Coupling Modelling and Experiments to Analyse Leaf Photosynthesis under
Far-Red Light
Abstract
Leaf photosynthesis models are used extensively in photosynthesis
research and are embedded in many larger scale models. Typical
photosynthesis models simplify light intensity as the integrated
intensity over the 400 to 700 nm waveband (Photosynthetic Active
Radiation; PAR). However, far-red light (700-750 nm, FR) also drives
photosynthesis when supplied in addition to light within the PAR
spectrum. Currently, it is unknown how much far-red light contributes to
carbon assimilation under various spectral light conditions. We
developed a combined experimental and computational method to quantify
FR stimulation. Gas-exchange parameters and incident light spectra were
measured simultaneously and analysed with wavelength-dependent modelling
of light harvesting. Hereto, separate excitation of Photosystem I and
Photosystem II was calculated from incident light spectra. The effect of
FR supplementation on photosynthesis was subsequently modelled and
expressed as a single parameter ρ. We tested our method on
Solanum dulcamara, Lactuca sativa and Phaseolus
vulgaris under various light conditions. Results show consistent
species-specific ρ-values across a range of FR levels. Our method
provides an approach to consistently quantify the effect of FR
stimulation on photosynthesis and harmonize the interpretation of
photosynthesis measurements under different light regimes, for example
in (experimental) setups with artificial FR supplementation or in
canopies.