Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 375-382 |
Journal | Experimental Agriculture |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 1982 |
Externally published | Yes |