title: The photosynthetic characteristics of papyrus in a tropical swamp.
abstract: Photosynthesis and transpiration was measured in the large emergent C4sedge Cyperus papyrus (papyrus) which occupies wide areas of wetland on the African continent. The maximum observed value of net assimilation was 35 μmol CO2m-2s-1at full sunlight but light saturation of photosynthesis did not occur. The quantum yield of photosynthesis obtained from the initial slope of the light response curves (0.06 mol mol-1incident light) was relatively high and close to previously recorded values for some C4grasses. Measurements made over two days showed that stomatal conductance was sensitive to the ambient air vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and was consistently lower on the day when VPD's were higher. There was, however, no marked midday closure of the stomata. Photosynthesis was also reduced on the day when VPD's were higher. The relationship between net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance was close to linear over the range of measurement conditions, with the result that intercellular CO2concentrations (Ci) did not vary markedly. There was some evidence that Cidecreased at high VPD's. The regulation of stomatal movement in papyrus appears to minimise excessive water loss while not severely limiting photosynthesis. The significance of this strategy for a wetland species with plentiful supplies of water is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Botany Department, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Jones
keywords: CO2-Assimilation; Cyperus papyrus; Humidity response; Quantum yield; Stomatal response