to leaf water potentials of -42 bars. The photosynthetic responses of both species to all the environmental parameters studied were predominantly under stomatal control. The mechanisms employed for maintaining production and conserving water are examined.
ISSN:0029-8549
1432-1939
DOI:10.1007/BF00346822