The Physiology of Sugar-Cane. IX.·Factors Affecting Photosynthesis and Sugar Storage

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Abstract
Photosynthesis in sugar-cane was linearly related to light intensity up to full sunlight when leaf geometry was similar to that of field-grown plants. Individual leaves orientated at right angles to the incident radiation were saturated at about 2/3 full sunlight irrespective of whether the leaves developed in low or high light intensities. On a short-term basis, the Q10 for photosynthesis was 1.1 over the range 8-34[degree]C. Exposure of intact plants to a 17/10[degree]C day and night temperature regime for a prolonged period resulted in cessation of stalk elongation and an initial rise in stored sugar followed by a decline in photo-synthetic efficiency, which was slowly reversible when the temperature was raised. Photosynthetic efficiency appears to be linked to availability of sinks but may also be altered by metabolic imbalance induced by environmental shock. End product repression of photosynthesis by sugars was not the operative control in detached leaves exposed to long light treatment.

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