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Crassulacean Acid Metabolism in the Epiphyte Tillandsia usneoides L. (Spanish Moss)
Martin, Craig E. Siedow, James N.
Martin, Craig E.
Siedow, James N.
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Abstract
Patterns of C02 exchange in Spanish moss under various experimental
conditions were measured using an infrared gas analysis system. Plants
were collected from a study site In North Carolina and placed in a gas
exchange chamber for several days of continuous measurements. No
substantial seasonal effects on COj exchange were observed. High rates
of nocturnal CO, uptake were observed under day/night temperature
regimes of 25/10, 25/15, 25/20, 30/20, and 35/20 C; however, daytime
temperatures of 40 C eliminated nighttime COi uptake and a nighttime
temperature of 5 C eliminated nocturnal C02 uptake, regardless of day
temperature. Constant chamber conditions also inhibited nocturnal COi
uptake. Constant high relative humidity (RH) slightly stimulated COi
uptake while low nighttime RH reduced nocturnal COj uptake.
Reductions in daytime irradiance to approximately 25% full sunlight had
no effect on C02 exchange. Continuous darkness resulted in continuous
COi loss by the plants, but a CO] exchange pattern similar to normal day/
night conditions was observed under constant illumination. High tissue
water content inhibited CO* uptake. Wetting of the tissue at any time of
day or night resulted in net CO» loss. Abrupt increases in temperature or
decreases in RH resulted in sharp decreases in net CO* uptake.
The results indicate that Spanish moss is tolerant of a wide range of
temperatures, irradiances, and water contents. They also indicate that high
nighttime RH is a prerequisite for high rates of CO> uptake.
Description
This is the publisher's official version, also available electronically at: http://www.plantphysiol.org/content/68/2/335.full.pdf+html.
Date
1981
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American Society of Plant Biologists
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Citation
Martin, C.E. and J.N. Siedow. 1981. Crassulacean acid metabolism in the epiphyte Tillandsia usneoides L. (Spanish moss): Responses of CO2 exchange to controlled environmental conditions. Plant Physiol. 68:335- 339.