Photosynthesis in eucalyptus studied by the open photoacoustic technique: Effects of irradiance and temperature

This work demonstrates the usefulness of the Open Photoacoustic Cell Techni que to study the effects of irradiance and temperature on photosynthesis. b l vivo and ill situ photosynthetic induction measurements were performed in three different species of eucalyptus plants (E. grandis, E. urophylla, an d E, urograndis) previously dark-adapted at different temperatures. Photosy nthetic activity curves were built as a function of light intensity, indica ting the occurrence of photosynthesis saturation. E. urograndis presented h igher photosynthetic activity than the other species, especially at low tem perature, indicating its tolerance to stress conditions. The incidence of b ackground saturation light of various intensities allowed the irt situ stud y of photoinhibition in eucalyptus plants through open photoacoustics. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".