Abstract
Leaf carbon isotope ratios (δ13C), an indicator of long-term intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, and also stem and root carbon isotope ratios were measured on the obligate CAM species Crassula argentea cultivated in pure and mixed cultures with the succulent C3 Peperomia obtusifolia in open-air conditions under two different levels of nitrogen and water supply.
As expected, a diminished water supply and a relatively dry and hot summer climate cause a shift of δ13C values to a less strong 13C discrimination (less negative δ13C values). A diminished nitrogen supply causes a shift of the δ13C values in direction of a higher 13C discrimination (more negative δ13C values), particularly in the leaves. Competition causes also an increased 13C discrimination, especially valid for shoot axes.
The shift of 13C/12C isotope ratios in case of nitrogen deficiency is discussed to be a result of a decreased PEPCase activity in the night.
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