Changes in leaf photosynthetic parameters with leaf position and nitrogen content within a rose plant canopy (Rosa hybrida)

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ABSTRACTThis paper deals with changes in leaf photosynthetic capacity with depth in a rose (Rosa hybrida cv. Sonia) plant canopy. Measurements of leaf net CO2 assimilation (Al) and total nitrogen content (Nl) were performed in autumn under greenhouse conditions on mature leaves located at different layers within the plant canopy, including the flower stems and the main shoots. These leaves were subjected (i) to contrasting levels of CO2 partial pressure (pa) at saturating photosynthetic photon flux density (I about 1000 μmol m−2 s−1) and (ii) to saturating CO2 partial pressure (pa about 100 Pa) and varying I, while conditions of temperature were those prevailing in the greenhouse (20–38 °C). A biochemical model of leaf photosynthesis relating Al to intercellular CO2 partial pressure (pi) was parameterized for each layer of leaves, supplying corresponding values of the photosynthetic Rubisco capacity (Vlm) and the maximum rate of electron transport (Jm). The results indicated that rose leaves growing at the top of the canopy had higher values of Jm and Vlm, which resulted from a higher allocation of nitrogen to the uppermost leaves. Mean values of total leaf nitrogen, Nl, decreased about 35% from the uppermost leaves of flower stem to leaves growing at the bottom of the plant. The derived values of non‐photosynthetic nitrogen, Nb, varied from 76 mmolN m−2leaf (layer 1) to 60 mmolN m−2leaf (layer 4), representing a large fraction of Nl (50 and 60% in layer 1 and 4, respectively). Comparison of leaf photosynthetic nitrogen (Np=Nl–Nb) and I profiles supports the hypothesis that rose leaves acclimate to the time‐integrated absorbed I. The relationships between I and Np, obtained during autumn, spring and summer, indicate that rose leaves seem also to acclimate their photosynthetic capacity seasonally, by allocating more photosynthetic nitrogen to leaves in autumn and spring than in summer.