Effect of certain plant parameters on photosynthesis, transpiration, and effiency of water use

Authors

H. M. Mork, Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024
A. Wallace, Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024
E. M. Romney, Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024

Abstract

Rates of gaseous exchange were measured on selected desert shrubs native to the northern Mojave Desert to determine effects of varying chamber temperature, CO₂ concentration, relative humidity, and root temperature in preliminary studies. Results indicate that changes in these parameters produced differences in the rates of photosynthesis and transpiration. Ceratoides lanata (Pursh) took up CO₂ almost equally at 25 and 39 C. Doubling the CO₂ concentration in the below-ambient range roughly doubled photosynthesis rates in C. lanata. Very small changes in relative humidity had marked changes in the photosynthesis and transpiration rates of four species studied, with greater effect on transpiration. Photosynthesis and transpiration increased, and water-use efficiency decreased in two species as soil temperature was increased from 9 to 29 C.

Recommended Citation

Mork, H. M.; Wallace, A.; and Romney, E. M. (1980) "Effect of certain plant parameters on photosynthesis, transpiration, and effiency of water use," Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs: Vol. 4, Article 16.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbnm/vol4/iss1/16