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Updated: May 3, 2026
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Evaluation of Photosynthetic Behaviors by Simultaneous Measurements of Leaf Reflectance and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Analyses
Published on: August 9, 2019
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Changes in photosynthetic characteristics during leaf development in apple.
1Department of Horticulture and Landseape Architecture, Washington State University, 99164, Pullman, Washington, USA.
Photosynthesis Research
|January 29, 2014
Summary
Apple leaf development significantly impacts photosynthesis and photorespiration. Key photosynthetic characteristics change most during early leaf growth, affecting overall plant productivity.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Photosynthesis Research
- Apple Tree Biology
Background:
- Leaf development is crucial for plant productivity.
- Understanding photosynthetic changes during leaf ontogeny is vital for crop science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively survey developmental changes in apple leaf photosynthetic characteristics.
- To correlate these changes with leaf age and expansion stages.
Main Methods:
- Developmental survey of leaf area, chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, leaf resistance, transpiration ratio, CO2 compensation point, and photorespiration in apple.
- Measurements were taken across various leaf plastochron index (LPI) stages.
Main Results:
- Greatest changes in photosynthetic characteristics occurred during early leaf development (leaf expansion and chlorophyll synthesis).
- Photosynthesis increased 5-fold, peaking at LPI 10 (40 mg CO2 dm(-2) hr(-1)).
- Leaf resistance, transpiration ratio, CO2 compensation point, and mesophyll resistance decreased, while carboxylation efficiency increased during early development.
Conclusions:
- Leaf development stage is a critical determinant of photosynthesis and photorespiration rates in apple.
- Simultaneous shifts in photosynthetic traits at LPI 10 and 12 were observed.
- Photorespiration appears to decrease with leaf aging.
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