Is there an optimal light recipe that suits CAM photosynthesis? 

Using a whole plant gas exchange chamber, it is possible to continuously monitor the four phases of CAM photosynthesis and study how different light recipes impact daily carbon gain. Combined with the recently acquired DUAL-PAM system that monitors both PSII and PSI operating efficiency it is now possible to characterize how light use efficiency changes during the day and what are the likely limiting processes. This opens the possibility to study how different photoperiod lengths and light intensity influence the light use efficiency of CAM photosynthesis and can help optimize light recipes. Another exploratory path is to test if adding light periods of various intensities during the night can increase daily carbon fixation at a time when stomata are open and the cost of electricity is low.

Used skills

• Li-6400 / Li – 6800 gas exchange and
• chlorophyll fluorescence measurements.

Interested in doing a BSc or MSc thesis at HPP? Please contact Katharina Hanika or Kim Vanderwolk via the HPP office (office.hpp@wur.nl).