In commercial greenhouses horticulturists try to maximise productivity by maximising the rate of photosynthesis. Try to think how they achieve this. Click on the picture below for some answers.

 

 

Limiting factors

The rate at which photosynthesis takes place is affected by light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature. As the rate of photosynthesis increases so will the plants growth rate. Farmers and horticulturists want to increase growth rates to increase yields.

 

Look at the graphs below.

A B
C D

Which graph best shows the effect of increasing light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis?

A
 B
 C
 D
Which graph best shows the effect of increasing carbon dioxide concentration on the rate of photosynthesis?
A
 B
 C
 D
Which graph best shows the effect of increasing temperature if light and carbon dioxide are not limiting (i.e. the levels of light and carbon dioxide are high).
A
 B
 C
 D