HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Wolf, D. D. Articles by Lee, D. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Wolf, D. D. Articles by Lee, D. R. Agricola Articles by Wolf, D. D. Articles by Lee, D. R.

Measuring Photosynthesis of Attached Leaves with Air Sealed Chambers¹

Net carbon exchange (NCE) of leaves is generally measured by sealing a chamber around an intact leaf. Most chambers use a flexible gasket around the leaf or petiole to insure an air-tight seal. This paper describes a chamber based on the principle that air provides a simple, effective seal. The chamber consists of three compartments: air-seal, leaf, and reference. The leaf is inserted through an opening in the air-seal compartment and into the leaf compartment. Air is pumped through an air supply tube into the air-seal compartments. It is then drawn through the leaf compartment and simultaneously through a reference compartment. NCE is determined from the difference in CO₂ concentration in these two compartments. Enough excess air must be supplied to exhaust through the leaf port and provide an air seal about the leaf. This design allows repeated leaf insertion without injury even when measurements are taken for prolonged periods of time. This air seal is the primary advantage which adds simplicity, rapidity, and flexibility to the system.

Key Words: Net carbon exchange (NCE) • Grass • Legume • Leaf chamber

² Assistant Professor, Agronomy Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Va. 24061; Research Plant Physiologist, Research Agronomist, and Agricultural Research Technician, Crops Research Division, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Md., respectively

Received for publication May 4, 1968.