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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Wooster, Ohio » Application Technology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #212035
Title: Considerations for Accurate Whole Plant Photosynthesis Measurement

Author
item TAKAHASHI, NORIKO - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
item LING, PETER - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
item Frantz, Jonathan

Submitted to: Environment Control in Biology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/24/2007
Publication Date: 6/17/2007
Citation: Takahashi, N., Ling, P., Frantz, J. 2007. Considerations for Accurate Whole Plant Photosynthesis Measurement. Environmental Control in Biology. 46:71-81.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Whole plant photosynthetic rate (Pn) measurements provide an integral assessment of how an entire plant responds to biotic and abitics factors. Pn determination is based on measurements of CO2 exchange rates (CER) using various types of system including Closed, Semi-closed, and Open systems. This review focused on important design and operational considerations of Open CER measurement systems. Key mechanical and biological factors that may influence measurement accuracy include leakage of a chamber, CO2 differential between inlet and outlet of a chamber, chamber air humidity, canopy air speed, acidity of growth media and irrigation water to name a few. Proper design and operation of a whole canopy photosynthesis system is necessary to assure accuracy of the Pn measurements that may be used to assess both short term responses and long term yield of a plant as a result of given stimuli.