Scientific publications

A comparative assessment of the temperature dependence of net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in Cucumus sativus L. leaves exposed to longterm or daily shortterm temperature decreases to 12 °C during the initial lagphase (not yet unfolded leaf) or exponential growth phase (an unfolded actively growing leaf) was made. Constant exposure to 12 °C irrespective of the leaf growth stage resulted in a reduced photosynthetic rate of the leaves. In contrast, a periodic shortterm temperature drop increased the rate of photosynthesis. Leaves subjected to temperature drop treatment during the exponential growth phase increased the photosynthetic rate only at high temperatures, while the same temperature drop treatments during the lag phase caused an increase in the photosynthetic rate at both high and low temperatures, thereby significantly increasing the adaptive potential of the plants.