Effects of low water temperature (Tw) on the rate of light-saturated leaf photosynthesis (Pmax), plant water content and sap
bleeding rate of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were examined from field trials for 4 years. Cool irrigation water was applied at three
temperature levels (16–25 8C in daily average and 20–30 8C in daily maximum) for 20–34 days firstly during the vegetative and
secondly during the reproductive growth periods. Pmax during the reproductive growth period had a significant positive
correlation with Tw at the time of measurements in 3 of 4 years, where a 1 8C decrease of Tw from 25 8C decreased Pmax by 1.8–
2.4%. On the other hand, no significant relation between Pmax and Tw was observed during the vegetative growth period.
Stomatal conductance (gs) followed a similar trend to that of Pmax. Plant water content and sap bleeding rate were reduced by low
Tw for the first 5–12 days after start of treatment, but the effects of low Tw became progressively smaller. Chlorophyll meter
values (SPAD values) taken with the Minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter, were significantly higher under low Tw than those
under high Tw in the second half of each treatment period. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the negative effect of
decreased gs on Pmax caused by low Tw was alleviated by factors associated with increased SPAD values. These results supported
our previous finding that radiation use efficiency was less affected by low Tw than canopy radiation capture [Field Crops Res. 73
(2002) 67]. Although complex interactions are involved, the limited responses of Pmax to the long-term exposure to low Tw also
suggest that detailed physiological mechanisms that determine Pmax can be simplified in a crop growth model that evaluates the
effects of Tw on rice growth and yield under cool climates.