Ecophysiological studies in Hesperaloe funifera (Agavaceae): a potential new CAM crop. The effect of light availability on photosynthesis and growth

RAVETTA, D.A.; MCLAUGHLIN, S

JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS

ACADEMIC PRESS LTD-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 1996 vol. 33 p. 211 - 223

0140-1963

Hesperaloe funifera (Agavaceae) is being investigated as a new specialty-fibercrop for arid lands. The objective of this study was to examine the effects ofreduced solar radiation on photosynthesis and growth in this CAM species.Peak CO2 uptake integrated through 24 h was found to be highest duringthe fall. Although shading greatly reduced CO2 uptake in fall and winter, thedecrease was not statistically significant for the spring and summer. Totalbiomass was significantly different for the three light treatments, with averagefresh weights of 5243 g, 4488 g, and 3671 g for the full-sun, 53%-sun, and20%-sun treatments, respectively. The greatest differences were found in thecrown growth, which would affect future production of both leaves and flowerstalks.Photosynthesis and growth results suggest that the cultivation of Hesperaloefunifera will be favored in well-lit environments characteristic of arid or semiaridclimates.©1996 Academic Press LimitedKeywords: Hesperaloe; Agavaceae; Crassulacean acid metabolism; lightavailability