| Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is characterized by a large number of leaves in the lower layers. These leaves are poorly illuminated, remain below the light compensation point and abscise at maturity. The effects of removing 50 % of all leaves taken from the lower half of the plant at 40 (pre-flowering) or 60 (post-flowering) days after sowing (DAS) were studied on photosynthesis and growth at 80 DAS and on yield at harvest. A comparison of stomatal and mesophyll effects on photosynthesis upon removal of such leaves was also made. Defoliation at 40 DAS resulted in a higher rate of photosynthesis (P N), growth and yield compared to defoliation at 60 DAS or the no defoliation control. The non-significant variation in stomatal limitation (I S), increased... |
