Abstract
The normal decline of net photosynthesis with age of young leaves of a C4 grass (Panicum maximum) appears to be suspended by leaf water potentials less than ca. −12 bars. This suspension of photosynthetic decline occurred at stress levels down to approximately −90 bars, and as long as leaves did not die from the direct effect of stress (as opposed to death associated with normal senescence) their photosynthetic mechanism was not permanently affected. After rewatering, leaves attained rates greater than those of control leaves of the same chronological age but comparable with those of the same physiological age. Suspension of ageing occurred in leaves which had previously experienced water stress and those which had not. Ageing recommenced after rewatering when leaf water potentials rose above ca. −12 bars and active net photosynthesis started. Possible explanations for the suspension of leaf ageing are discussed.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Chief, Division of Tropical Agronomy, CSIRO, for allowing me to attend this Symposium and to Roger Davis for writing the computer program.
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© 1975 Dr. W. Junk b.v., Publishers, The Hague
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Ludlow, M.M. (1975). Effect of Water Stress on the Decline of Leaf Net Photosynthesis with Age. In: Marcelle, R. (eds) Environmental and Biological Control of Photosynthesis. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-1957-6_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-1957-6_13
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-6193-179-9
Online ISBN: 978-94-010-1957-6
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