Steady state transcript levels of psbA, rbcL, atpB, and psbN genes accumulated differentially in mature leaves of a field-grown tree Populus deltoides during natural diurnal cycle and in dark adaptation followed by irradiation. The rbcL transcript accumulated independent of irradiation under diurnal conditions, which demonstrated a correlation with the phenomenon of midday depression in photosynthesis. The psbA and atpB transcripts accumulated more in dark whereas psbN accumulated more in light. Diurnal rhythm of gene expression in mature chloroplasts was independent of development related changes. and S. Srivastava, P. K. Trivedi, P. Nath.