Effect of Light Intensity and Leaf Temperature on Photosynthesis and Transpiration in Wheat and Sorghum

Abstract

Wheat stomata offered less resistance to water and carbon dioxide diffusion than sorghum stomata at light intensities of 0�06 and 0�26 cal cm-2 min-i (400-700 nm) but resistances were comparable at 0�46 cal cm-2 min-i. Consequently, transpiration rates were higher in wheat than in sorghum, except at the high light levels, in leaf chamber experiments described here. Rates of photosynthesis were higher in sorghum than in wheat, with the greatest difference at high light levels. This resulted in a greater efficiency of dry matter production relative to water use in sorghum. Transpiration rate increased with increased temperature in both species. Photosynthesis was independent of temperature in wheat, and in sorghum under low light conditions, but otherwise photosynthesis increased with temperature in sorghum. In both species, efficiency of water use decreased as temperature increased at all light intensities. Water vapour concentration difference between the intercellular spaces and the air was comparable in wheat and sorghum and increased with temperature. The carbon dioxide concentration difference between air and intercellular spaces was substantially greater in sorghum than in wheat and increased with leaf temperature. Maximum values were obtained at the intermediate light level in sorghum.