ABSTRACT
Photosynthesis under oblique illumination has not been studied extensively despite being the prevailing light regime under natural conditions. We studied how photosynthetic rate (An) is affected by the geometrical arrangement between leaf lamina and light rays, in conjunction with key anatomical features; studied plant species selected based on the absence (homobaric) or the occurrence of bundle sheath extensions (BSEs; heterobaric) and the arrangement of these structures, that is, parallel (monocots) or reticulated (dicots). The direction of light ray affected leaf absorptance (Abs) and An; both were maximal when the angle of incidence of light on leaf surface (polar angle, θ) was 90°. For any lower θ, both Abs and An were higher when the angle between the leaf axis and the light rays (azimuthal angle, φ) was zero. The dependence of Abs and An from φ was only evident in monocots and, especially, in heterobaric compared to homobaric leaves. In some species, An was substantially higher than predicted from calculated photon flux density of oblique light. The occurrence of BSEs, especially in monocots, significantly alters leaf optical properties, resulting in more efficient photosynthesis under oblique illumination conditions.
Subject(s)
Magnoliopsida , Photosynthesis , Plant Leaves/anatomy & histologyABSTRACT
The different infestation levels of the pineapple bug, Thlastocoris laetus Mayr, were assessed in four regional pineapple cultivars: Cabeça-de-Onça (RBR-2), Senador Guiomard (SNG-3), Quinari (SNG-2) and Rio Branco (RBR-1), released by Embrapa Acre, in Rio Branco, State of Acre, Brazil. The numbers of nymphs and adults on shoots, leaves, crowns and fruits were counted weekly and the plant structures preferred by the pest were determined, as well as the population dynamics as a function of the phenologic stages of the cultivars. The pest population dynamics was determined by means of regression analysis, with curve fitting, and Pearson's linear correlation regarding these figures and those of the meteorological variables during that period. It was found a far as T. laetus infestation is concerned, that Cabeça-de-Onça (RBR-1) and Senador Guiomard (SNG-3) cultivars may be recommended, and the latter showed the highest pest infestation only during the fruit production stage, which is an economically favorable characteristic in terms of the number of control measures needed. It also showed the lowest number of plants infested, number of adults per plant and number of nymphs per plant, which were significantly different from the other cultivars. The correlation and regression studies regarding pest population and meteorological variables were not significant.
O nível de infestação do percevejo-do-abacaxi, Thlastocoris laetus Mayr, foi avaliado em quatro cultivares regionais de abacaxi: Cabeça-de-Onça (RBR-2), Senador Guiomard (SNG-3), Quinari (SNG-2) e Rio Branco (RBR-1), lançadas pela Embrapa Acre, na região de Rio Branco, AC. Foram realizadas contagens semanais do número de ninfas e adultos nos filhotes, folhas, coroas e frutos, a partir do que, determinou-se a dinâmica populacional da praga em função das fases do desenvolvimento fenológico das cultivares e as estruturas da planta preferidas para o ataque. Realizou-se ainda, análise de regressão e correlação linear de Pearson, entre esses valores e os das variáveis climáticas no período. Sob o aspecto de infestação de T. laetus, pode-se recomendar as cultivares Cabeça-de-Onça (RBR-1) e Senador Guiomard (SNG-3), sendo que a última apresentou as maiores infestações da praga somente no período de frutificação, o que representa uma característica economicamente vantajosa em relação ao número de aplicações de medidas de controle. Apresentou, ainda, os menores valores em relação ao número de plantas atacadas, número de adultos e ninfas/planta. Os estudos de correlação e regressão entre a população da praga e a variáveis meteorológicas não apresentaram resultados significativos.
