Estimating leaf CO2 assimilation in C3 plants using a handheld porometer
with chlorophyll fluorometer in field conditions
Abstract
Gas exchange measurement is the gold standard method for determining
leaf CO 2 assimilation rate ( A
n). However, conventional systems for measuring A
n often require considerable time and/or effort to
collect numerous samples in the field owing to their high weight and
large size. Here, we present an efficient and convenient method for
estimating A n using a handheld porometer with a
chlorophyll fluorometer, facilitating on-the-go assessment of A
n in the field. This method integrates the measured
stomatal conductance and quantum yield of photochemistry in PSII into a
biochemical photosynthesis model, incorporating model uncertainties into
a single calibrated parameter. Using this method, we successfully
estimated A n variations in 12 species under
field conditions, with a root mean square error of 2.0 mol m
−2 s −1, despite using the common
parameter set. In contrast, without calibration (i.e., with the
often-assumed parameter value), this method greatly overestimated
A n. These results highlight the importance of
appropriate calibration depending on prevailing conditions, particularly
the light source. In summary, this method demonstrates the potential for
accessible, high-throughput, and accurate estimation of A
n in diverse plants, thereby addressing a key bottleneck
in field-based phenotyping of photosynthesis. However, further studies
are required to reduce the uncertainties imposed on the calibrated
parameter.