Photosynthetic responses of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) to photon flux density, leaf temperature and CO2 concentration

Abstract

Two cultivars (Huanghemi and Elizabeth) of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were evaluated to determine the effect of photon flux density (PFD), leaf temperature, and CO2 concentration on the net photosynthetic rate (Pn). The cultivars were evaluated under open field and solar-heated greenhouse conditions in northwest China. The Pn increased as the PFD increased, and then the rate of increase in Pn declined for Huanghemi and decreased for Elizabeth. Elizabeth registered 22 μmol m-2 s-1 for light compensation and 1127 μmol m-2 s-1 for light saturation, which, respectively, were 50 and 70% of those required by Huanghemi. The Pn increased with increasing leaf temperatures in the range of 9.8 to 50.8°C. The optimum temperature for photosynthesis was 35.3°C for muskmelon grown in open field, 2.4°C (7%) greater than that for muskmelon grown in the greenhouse. At optimal temperatures, the field-grown muskmelon had the Pn of 19.8 μmol m-2 s-1, 30% greater than that for the greenhouse-grown muskmelon. Both cultivars responded positively to CO2 concentrations of below the CO2 saturation points, whereas Huanghemi exhibited greater (51%) Pn and higher (49%) carboxylation efficiency than Elizabeth at optimal CO2 level. The two cultivars exhibited greater photosynthesis in open field than when grown in solar-heated greenhouses, while Elizabeth performed better than Huanghemi when light conditions were poor. Selective use of cultivars with low requirements for light and temperatures will enhance the photosynthesis and productivity of muskmelon grown in solar-heated greenhouses of northwest China.