Abstract
The photosynthetic and respiratory rates of 5- to 7-year-old aspen stems (Populus tremuloides Michx.) were monitored in the field for 1 year to determine the seasonal patterns. The stem was not capable of net photosynthesis, but the respiratory CO2 loss from the stem was reduced by 0 to 100% depending on the time of year and the level of illumination as a result of bark photosynthesis. The monthly dark respiratory rate ranged from 0.24 mg CO2/dm2· hr in January to a maximum 7.4 mg CO2/dm2· hr in June. Individual measurements ranged from 0.02 mg CO2/dm2· hr in February to 12.3 mg CO2/dm2· hr in June. Gross photosynthesis followed a pattern similar to the dark respiratory rate. The mean monthly rate was highest in June (1.65 mg CO2/dm2· hr) and lowest in December (0.02 mg CO2/dm2· hr). Individual measurements ranged from 0.0 mg CO2/dm2· hr in winter to 5.5 mg CO2/dm2· hr in July.
Winter studies showed that stem respiration continued down to −11 C, the coldest temperature during this study. Upon warning to −3 C, the dark respiratory rate showed a sudden sharp increase (7- to 12-fold) which required many hours to return to normal levels. No measurable photosynthesis occurred below −3 C. Between −3 and 0 C, the maximal photosynthetic rate was reduced to less than 50% of the respiratory rate, but increased to 89% between 5 to 10 C.
On a yearly basis, bark photosynthesis in P. tremuloides reduced the stem respiratory CO2 loss by 28.7% on a daytime basis and an estimated 16 to 18% on a 24-hour basis.
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Selected References
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