Influence of environmental factors on photosynthesis in cocoa trees
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Date
1991
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Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam
Abstract
The photosynthesis of cocoa (Theobroma cacao Linn.) as influenced by light temperature and vapour pressure deficit (VPD)was studied in the field. Net photosynthetic rate (PN), transpiration rate and stomatal conductance showed significant seasonal variations. PN was highest during periods of low evaporative demand (low VPD). Diurnal patterns of these parameters indicated transient midday water deficits which reduced PN. Optimum temperature for PN was 31-33C and light saturation occurred at 400 μmol m-2 s-1. The CO2, compensation concentration was 100 ppm. Drought tolerant accessions maintained higher leaf water potential than drought-susceptible types in dry months. There was no significant difference in PN between tolerant and susceptible accession types.
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Agricultural and Forest Meteorology: 55 (1991) 15-21