Winter photosynthesis of red spruce from three Vermont seed sources

Paul Schaberg; R.C. Wilkinson; J.B. Shane; J.R. Donnelly; P.F. Cali

Treesearch

Winter photosynthesis of red spruce from three Vermont seed sources

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Paul Schaberg, R.C. Wilkinson, J.B. Shane, J.R. Donnelly, P.F. Cali

Year:

1995

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

Tree Physiology. 15: 345-350.

Download (PDF 60 KB)

Download (PDF 60 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/15559.pdf

Abstract

We evaluated winter (January through March) carbon assimilation of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) from three Vermont seed sources grown in a common garden in northwestern Vermont. Although CO₂ exchange rates were generally low, net photosynthetic rates increased during two prolonged thaws. Significant correlations between CO₂ exchange rates and multiday air temperature means supported our observations of enhanced gas exchange during extended periods of elevated temperature. Increases in photosynthesis during thaws occurred before observed increases in leaf conductance, indicating that initial changes in photosynthesis were probably not associated with changes in stomatal aperture. Results of correlations between photosynthetic rates and PAR suggested that solar irradiance did not have a strong effect on winter carbon capture.

Keywords

carbon assimilation, carbon exchange, genetic variation, leaf conductance, Picea rubens, stomatal aperture, temperature

Citation

Schaberg, P.G.; Wilkinson, R.C.; Shane, J.B.; Donnelly, J.R.; Cali, P.F. 1995. Winter photosynthesis of red spruce from three Vermont seed sources. Tree Physiology. 15: 345-350.