On the Economy of Plant Form and Function

On the Economy of Plant Form and Function
Author: Thomas J. Givnish
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 1072
Release: 1986-08-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521262965

This book summarizes the major recent advances in the economic analysis of plant behavior.

On the Economy of Plant Form and Function

On the Economy of Plant Form and Function
Author: Thomas J. Givnish
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 736
Release: 2005-11-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521022491

Recent studies that analyze the impact of various plant traits on whole-plant growth and competitive ability have provided insights into the selective pressures on characteristics such as leaf reflectivity, effective leaf size, stomatal conductance, size of photosynthetic enzyme pools, crown form, xylem structure, nitrogen fixation, and root versus shoot allocation. This research has reached an exciting stage, leading to quantitative predictions of favoured trends in these traits as a function of environmental parameters and fundamental physiological constraints. Such results reveal the importance of ecological patterns in plant form and physiology, and of evolutionary constraints on photosynthesis and primary productivity. On the Economy of Plant Form and Function summarizes the major recent advances in the economic analysis of plant behavior and suggests a framework for a unified, quantitative approach to understanding photosynthetic adaptations, their integration with other aspects of plant form, and their relationship to carbon balance and ultimate limits on plant productivity.

Diagnosis of the Nitrogen Status in Crops

Diagnosis of the Nitrogen Status in Crops
Author: Gilles Lemaire
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 240
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3642606849

Providing a link between theoretical and applied aspects of plant nutrition and agriculture, this book introduces new concepts in plant nutrition. It shows how these can be applied in order to assess the nitrogen status in crops and to improve nitrogen nutrition through optimized N fertilization management. In this way economic benefits can be obtained, while at the same time preventing detrimental effects on the environment. The main agricultural crops - grasses, wheat, barley, Durum wheat, maize, sorghum, grain legumes and potatoes - are covered. The book will be an invaluable source for agronomists.

Plant Physics

Plant Physics
Author: Karl J. Niklas
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Total Pages: 447
Release: 2012-02-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0226586340

From Galileo, who used the hollow stalks of grass to demonstrate the idea that peripherally located construction materials provide most of the resistance to bending forces, to Leonardo da Vinci, whose illustrations of the parachute are alleged to be based on his study of the dandelion’s pappus and the maple tree’s samara, many of our greatest physicists, mathematicians, and engineers have learned much from studying plants. A symbiotic relationship between botany and the fields of physics, mathematics, engineering, and chemistry continues today, as is revealed in Plant Physics. The result of a long-term collaboration between plant evolutionary biologist Karl J. Niklas and physicist Hanns-Christof Spatz, Plant Physics presents a detailed account of the principles of classical physics, evolutionary theory, and plant biology in order to explain the complex interrelationships among plant form, function, environment, and evolutionary history. Covering a wide range of topics—from the development and evolution of the basic plant body and the ecology of aquatic unicellular plants to mathematical treatments of light attenuation through tree canopies and the movement of water through plants’ roots, stems, and leaves—Plant Physics is destined to inspire students and professionals alike to traverse disciplinary membranes.

Modeling Carbon Fluxes, Net Primary Production and Light Utilization in Boreal Forest Stands

Modeling Carbon Fluxes, Net Primary Production and Light Utilization in Boreal Forest Stands
Author: Scott J. Goetz
Publisher: Universal-Publishers
Total Pages: 136
Release: 1997-08
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0965856453

The use of satellite remote sensing for modeling net primary production (NPP) was evaluated in sixty boreal forest stands spanning a range of site conditions. The work included: (i) estimating annual phenological dynamics and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception with remotely sensed spectral measurements, (ii) linking annually absorbed PAR (APAR) to measured NPP and quantifying variability in light use efficiency ("En"), (iii) evaluating sources of variability in "En" via mechanistic modeling of ecophysiology and associated carbon fluxes, particularly through analyses of respiratory carbon costs in relation to assimilation gains (the R: A ratio), (iv) assessing generalization of the results through an investigation of the evidence for evolutionary convergence in "En", the R: A ratio and assimilation per unit APAR (Eg). The analyses showed that observed variability in "En" reflects a decoupling of PAR harvesting and utilization, primarily as a result of differences in the R: A ratio. Links between "En", the R: A ratio and standing above-ground biomass were related to differences the carbon (energy) costs associated with synthesis and maintenance of plant constituents, and longevity (i.e. the payback period on investment in carbon gain). Estimating the R: A ratio from above-ground biomass, in order to compensate for variability in "En", was found to be problematic owing primarily to covariation of R and A with the amount of respiring biomass (i.e. sapwood and foliage). The analyses also showed that the differences in carbon costs between functional types (plants with related life history traits) resulted in convergence on "Eg" rather than en. Variability in "Eg" was, however, introduced by stomatal control at some stressed sites. These findings were supported by the remote sensing and simulation modeling results, and the synthesis of work related to evolutionary ecology. The primary conclusions are that variability in light utilization in these boreal forest stands was determined largely by respiratory carbon costs, and that NPP models based on light harvesting require augmentation with terms that reflect PAR utilization. Possible methods to address these issues, and their implications for NPP modeling over large areas, are discussed.

Plant Resource Allocation

Plant Resource Allocation
Author: Fakhri A. Bazzaz
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 319
Release: 1997-07-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080539076

Plant Resource Allocation is an exploration of the latest insights into the theory and functioning of plant resource allocation. An international team of physiological ecologists has prepared chapters devoted to the fundamental topics of resource allocation. - Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of resource allocation in plants - All contributors are leaders in their respective fields

Photosynthetic Nitrogen Assimilation and Associated Carbon and Respiratory Metabolism

Photosynthetic Nitrogen Assimilation and Associated Carbon and Respiratory Metabolism
Author: C.H. Foyer
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 300
Release: 2006-04-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0306481383

According to many textbooks, carbohydrates are the photosynthesis and mitochondrial respiration fluctuate in a circadian manner in almost every unique final products of plant photosynthesis. However, the photoautotrophic production of organic organism studied. In addition, external triggers and environmental influences necessitate precise and nitrogenous compounds may be just as old, in appropriate re-adjustment of relative flux rates, to evolutionary terms, as carbohydrate synthesis. In the algae and plants of today, the light-driven assimilation prevent excessive swings in energy/resource provision of nitrogen remains a key function, operating and use. This requires integrated control of the alongside and intermeshing with photosynthesis and expression and activity of numerous key enzymes in respiration. Photosynthetic production of reduced photosynthetic and respiratory pathways, in order to carbon and its reoxidation in respiration are necessary co-ordinate carbon partioning and nitrogen assim- ation. to produce both the energy and the carbon skeletons required for the incorporation of inorganic nitrogen This volume has two principal aims. The first is to into amino acids. Conversely, nitrogen assimilation provide a comprehensive account of the very latest developments in our understanding of how green is required to sustain the output of organic carbon cells reductively incorporate nitrate and ammonium and nitrogen. Together, the sugars and amino acids into the organic compounds required for growth.

Plant Biology of the Basin and Range

Plant Biology of the Basin and Range
Author: C.Barry Osmond
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 398
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 364274799X

In a very real sense, much of North American physiological plant ecol ogy began in the Basin and Range and has been researched there over the last four decades. However, we believe that this book may be the first attempt to bring together the full range of contemporary research into the fascinating plant biology of the Basin and Range Province. We have invited contributions from researchers presently working in and around the Province and asked them to review the major vegetation zones and distinctive environmental issues from a predominantly plant ecophysiological perspective. As researchers interested in plant physi ological and ecological processes, and in atmospheric processes affect ing vegetation, we have tended to emphasize the atmosphere, plant, soil continuum in structuring this book. After an introduction to the geography of the region, we deal with atmospheric processes and climates of the Great Basin, follow with chapters on the different vegetational zones, treated from ecophysiological perspectives, and then place emphasis on plant-soil relations. We have not treated plant animal interactions in the detail that the impacts of man and his domesticated animals on the desert ecosystem deserve. However we have included a review of a very promising technique (analysis of stable isotopes at natural abundance) for integration of these processes. We close with a compelling statement of the case for the Great Basin as a laboratory for climatic change research, prepared by a multidisciplinary team from the Desert Research Institute.

Enhancing the Efficiency of Nitrogen Utilization in Plants

Enhancing the Efficiency of Nitrogen Utilization in Plants
Author: Sham S. Goyal
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 512
Release: 2006-08-22
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781560221418

The latest advancements and innovations in regulating the nitrogen levels in your crops Enhancing the Efficiency of Nitrogen Utilization in Plants examines current research to present an overview of inorganic nitrogen uptake and metabolism in plant life and crop production. This comprehensive resource is divided into sections for quick and easy reference, focusing on physiology and adaptive mechanisms, molecular genetics, and applied aspects. The world’s leading experts in agronomy, crop science, and plant physiology analyze the most effective methods and management practices to ensure maximum plant growth and production. Enhancing the Efficiency of Nitrogen Utilization in Plants develops links between basic and applied research and practical crop production. This unique book addresses a wide range of topics that relate to nitrogen use efficiency, and to plant and crop responses to applications of nitrogen via fertilizers, including nitrogen acquisition and reduction; crop rotation; molecular approaches, genetics, and markers; balanced fertilization and controlled-release fertilizers; nitrogen decline, supply, and demand; crop breeding; radiation use; nutrient deficiency and toxicity; nitrate induction and signaling; nitrogen transport; and nitrogen use at the leaf and canopy level . Enhancing the Efficiency of Nitrogen Utilization in Plants examines: plant responses to changes in the supply of the two inorganic nitrogen sources of nitrate and ammonium root system control mechanisms of nitrogen uptake nitrate uptake and reduction in higher and lower plants how nitrogen affects biomass production in a canopy nitrogen’s effects on radiation interception and radiation use efficiency senescence and photosynthesis the regulation of nitrogen and carbon metabolisms by sugars and nitrogen metabolites integrated nitrogen fertilization the use of legumes for soil improvement root system control mechanisms fertility and crop nutrient demand chemical and biological processes that influence nitrogen transformation or loss the use of simulation models to measure water and nutrient transport in soils and much more Enhancing the Efficiency of Nitrogen Utilization in Plants is an invaluable classroom aid for academics working in plant physiology and agronomy, and an essential professional resource for researchers working in plant and crop production.

Flux Control in Biological Systems

Flux Control in Biological Systems
Author: Ernst-Detlef Schulze
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 540
Release: 2012-12-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0323139426

Comprehending and modelling biomass production, nutrient, and water fluxes in biological systems requires understanding control mechanisms at various levels of organiztion. This new book, with 16 pages of four-colorplates, compares patterns and mechanisms of regulation-starting from enzyme reactions and ending at the population and ecosystem level. By doing so, the book investigates the general principles of how fluxes are adjusted and regulated. Such principles areessential for preparing effective models and for predicting human impacts on ecosystems. Flux Control in Biological Systems: From Enzymes to Populations and Ecosystems will be an essential personal library addition for student and professional environmental biologists, ecologists, physiologists, biochemists, botanists, microbiologists, soil scientists, and zoologists; as well as anyone who investigate patterns of matter and energy transfer in biological systems of different levels of complexity.* Presents the mechanisms of flux control* Explains the similarities of flux control at various levels of complexity and organization* Demonstrates how fluxes are adjusted in complex systems of interacting groups of organisms