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Abstract Detail



Recent Topics Posters

Nies, Anne [1], Vitt, Pati [2].

Flowering affects photosynthetic rate in Cypripedium candidum.

Cypripedium candidum, commonly known as the white lady’s slipper orchid, is a terrestrial orchid native to North America. Although once abundant it is now threatened or endangered in many states due to loss of its native habitat, prairie bogs and fens.  It has been demonstrated that flowering does not increase the probability of dormancy in this species, and this may be because increased photosynthetic rate can help to offset the cost of reproduction. Above each flower there is an additional leaf, meaning that photosynthetic area in flowering rametes is potentially greater than in non-flowering rametes. In order to better understand this species the photosynthetic rate in flowering and non-flowering rametes was measured in twenty randomly selected clumps at four Illinois Nature Preserves. Readings were taken using a Licor6400XT with a LED light set to PAR > 900. Photosynthetic rate was significantly higher in flowering rametes than in non-flowering rametes and was significantly higher in flowering clumps versus non-flowering clumps. This indicates that Cypripedium candidum is able to up-regulate its photosynthetic rate during reproduction thus reducing the cost of flowering and the likelihood of entering dormancy after flowering.

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1 -
2 - Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, 60022, USA

Keywords:
orchids
photosynthesis
photosynthetic rate
Cypripedium candidum
CO2 flux
stomatal conductance
flowering.

Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT022
Abstract ID:1315
Candidate for Awards:None

Canceled

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