Resumen
- Factors affecting photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in 10-year-old oil palms (Elaeis guineensis) grown in Colombia were studied in 1997. Higher photosynthetic rates, greater stomatal conductance, and lower intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci) were observed in younger fronds than in older fronds. Improved water supply increased the rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance. Leaf net photosynthesis (Pn) decreased under high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) of >20 mbars. Pn declined with the increase in leaf temperature; such trend, however, was not observed under PAR and high VPD. Stomatal conductance was more frequent, which resulted in greater photosynthesis, at higher VPD. Higher photosynthetic rate was also associated with lower Ci.