Large leaf modulus of elasticity is associated with the distinct midday reduction of photosynthesis in rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.): a comparison with green gram (<i>Vigna radiata</i> (L.) R.Wilczek)

A distinct midday to afternoon (midday) reduction of leaf photosynthetic rate (An) occurred in rice, even under well-irrigated conditions on a clear day, but not green gram. No significant differences between species water potential (Ψleaf) or plant resistance transport during daytime were found. From the pressure–volume curves, it was revealed that rice leaves had larger bulk modulus elasticity (ε), and their turgor pressure (TP) decreased more as Ψleaf declined than gram leaves. The TP estimated be lower We attribute An ε