Contribution of leaf nitrogen to photosynthetic gas exchange in contrasting rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars during the grain-filling period

Abstract

Photosynthetic parameters and leaf carbon isotope composition (δ13C) in contrasting rice genotypes in relation to supplemental nitrogen (N) application and water management during the grain-filling period were compared. The changes in stomatal conductance (g s) and ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 mole fraction (C i/C a) depended on the leaf nitrogen concentration (leaf N) in both 'Hinohikari' (temperate japonica genotype) and 'IR36' (indica genotype). In 'Hinohikari', δ13C reflects photosynthetic gas exchange during the grain-filling period, which is indicated by the significant response of δ13C to leaf N. In contrast, in 'IR36' δ13C did not depend on leaf N. This varietal difference in δ13C to leaf N can be attributed to a difference in the timing of leaf senescence. In 'IR36', leaf N and photosynthetic parameters decreased more rapidly, indicating earlier senescence and a shorter grain-filling period in comparison with 'Hinohikari'. The significant increase in shoot dry mass in 'Hinohikari' resulting from supplemental N application, compared with nonsignificant effect observed in 'IR36', suggests that the timing of senescence in relation to the grainfilling period has a preponderant influence on productivity.