Genetic variability in photosynthetic rate and leaf characters in Brassicaceae coenospecies

Abstract

Thirty-nine Brassica coenospecies grown in pot cultures during 1993 and 1994 were screened for variability in photosynthetic rate (P N ) and leaf characters. There were significant differences among the species in P N per unit leaf area, chlorophyll (Chl) content, specific leaf mass (SLM), stomatal resistance (r s ) and individual leaf size. The interactions species x year and species x date of measurement were small compared to the species effect. There was a significant negative correlation between P N and r s and a significant positive one between P N and both Chl content and SLM.