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Screening for Photosynthetic Efficiency¹

Maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum vulgare L.) and several other plants have maximum rates of photosynthesis of 50 to 60 mg CO₂ dm_–2 hr_–1 and have CO₂ compensation concentrations () near 0 ppm. In contrast, small grains and many other plants have maximum rates of photosynthesis of 20 to 30 mg CO₂ dm_–2 hr_–1 and values near 60 ppm. By growing a mixture of these high and low plants together in a closed chamber, a CO₂ concentration below that necessary for survival of the high plants was obtained. Only low plants remained alive after 5 to 8 days in the chamber. This is a rapid and simple method for screening populations of plants for high photosynthetic rates.

Key Words: CO₂ compensation concentration • Maize • Soybeans • Sorghum • Wheat

² Graduate Assistant, Professor, Research Fellow and Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota. St. Paul, Minnesota 55101.

Received for publication March 3, 1969.

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