Postponed: Stomatal responses impact on photosynthetic carbon assimilation and water use efficiency

In a naturally fluctuating environment, stomata and photosynthesis are continually experiencing and adjusting to a variable light intensity.

However, these responses are not always synchronized, as stomatal movements can be an order of magnitude slower than the more rapid photosynthetic response. Therefore over the diel period, short term fluctuations in light (sun/shade flecks) drive temporal and spatial dynamics of carbon gain and water loss, meaning that under natural fluctuating environmental conditions water use efficiency is far from optimal. These responses can also be influenced by acclimation to growth light environment.

In order to assess the impact of growth light regime on stomatal acclimation, we grew plants in three different lighting regimes and assessed the effect of light pattern on gas exchange.  We have also examined the impact of spectral quality on stomatal responses and explored manipulation of these responses to produce plants with greater water use efficiency.

Speaker

Professor Tracy Lawson is Professor of Plant Physiology at the School of Life Sciences, University of Essex.