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Seasonal variation in photosynthesis performance of cassava at two different growth stages under irrigated and rain-fed conditions in a tropical savanna climate

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Photosynthetica

Abstract

Seasonal variations in photosynthesis of cassava cv. Rayong 9 (RY9) under irrigated and rain-fed conditions were evaluated at the age of three and six months after planting (MAP). Photosynthetic light-response (PN/I) curves revealed that cassava leaves attained the highest maximum net photosynthetic rates (PNmax) in the rainy season, followed by the hot one, while the lowest PNmax was found in the cool season. Photosynthetic potential of the 3-month-old plants was mostly higher than that of the 6-month-old plants, and the seasonal variation in photosynthetic capacity was also more apparent in the younger plants. PN/I curves were used to predict daily net photosynthetic rate (PN) for each season based on daily average solar radiation data. The predicted PN were considerably lower than the PNmax values. This indicated that solar radiation is a limiting factor for photosynthesis, particularly in the rainy season. The data provided basic information for breeding cassava genotypes with enhanced photosynthesis during the period of unfavorable environment. Furthermore, the data are potentially useful in modeling photosynthesis and crop growth as affected by environmental factors.

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Abbreviations

AQE:

apparent quantum yield

C i :

intercellular CO2 concentration

E :

transpiration rate

gs:

stomatal conductance

I :

photosynthetic photon flux density

I comp :

light-compensation point

I sat :

light-saturation point

P N :

net photosynthetic rate

P gmax :

light-saturated gross photosynthetic rate

P Nmax :

maximum net photosynthetic rate

P N/I :

photosynthetic light-response curves

R 2 :

coefficient of determination

R D :

dark respiration rate

WUE:

water-use efficiency

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand

    K. Vongcharoen & P. Theerakulpisut

  2. Salt-tolerant Rice Research Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand

    S. Santanoo & P. Theerakulpisut

  3. Department of Plant Science and Agricultural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand

    P. Banterng, S. Jogloy & N. Vorasoot

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  1. K. Vongcharoen
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  2. S. Santanoo
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  3. P. Banterng
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  4. S. Jogloy
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  5. N. Vorasoot
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  6. P. Theerakulpisut
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Correspondence to P. Theerakulpisut.

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Acknowledgements: This project was financially supported by the Thailand Research Organizations Network (TRON) administered by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). The authors also acknowledge the Thailand Research Fund (Project code: IRG5780003) and Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University for providing financial support for manuscript preparation activities.

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Vongcharoen, K., Santanoo, S., Banterng, P. et al. Seasonal variation in photosynthesis performance of cassava at two different growth stages under irrigated and rain-fed conditions in a tropical savanna climate. Photosynthetica 56, 1398–1413 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-018-0849-x

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