Net photosynthesis and leaf conductance of loblolly pine seedlings in 2 and 21% oxygen as influenced by irradiance, temperature and provenance

Abstract

Carbon dioxide assimilation and transpiration by secondary needles of two-year-old loblolly pines (Pinus taeda L.) were measured at 2 and 21% (ambient) oxygen. Measurements were made with a Georgia provenance at irradiances (photosynthetic photon flux density) of 150, 300, 700 and 1200 micromol m(-2) s(-1) and a constant temperature of 25 degrees C, and at temperatures of 15, 25 and 35 degrees C and a constant irradiance of 1200 micromol m(-2) s(-1). Measurements were made with provenances from North Carolina, Florida, Arkansas, and Georgia at 25 degrees C and an irradiance of 1200 micromol m(-2) s(-1). There was no significant interaction between the effects of irradiance and oxygen on either net photosynthesis or leaf conductance. Taking all irradiances together, photosynthesis was 16% less and leaf conductance 28% less in 2% oxygen than in 21% oxygen. There was a significant interaction between the effects of temperature and oxygen concentration on both net assimilation and leaf conductance. Net photosynthesis at 21% oxygen relative to that at 2% was significantly reduced at 25 and 35 degrees C, but not at 15 degrees C, whereas leaf conductance at 21% oxygen relative to that at 2% was significantly increased at 15 and 25 degrees C, but not at 35 degrees C. In the provenance study, net photosynthesis was 11% higher and leaf conductance 36% lower in 2% oxygen than in 21% oxygen. There was no significant interaction between the effects of provenance and oxygen on either net photosynthesis or leaf conductance.