This award will support collaborative research between Dr. James P. Syvertsen of the University of Florida and Dr. P.E. Kriedemann of the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) Division of Forestry and Forest products. This research is to investigate the basis of low photosynthesis rates in citrus leaves, through correlation of the carbon dioxide concentration of these leaves with their structure. A primary focus is to determine the importance of diffusive resistances, primarily through the cell wall, to the rate of photosynthetic uptake of carbon dioxide. The project represents excellent collaboration between the Australian group and its development of techniques for studying biophysical limitations of plants and the Syvertsen work on the biochemical limitations of photosynthesis of citrus, as compared with other species. This is important fundamental work in plant metabolism, as well as having potential for major advances in improving the productivity of major agricultural crops in both countries.
