Role of plant leaf development in optimising photosynthetic efficiency, capacity, growth and yield

摘要

1. This paper focuses on the links between leaf development and leaf photosynthetic properties in optimising the potential for plant growth and yield. 2. The following leaf development issues are identified as important research questions for maximising light energy conversion by plants: 3. understanding the determinants of high and low specific leaf area (SLA) leaf development strategies and the links to having low and high photosynthetic capacity leaves 4. understanding the genetic determinants and variability of sun and shade leaf phenotypes is of primary importance, including issues relating to chloroplast-level acclimation and leaf-level acclimation, including cell and leaf morphology. 5. If photosynthetic capacity per unit leaf area is linked to SLA, then the question arises as to what are the effects of breeding for high SLA early in canopy development for fast canopy development. The question of later potential consequences of limiting photosynthetic capacity development in the top layers of the canopy also arises.