Characteristics of photosynthesis in three Dendrobium species / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Object To determine the diumal changes of photosynthesis, its relationships with light intensities and temperatures, and the contents of chloroophyll in leaves of Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex. Lindl., D. wilsonii Rolfe and D. hercoglossum Reichb. f. Methods The net photosynthetic rate (NPR) was measured at intervals of 1.5 h during daytimes 730—1630, under the photosynthetic affective rates 0—140 mmol/(m 2?s), and under the temperatures 29.6—38.2 ℃; contents of chlorophyll a and b in leaves were measured. Results NPR, light saturation point and compensation point were low in each of the three Dendrobium L. species. The NPR peaked during 800 and 1000 am, and thereafter decreased rapidly as the temperature and light intensity increased. Content of chlorophyll b was high in the leaves. Conclusion These results indicated that the Dendrobium L. species, which are sciophyte plants, have great adaptations to their growing habitats.