Corticular Photosynthetic Dynamics for a Coastal Evergreen Shrub: Myrica Cerifera

I quantified seasonal variations in corticular photosynthesis in 1st through 5th order branches of Myrica cerifera L. (Myricaceae) in order to determine whether corticular photosynthesis contributes to whole plant carbon gain by reducing respirational CO2 loss. Maximum % refixation was 110 ± 39 % of CO2 efflux in the dark (Rd) in 1st order branches during winter, minimum was 18 ± 3 % in 5th order branches during summer. Variations in % refixation paralleled changes in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). As light attenuated with increasing branch order % refixation decreased. Increased PAR in the winter due to a more sparse canopy lead to increases in % refixation. Total chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a:b ratios were consistent with shade acclimation as branch order increased. Corticular photosynthesis may be a mechanism to enhance shrub expansion due to increased whole plant carbon use efficiency (CUE) and water use efficiency (WUE) attributed to refixation.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2007

Author dc:creator

• Vick, Jaclyn K.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Donald R. Young

• CO2 refixation
• photosynthetic pigment
• light attenuation
• shrub expansion
• actinorhizal
• thicket
• barrier island
• chlorophyll
• photosynthesis
• carbon gain
• Biology
• Life Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/1135

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-2134