Morphological and anatomical determinants of mesophyll conductance in wild relatives of tomato (Solanumsect.Lycopersicon, sect.Lycopersicoides;Solanaceae)

• DOI: 10.1111/pce.12245
• Publication Date: 2013-11-27T08:01:02Z
• Authors: CHRISTOPHER D. MUIR; ROGER P. HANGARTER; LEONIE C. MOYLE; PHILLIP A. DAVIS
• Keywords: Herbaceous plant; Stomatal Conductance

Abstract Natural selection on photosynthetic performance is a primary factor determining leaf phenotypes. The complex CO 2 diffusion path from substomatal cavities to the chloroplasts – mesophyll conductance ( g m ) limits rate in many species and hence shapes variation morphology anatomy. Among sclerophyllous succulent taxa, structural investment leaves, measured as dry mass per area LMA ), has been implicated decreased . However, herbaceous taxa with high , it less certain how impacts whether significantly affects performance. We addressed these questions context of understanding ecophysiological significance trait wild tomatoes, closely related group perennials. Although was affected photosynthesis. Even tender‐leaved species, greater led reduced This relationship between partially mediated by cell packing thickness, although amphistomy (equal distribution stomata both sides leaf) mitigates effect thickness. Understanding costs increased will inform future work adaptive across ecological gradients tomatoes other systems.