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Crassulacean acid metabolism, CO2-recycling, and tissue desiccation in the Mexican epiphyte Tillandsia schiedeana Steud (Bromeliaceae)

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Abstract

After 23 days without water in a greenhouse, rates of nocturnal CO2 uptake in Tillandsia schiedeana decreased substantially and maximum rates occurred later in the dark period eventually coinciding with the onset of illumination. Nocturnal CO2 uptake accounted for less than half the total nighttime increase in acidity measured in well-watered plants. With increased tissue desiccation, only 11–12% of measured acid accumulation was attributable to atmospheric CO2 uptake. Plants desiccated for 30 days regained initial levels of nocturnal acid accumulation and CO2 uptake after rehydration for 10h. These results stress the importance of CO2 recycling via CAM in this epiphytic bromeliad, especially during droughts.

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Author notes

  1. William W. Adams III

    Present address: Department of Environmental Biology, Research School of Biological Sciences, The Australian National University, P.O. Box 475, 2601, Canberra, ACT, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, Kansas, USA

    Craig E. Martin & William W. Adams III

Authors
  1. Craig E. Martin
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  2. William W. Adams III
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Partially supported by Biomedical Sciences Support Grant RR07037.

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Martin, C.E., Adams, W.W. Crassulacean acid metabolism, CO2-recycling, and tissue desiccation in the Mexican epiphyte Tillandsia schiedeana Steud (Bromeliaceae). Photosynth Res 11, 237–244 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055063

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055063

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