Analysis of leaf CO 2 Assimilation, CO and CH 4 Release Under Different Environmental Settings
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Many studies have found plant leaves to be emitters of CO and CH 4 . Consensus indicates that CH 4 emissions are stimulated by heat and UV, while CO release is additionally stimulated by visible light. The mechanisms producing these emissions are yet to be discovered. To get closer to finding these mechanisms, this study examined whether photosynthesis might influence CO and CH 4 leaf emissions. Five plant species of different photosynthesis pathways were analysed for their photosynthesis performance, as well as CO and CH 4 emissions under different temperatures and visible light intensities. Findings reveal CO release rates to be positively correlated with light intensity and temperature but suggest a separate dark metabolism. CH 4 rates were independent of light intensity and temperature. Much lower CH 4 release from excised leaves compared to their connected counterparts, indicates that such is dependent on stomatal opening, supporting the hypothesis that CH 4 is dissolved in transpired water. CO release rates are similar between attached and detached leaves, suggesting that CO is produced at epidermal level. Photosynthesis appears to be unrelated to the release of either of these gases.
Key Message
No link was found between CO and CH 4 emission rates and CO 2 Assimilation. Combining the results from this study with previous research, CO is concluded to be produced in the epidermis and CH 4 to be dissolved in transpired water.
