Effect of light intensity on assimilation characteristics of detached tea leaves

Abstract

Photosynthetic rates of detached, mature tea leaves from four different sources were determined in excess CO2 and light of 4, 10, 16 and 32 klux intensities from a tungsten-filament lamp. Temperature was maintained at 25°C. The assimilation rates were significantly different for the four sources both in weak and in strong light. Neither thickness of the leaf lamina nor chlorophyll concentration could explain the cause of this difference.The effect of shade adaptation on the subsequent rate of assimilation was examined in one of the four sources of leaf. Shade-adapted leaves had significantly higher rates of photosynthesis at the weakest light intensity of 4 klux and lower rates in 16 and 32 klux intensities than the corresponding sun leaves.