Studies of grain production in Sorghum bicolor (L. Moench). VI.* Profiles of photosynthesis, illuminance and foliage arrangement

Fischer, K.S. and Wilson , G.L. (1976) Studies of grain production in Sorghum bicolor (L. Moench). VI.* Profiles of photosynthesis, illuminance and foliage arrangement. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 27 (1). pp. 35-44.

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Abstract

Grain sorghum was grown at two population densities in the field, and photosynthetic rates compared at noon. Profiles of photosynthesis were established by combining measurements of 12CO2 exchange and 14CO2 uptake. Canopy structure and light penetration were measured. Factors responsible for the superiority of the higher density population were evaluated. Photosynthesis–radiation responses of leaves were similar between the populations and there was little difference in total light interception. The high density population had leaves which were more vertically displayed, more uniformly dispersed, smaller in both length and width, and distributed over a greater height of canopy. Light was therefore more uniformly distributed down the profile, and coefficients of light extinction were lower. Associated with this was a higher leaf area index. The overall consequence was the distribution of intercepted radiation over a larger leaf surface, at a lower illuminance and therefore a higher efficiency of photosynthetic conversion, resulting in greater total photosynthesis

Item Type: Article
Author Affiliation: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Londres 40, Mexico 6, D.F.
Subjects: Plant Production
Crop Improvement > Genetics/Genomics
Crop Improvement > Plant Breeding
Divisions: Sorghum
Depositing User: Ms K Syamalamba
Date Deposited: 25 Jul 2012 06:08
Last Modified: 25 Jul 2012 06:09
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/AR9760035
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/6980

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