Net CO2 Assimilation and Plant Water Relations Characteristics of Pecan Growth Flushes

Abstract

Abstract Spring- and summer-flush pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] leaves were evaluated to determine climatological factors affecting leaf gas exchange, biophysical factors affecting growth, and to investigate the potential impact of a summer growth flush on alternate bearing. Expanding leaves had a higher osmotic potential, lower turgor pressure (ψp), poorer stomatal control, higher cuticular conductance, and a lower bulk modulus of elasticity than expanded leaves. Stomatal closure occurred at a progressively lower leaf water potential (ψw) as leaves aged. Net CO2 assimilation rate and leaf conductance to water vapor (g1) of pecan in the field did not decline in response to high atmospheric water stress and minimum midday ψw of −1.4 to −1.9 MPa when trees were supplied with adequate soil moisture. Leaf elongation rate was exponentially related to with marked reductions in growth occurring at ψp below 0.6 MPa and a complete cessation in growth below ψp = 0.3 MPa. Net CO2 assimilation rates of expanded leaves were up to 22 μmol·s−1m−2, several times higher than previously reported. Net CO2 assimilation rate was not inhibited by 41.5°C leaf temperature, 2000 μmol·s−1m−2 photosynthetic photon flux, and 3 kPa vapor pressure deficits (VPD). Transpiration rate (E) increased greatly with increasing VPD. Values of gl and E were generally higher than those reported for woody C3 perennials. The efficient water transport system of pecans under conditions of nonlimiting soil moisture may be a consequence of evolution in a floodplain ecosystem.