Effects of sink demand and nutrient status on leaf photosynthesis of spring-cycle shoot in 'Newhall' navel orange under natural field conditions

► We measured photosynthetic parameters of different sink demands of shoots. ► The highest sink demand of shoots had the lowest net photosynthetic rate (Pn). ► Nitrogen and phosphorous were low in the leaves of high fruit load shoots. ► The development of leaves was limited in the high fruit load shoots. ► The Pn was mainly limited by nutrient status and development of source leaves.