Date of Award
8-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biology
Department
Biology
First Reader/Committee Chair
Dr. David Smith
Abstract
To examine the effects of photosynthetic mode (C3 vs CAM) on plant productivity, subjects of the sister taxa Tillandsia confertiflora (a C3 species) and Tillandsia latifolia (a CAM species) were grown under controlled conditions via growth chamber over 30 weeks. These subjects were divided into non-stressed and drought stress groups. Subjects were compared for total biomass gained or lost over the time period as well as physiological stress measures and CAM activity. The primary conclusion is that usage of CAM does not show major differences or tradeoffs for overall productivity. Future work is needed to clarify if this holds true among genera and among non-epiphytic species or species of varied ranges and life histories.
Recommended Citation
Read, Jeremy L., "EFFECTS OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC MODE ON GROWTH IN CLOSELY RELATED TILLANDSIA SPECIES" (2026). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2531.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/2531