The effect of rapidly changing light on the rate of photosynthesis in largetooth aspen (Populus grandidentata)

Abstract

Net photosynthesis by largetooth aspen was measured at each of four levels of irradiance, 3.4, 8.2, 22.6 and 73.1 W m−2 (0.4–0.7 μ), and during interchange of equal periods of these same levels. The periods between interchange ranged from about 0.2 to 300 s. All measurements were made between 17 and 19 °C; ventilation rate across leaves was equivalent to 1.5 m s−1. Photosynthesis was lower during interchange of long periods; depending on the irradiance levels selected, shorter periods led to increases in photosynthesis of up to 50%. Sometimes a recovery in photosynthesis occurred with the longest periods. The greatest changes were observed when one irradiance sequence was well below saturation level and the other was at or above saturation. Measurements of light regimes in three forest types showed that, during moderate winds at least, fluctuations with periods of between 0.1 and 100 s are commonplace. However, the effects of fluctuating irradiance on net photosynthesis may be important for growth and regeneration only where canopy height and spacings result in bright light flecks on other wise dark forest floors.