Nitrogen allocation in response to partial shading of a plant: Possible mechanisms

Abstract

The significance of photosynthetic and transpiration rates for the perception by plants of light gradients in leaf canopies has been investigated with regard to nitrogen allocation and re‐allocation. A gradient of photon flux density (PFD) over a plant's foliage was simulated by shading one leaf of a pair of primary leaves of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Rentegever). Photosynthetic rate was manipulated independently of PFD and, to some extent, also of transpiration, by subjecting the leaf to different CO2 concentrations. Transpiration rate was changed independently of PFD and photosynthetic rate by subjecting the leaf to different vapour pressure differences (VPD). A reduced partial pressure of CO2 reduced specific leaf mass (SLM) as did a decreased PFD, but did not change leaf N per unit area (NLA) and light saturated rate of photosynthesis (Amax). A reduced VPD caused several effects consistent with the effect of PFD. It decreased NLA and Amax and increased the chlorophyll to N ratio in old and young leaves. Furthermore, it decreased the chlorophyll a to b ratio and inhibited leaf growth in young leaves. The transpiration stream is partitioned among the leaves of a plant according to their transpiration rates. The results suggest that relative rates of import of xylem sap into leaves of a plant play an important role in the perception of partial shading of a plant, a situation normally found in dense vegetations. The possible role of cytokinin influx into leaves as controlled by transpiration rate, is discussed.