What factors affect plant respiration rates?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Plant respiration rates fluctuate continuously with respect to internal and external conditions. Temperature fluctuations, oxygen availability, plant age, and environmental stresses are important factors to consider. If these variables are understood and properly regulated, they can lead to optimal plant health conditions. The efficiency of respiration will determine the growth, power, and energy efficiency of the plant in question. This information is of great value to gardeners and farmers involved with crop production.
Temperature Impact
- Respiration rates double per 10°C temperature increase (Q₁₀ effect)
- Optimal range: 20-30°C (68-86°F) for most plants
- Above 40°C (104°F): Enzymes denature reducing efficiency
- Below 5°C (41°F): Metabolic slowdown preserves energy
Oxygen Availability
- Aerobic respiration requires >5% oxygen concentration
- Below 2%: Switch to inefficient anaerobic fermentation
- Roots need soil air pockets for optimal oxygen intake
- Waterlogging causes oxygen starvation within hours
Plant Development Stage
- Seedlings show 50-70% higher rates than mature plants
- Flowering/fruiting stages increase energy demands
- Dormant trees reduce winter respiration by 40-60%
- Senescing leaves prioritize repair respiration
Environmental Stressors
- Drought spikes respiration by 25-40% for repair energy
- Pathogen attacks increase metabolic rates for defense
- Nutrient deficiencies alter respiratory pathways
- Mechanical damage triggers localized respiration surges
The Q₁₀ temperature coefficient greatly influences respiration rates. Higher temperatures increase glucose breakdown exponentially. Tropical plants tend to cope better with this than temperate plants. Nighttime cooling reduces daily respiratory rates. Greenhouse growers introduce ventilation systems to help stabilize temperature ranges.
The access to oxygen determines energy efficiency. Roots in compact soil will perish in hours. Gardeners avoid this issue by using raised beds and incorporating organic matter. Rice has aerenchyma tissues that provide a passage for oxygen to go downward. These adaptations are instances of Nature's methods to overcome the obstacles of respiration.
Breathing behaviours shift through growth cycles; young plants breathe at a greater rate to achieve growth. In contrast, mature plants convert available energy in a more efficacious manner. During stress events, for example, due to pests, plant respiration must also increase in metabolic requirement to utilise the available energy. The ability to assess these behaviours will assist in the early diagnosis of poor plant health.
Read the full article: Respiration in Plants: The Complete Process Guide
