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Low temperature‐enhanced inhibition of photosynthesis by oxides of nitrogen in lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.)
Author(s) -
CAPORN S. J. M.,
MANSFIELD T. A.,
HAND D. W.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1991.tb00982.x
Subject(s) - lactuca , photosynthesis , nitrogen , stomatal conductance , carbon dioxide , botany , chemistry , horticulture , biology , organic chemistry
summary The response of photosynthetic gas exchange to oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) was studied in leaves of lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) at different temperatures. Exposure to > high concentrations (e.g. 13 μmol NO x mol −1 ), similar to those often found in commercial glasshouses, caused a rapid inhibition of the net assimilation of CO 2 . This appeared to be by a direct effect on photosynthesis rather than by a change in the stomatal conductance. In ambient CO 2 , (345 μmol mol −1 ), the percentage inhibition at 10 and 5°C was approximately 3× and 5×, respectively, that measured at 20°C. This effect of temperature also occurred when measured in CO 2 , enriched air (1050 μmol mol −1 ), which would normally accompany NO x in a glasshouse. The extent of photosynthetic inhibition caused by NO x was, however, always less in high than in low CO 2 . The results suggest that when burning fuel to raise the CO 2 , concentration and heat the glasshouse air, growers should avoid generating high concentrations of NO x , in conditions of low temperature.