• Download
• Add to board
• Share

Under optimal conditions of adequate temperature (18-20 °C), light intensity (50,000Lux), water status, mineral nutrition, CO₂ concentration in the air (0.03%), etc., assimilation rate will reach 100% of its potential, when the soil surface is completely covered by plant foliage. This will take place under LAI (leaf area index) ≥3. It will then absorb CO₂ at rate of 1.92g/m2of leaf area/hour.

The longer the duration of these conditions, the higher will be dry matter production and tuber yield. However, net dry matter production is reduced by the consumption of the produced carbohydrates, due to plant respiration. Respiration rate is directly related to the ambient temperature and will increase also under stressful conditions such as drought and salinity.