Effects of mesophyll water potential on photosynthesis in Gramineae plants: with special reference to phylogeny of subfamilies

Key Points

• Photosynthetic rates increase with higher mesophyll water potential, revealing strong interdependent relationships.
• The oxygen electrode method measured O2 evolution rates across various Gramineae species to establish links to water potential.
• Diverse species from six Gramineae subfamilies provided comparative insights into the phylogenetic impacts on photosynthesis.
• Findings underscore the necessity for further phylogenetic studies, particularly in understanding adaptation to water availability.

Abstract