[Comparison of light response models of photosynthesis in Nelumbo nucifera leaves under different light conditions]

The light responses of Nelumbo nucifera 'Boli Furen', a local N. nucifera species was investigated under full light and 50% shading conditions in Shanghai. The net photosynthetic rate-light response curves of N. nucifera leaves were fitted and analyzed through four light response models to identify the best-fit models of different light conditions and explore the adaptability of N. nucifera to shading environment. The results showed that the sequence of fitting effect of the four light response models was in descending order of modified rectangular hyperbola model > exponential model > non-rectangular hyperbola model > rectangular hyperbola model. The latter three models had no extreme values, and could not directly and accurately provide values of light saturation point (LSP) and maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pn max). In contrast, the modified rectangular hyperbola model showed the best fit for LSP, Pn max, dark respiration rate (Rd) and LCP resulting in the minimum relative errors between the measured and fitted values. Light response parameters of N. nucifera declined with the decreasing light. There were no significant differences between full light and shade treatments except for Rd. It was indicated that N. nucifera had good photosynthetic adaptive response and adjustment to weak light to maintain normal growth.