Salt-Induced Changes of CO 2 Conductances and Photochemical Properties of Spinach Leaves

Mesophyll and stomatal conductances of spinach leaves are reduced by mild salt stress while biochemical properties are not (1). Under these conditions, reduction of conductances inhibits photosynthesis (1). Thus, if conductances are restored photosynthesis may recover. Restoration of stomatal conductance is common but restoration of mesophyll conductance has not been observed. Changes of leaf mesophyll may permanently affect conductance to gases. With this experiment we investigate if mesophyll conductance may also recover when salt stress is relieved and if this is associated to a recovery of photosynthesis.