Gas-exchange of four Cassava cultivars in relation to light intensity

Gas exchange measurements were carried out on four cassava cultivars, M. COL22, M. MEX59, M. COL638, and M. VEN218, under a range of light intensities, to investigate possible differences in photosynthesis and transpiration. Over the range of photon flux density 100–1500 μE m−2 s−1 leaves showed a light saturation response typical of C-3 plants with little increase in photosynthetic rate above 1000–1500 μE m−2 s−1 (200–300 Wm−2 PAR). At light saturation there were significant differences in photosynthetic rates between cultivars, with the highest 10% greater than the lowest. Part of the response could be attributed to increased stomatal aperture, and a greater part to a direct effect of light intensity on the photosynthetic apparatus. Transpiration increased with light intensity levels, but no significant differences were observed between cultivars.