Developmental changes in photosynthetic gas exchange in the polyol-synthesizing species, Apium graveolens L. (celery)

Developmental changes in photosynthetic gas exchange were investigated in the mannitol synthesizing plant celery (Apium graveolens L. 'Giant Pascal'). Greenhouse-grown plants had unusually high photosynthetic rates for a C3 plant, but consistent with field productivity data reported elsewhere for this plant. In most respects, celery exhibited typical C3 photosynthetic characteristics; light saturation occurred at 600 micromoles photons per square meter per second, with a broad temperature optimum, peaking at 26°C. At 2% O2, photosynthesis was enhanced 15 to 25% compared to rates at 21% O2. However, celery had low CO2 compensation points, averaging 7 to 20 microliters per liter throughout the canopy. Conventional mechanisms for concentrating CO2 were not detectable.