A Comparison of Methods for Excluding Light from Stems to Evaluate Stem Photosynthesis

Authors

Nadia A. Valverdi, Chapman University
Camilla Acosta, Chapman University
Gabriella R. Dauber, Chapman University
Gregory R. Goldsmith, Chapman UniversityFollow
Eleinis Ávila‐Lovera, Chapman University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-4-2023

Abstract

Premise

A comparison of methods using different materials to exclude light from stems to prevent stem CO₂ exchange (i.e., photosynthesis), without affecting stem conductance to water vapor, surface temperature, and relative humidity, was conducted on stems of avocado trees in California.

Methods and Results

The experiment featured three materials: aluminum foil, paper-based wrap, and mineral-based paint. We examined stem CO₂ exchange with and without the light exclusion treatments. We also examined stem surface temperature, relative humidity, and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) under the cover materials. All materials reduced PAR and stem CO₂ exchange. However, aluminum foil reduced stem surface temperature and increased relative humidity.

Conclusions

Methods used to study stem CO₂ exchange through light exclusion have historically relied on methods that may induce experimental artifacts. Among the methods tested here, mineral-based paint effectively reduced PAR without affecting stem surface temperature and relative humidity around the stem.

Comments

This article was originally published in Applications in Plant Sciences, volume 11, in 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/aps3.11542

Recommended Citation

Valverdi, N. A., C., Acosta, G. R., Dauber, G. R., Goldsmith, and E., Ávila-Lovera. 2023. A comparison of methods for excluding light from stems to evaluate stem photosynthesis. Applications in Plant Sciences 11: e11542. https://doi.org/10.1002/aps3.11542

Copyright

The authors

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.