Stomatal and non stomatal limitation of photosynthesis by leaf water deficits in three oak species: a comparison of gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence data

Net CO2 assimilation (A), stomatal conductance for CO2 (g), intercellular mole fraction of CO2 (Ci), kinetics of chlorophyll a fluorescence, and their half decay time (t1/2), their ratio of fluorescence decrease (Rfd), and their adaptive index (Ap) have been monitored on potted trees from 3 oak species (Quercus petraea, Q pubescens and Q ilex) grown in a climate chamber and submitted to drought. Use of A vs Ci representations for photosynthesis data revealed an apparent impairment of mesophyll photosynthesis, together with reduced CO2 supply to mesophyll due to stomatal closure. But in all species chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics displayed very similar shapes, constant t1/2 and stable Rfd and Ap values until predawn leaf water potential dropped below -4.0 MPa. These observations led to the conclusion that photochemical energy conversion and photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle could be very resistant to leaf water deficits, and that observed decreases in mesophyll photosynthesis had to be attributed to a possible artefact in Ci calculation. On the other hand, the susceptibility of leaves to photoinhibition increased as a consequence of water shortage, especially in Q petraea and Q pubescens. Differences in drought adaptation between the studied species could probably be related to susceptibility to photoinhibition rather than to a direct sensitivity of photosynthesis to leaf water deficits, at least in the range of stress intensities of ecophysiological significance.