Contribution of Aspen Bark Photosynthesis to the Energy Balance of the Stem

Authors

Knowlton C. Foote
Michail Schaedle

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Forest Science

Volume

24

Issue

4

First Page

569

Last Page

573

Publication Date

1978

Abstract

The total annual CO2 assimilation of Populus tremuloides was similar to evergreen tree foliage when expressed on a surface area basis. Of the annual total 2650 mg CO2dm² assimilated by the bark tissue, 27 percent was fixed during the months of March throughMay; 59 percent, June through August; 10 percent, September through November; and 4 percent, December through February. Canopy shading reduced CO2 fixation during the summer months, at a time when stem respiration was at its peak. When provided with artificial illumination, corticularphotosynthesis reached a maximum of 9-12 mg CO2dm²· hr. When leaves are absent, corticular photosynthesis is able to contribute significantly to the carbohydrate supply of the aspen stem. Forest Sci. 24: 569-573.

Recommended Citation

Foote, K.C. and Schaedle, M. 1978. The contribution of aspen bark photosynthesis to the energy balance of the stem. Forest Science. 24(4):569-573.