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Photosynthetic and Morphological Adaptation of Alfalfa Leaves to Light Intensity at Different Stages of Maturity¹

Leaves of individual alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants were developed under light intensities which were either high (32 to 43 klux) or low (13 to 14 klux). One week after leaf unfolding, half of the plants in each growth chamber were transferred to the other. At 3 weeks, plants were again transferred so that the treatments included all combinations of light intensities and leaf age. Specific leaf weight (SLW = dry weight per unit leaf area) and net photosynthesis (Pn) were determined on leaves at 1, 3, and 5 weeks after leaf unfolding. Both SLW and Pn were higher under high light than low light. The major light intensity effect was that which the leaf had most recently been exposed to. Another was a carryover effect of the light intensity under which the leaf had developed. The SLW and Pn of alfalfa leaves changed with changes in light intensity at all the stages of maturity measured.

Key Words: Specific leaf weight • Leaf age • Medicago sativa L

² Plant Physiologist and Research Assistant, respectively, Crops Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.

Received for publication May 15, 1969.

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