Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-fscjk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T15:51:38.720Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Measurement of Lichen Photosynthesis in the Field with a Portable Steady-State Co2-Porometer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2007

O. L. Lange
Affiliation:
Lehrstuhl für Botanik II der Universität Würzburg, Mittlerer Dallenbergweg 64, D-8700 Würzburg, F.R.G.; and Research Station Quinta Sao Pedro, Sobreda, Portugal.
Ellen Kilian
Affiliation:
Lehrstuhl für Botanik II der Universität Würzburg, Mittlerer Dallenbergweg 64, D-8700 Würzburg, F.R.G.; and Research Station Quinta Sao Pedro, Sobreda, Portugal.
Angelika Meyer
Affiliation:
Lehrstuhl für Botanik II der Universität Würzburg, Mittlerer Dallenbergweg 64, D-8700 Würzburg, F.R.G.; and Research Station Quinta Sao Pedro, Sobreda, Portugal.
J. D. Tenhunen
Affiliation:
Lehrstuhl für Botanik II der Universität Würzburg, Mittlerer Dallenbergweg 64, D-8700 Würzburg, F.R.G.; and Research Station Quinta Sao Pedro, Sobreda, Portugal.

Abstract

A portable system for CO2 gas exchange measurements is described which allows determination of photosynthesis and respiration rates of lichens (and mosses) in the field under light, humidity and temperature conditions which are close to ambient. Time periods for enclosure of the thalli in a cuvette of this CO2-porometer for gas exchange measurement are shortened to between 1 and 2 min, so that an experimental influence on their water relations is small. Between the periods of gas exchange measurement, the lichens experience their natural microclimate conditions. Thus, measurements approximate closely the true gas exchange rates of the lichens under natural conditions. Diurnal courses of CO2 exchange of lichens found growing in a Mediterranean habitat in the spring are demonstrated, as determined by this method.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Lichen Society 1984

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)