A perspective on underwater photosynthesis in submerged terrestrial wetland plants

Wetland plants inhabit flood-prone areas and therefore can experience episodes of complete submergence. Submergence impedes exchange of O(2) and CO(2) between leaves and the environment, and light availability is also reduced. The present review examines limitations to underwater net photosynthesis (P(N)) by terrestrial (i.e. usually emergent) wetland plants, as compared with submerged aquatic plants, with focus on leaf traits for enhanced CO(2) acquisition.

Floodwaters are variable in dissolved O(2), CO(2), light and temperature, and these parameters influence underwater P(N) and the growth and survival of submerged plants. Aquatic species possess morphological and anatomical leaf traits that reduce diffusion limitations to CO(2) uptake and thus aid P(N) under water. Many aquatic plants also have carbon-concentrating mechanisms to increase CO(2) at Rubisco. Terrestrial wetland plants generally lack the numerous beneficial leaf traits possessed by aquatic plants, so submergence markedly reduces P(N). Some terrestrial species, however, produce new leaves with a thinner cuticle and higher specific leaf area, whereas others have leaves with hydrophobic surfaces so that gas films are retained when submerged; both improve CO(2) entry.

Submergence inhibits P(N) by terrestrial wetland plants, but less so in species that produce new leaves under water or in those with leaf gas films. Leaves with a thinner cuticle, or those with gas films, have improved gas diffusion with floodwaters, so that underwater P(N) is enhanced. Underwater P(N) provides sugars and O(2) to submerged plants. Floodwaters often contain dissolved CO(2) above levels in equilibrium with air, enabling at least some P(N) by terrestrial species when submerged, although rates remain well below those in air.