The study evaluates the accuracy of two FvCB model sub-models (I and II) in estimating the maximum electron transport rate for CO2 assimilation (JA-max) by comparing estimated values with observed maximum electron transport rates (Jf-max) in four C3 species: Triticum aestivum L., Silphium perfoliatum L., Lolium perenne L., and Trifolium pratense L. Significant discrepancies were found between JA-max estimates from sub-model I and observed Jf-max values for T. aestivum, S. perfoliatum, and T. pratense (p < 0.05), with sub-model I overestimating JA-max for T. aestivum. Sub-model II consistently produced higher JA-max estimates than sub-model I. This study highlights limitations in the FvCB sub-models, particularly their tendency to overestimate JA-max when accounting for electron consumption by photorespiration (JO), nitrate reduction (JNit), and the Mehler reaction (JMAP). An alternative empirical model provided more accurate Jf-max estimates, suggesting the need for improved approaches to model photosynthetic electron transport. These findings have important implications for crop yield prediction, ecological modeling, and climate change adaptation strategies, emphasizing the need for more accurate estimation methods in plant physiology research.
This study analyzes stomatal conductance (gsc) in Trifolium repens L., Lolium perenne L., and Triticum aestivum L. under varying environmental conditions. Light-response curves for photosynthesis (An–I) at 420 μmol mol−1 CO2 were used to determine saturating irradiance (Isat) using a light-response model for photosynthesis, and CO2-response curves for photosynthesis (An–Ci) were measured at Isat and half Isat for these C3 plant species. The Ball–Woodrow–Berry (BWB) model, Medlyn model, and a new model were compared for their ability to describe the net photosynthetic rate (An) relative to gsc under changing irradiance or CO2. The BWB model overestimated gsc response, simplifying stomatal behavior, while the Medlyn model deviated at high An values, indicating limitations in dynamic responses. The new model showed a better empirical fit under the tested conditions, achieving high R2 values and low AIC values across all three species, and demonstrated a strong alignment with empirical data. Our findings highlight the complexity of gsc regulation and the need for improved models to better represent stomatal dynamics under different environmental conditions. This research is vital for optimizing water use efficiency, enhancing crop productivity, and understanding plant resilience to climate change.