Oecologia

, Volume 57, Issue 3, pp 311–315 | Cite as

Photosynthesis by flowers in Encelia farinosa and Encelia californica (Asteraceae)

  • Kenneth S. Werk
  • James R. Ehleringer
Original Papers
Received:

Summary

Photosynthetic rates by flowers of the shrubs Encelia farinosa and E. californica were studied during three phenological stages of flower development. Both gross photosynthesis and dark respiration rates in the flowers were of similar magnitude and decreased with floral development. Floral photosynthetic rates were saturated by an irradiance equivalent to one half full noon sunlight. Net photosynthesis of flowers was rarely positive and decreased substantially with increased flower temperature. Gas exchange by the flower was unaffected by the water vapor pressure gradient. These results are analyzed in terms of the microclimate experienced by the flowers and the relative contribution of floral photosynthesis to the economy of the flower.

Keywords

Respiration Water Vapor Photosynthesis Vapor Pressure Pressure Gradient 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Arnon DI (1949) Copper enzymes in isolated chloroplasts. Polyphenoloxidase in Beta vulgaris. Plant Physiol 24:1–15Google Scholar
  2. Bazzaz FA, Carlson RW (1979) Photosynthetic contribution of flowers and seeds to reproductive effort of an annuals colonizer. New Phytol 82:223–232Google Scholar
  3. Bazzaz FA, Carlson RW, Harper JL (1979) Contribution to reproductive effort by photosynthesis of flowers and fruits. Nature 279:554–555Google Scholar
  4. Bean RC, Porter GG, Barr BK (1963) Photosynthesis and respiration in developing fruits. III. Variations in photosynthetic capacities during color change in citrus. Plant Physiol 38:285–290Google Scholar
  5. Constable GA, Rawson HM (1980) Photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration of cotton fruit. Photosynthetica 14:557–563Google Scholar
  6. Ehleringer J (1977) The adaptive significance of leaf hairs in a desert shrub. Ph.D. Thesis, Stanford University, Stanford, CAGoogle Scholar
  7. Ehleringer JR, Björkman O (1977) Quantum yield for CO2 uptake in C3 and C4 plants: dependence on temperature, CO2, and O2 concentration. Plant Physiol 59:86–90Google Scholar
  8. Ehleringer JR, Björkman O (1978) A comparison of photosynthetic characteristics of Encelia species possessing glabrous and pubescent leaves. Plant Physiol 62:185–190Google Scholar
  9. Ehleringer JR, Mooney HA (1978) Leaf hairs: effects on physiological activity and adaptive value to a desert shrub. Oecologia (Berlin) 37:183–200Google Scholar
  10. Flinn AM, Atkins CA, Pate JS (1977) Significance of photosynthetic and respiratory exchanges in the carbon economy of the developing pea fruit. Plant Physiol 60:412–418Google Scholar
  11. Laval-Martin D, Farineau J, Diamond J (1977) Light versus dark carbon metabolism in cherry tomato fruits. I. Occurrence of photosynthesis. Study of the intermediates. Plant Physiol 60:872–876Google Scholar
  12. Oliker M, Poljakoff-Mayber A, Mayer AM (1978) Changes in weight, nitrogen accumulation, respiration and photosynthesis during growth and development of seeds and pods of Phaseolus vulgaris. Amer J Bot 65:366–371Google Scholar
  13. Tieszen LL, Imbamba SK (1978) Gas exchange of finger millet inflorescences. Crop Sci 17:495–498Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1983

Authors and Affiliations

  • Kenneth S. Werk
    • 1
  • James R. Ehleringer
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of BiologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUSA

Personalised recommendations