Dynamic photosynthesis under fluctuating light

Summary

Within a forest canopy, leaf anatomy and photosynthetic capacity changes along the gradient of average light availability. However, the light conditions of individual leaves are rarely constant and fluctuate with varying amplitude and frequency. Whether leaf physiology is adapted to the mean light intensity or the dynamic fluctuation in light intensity is debated, and has been rarely explored in forest canopies. In this project we investigate the temporal dynamics of biochemical- and stomatal limitations during photosynthetic induction and relaxation of leaves growing at different positions in the canopy and therefore in different light environments. In addition we will evaluate the effect of varying nutrient conditions on leaf adaptation to fluctuating light.

light induction nutrient status photosynthesis