INFLUENCE OF SOIL MOISTURE ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS, RESPIRATION, AND TRANSPIRATION OF APPLE LEAVES

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Photosynthetic activity increased slightly as the soil moisture became somewhat lower than field capacity. Further drying of the soil reduced the rate of photosynthesis before the leaves wilted. The plant assimilated carbohydrates at a reduced rate when completely wilted and the stomata appeared closed. Transpiration decreased markedly from 1 to 2 days before photo-synthesis was so affected. The length of time necessary for the plant to recover its usual rate of photosynthesis and transpiration varied from 2 to 7 days depending on the length of time it had been wilted. Respiration of the leaves increased during the drying period and returned to its original rate within 2-3 days after being watered.