Assimilation balance of greenhouse hydroponic plants
作者: 时间: 2024-07-24
Assimilation balance is the balance between the production and consumption of assimilates. To optimize growth, assimilate production must be maximized while the efficient use of assimilates must be maximized. Unused assimilates accumulate and are eventually converted to starch, which is stored in leaf tissue. It is not clear whether the starch is then used for other purposes. Excess assimilates can also be converted to cellulose to form additional thick cell walls, but in most cases this is a waste of assimilates.
Assimilation balance can be described in several ways.
The first way is to distinguish between the different processes involved. Photosynthesis provides assimilates. Assimilates are consumed by assimilation and growth, also known as dry matter production.
The second way is to distinguish where these processes occur. For this purpose, plants can be divided into "sources" and "sinks". Those leaves that have a positive net assimilate are called "sources". The rest of the plant, which is the net assimilate, is called the "sink". The size and operation of the "sources" and "sinks" are key factors in maintaining balance for production and consumption.
The size of the "source" is related to the leaf area per square meter, which is called the leaf area index (leaf m2/greenhouse area m2). The size of the "sink" is mainly determined by the plant load (the number of fruits, flowers, and planting density per square meter of greenhouse area). In addition to LAI, the penetration of light in the crop also determines the photosynthetic capacity of the crop.
The third way to show the assimilation balance is to distinguish between different climatic factors related to the "source" and "sink" activities. These climatic factors are light, carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature.
In order to maintain a balance between the production and consumption of assimilated products, there must be a good ratio between many factors. In addition to this, it is also essential to maintain a balance between vegetative growth (stems and leaves) and reproductive growth (flowers and fruits).