Stem hydraulic supply is linked to leaf photosynthetic capacity: evidence from New Caledonian and Tasmanian rainforests
Year: 2000
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT A strong relationship between hydraulic supply of water to leaves and maximum photosynthetic capacity was found in a group of seven conifers and 16 angiosperm species, including two vessel‐less taxa, from similar rainforest communities in New Caledonia and Tasmania (Australia). Stem hydraulic supply was expressed as the hydraulic conductivity of branches in terms of leaf area supplied ( K L ) and leaf photosynthetic capacity was measured as the mean quantum yield of PSII ( Ø PSII ) in leaves exposed to full sun, as determined by chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. A single, highly significant linear regression ( r 2 = 0·74) described the relationship between hydraulic conductivity and quantum yield in all species. This suggests that the maximum photosynthetic rate of leaves is constrained by their vascular supply. In both rainforest locations, the K L of conifer wood overlapped broadly with that of associated vessel‐bearing and vessel‐less angiosperms indicating a degree of hydraulic convergence in these forests.
Source: Plant Cell & Environment
Authors: T. J. Brodribb, T. S. Feild
Institutions: University of Tasmania, Harvard University
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,440
Funder: National Science Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W1990018004