Photosynthesis and respiration in black spruce (Picea mariana) parasitized by eastern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum)

Abstract

Under controlled laboratory conditions, it was found that during summer black spruce branches parasitized by a dwarf mistletoe have a higher rate of apparent photosynthesis and dark respiration than unparasitized branches. In winter, parasitized branches have a lower rate of apparent photosynthesis and generally a higher rate of dark respiration than non-infected branches.