Photosynthesis and Production in a Changing Environment - A field and laboratory manual

The majority of the world's people depend research work should be carried out at the local and regional level by locally trained on plants for their livelihood since they grow them for food, fuel, timber, fodder and people. many other uses. A good understanding Following the success of our earlier book of the practical factors which govern the (Techniques in Bioproductivity and Photo synthesis; Pergamon Press, 1985), which productivity of plants through the process of photosynthesis is therefore of paramount was translated into four major languages, importance, especially in the light of cur the editors and contributors have exten rent concern about global climate change sively revised the content and widened the and the response of both crops and natural scope of the text,· so it now bears a title ecosystems. in line with current concern over global The origins of this book lie in a series of climate change. · In particular, we have training courses sponsored by the United added chapters on remote sensing, con Nations Environment Programme (Project trolled-environment studies, chlorophyll No. FP/6108-88-0l (2855); 'Environment fluorescence, metabolite partitioning and changes and the productivity of tropical the use of mass isotopes, all of which grasslands'), with additional support from techniques are increasing in their applica many international and national agencies. tion and importance to this subject area.

List of contents

1 Measurement of plant biomass and net primary production of herbaceous vegetation.- 2 Remote sensing of biomass and productivity.- 3 Growth analysis.- 4 Plant microclimate.- 5 Controlled-environment studies.- 6 Canopy structure and light interception.- 7 Functional leaf anatomy.- 8 Water relations.- 9 Measurement of CO2 assimilation by plants in the field and the laboratory.- 10 Polarographic measurement of oxygen.- 11 Carbon isotope discrimination.- 12 Chlorophyll fluorescence as a tool in photosynthesis research.- 13 Modelling of solar irradiance, leaf energy budget and canopy photosynthesis.- 14 Modelling of canopy carbon and water balance.- 15 Carbon partitioning.- 16 Carbon metabolism.- 17 Chloroplasts and protoplasts.- 18 Thylakoid components and processes.- 19 Nitrogen fixation and nitrate reduction.- 20 Ammonia assimilation, photorespiration and amino acid biosynthesis.- 21 Microalgae: laboratory growth techniques and the biotechnology of biomass production.- Appendix A Epuipment for plant physiology research in a changing environment.- Manufacturer's addresses.- Appendix B Experimental design and presentation of results.- References.- Appendix C Biomass production and data.- Reference.- Recommended Journals.- Appendix D Units, symbols and abbreviations.- Further reading.- Appendix E 'GASEX': a program to study the influence of data variations on caculated rates of photosynthesis and transpiration.- E.1 Introduction.- E.2 Calculations of gas exchange parameters.- E.2.1 Calculation of 'molar flow'.- E.2.2 Calculation of the transpiration rate.- E.2.3 Calculation of net leaf photosynthesis.- E.2.4 Calculation of leaf temperature.- E.3 Description of the program.- E.3.1 Running the program.- References and further reading.- Appendix F 'TISWAT.BAS': aprogram to calculate simple water-relations parameters from pressure chamber measurements.- F.1 Introduction.- F.2 Calculation of water-relations parameters.- F.2.1 A simple approach.- F.2.2 Rehydration.- F.2.3 Measuring water potential and relative water content.- F.2.4 Calculation of turgid weight.- F.2.5 Calculation of osmotic potential at full turgor and apoplastic water content.- F.2.6 Calculation of turgor pressure.- F.2.7 Calculation of bulk modulus of elasticity.- F.3 Description of program.- F.3.1 The 'Main Menu'.- F.3.2 How to input the data.- F.3.3 Analysis of results.- F.4 Additional notes and instructions.- References.- Appendix G 'ENERGY', 'SOLAR' and 'TLEAF': sun and leaf modeling programs.- References and further reading.

Summary

Presented by a team of international experts, this book provides information on almost all the major parameters of plant growth and the effect upon them of global climate change. Drawing from UNEP-sponsored training courses in the subject, it is useful for students and researchers in plant science, ecology and environmental science.

Report

"It is very useful to students and researchers who want a wide angle view on the photosynthesis research methods[...] Overall, the book provides a valuable guide in finding the most suitable experimental approach for photosynthesis research, and connections to related processes that determine plants productivity." (International Journal of Ecology)
"[...]of great interest to plant physiology and plant ecology teachers as well as for graduate students working in the fields of photosynthesis and plant productivity." (Journal of Experimental Botany)
"[...]one can recommend it to all students and scientists who want to become familiar with studies in ecology, plant physiology, agricultural and horticultural sciences." (Journal of Plant Physiology)
"Although designed as a field and bench manual this work is also a fine textbook on these subjects and will be a bible for new postgraduates in the subject and a much needed inspiration for those needing to design new practical courses [...] here is a book academics can afford to buy and feel happy they have received value for money." (Phytochemistry)

Product details

• Assisted by: H. R. Bolhar-Nordenkampf (Editor), H.R. Bolhar-Nordenkampf (Editor), D. O. Hall (Editor), D.O. Hall (Editor), Richard C. Leegood (Editor), S. P. Long (Editor), S.P. Long (Editor), J. M. O. Scurlock (Editor), J.M.O. Scurlock (Editor)
• Publisher: Springer Netherlands
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 26.06.2009
• EAN: 9780412429002
• ISBN: 978-0-412-42900-2
• No. of pages: 477
• Dimensions: 178 mm x 254 mm x 32 mm
• Weight: 1138 g
• Illustrations: XXVII, 477 p.
• Subject: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > Botany