Variability of photosynthetic and related traits in maize and other summer crops in a temperate humid area

Abstract Photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency (WUE) are crucial for the sustainable of in agriculture. Our objective was to analyze variability photosynthetic related traits maize ( Zea mays L.) other summer crops a temperate humid area. We evaluated parameters three years compared them pigeonpea chickpea, adapted arid environments, pepper, tomato common bean, as irrigated crops. Variability significant most no consistent patterns were found among genotypes. Compared crops, (C 4 crop) had highest CO 2 assimilation WUE, lowest stomatal conductance, substomatal concentration, transpiration. conductance pigeonpea, concentration transpiration WUE pigeonpea. Chickpea lacked traits, while has largest potential improving traits. Net assimilation, could be improved pepper. Water Use Efficiency some C 3 but more genetic biodiversity identified maize.