Environmental Influences on CAM Activity of Cissus quadrangularis
- 1 February 1980
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Journal of Experimental Botany
- Vol. 31 (1) , 75-82
- https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/31.1.75
Abstract
Cissus quadrangularis, Vitacea, has a succulent stem and shows Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). Environmental control of CAM is shown with respect to water supply, day temperature, and light intensity. C. quadrangularis, under moderate drought, has a high capacity for dark CO2 fixation and high efficiency of water use (nocturnal transpiration ratio = 8). Severely droughted plants of C. quadrangularis still show dark CO2 fixation although at a reduced rate, which allows a maintenance level metabolism. On the other hand, high temperature and light intensity promote CAM activity in well-watered plants resulting in luxuriant and fast growth. Data indicate that under natural conditions CAM should effectively contribute to the successful adaptation of C. quadrangularis to its environment.Keywords
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