Canopy Position Affects Light Response Curves for Gas Exchange Characteristics of Apple Spur Leaves

Abstract

Light response curves for gas exchange characteristics were developed for spur leaves of `Stayman' and `Delicious' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) from interior, intermediate, and exterior canopy positions throughout the season. At full bloom (FB), before full leaf expansion, exterior leaves had higher maximum rates of net photosynthesis (Pn), and a statistically different Pn light response curve than the interior leaves. Intermediate leaves had intermediate Pn rates and light response curves. Pn light response curves for all three `Delicious' canopy positions differed from each other from FB + 6 weeks until the end of the season. Interior leaves had maximum Pn rates of only 50% to 60% of those for the exterior leaves from FB + 10 weeks until the end of the season. Light saturation levels were higher for the exterior leaves than for interior or intermediate leaves. Exterior leaves had a tendency throughout the season for higher quantum efficiency of Pn at subsaturating light levels than interior or intermediate leaves. Stomatal conductance was higher for the exterior than the interior or intermediate leaves of `Delicious' on all dates. Water-use efficiency was equivalent among all leaves. Exterior leaves had higher specific leaf weight, dark respiration rates, and incident light levels on all dates than interior or intermediate leaves.