Summary
Seasonal photosynthetic patterns of Loring peach (Prunus persica (L). Batsch) leaves were monitored throughout the 1974 growing season. Using leaves on detached branches, CO2 exchange was measured under controlled light and temperature conditions. Net photosynthesis rate varied from 9 to 12.4 mg CO2 dm-2 leaf area h-1 and was correlated with fruit development, with the highest values occurring during the final stage of fruit maturation. The proximity of fruits to leaves also regulated photosynthesis, with the highest rates occurring in leaves closest to fruit. Soluble-sugar content in fruits and fruit yield were highest in tree areas with greatest exposure to direct sunlight although leaf area was evenly distributed throughout the tree. Light and temperature optimum for photosynthesis in peach leaves was 9.5×10-3 erg cm-2 s-1 and 30°, respectively.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Burt, R. L.: Carbohydrate utilization as a factor in plant growth. Aust. J. biol. Sci. 17, 867–877 (1964)
Ghosh, S. P.: Internal structure and photosynthetic activity of different leaves of apple. J. hort. Sci. 48, 1–9 (1973)
Jarvis, P. G., Jarvis, M. S.: Growth rates of woody plants. Physiol. Plantarum 17, 654–666 (1964)
Kriedemann, P. E.: Some photosynthetic characteristics of citrus leaves. Aust. J. biol. Sci. 21, 895–905 (1968)
Kriedemann, P. E., Canterford, R. L.: The photosynthetic activity of pear leaves (Pyrus communis L.). Aust. J. biol. Sci. 24, 197–205 (1971)
Looney, N. E.: Comparison of photosynthetic efficiency of two apple cultivars with their compact mutants. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 92, 34–36 (1968)
Maggs, D. H.: Growth rates in relation to assimilate supply and demand. I. Leaves and roots as limiting regions. J. exp. Bot. 15, 574–583 (1964)
Moss, D. M.: Photosynthesis and barrenness. Crop Sci. 2, 366–367 (1962)
Tukey, H. B.: Growth of the peach embryo in relation to growth of fruit and season of ripening. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 30, 209–218 (1933)
Wardlaw, I. F.: The control and pattern of movement of carbohydrates in plants. Bot. Rev. 34, 79–105 (1968)
Wareing, P. F., Khalifa, M. M., Treharne, K. J.: Rate-limiting processes in photosynthesis at saturating light intensities. Nature (Lond.) 220, 453–457 (1968)
Wolf, D. D., Pearce, R. B., Carlson, G. E., Lee, D. R.: Measuring photosynthesis of attached leaves with air-sealed chambers. Crop Sci. 9, 24–27 (1969)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Crews, C.E., Williams, S.L. & Vines, H.M. Characteristics of photosynthesis in peach leaves. Planta 126, 97–104 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00380612
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00380612