Re: Cold weather and photosynthesis
In a message dated 5/23/01 9:52:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
joea@pharmasan.com writes:
<< So lets say that pumpkin photosynthesis runs at 100% at 85 degrees. If
this is a linear relationship, then every 10 degree drop in temperature
correlates to a 50% drop in the rate of photosynthesis. Here's how the
numbers stack up-
85 degrees- 100%
75 degrees- 50%
65 degrees- 25%
55 degrees- 12.5%
45 degrees- 6.25%
35 degrees- 3.13%
25 degrees- game over, man
>>
Joe:
Excellent post. Now, does anyone know the exact temperature that pumpkins
achieve 100% photosynthesis? I'd be interested in knowing. That would be the
optimal temperature a grower would want for the developing plants.
What happens if temps get higher? Is photosynthesis adversely affected? My
hope is that photosynthesis occurs at 100% even if the temps are higher than
85, so long as the plant is not in distress from wilting.
In my patch, the sun's intensity heats objects like the plant's leaves and
the soil while the ambient air temps measure 88 degrees. In fact, the sun
heats the soil so hot that walking with bare feet is impossible, yet air
temps are cooler. The leaves remain unwilted due to deep watering, but I
would be interested to know what effect this has on photosynthesis.
Barb
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