Growth and photosynthesis of Lycopersicon esculentum (L.) plants as affected by nitrogen deficiency
Year: 1997
Type: article
Abstract: Fully expanded leaves of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) growing with either complete or nitrogen-deficient nutrient solution were analysed for leaf water status, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence during the vegetative and reproductive phases. N-deficiency did not affect leaf water relations but did decrease light saturated photosynthetic rate as well as stomatal conductance in the vegetative stage. A lower variable to maximum fluorescence ratio (Fv/Fm) was found in N-limited plants which also showed an increase in leaf starch content and in starch to sucrose ratio. The inhibition of photosynthesis and the alteration of photosynthates partitioning were responsible for the growth reduction in N-stressed plants. During the reproductive phase the limitation of photosynthesis may be due to a large accumulation of starch which determines both a decrease in the carbon demand from the sinks and a decrease in CO2 conductance in the mesophyll.
Source: Biologia Plantarum
Institution: University of Pisa
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W54538340