Work

Novel Model for Stomatal Conductance: Enhanced Accuracy Under Variable Irradiance and CO2 in C3 Plant Species

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study analyzes stomatal conductance (gsc) in Trifolium repens L., Lolium perenne L., and Triticum aestivum L. under varying environmental conditions. Light-response curves for photosynthesis (An–I) at 420 μmol mol−1 CO2 were used to determine saturating irradiance (Isat) using a light-response model for photosynthesis, and CO2-response curves for photosynthesis (An–Ci) were measured at Isat and half Isat for these C3 plant species. The Ball–Woodrow–Berry (BWB) model, Medlyn model, and a new model were compared for their ability to describe the net photosynthetic rate (An) relative to gsc under changing irradiance or CO2. The BWB model overestimated gsc response, simplifying stomatal behavior, while the Medlyn model deviated at high An values, indicating limitations in dynamic responses. The new model showed a better empirical fit under the tested conditions, achieving high R2 values and low AIC values across all three species, and demonstrated a strong alignment with empirical data. Our findings highlight the complexity of gsc regulation and the need for improved models to better represent stomatal dynamics under different environmental conditions. This research is vital for optimizing water use efficiency, enhancing crop productivity, and understanding plant resilience to climate change.

Source: Biology

DOI: 10.3390/biology14111501

Authors: Zipiao Ye, Ting An, Xiaolong Yang, Huajing Kang, Fubiao Wang