Impact of light intensity and leaf temperature on photosynthesis in Zea mays.

This study investigates the impact of leaf temperatures (T_leaf) and irradiance on photosynthesis rates of maize (Zea mays) leaves. The research focuses on how maize plants respond to abiotic stress factors, which are crucial for determining crop growth and yield in a way to develop maize lines that are optimized for arid environments. This is crucial for improving crop productivity in areas facing high temperature and light stress, contributing to food security in challenging climates. The photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductance decreased at high irradiance while transpiration rate remained unaffected. Conversely, the photosynthesis rate declined at elevated leaf temperatures, specifically around 41℃ but stomatal conductance and transpiration rates increased. These findings indicate that high T_leaf and irradiance significantly affect the photosynthetic performance of maize, potentially impacting plant growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]