Leaf photosynthesis is positively correlated with xylem and phloem areas in leaf veins in rice (Oryza sativa) plants.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Leaf structure is an important determinant of leaf photosynthesis; however, the impacts of leaf structural traits on gas exchange parameters are still not fully understood. In the present study, 11 rice genotypes were grown in pots to investigate the influence of leaf structural traits on leaf photosynthesis and hydraulic conductance (Kleaf). METHODS: In this study, leaf photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), mesophyll conductance and Kleaf were measured. In addition, leaf structural traits including leaf thickness (LT), leaf mass per area and leaf xylem and phloem sizes were also measured to investigate their impacts on rice photosynthesis. KEY RESULTS: We found that the total area of xylem conduits per major vein (Xmajor), leaf phloem area per minor vein (Pminor) and LT were positively correlated with Kleaf, gs and A. The path analysis suggested that, however, only Pminor had a direct impact on A; Xmajor had an indirect impact on A via gs and Pminor, while LT did not show any direct or indirect impact on A. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the importance of manipulations in Xmajor and Pminor, two previously overlooked leaf traits, to improve leaf photosynthesis in rice plants.