Register      Login
Functional Plant Biology Functional Plant Biology Society
Plant function and evolutionary biology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Ecophysiological modelling of leaf level photosynthetic performance for three Mediterranean species with different growth forms

Nikos Markos A and Aris Kyparissis A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.

B Corresponding author. Email: akypar@cc.uoi.gr

Functional Plant Biology 38(4) 314-326 https://doi.org/10.1071/FP10155
Submitted: 23 July 2010  Accepted: 21 February 2011   Published: 8 April 2011

Abstract

A leaf gross photosynthesis (A) model for three Mediterranean species from different functional groups (the evergreen sclerophyll Arbutus unedo L., the deciduous tree Quercus frainetto Ten. and the semi-deciduous shrub Phlomis fruticosa L.) has been developed through a 3-year seasonal study of gas exchange and plant ecophysiological parameters. The model estimates photosynthesis through four easily measured ecophysiological parameters (chlorophyll content, leaf mass per area (LMA), pre-dawn water potential, leaf temperature) and two meteorological parameters (PAR and average temperature of the 33-day period before measurement (T33)), with a coefficient of determination r2 = 0.88 (P < 0.001). The enhanced accuracy of the presented model may be ascribed to the incorporation of (i) water potential effects on A and (ii) temperature effects on A not only in the short term, but also in the long term (acclimation). Water potential and temperature effects may be considered especially important for species of Mediterranean ecosystems, where strong seasonal variation of these parameters often have a major role in plant growth and survival.

Additional keywords: chlorophyll, leaf photosynthesis, Mediterranean ecosystems, non-rectangular hyperbola, temperature acclimation, water potential.


References

Adams JM, Piovesan G (2002) Uncertainties in the role of land vegetation in the carbon cycle. Chemosphere 49, 805–819.
Uncertainties in the role of land vegetation in the carbon cycle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XnsVWrtLw%3D&md5=ae79b7d5f3a286e34339f30c739f8c03CAS | 12430659PubMed |

Angelopoulos K, Dichio B, Xiloyannis C (1996) Inhibition of photosynthesis in olive trees (Olea europaea L.) during water stress and rewatering. Journal of Experimental Botany 47, 1093–1100.
Inhibition of photosynthesis in olive trees (Olea europaea L.) during water stress and rewatering.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK28XmtVKmtbs%3D&md5=f94c7d2a58eb81bec68aa5e76d2a7672CAS |

Atkin OK, Evans JR, Ball MC, Lambers H, Pons TL (2000) Leaf respiration of snow gum in the light and dark. Interactions between temperature and irradiance. Plant Physiology 122, 915–924.
Leaf respiration of snow gum in the light and dark. Interactions between temperature and irradiance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXktFSqt7k%3D&md5=4135b189d3fab202bec65f0762883599CAS | 10712556PubMed |

Badger MR, Björkman O, Armond PA (1982) An analysis of photosynthetic response and adaptation to temperature in higher plants: temperature acclimation in the desert evergreen Nerium oleander L. Plant, Cell & Environment 5, 85–99.

Baldocchi DD (2003) Assessing the eddy covariance technique for evaluating carbon dioxide exchange rates of ecosystems: past, present and future. Global Change Biology 9, 479–492.
Assessing the eddy covariance technique for evaluating carbon dioxide exchange rates of ecosystems: past, present and future.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Battaglia M, Beadle C, Loughhead S (1996) Photosynthetic temperature responses of Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens. Tree Physiology 16, 81–89.

Brooks A, Farquhar GD (1985) Effect of temperature on the CO2/O2 specificity of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase and the rate of respiration in the light – estimates from gas-exchange measurements on spinach. Planta 165, 397–406.
Effect of temperature on the CO2/O2 specificity of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase and the rate of respiration in the light – estimates from gas-exchange measurements on spinach.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL2MXltlyrsLc%3D&md5=ba71044e1c77d6b1a87ef4935c8e49d9CAS |

Cannell MGR, Thornley JHM (1998) Temperature and CO2 responses of leaf and canopy photosynthesis: a clarification using the non-rectangular hyperbola model of photosynthesis. Annals of Botany 82, 883–892.
Temperature and CO2 responses of leaf and canopy photosynthesis: a clarification using the non-rectangular hyperbola model of photosynthesis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Collatz GJ, Ball JT, Grivet C, Berry JA (1991) Physiological and environmental-regulation of stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and transpiration – a model that includes a laminar boundary-layer. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 54, 107–136.
Physiological and environmental-regulation of stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and transpiration – a model that includes a laminar boundary-layer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cunningham SC, Read J (2002) Comparison of temperate and tropical rainforest tree species: photosynthetic responses to growth temperature. Oecologia 133, 112–119.
Comparison of temperate and tropical rainforest tree species: photosynthetic responses to growth temperature.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Diaz-Espejo A, Walcroft AS, Fernandez JE, Hafidi B, Palomo MJ, Giron IF (2006) Modeling photosynthesis in olive leaves under drought conditions. Tree Physiology 26, 1445–1456.

Dufrêne E, Davi H, Francois C, le Maire G, Le Dantec V, Granier A (2005) Modelling carbon and water cycles in a beech forest Part I: model description and uncertainty analysis on modelled NEE. Ecological Modelling 185, 407–436.
Modelling carbon and water cycles in a beech forest Part I: model description and uncertainty analysis on modelled NEE.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Evans JR (1989) Photosynthesis and nitrogen relationships in leaves of C3 plants. Oecologia 78, 9–19.
Photosynthesis and nitrogen relationships in leaves of C3 plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Falkowski P, Scholes RJ, Boyle E, Canadell J, Canfield D, Elser J, Gruber N, Hibbard K, Hogberg P, Linder S, Mackenzie FT, Moore B, Pedersen T, Rosenthal Y, Seitzinger S, Smetacek V, Steffen W (2000) The global carbon cycle: a test of our knowledge of earth as a system. Science 290, 291–296.
The global carbon cycle: a test of our knowledge of earth as a system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXnsVGisrg%3D&md5=49f6743fa57f00528b8dcbb2aa1c98b4CAS | 11030643PubMed |

Farquhar GD, Caemmerer SV, Berry JA (1980) A biochemical-model of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in leaves of C3 species. Planta 149, 78–90.
A biochemical-model of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in leaves of C3 species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL3cXksVWrt7w%3D&md5=518bb03738607636929a3f8ab3684ae7CAS |

Flexas J, Escalona JM, Medrano H (1999) Water stress induces different levels of photosynthesis and electron transport rate regulation in grapevines. Plant, Cell & Environment 22, 39–48.
Water stress induces different levels of photosynthesis and electron transport rate regulation in grapevines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gao Q, Zhang XS, Huang YM, Xu HM (2004) A comparative analysis of four models of photosynthesis for 11 plant species in the Loess Plateau. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 126, 203–222.
A comparative analysis of four models of photosynthesis for 11 plant species in the Loess Plateau.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gomes FP, Oliva MA, Mielke MS, de Almeida AAF, Leite HG (2006) Photosynthetic irradiance-response in leaves of dwarf coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L. ‘nana’, Arecaceae): comparison of three models. Scientia Horticulturae 109, 101–105.
Photosynthetic irradiance-response in leaves of dwarf coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L. ‘nana’, Arecaceae): comparison of three models.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gupta AS, Berkowitz GA, Pier PA (1989) Maintenance of photosynthesis at low leaf water potential in wheat – role of potassium status and irrigation history. Plant Physiology 89, 1358–1365.
Maintenance of photosynthesis at low leaf water potential in wheat – role of potassium status and irrigation history.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL1MXitV2msro%3D&md5=40b86972072b66190c8502489fee9b7bCAS | 16666710PubMed |

Hikosaka K (2004) Interspecific difference in the photosynthesis-nitrogen relationship: patterns, physiological causes, and ecological importance. Journal of Plant Research 117, 481–494.
Interspecific difference in the photosynthesis-nitrogen relationship: patterns, physiological causes, and ecological importance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15583974PubMed |

Ichii K, Hashimoto H, Nemani R, White M (2005) Modeling the interannual variability and trends in gross and net primary productivity of tropical forests from 1982 to 1999. Global and Planetary Change 48, 274–286.
Modeling the interannual variability and trends in gross and net primary productivity of tropical forests from 1982 to 1999.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Johnson IR (1996) Modeling canopy photosynthesis in response to environmental conditions. Advances in Space Research 18, 163–166.
Modeling canopy photosynthesis in response to environmental conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MnlslGiuw%3D%3D&md5=4d49582676c18fe7c70beae014852e25CAS | 11538957PubMed |

June T, Evans JR, Farquhar GD (2004) A simple new equation for the reversible temperature dependence of photosynthetic electron transport: a study on soybean leaf. Functional Plant Biology 31, 275–283.
A simple new equation for the reversible temperature dependence of photosynthetic electron transport: a study on soybean leaf.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXjt1ejurs%3D&md5=86953e1448f622fea14d739bdac0231cCAS |

Kimball JS, Keyser AR, Running SW, Saatchi SS (2000) Regional assessment of boreal forest productivity using an ecological process model and remote sensing parameter maps. Tree Physiology 20, 761–775.

Kull O, Niinemets U (1998) Distribution of leaf photosynthetic properties in tree canopies: comparison of species with different shade tolerance. Functional Ecology 12, 472–479.
Distribution of leaf photosynthetic properties in tree canopies: comparison of species with different shade tolerance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kyparissis A, Manetas Y (1993) Seasonal leaf dimorphism in a semi-deciduous Mediterranean shrub: ecophysiological comparisons between winter and summer leaves. Acta Oecologica 14, 23–32.

Lange OL, Schulze ED, Evenari M, Kappen L, Buschbom U (1974) The temperature-related photosynthetic capacity of plants under desert conditions. I. Seasonal changes of the photosynthetic response to temperature. Oecologia 17, 97–110.
The temperature-related photosynthetic capacity of plants under desert conditions. I. Seasonal changes of the photosynthetic response to temperature.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Leuning R (1995) A critical-appraisal of a combined stomatal-photosynthesis model for C3 plants. Plant, Cell & Environment 18, 339–355.
A critical-appraisal of a combined stomatal-photosynthesis model for C3 plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2MXlslCksbs%3D&md5=089d4acf2620d4daeec61daeb73cd292CAS |

Lichtenthaler HK, Wellburn AR (1983) Determinations of total carotenoids and chlorophylls a and b of leaf extracts in different solvents. Biochemical Society Transactions 603, 591–592.

Malhi Y, Baldocchi DD, Jarvis PG (1999) The carbon balance of tropical, temperate and boreal forests. Plant, Cell & Environment 22, 715–740.
The carbon balance of tropical, temperate and boreal forests.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXksVartb8%3D&md5=92c89a1e660b0ee641c01793599878c6CAS |

Medlyn BE, Badeck FW, De Pury DGG, Barton CVM, Broadmeadow M, Ceulemans R, De Angelis P, Forstreuter M, Jach ME, Kellomaki S, Laitat E, Marek M, Philippot S, Rey A, Strassemeyer J, Laitinen K, Liozon R, Portier B, Roberntz P, Wang K, Jarvis PG (1999) Effects of elevated [CO2] on photosynthesis in European forest species: a meta-analysis of model parameters. Plant, Cell & Environment 22, 1475–1495.
Effects of elevated [CO2] on photosynthesis in European forest species: a meta-analysis of model parameters.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXptVKmsg%3D%3D&md5=d545690c03030e355fc8da2e04b1bba9CAS |

Medlyn BE, Loustau D, Delzon S (2002) Temperature response of parameters of a biochemically based model of photosynthesis. I. Seasonal changes in mature maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.). Plant, Cell & Environment 25, 1155–1165.
Temperature response of parameters of a biochemically based model of photosynthesis. I. Seasonal changes in mature maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XnvVWitLw%3D&md5=22da4b45e8ddd8360f460c7705517857CAS |

Mooney HA, Björkman O, Collatz GJ (1978) Photosynthetic acclimation to temperature in the desert shrub, Larrea divaricata. Plant Physiology 61, 406–410.
Photosynthetic acclimation to temperature in the desert shrub, Larrea divaricata.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE1cXhsV2it74%3D&md5=634d3c5fd90769db3490b6f028f47dbeCAS | 16660303PubMed |

Ögren E, Evans JR (1993) Photosynthetic light-response curves. 1. The influence of CO2 partial-pressure and leaf inversion. Planta 189, 182–190.

Peisker M, Apel H (2001) Inhibition by light of CO2 evolution from dark respiration: comparison of two gas-exchange methods. Photosynthesis Research 70, 291–298.
Inhibition by light of CO2 evolution from dark respiration: comparison of two gas-exchange methods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38Xjt1equrc%3D&md5=14e57f3fecf04c8aca6d211b34dc4c4cCAS | 16252174PubMed |

Peri PL, Moot DJ, McNeil DL, Varella AC, Lucas RJ (2002) Modelling net photosynthetic rate of field-grown cocksfoot leaves under different nitrogen, water and temperature regimes. Grass and Forage Science 57, 61–71.
Modelling net photosynthetic rate of field-grown cocksfoot leaves under different nitrogen, water and temperature regimes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pettorelli N, Vik JO, Mysterud A, Gaillard JM, Tucker CJ, Stenseth NC (2005) Using the satellite-derived NDVI to assess ecological responses to environmental change. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 20, 503–510.
Using the satellite-derived NDVI to assess ecological responses to environmental change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rambal S, Ourcival JM, Joffre R, Mouillot F, Nouvellon Y, Reichstein M, Rocheteau A (2003) Drought controls over conductance and assimilation of a Mediterranean evergreen ecosystem: scaling from leaf to canopy. Global Change Biology 9, 1813–1824.
Drought controls over conductance and assimilation of a Mediterranean evergreen ecosystem: scaling from leaf to canopy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Raulier F, Bernier PY, Ung CH (1999) Canopy photosynthesis of sugar maple (Acer saccharum): comparing big-leaf and multilayer extrapolations of leaf-level measurements. Tree Physiology 19, 407–420.

Reich PB, Walters MB, Ellsworth DS, Uhl C (1994) Photosynthesis-nitrogen relations in Amazonian tree species. 1. Patterns among species and communities. Oecologia 97, 62–72.
Photosynthesis-nitrogen relations in Amazonian tree species. 1. Patterns among species and communities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reich PB, Walters MB, Ellsworth DS (1997) From tropics to tundra: global convergence in plant functioning. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 94, 13 730–13 734.
From tropics to tundra: global convergence in plant functioning.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXotValtb8%3D&md5=67d0b66cd17d59eeb035ace75c646d67CAS |

Reich PB, Ellsworth DS, Walters MB (1998) Leaf structure (specific leaf area) modulates photosynthesis-nitrogen relations: evidence from within and across species and functional groups. Functional Ecology 12, 948–958.
Leaf structure (specific leaf area) modulates photosynthesis-nitrogen relations: evidence from within and across species and functional groups.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reichstein M, Tenhunen JD, Roupsard O, Ourcival JM, Rambal S, Miglietta F, Peressotti A, Pecchiari M, Tirone G, Valentini R (2002) Severe drought effects on ecosystem CO2 and H2O fluxes at three Mediterranean evergreen sites: revision of current hypotheses? Global Change Biology 8, 999–1017.
Severe drought effects on ecosystem CO2 and H2O fluxes at three Mediterranean evergreen sites: revision of current hypotheses?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ridge I (2002) ‘Plants.’ (Oxford University Press: Oxford)

Running SW, Nemani RR, Heinsch FA, Zhao MS, Reeves M, Hashimoto H (2004) A continuous satellite-derived measure of global terrestrial primary production. Bioscience 54, 547–560.
A continuous satellite-derived measure of global terrestrial primary production.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Scarascia-Mugnozza G, De Angelis P, Matteucci G, Valentini R (1996) Long-term exposure to elevated [CO2] in a natural Quercus ilex L. community: net photosynthesis and photochemical efficiency of PSII at different levels of water stress. Plant, Cell & Environment 19, 643–654.
Long-term exposure to elevated [CO2] in a natural Quercus ilex L. community: net photosynthesis and photochemical efficiency of PSII at different levels of water stress.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK28XktlyntbY%3D&md5=c81ecf51a6217db533e85fedc7f871e8CAS |

Schmid S, Zierl B, Bugmann H (2006) Analyzing the carbon dynamics of central European forests: comparison of Biome-BGC simulations with measurements. Regional Environmental Change 6, 167–180.
Analyzing the carbon dynamics of central European forests: comparison of Biome-BGC simulations with measurements.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Slayter RO (1977) Altitudinal variation in the photosynthetic characteristics of snow gum, Eucalyptus pauciflora Sieb. ex Spreng. VI. Comparison of field and phytotron responses to growth temperature. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology 4, 901–916.
Altitudinal variation in the photosynthetic characteristics of snow gum, Eucalyptus pauciflora Sieb. ex Spreng. VI. Comparison of field and phytotron responses to growth temperature.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Song CH, Woodcock CE (2003) A regional forest ecosystem carbon budget model: impacts of forest age structure and land use history. Ecological Modelling 164, 33–47.
A regional forest ecosystem carbon budget model: impacts of forest age structure and land use history.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXjtFGnt7Y%3D&md5=0f733f0eb2ec07b517be329a96f2e90eCAS |

Thornley JHM (1998) Dynamic model of leaf photosynthesis with acclimation to light and nitrogen. Annals of Botany 81, 421–430.
Dynamic model of leaf photosynthesis with acclimation to light and nitrogen.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Thornley JHM, Johnson IR (2000) ‘Plant and crop modelling. A mathematical approach to plant and crop physiology.’ (Blackburn Press: Caldwell, NJ)

Valladares F, Pearcy RW (2002) Drought can be more critical in the shade than in the sun: a field study of carbon gain and photo-inhibition in a Californian shrub during a dry El Nino year. Plant, Cell & Environment 25, 749–759.
Drought can be more critical in the shade than in the sun: a field study of carbon gain and photo-inhibition in a Californian shrub during a dry El Nino year.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Verbeeck H, Samson R, Granier A, Montpied P, Lemeur R (2008) Muti-year model analysis of GPP in a temperate beech forest in France. Ecological Modelling 210, 85–103.
Muti-year model analysis of GPP in a temperate beech forest in France.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Vico G, Porporato A (2008) Modelling C3 and C4 photosynthesis under water-stressed conditions. Plant and Soil 313, 187–203.
Modelling C3 and C4 photosynthesis under water-stressed conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXhtlyjsLbI&md5=1fcd79388bd94577eb210c4e8993543fCAS |

Villar R, Held AA, Merino J (1995) Dark leaf respiration in light and darkness of an evergreen and a deciduous plant species. Plant Physiology 107, 421–427.

Xiao XM, Zhang QY, Braswell B, Urbanski S, Boles S, Wofsy S, Berrien M, Ojima D (2004) Modeling gross primary production of temperate deciduous broadleaf forest using satellite images and climate data. Remote Sensing of Environment 91, 256–270.
Modeling gross primary production of temperate deciduous broadleaf forest using satellite images and climate data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |