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Estimating mesophyll conductance to CO2: methodology, potential errors, and recommendations.

Thijs L Pons1, Jaume Flexas, Susanne von Caemmerer

  • 1Department of Plant Ecophysiology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.

Journal of Experimental Botany
|April 10, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Estimating mesophyll conductance (g(m)) requires accurate gas exchange measurements. Combining methods, like fluorescence or isotopic analysis, improves reliability, especially for small leaf areas or high g(m) leaves.

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Area of Science:

  • Plant Physiology
  • Photosynthesis Research
  • Environmental Plant Science

Background:

  • Mesophyll conductance (g(m)) is crucial for understanding carbon assimilation in plants.
  • Accurate estimation of g(m) is vital for plant physiological studies and crop improvement.
  • Current methods for g(m) estimation have varying degrees of accuracy and applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and compare the most common methods for estimating mesophyll conductance (g(m)).
  • To analyze the sensitivity of g(m) estimation methods to model parameters and measurement errors.
  • To provide guidelines for obtaining the most reliable g(m) values.

Main Methods:

  • Gas exchange measurements alone.
  • Gas exchange combined with chlorophyll fluorescence quenching analysis.

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  • Gas exchange combined with (13)CO(2) discrimination (isotopic methods).

    • Main Results:

    • Accuracy of gas exchange measurements is paramount for reliable g(m) estimates.
    • Fluorescence methods are best for small leaf areas; isotopic methods are preferred for larger areas.
    • Isotopic methods are particularly important for leaves with high g(m) and small intercellular to chloroplast CO(2) gradients.

    Conclusions:

    • No single method is perfect; combining independent methods is recommended for robust g(m) estimation.
    • Corrections for leaf chamber accuracy are necessary, especially with gasketed chambers.
    • Equipment accessibility and sample throughput influence method choice in field conditions.