Photosynthesis in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) X. Acclimation to quantum flux density within and between trees.
Abstract
The photosynthetic capacity of shoots from whole plants grown in low light (low light phenotypes) was higher than that of high light phenotypes, whereas the photosynthetic capacity of 'sun' foliage was higher than that of 'shade' foliage on the same plant. Shoots of low light phenotypes were longer with more lateral buds, more and longer needles, and a larger specific leaf area than high light phenotypes, but had about the same needle area per shoot. In contrast, 'shade' shoots had a much smaller leaf area than 'sun' shoots on the same plant as a result of fewer, shorter and narrower needles. [See preceding abstracts].