Abstract
It has been demonstrated that during the whole year the stems are photosyntheticaly active and capable of assimilating atmospheric CO2. The intensity of photosynthesis varies. During the vegetation period the registered net photosynthesis lasted up to 13 hours per day, and in the leafless period for 2–3 hours a day. Photosynthesis was registered also at temperatures below zero (−3 °C) as a reduced CO2 evolution in light in comparison with darkness. The maximal net photosynthesis values during the vegetation period amounted to 6 up 8 µmol (CO2)·m−2·s−1, and in the leafless period 0.5 – 1 µmol (CO2)·m−2·s−1, and they were close to being up to twice as big as the values obtained of darkness respiration. An increase of the photosynthetic activity of stems preceded the spring development of the leaves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Brayman A. A., Schaedle M. 1982. Photosynthesis and respiration of developing Populus tremuloides internodes. Plant Physiol. 69: 911–915.
Coe M. J., McLaughlin S. B. 1980. Winter season corticular photosynthesis in Cornus florida, Acer rubrum, Quercus alba and Liriodendron tulipifera. Forest Sci. 26: 561–566.
Foote K. C., Schaedle M. 1976 a. Physiological characteristics of photosynthesis and respiration in stem of Populus tremuloides Michx. Plant Physiol. 58: 91–94.
Foote K. C., Schaedle M. 1976 b. Diurnal and seasonal patterns of photosyn-thesis and respiration by stems of Populus tremuloides Michx. Plant Physiol. 68: 651–655.
Han S. S., Suzaki T. 1981. Studies on the production and consumption of assimilates of trees. IX. Bark photosynthesis and dark respiration of young green stems and branches of Fagus crenata and Quercus acutissima. J. Jap. For. Sci. 63: 242–244.
Langenfeld-Heyser R. 1987. Distribution of leaf assimilates in the stem of Picea abies L. Trees 1: 102–109.
Langenfeld-Heyser R 1989. CO2 fixation in stem of Picea abies (L.) Karst: micro-autoradiographic studies. Trees 3: 24–32.
Larcher W., Lütz C., Nagelle M., Bodner M. 1988. Photosynthetic functioning and ultrastructure of chloroplasts in stem tissues of Fagus sylvatica. J. Plant Physiol. 132: 731–737.
Larcher W., Nagele M. 1992. Changes in photosynthetic activity of buds and stem tissues of Fagus sylvatica during winter. Trees 6: 91–95.
Nilsen E. T. 1992. The influence of water stress in leaf and stem photosynthesis in Spartium junceum L. Plant, Cell and Environ. 15: 455–461.
Nilsen E. T. 1995. Stem photosynthesis:extent, patterns, and role in plant carbon economy. in: B. L. Gatner (ed) Functional morphology. Academ. Press, San Francisco, california: 2–90.
Nilsen E. T., Meinzer F. C., Rundel P. W. 1989. Stem photosynthesis in Psorothamnus spinosus (smoke tree) in the Sonoran desert of California. Oecologia 79: 193–197.
Parker J. 1953. Photosynthesis of Picea excelsa in winter. Ecology 34: 605–609.
Perry T. 1971. Winter season photosynthesis and respiration by twigs and seed-lings of deciduous and ever-green trees. Forest Sci. 17: 41–43.
Pilarski J. 1989. Photosynthesis in shoots and leaves of lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.). Bull. Pol. Acad. Sci. Biol. Sci. 37: 261–269.
Pilarski J. 1990. Photochemical activity of isolated chloroplasts from the bark and leaves of the lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.). Photosynthetica 25: 186–189.
Pilarski J. 1993 a. Ultrastructure of chloroplasts in the bark and leaves of lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.). Acta Physiol. Plant. 15: 251–258.
Pilarski J. 1993 b. Intensity of oxygen production in the process of photosynthesis in shoots and leaves of lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.). Acta Physiol. Plant. 15: 259–256.
Pilarski J. 1994. Diffusion of carbon dioxide through the cork and stomata in lilac. Acta Physiol. Plant. 16: 137–140.
Pilarski J. 1995. Dynamics of seasonal changes of starch content in the shoots and leaves of lilac. Acta Physiol. Plant. 17: 295–300.
Pilarski J. 1997. Relation between solar irradiation, temperature and the photochemical activity of chloroplasts isolated from the bark and leaves of lilac (Syringa vulgaris). Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 6: 53–57.
Pilarski J. 1999. Dynamics of daily changes in the intensity of photosynthesis and starch content in the leaves of lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.). Pol. Environ. Stud. 8:
Schaedle M. 1975. Tree physiology. Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. 26: 101–115.
Schaedle M., Foote K. C. 1971. Seasonal changes in the photosynthetic capacity of Populus tremuloides bark. Forest Sci. 17: 308–313.
Zabuga V. F., Zabuga G. A. 1981. Content of pigments and carbon dioxide assimilation in bark of Pinus sylvestris L. Branches and stem. Lesoviedenie 6: 25–31.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pilarski, J. Diurnal and seasonal changes in the intensity of photosynthesis in stems of lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.). Acta Physiol Plant 24, 29–36 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-002-0018-4
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-002-0018-4