Photosynthetica, 2010 (vol. 48), issue 4

Original Papers

Biomass partition, leaf gas exchange and water relations of alfalfa and milkvetch seedlings in response to soil drying

B. C. Xu, X. P. Deng, S. Q. Zhang, L. Shan

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):481-487 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0064-x

This study compared physiological and growth responses to water stress of two legume species during the seedling stage. Potted alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. Algonquin) and milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens Pall. cv. Pengyang earlymaturing vetch) seedlings were grown under well-watered [soil water content (SWC) maintained at 14.92% daily] or water-stressed conditions (drying) for 15 days. Net photosynthetic rate (P _N), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (g _s) of both species decreased parabolically. When SWC decreased to 7.2% and 10.3%, g _s values for alfalfa and...

Physiological characterization of photosynthesis, chloroplast ultrastructure, and nutrient content in bracts and rosette leaves from Glaucium flavum

S. Redondo-Gómez, E. Mateos-Naranjo, F. J. Moreno

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):488-493 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0065-9

Glaucium flavum is a biennial plant that bears a rosette of leaves, producing a flower stalk, bracteate monochasium, in its second year. The aims of this work were both to investigate the contribution of bracts to gas-exchange activities in this species and to compare this contribution to that of rosette leaves. In addition, we investigated the extent to which its responses can be explained by chloroplast ultrastructure, as well as the possible role of nutrient concentrations in the physiological responses of both leaf types. Gas exchange and plant characteristics regarding chlorophyll fluorescence were examined in a field experiment; we also...

Characteristics of sun- and shade-adapted populations of an endangered plant Primulina tabacum Hance

K. M. Liang, Z. F. Lin, H. Ren, N. Liu, Q. M. Zhang, J. Wang, Z. F. Wang, L. L. Guan

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):494-506 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0066-8

Primulina tabacum Hance is an endangered perennial herb distributed in calcium-rich and nitrogen-limited soil of the karst limestone areas in southern China. The morphological, ultrastructural, and physiological traits were determined for P. tabacum populations growing in three different environment conditions: twilight zone of a cave (site TZ, extremely low light intensity), at a cave entrance (site EZ, low light intensity), and in an open area (site OA, high light intensity). At site OA, P. tabacum plants were exposed to high light (635 μmol m^-2 s^-1 of mean daily photosynthetically active radiation) with...

Variable responses of mesophyll conductance to substomatal carbon dioxide concentration in common bean and soybean

J. A. Bunce

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):507-512 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0067-7

Some reports indicate that mesophyll conductance (g _m) to carbon dioxide varies greatly with the substomatal carbon dioxide concentration (C _i) during the measurement, while other reports indicate little or no change in g _m with C _i. I used the oxygen sensitivity of photosynthesis to determine the response of g _m to C _i over the range of about 100 to 300 μmol mol^-1 C _i at constant temperature in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and soybean (Glycine max) grown over a range of temperatures and photosynthetic...

Short-term chromium(VI) stress induces different photosynthetic responses in two duckweed species, Lemna gibba L. and Lemna minor L.

V. Oláh, G. Lakatos, C. Bertók, P. Kanalas, E. Szőllősi, J. Kis, I. Mészáros

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):513-520 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0068-6

Physiological responses of two duckweed species, Lemna gibba and Lemna minor, to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] were studied in axenic cultures using short-term (48 h) treatments by K₂Cr₂O₇ (0-200 μM). Chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic pigment composition of plants were screened to determine the effects of Cr(VI) exposures. The two duckweed species exhibited different sensitivity in the applied Cr(VI) concentration range. Chl fluorescence parameters of dark-adapted and light-adapted plants and electron transport inducibility were more sensitive to Cr(VI) in L. minor than...

Changes in the photosynthetic characteristics and photosystem stoichiometries in wild-type and Chl b-deficient mutant rice seedlings under various irradiances

J. Yamazaki

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):521-529 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0069-5

By using a wild-type rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Norin No. 8) and the chlorophyll (Chl) b-deficient mutant derived from Norin No. 8 (chlorina 11), the present study monitored the oxygen evolution, contents of Chl a and b, β-carotene, and lutein in leaf and the contents of cytochrome f, and the reaction centres of photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) in thylakoids. The oxygen evolution, maximal quantum yield of PSII (F_v/F_m) and Chl concentration remained constant in both Norin No. 8 and chlorina 11 under 5 and 2% of full sunlight for six days. On the other hand, on the thylakoid level,...

Effect of panicle removal on photosynthetic acclimation under elevated CO₂ in rice

H. Shimono, K. Suzuki, K. Aoki, T. Hasegawa, M. Okada

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):530-536 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0070-z

To examine the role of sink size on photosynthetic acclimation under elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations ([CO₂]), we tested the effects of panicle-removal (PR) treatment on photosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Rice was grown at two [CO₂] levels (ambient and ambient + 200 μmol mol^-1) throughout the growing season, and at full-heading stage, at half the plants, a sink-limitation treatment was imposed by the removal of the panicles. The PR treatment alleviated the reduction of green leaf area, the contents of chlorophyll (Chl) and Rubisco after the full-heading stage, suggesting delay of senescence....

Chill-induced inhibition of photosynthesis was alleviated by 24-epibrassinolide pretreatment in cucumber during chilling and subsequent recovery

W. H. Hu, Y. Wu, J. Z. Zeng, L. He, Q. M. Zeng

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):537-544 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0071-y

To investigate whether brassinosteroids (BRs) could be used to alleviate chill-induced inhibition of photosynthesis in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) during chilling and subsequent recovery, the effects of exogenously applied 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) on gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activity were studied. Cucumber plants were exposed to chilling under low light (12/8°C and 100 μmol m^-2 s^-1 PPFD) for 3 days and then recovered under normal temperature and high irradiance (28/18°C and 600 μmol m^-2 s^-1 PPFD) for 6 days. Chilling significantly decreased the...

The evaluation of photosynthetic parameters in maize inbred lines subjected to water deficiency: Can these parameters be used for the prediction of performance of hybrid progeny?

D. Holá, M. Benešová, J. Honnerová, F. Hnilička, O. Rothová, M. Kočová, H. Hniličková

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):545-558 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0072-x

The response of selected photosynthetic and morphological parameters of plants to drought was examined in 5 inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) and their 10 F1 hybrids. The aim of the study was to establish whether the photosynthetic performance of parental genotypes under drought conditions correlates with the performance of their progeny and whether the net photosynthetic rate, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters or the content of photosynthetic pigments could be used as reliable physiological markers for early breeding generations. The relative importance of the additive and the nonadditive (dominance, maternal) genetic effects in the...

Contrasting leaf characteristics of trees and lianas in secondary and mature forests in southwestern China

L. Han, L. J. Xie, K. J. Dai, Q. Yang, Z. Q. Cai

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):559-566 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0073-9

We compared variation in sun-canopy leaf anatomy, morphology and photosynthetic rates of coexisting woody species (trees and lianas) in an 8-year-old secondary forest (SF) and mature forest (MF) in the wet season in Xishuangbanna, SW China. Variability of leaf traits of 66 species within growth-form groups in each forest was quantified using coefficients of variation (CV). For the mean values, the woody species in the SF had significantly higher leaf thickness and stomatal density, but lower nonmesophyll/mesophyll ratios than those in the MF. The average leaf area and leaf mass area (LMA) in the studied woody species did not change greatly during the...

Resistance of spinach plants to seawater stress is correlated with higher activity of xanthophyll cycle and better maintenance of chlorophyll metabolism

J. Sun, Y. X. Jia, S. R. Guo, J. Li, S. Shu

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):567-579 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0074-8

The relationship between the activity of xanthophyll cycle and chlorophyll (Chl) metabolism was investigated using two cultivars, Helan No. 3 (seawater-tolerant cultivar) and Yuanye (seawater-sensitive cultivar), of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) plants cultured in Hoagland's nutrient solution, with or without seawater (40%). The results showed that, in plants of two cultivars with seawater, the xanthophyll cycle seems to show a principal protection mechanism against photoinhibition under seawater stress. Furthermore, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in chloroplasts of two cultivars was enhanced by seawater to lower the activity...

Seasonal variation of photosynthesis and photosynthetic efficiency in Phalaenopsis

B. Pollet, K. Steppe, P. Dambre, M. C. Van Labeke, R. Lemeur

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):580-588 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0075-7

Nowadays, a quest for efficient greenhouse heating strategies, and their related effects on the plant's performance, exists. In this study, the effects of a combination of warm days and cool nights in autumn and spring on the photosynthetic activity and efficiency of Phalaenopsis were evaluated; the latter, being poorly characterised in plants with crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) and, to our knowledge, not reported before in Phalaenopsis. 24-h CO₂ flux measurements and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence analyses were performed in both seasons on Phalaenopsis 'Hercules' exposed to relatively constant temperature regimes,...

Critical responses of photosynthetic efficiency of goldspur apple tree to soil water variation in semiarid loess hilly area

S. Y. Zhang, G. C. Zhang, S. Y. Gu, J. B. Xia, J. K. Zhao

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):589-595 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0076-6

Goldspur apple (Malus pumila cv. Goldspur) is one of the main fruit trees planted in semiarid loess hilly areas. The photosynthetic efficiency in leaves of eight-year-old trees were studied under different soil water conditions with a Li-6400 portable photosynthesis system and a Li-Cor1600 portable steady state porometer in order to explore the effects of soil water stress on photosynthesis and the suitable soil water content (SWC) for water-saving irrigation of apple orchards. The results showed that the leaf net photosynthetic rate (P _N), transpiration rate (E), water-use efficiency (WUE), stomatal conductance...

Modelling photosynthetic photon flux density and maximum potential gross photosynthesis

R. J. Ritchie

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):596-609 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0077-5

Irradiance data software developed by the NREL Solar Radiation Laboratory (Simple Model of Atmospheric Radiative Transfer of Sunshine, SMARTS) has been used for modelling photosynthesis. Spectra and total irradiance were expressed in terms of quanta [mol m^-2 s^-1, photosynthetic photon flux density, PPFD (400-700 nm)]. Using the SMARTS software it is possible to (1) calculate the solar spectrum for a planar surface for any given solar elevation angle, allowing for the attenuating effects of the atmosphere on extraterrestrial irradiance at each wavelength in the 400-700 nm range and for the thickness of atmosphere...

The effect of amphiphilic peptide surfactants on the light-harvesting complex II

S. Liu, Y. Qiu, D. Y. Yu

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):610-616 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0078-4

The peptide surfactants are amphiphilic peptides which have a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic head, and have been reported to stabilize and protect some membrane proteins more effectively than conventional surfactants. The effects of a class of peptide surfactants on the structure and thermal stability of the photosynthetic membrane protein lightharvesting complex II (LHCII) in aqueous media have been investigated. After treatment with the cationic peptide surfactants A₆K, V₆K₂, I₅K₂ and I₅R₂, the absorption at 436 nm and 470 nm decreased and the absorption at 500-510 nm...

Leaf development, gas exchange characteristics, and photorespiratory activity in maize seedlings

U. Kutschera, R. Pieruschka, J. A. Berry

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):617-622 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0079-3

Five decades ago, a novel mode of CO₂ assimilation that was later described as C₄-photosynthesis was discovered on mature leaves of maize (Zea mays L.) plants. Here we show that 3- to 5-day-old developing maize leaves recapitulate the evolutionary advance from the ancient, inefficient C₃ mode of photosynthesis to the C₄ pathway, a mechanism for overcoming the wasteful process of photorespiration. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements documented that photorespiration was high in 3-day-old juvenile primary leaves with non-specialized C₃-like leaf anatomy and low in 5-day-old organs with the...

Increase in unsaturated fatty acids in membrane lipids of Suaeda salsa L. enhances protection of photosystem II under high salinity

N. Sui, M. Li, K. Li, J. Song, B. S. Wang

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):623-629 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0080-x

In order to examine the possible role of unsaturated fatty acids in photosynthesis of halophytes under high salinity, the effect of salinity on plant growth, chlorophyll (Chl) content, photochemical efficiency of PSII, membrane lipid content and fatty acids composition of a C₃ euhalophyte Suaeda salsa L. was investigated. Salt stress induced a slight increase of the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (F_v/F_m), actual PSII efficiency (Φ_PSII), Chl a content and Chl a/b ratio. The unsaturated fatty acid content also increased under salt stress. The proportion of MGDG, DGDG, SQDG,...

Brief Communications

Physiological response of non-Bt and Bt cotton to short-term drought stress

P. Parimala, K. Muthuchelian

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):630-634 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0081-9

Drought stress triggered the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) both in non-Bt and Bt cotton with simultaneous production of antioxidant enzymes. And there was no significant difference between non-Bt and Bt cotton under drought stress. In contrast to this, we observed a significant reduction of Bt toxin proteins under 72 h of drought stress in Bt cotton.

Chlorophyll a fluorescence responses of Haloxylon ammodendron seedlings subjected to progressive saline stress in the Tarim desert highway ecological shelterbelt

W. Han, X. W. Xu, L. Li, J. Q. Lei, S. Y. Li

Photosynthetica 2010, 48(4):635-640 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0082-8

In order to assess the long-term impacts of saline groundwater irrigation to Haloxylon ammodendron, one of the main shrubs in the Tarim desert highway ecological shelterbelt, we irrigated the H. ammodendron seedlings with progressive saline groundwater (3-30 g L^-1, simulation environment in the Tarim desert highway ecological shelterbelt) and investigated the diurnal variations of chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence parameters, such as maximal quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (F_v/F_m), quantum yield of photochemical energy conversion in PSII (Y_II), the apparent...