Summary
Photosynthesis was measured in situ on trees growing in an open, gap-like site and under a closed canopy. Photosynthetic responses also were monitored on trees grown in the laboratory under either a high or low light regime or on those trees transferred from a low to a high light regime. All three species studied, Liriodendron tulipifera, Acer rubrum and Cornus florida, were able to acclimate to a high light environment as evidenced by their higher photosynthetic rates. This acclimation was achieved by an increase in transfer conductance and was ultimately due to changes in leaf anatomy. Species avoided photo-bleaching primarily by changes in leaf orientation and canopy structure. Species-specific physiological responses to high light intensity may account for each species' known growth response following canopy opening.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Armond, P.A., Mooney, H.A.: Correlation of photosynthetic unit size and density with photosynthetic capacity. Carn. Inst. Yearbook 77, 234–237 (1978)
Arnon, D.I.: Copper enzymes in isolated chloroplasts. Polyphenol oxidase in Beta vulgaris. Plant Physiol 24, 1–15 (1949)
Aubuchon, R.R., Thompson, D.R., Hinckley, T.M.: Environmental influences on photosynthesis within the crown of a white oak. Oecologia (Berl.) 35, 295–306 (1978)
Barr, A.J., Goodnight, J.H., Sall, J.P., Helwig, J.T.: A user's guide to SAS 76. Raleigh, N.C.: Sparks Press (1976)
Beevers, H.: Respiration in plants and its regulation. In: Prediction and Measurement of Photosynthetic Productivity. Proc. IBP/PP Tech, Meeting, Trebon, Wageningen: Centre for Publication and Documentation, pp. 209–214 (1970)
Björkman, O.: Comparative studies on photosynthesis in higher plants. Photophysiology 8, 1–63 (1973)
Black, C.C., Mayne, B.C.: P700 activity and chlorophyll content of plants with different photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation cycles. Plant Physiol. 45, 738–741 (1970)
Boardman, N.K.: Comparative photosynthesis of sun and shade plants. Ann. Rev. Plant Phys. 28, 355–377 (1977)
Brandle, J.R., Hinckley, T.M., Brown, G.M.: The effects of dehydration-rehydration cycles on protein synthesis of Black Locust seedlings. Physiol. Plant. 40, 1–5 (1977)
Bray, J.R.: Gap phase development in a maple-basswood forest. Ecol. 37, 598–600 (1956)
Carpenter, I.W., Guard, A.T.: Some effects of cross-pollination on seed production and hybrid vigor of tuliptree. J. Forestry 48, 852–855 (1950)
Day, F.P., Monk, C.D.: Net primary production and phenology on a Southern Applachian watershed. Amer. J. Bot. 64, 1117–1125 (1977)
Dinger, B.E., Richardson, C.J., McConathy, R.K.: Dynamics of canopy leaf area development and chlorophyll phenology in yellow poplar. E.D.F.B. Memo Report 72-164 (1972)
Dunn, E.L.: Estimates of internal resistances to CO2 uptake-Effects of photorespiration. In: Terrestrial primary production: Proc. of Interbiome Workshop on Gaseous Exchange Methodology, Oak Ridge National Lab., pp. 109–127. April 13–14, 1972
Ehleringer, J., Björkman, O., Mooney, H.A.: Leaf pubescence: Effects on absorptance and photosynthesis in a desert shrub. Science 192, 376–377 (1976)
Fowells, H.A.: Silvics of Forest Trees of the United States. U.S.D.A. Agr. Handbook #271 (1965)
Fuchs, M., Schulze, E.D., Fuchs, M.I.: Spacial distribution of photosynthetic capacity and performance in a mountain spruce forest of Northern Germany. I. Climatic control of carbon dioxide uptake. Oecologia (Berl.) 29, 329–340 (1977)
Gaastra, P.: Photosynthesis of crop plants as influenced by light, carbon dioxide, temperature and stomatal diffusion resistance. Mededeel. Landbouwhogeschool Wageningen 59, 1–68 (1959)
Goodfellow, S., Barkham, J.P.: Spectral transmission curves for a Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) canopy. Acta Bot. Neerl. 23, 225–230 (1974)
Hsiao, T.C.: Plant responses to water stress. Ann Rev. Plant Phys. 24, 519–570 (1973)
Horn, H.: The Adaptive Geometry of Trees, Princeton: Princeton University Press (1976)
Jackson, J.E.: Aspects of light climate within apple orchards. J. Appl. Ecol. 7, 207–216 (1970)
Johnson, P.L., Swank, W.T.: Studies on cation budgets in southern Applachians on four experimental watersheds with contrasting vegetation. Ecol. 54, 70–80 (1973)
Larcher, W.: The effect of environmental and physiological variables on carbon dioxide gas exchange of trees. Photosynthetica 3, 176–198 (1969)
Larcher, W.: Physiological Plant Ecology. New York: Springer-Verlag (1975)
Loucks, O.L.: Evolution of diversity, efficiency, and community stability. Amer. Zoo. 10, 17–25 (1970)
Ledent, J.F.: Mechanisms determining leaf movement and leaf angle in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Ann. Bot. 42, 345–351 (1978)
Marsho, T.V., Kok, B.: Detection and isolation of P700 In: Methods in Enzymology. Vol. 13 (A. San Pietro, ed.), pp. 515–522 New York: Academic Press 1971
McGee, C.E., Hooper, P.M.: Regeneration after clearcutting in the Southern Appalachians. U.S.D.A. Forest Ser. Res. Pap. SE-70 (1970)
Minckler, L., Woerhide, J., Schlesinger R.: Light, soil moisture and tree reproduction in hardwood forest openings. U.S.D.A. For. Ser. Res. Pap. NC-89 (1973)
Monsi, M., Murata, Y.: Development of photosynthetic systems as influenced by distribution of matter. In: Prediction and measurement of photosynthetic productivity. Proc. IBP/PP Tech. Meeting, Trebon. Wageningen: Centre for Agricultural Publ. and Documentation, pp 115–129 1970
Mooney, H.A., Gulmon, S.J.: Environmental and evolutionary constraints on the photosynthetic characteristics of higher plants. In: Topics in Plant Population Biology. (Solbrig, O., Jain, S., Johnson, G.B., Raven, P.H. eds.) pp. 316–337 New York: Columbia University Press (1979)
Mooney, H.A., Dunn, E.L., Harrison, A.T., Morrow, P.A., Bartholomew, B., Hays, R.L.: A mobile laboratory for gas exchange measurements. Photosyn. 5, 128–132 (1971)
Mooney, H.A., Ehleringer, J., Björkman, O.: The energy balance of leaves of the evergreen desert shrub Atriplex hymenelytra. Oecologia (Berl.) 29, 301–310 (1977)
Nobel, P.S., Zaragoza, L.J., Smith, W.K.: Relation between mesophyll surface area, photosynthetic rate and illumination level during development of leaves of Plectranthus parviflorus Henckel. Plant Physiol. 55, 1067–1070 (1975)
Raup, H.M.: Recent changes of climate and vegetation in southern New England and adjacent New York. J. Arn. Arbor. 18, 79–117 (1937)
Sinnott, E.W.: Plant Morphogenesis. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc. (1960)
Smith, W.K., Nobel, P.S.: Temperature and water relations for sun and shade leaves of a desert broadleaf, Hyptis emoryi. J. Exp. Bot. 28, 169–183 (1977)
Trimble, G., Tyron, E.: Crown encroachment into openings cut in Appalachian hardwood stands. J. Forestry 64, 104–108 (1966)
Wales, A.S.: Vegetation analysis of north and south edges in a mature oak-hickory forest. Ecol. Mono. 42, 451–471 (1972)
Watt, A.S.: Pattern and process in the plant community. J. Ecol. 35, 1–22 (1947)
Wilson, J.R.: Comparative response to nitrogen deficiency of a tropical and temperate grass in the interrelation between photosynthesis, growth and accumulation of non-structural carbohydrate. Neth. J. Agic. Sci. 23, 104–112 (1975)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Study was partially funded by a grant in aid of research from Sigma Xi
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wallace, L.L., Dunn, E.L. Comparative photosynthesis of three gap phase successional tree species. Oecologia 45, 331–340 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00540201
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00540201