[Effect of root cutting on leaf photosynthesis rate and water use efficiency of maize]
Shiwei Chai1, Wenzhao Liu, Yangyang Li
1Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yangling 712100.
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = the Journal of Applied Ecology
|April 10, 2003
Abstract:
Studies on the effect of different levels root cutting on the photosynthesis rate, stomata conductance, aboveground biomass, grain yield, and water use efficiency of maize showed that moderate root cutting could improve its photosynthesis ability, and increase its aboveground biomass and WUE. On the contrary, when the roots were cut severely, the photosynthesis ability was weakened, and the biomass was decreased. Moderate root cutting could increase maize grain yield, but the effect was not significant.
Related Concept Videos
Light Acquisition
In order to produce glucose, plants need to capture sufficient light energy. Many modern plants have evolved leaves specialized for light acquisition. Leaves can be only millimeters in width or tens of meters wide, depending on the environment. Due to competition for sunlight, evolution has driven the evolution of increasingly larger leaves and taller plants, to avoid shading by their neighbors with contaminant elaboration of root architecture and mechanisms to transport water and nutrients.
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Though evaporation from plant leaves drives transpiration, it also results in loss of water. Because water is critical for photosynthetic reactions and other cellular processes, evolutionary pressures on plants in different environments have driven the acquisition of adaptations that reduce water loss.
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Water plays a significant role in the life cycle of plants. However, insufficient or excess of water can be detrimental and pose a serious threat to plants.


