Towards a unified theory of plant photosynthesis and hydraulics.

ABSTRACT: The global carbon and water cycles are governed by the coupling of CO₂ and water vapour exchanges through the leaves of terrestrial plants, controlled by plant adaptations to balance carbon gains and hydraulic risks. We introduce a trait-based optimality theory that unifies the treatment of stomatal responses and biochemical acclimation of plants to environments changing on multiple timescales. Tested with experimental data from 18 species, our model successfully predicts the simultaneous decline in carbon assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic capacity during progressive soil drought. It also correctly predicts the dependencies of gas exchange on atmospheric vapour pressure deficit, temperature and CO₂. Model predictions are also consistent with w

SUBMITTER: Joshi J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9663302 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature