The Growth and Functioning of Leaves: Proceedings of a Symposium Held Prior to the Thirteenth International Botanical Congress at the University of Sydney 18–20 August 1981

Crop yields and vegetation productivity depend upon a very large degree on the interception of light by the leaf surface. Hence understanding of the generation of leaves, their persistence and eventual senescence, and their physiological processes are of paramount importance in the quest for increasing productivity. This book was first published in 1983 and was written by leading international experts. It provides an integrated, coherent account of these aspects. Although the chapters were written as components of an integrated advanced text, the principle contributors were able to present and discuss their concepts in conjunction with the Thirteenth International Botanical Symposium at the University of Sydney in August 1981. A valuable adjunct to the volume is a summary of this discussion. This is a useful study for all those interested in the history of research into physiology of plants, crop physiology, agronomy, horticulture and ecology.

Table of Contents:
List of participants; Preface J. E. Dale and F. L. Milthorpe; Part I. Initiation and Early Growth: 1. The mechanism of leaf initiation R. F. Lyndon; 2. Primary vascularization and the siting of primordia P. R. Larson; 3. The geometry of phyllotaxis R. O. Erickson; 4. Kinematic analysis of leaf expansion W. K. Silk; 5. The shoot apex in transition: flowers and other organs R. W. King; 6. The shoot apex in transition: flowers and other organs R. W. King; Summary and discussion T. A. Steeves; Part II. Leaf Growth and the Development of Function: 7. General features of the production and growth and leaves J. E. Dale and F. L. Milthorpe; 8. Environmental influences of leaf expansion N. Terry, L. J. Waldron and S. E. Taylor; 9. Hormonal influences on leaf growth P. B. Goodwin and M. G. Erwee; 10. Photomorphogenesis in leaves D. Vince-Prue and D. J. Tucker; 11. The development of photosynthetic capacity in leaves R. M. Leech and N. R. Baker; Summary and discussion J. Moorby; Part III. The Mature Leaf and its Significance: 12. Water relations of the mature leaf E. W. R. Barlow; 13. External factors influencing photosynthesis and respiration M. M. Ludlow; 14. Internal factors influencing photosynthesis and respiration J. D. Hesketh, E. M. Larson, A. J. Gordon and D. B. Peters; 15. Transport functions of leaves U. Lüttge; 16. Physiological responses, metabolic changes and regulation during leaf senescence H. W. Woolhouse and G. I. Jenkins; 17. Modelling leaf growth and function D. A. Charles-Edwards; 18. Performance and productivity of foliage in the field J. L. Monteith and J. Elston; Summary and discussion D. Geiger and F. L. Milthorpe; Index.