In 1977 Avery published a review of apple leaf photosynthesis (Pn) rates to estimate maximum rates with current technologies and conditions. This presents a recent review of more than 90 published reports of apple photosynthesis from 1978-2022 evaluated the techniques and equipment used, the experimental parameters of CO2, temperature, light, and vapor pressure deficit. The goal of the review was to determine if techniques used reflected changes in global atmospheric [CO2], and if there was evidence of response of apple leaves to changing [CO2] with time. Avery in 1977 estimated mean apple Pn rate to be ca. 14 µgCO2m-2s-1 and a maximum rate of ca. 22 µgCO2m-2s-1. The current review suggests an estimated mean apple Pn rate to be ca. 15.6 µgCO2m-2s-1 , similar to Avery, but a maximum rate of ca. 31-35 µgCO2m-2s-1, higher than Avery. Since 1977, there has been an approximately 26% increase in global CO2. There was no correlation between experimental [CO2] or atmospheric [CO2] and reported Pn, and although reported Pn rates tended to increase with time, there was no significant correlation to time. Experimental[CO2] was reported in 58% of the reports but omitted in others. Experimental parameters of measurement temperature or vapor pressure deficit were commonly not reported.
