Photosynthesis limitations in cacao leaves under different agroforestry systems in the Colombian Amazon.

ABSTRACT: Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) has traditionally been considered a crop that requires shade, and consequently it is implemented under agroforestry systems (AFs) in order to regulate the level of incident solar radiation. However, optimal shade levels for this tree crop may vary depending on the climate conditions of where it is grown. Here we analyzed the physiological performance of cacao under three different AFs in the Colombian Amazon that differed in solar radiation patterns: high (HPAR), medium (MPAR), or low (LPAR) mean daily incident radiation. The physiological performance was characterized using photosynthetic variables in leaves such as light- and CO2-response curves, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, and total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, in conjunction with other leaf

SUBMITTER: Suarez Salazar JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6211662 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature