Zinc Deficiency Inhibits Chlorophyll Synthesis and Gas Exchange in `Stuart' Pecan

Abstract

Leaves of `Stuart' pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] with various levels of Zn deficiency were analyzed for physiological indicators of leaf vigor. Leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and net photosynthesis were adversely affected by Zn deficiency. In leaves with severe Zn deficiency, each of these indicators increased 3- to 5-fold with a doubling of leaf Zn concentration, but stabilized as leaf Zn approached the sufficiency range (14 μg·g-1). High intercellular CO2 associated with low net photosynthesis indicates that stomatal aperture was not the cause of the reduction of net photosynthesis under Zn deficiency.