We examined the aging of leaves prior to abscission and the consequences for estimating whole-crown primary production in Cannabis sativa L. (hemp). Leaves at three vertical positions in hemp crowns were examined from initial full leaf expansion until 42 days later. Photosynthetic capacity decreased as leaves aged regardless of crown position, light intensity, or photoperiod. Although leaves remained green, the photosynthetic capacity declined logarithmically to values of 50% and 25% of the maximum 9 and 25 days later, respectively. Plants grown under +450 μmol m-2 s-1 supplemental photosynthetically active radiation or enriched diffuse light responded similarly; there was no evidence that photoperiod or enriched diffuse light modified the gas exchange pattern. At approximately 14 days after full leaf expansion, leaf light levels >500 μmol m-2 s-1 decreased photosynthesis, which resulted in ≥10% lower maximum electron transport rate at ≥ 20 days of growth period. Furthermore, leaves were saturated at lower light levels as leaf age progressed (≤500 μmol m-2 s-1). Incorporating leaf age corrections of photosynthetic physiology is needed when estimating hemp primary production.
Keywords: leaf longevity; leaf position; photosynthetic capacity; self-shading.