Autonomy and network modulation of photosynthesis and water relations of Coffea arabica in the field

Abstract

The degree of connection between leaf gas exchange and leaf water potential, and the autonomy of these variables in relation to meteorological conditions were determined in three cultivars of Coffea arabica during clear and cloudy days. High values of vapor pressure deficit, air temperature and photosynthetic photon flux density resulted in low leaf autonomy during a clear day, irrespective the degree of connection among leaf physiological variables. Tight synchronization between physiological and meteorological variables was considered one important cause of net photosynthesis (P N) decreasing during a clear day. In contrast, diurnal P N was around three times higher on a cloudy day, when all cultivars presented high autonomy. Principal component analyses corroborated autonomy results revealing unambiguous opposition between leaf physiological and meteorological vectors, besides less leaf physiological variability throughout the clear day. Despite these general responses during clear and cloudy days, there were significant differences among studied cultivars. Leaf autonomy was an important reference to evaluate C. arabica under environmental stress and should be taken into account when selecting cultivars under field conditions.