Genetic variability in photosynthetic rate and leaf characters in Brassicaceae coenospecies

Abstract

Thirty-nine Brassica coenospecies grown in pot cultures during 1993 and 1994 were screened for variability in photosynthetic rate (P(N)) and leaf characters. There were significant differences among the species in P(N) per unit leaf area, chlorophyll (Chl) content, specific leaf mass (SLM), stomatal resistance (r(s)) and individual leaf size. The interactions species x year and species x date of measurement were small compared to the species effect. There was a significant negative correlation between P(N) and r(s) and a significant positive one between P(N) and both Chl content and SLM.