Photosynthetic and transpiration rates in different canopy layers of 16 tomato cultivars

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the photosynthetic and transpiration rates in different
layers of tomato cultivars. Photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomata conductance, internal CO2 concentration, leaf temperature, air temperature and photosynthetically active radiation were evaluated in the beginning of the harvest. There were no differences among cultivars for all parameters. Photosynthetic rates were higher in
the upper layers. However, the photosynthetic rates in all layers were above the light compensation point, contributing with carbohydrates for the growth and development of the fruits. The transpiration rates were also
higher in the upper layers. The leaf temperature was higher in the downer layers.