Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Analysis of drought response of sunflower inbred lines by chlorophyll a fluorescence induction kinetics

Ö. ARSLAN, A.S. BALKAN NALÇAİYİ, Ş. ÇULHA ERDAL, V. PEKCAN, Y. KAYA, N. ÇİÇEK, Y. EKMEKÇİ

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):348-357 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.171

The aim of the study was to screen nine inbred lines of sunflower by inducing drought for 10 d and subsequent rewatering for 5 d. Impact of drought was determined by chlorophyll fluorescence and some physiological parameters. Drought led to a decrease in the photosynthetic performance, the quantum yield, and efficiency of electron transport in sunflower lines, while it caused an increase in the absorption flux per reaction centre, dissipation of an active reaction centre, and K-band as well as L-band. Drought also decreased the total chlorophyll contents and water status of the lines, which contributed to photoinhibition. Our results suggested that...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Efficacy of botanical pesticide for rotifer extermination during the cultivation of Nannochloropsis oculata probed by chlorophyll a fluorescence transient

L.T. ZHANG, R. XU, J.G. LIU

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):341-347 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.164

Nannochloropsis is widely used in aquaculture as a feed source. However, large-scale cultivation of Nannochloropsis usually fails due to rotifer contamination. In order to identify an effective technique for reducing rotifer contamination, the effect of Brachionus plicatilis contamination on photosynthetic characteristics in Nannochloropsis oculata and the efficacy of the celangulin (CA):toosendanin (TSN) (1:9) combination for rotifer extermination were investigated using chlorophyll a fluorescence transient. B. plicatilis could directly devour microalgal cells and sharply reduced N. oculata density to very...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Seasonal variation and trade-off between frost resistance and photosynthetic performance in woody species

A. GAST, C. RÖMERMANN, S.F. BUCHER

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):331-340 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.161

We tested the seasonal variability of frost resistance and photosynthesis characteristics, namely net photosynthetic rate at saturating irradiance and ambient atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, maximum carboxylation rate, and measurements based on the JIP-test, namely maximum quantum yield of PSII and the performance index. Additionally, we measured leaf functional traits, namely specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, stomatal pore area index, and chlorophyll content. We assessed all traits weekly on two evergreen species Berberis vulgaris and Quercus × hispanica as well as the two summer green species Betula pendula...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Chlorophyll a fluorescence of Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl. plantations under thinning, liming, and phosphorus fertilization

K.C. PIRES DA COSTA, R. KIRMAYR JAQUETTI, J.F. DE CARVALHO GONÇALVES

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):323-330 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.146

Phosphorus (P) fertilization and liming can reduce negative effects caused by a sudden increase in light availability after thinning of forest plantations. In this study, immediately after thinning, photochemical performance (quantum yield of PSII and performance index) decreased, however, liming and P fertilization reduced the negative effects caused by thinning and accelerated the recovery of Bertholletia excelsa trees. After thinning, the remaining trees increased J-I phase with the formation of a positive K-band which occurred exclusively in unfertilized (no liming or no P) individuals. Additionally, enhanced effective dissipation (DI₀/RC)...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – JIP-test parameters to study apple peel photosystem II behavior under high solar radiation stress during fruit development

V. BLACKHALL, G.A. ORIOLI, M.G. COLAVITA

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):314-322 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.159

Changes in apple (Malus domestica Bork.) peel PSII photochemical process during fruit development under high solar radiation field conditions were analysed by the JIP-test to increase understanding on energy dissipation and susceptibility to photooxidative damage. Fruits growing exposed (E), non-exposed (NE) or suddenly exposed (SU) to high solar radiation were evaluated at three developmental stages. Chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a fluorescence transient (OJIP), were affected by high solar radiation and development. Minimum fluorescence, maximum fluorescence, maximum quantum yield of photochemistry, and specific fluxes per cross...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Characterization of photosynthetic performance during natural leaf senescence in winter wheat: Multivariate analysis as a tool for phenotypic characterization

M. VILJEVAC VULETIĆ, V. ŠPANIĆ

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):301-313 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.162

In the current research, we used chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and photosynthetic pigment content to evaluate onset and rate of the flag leaf senescence every 7 d beginning at the flowering stage (0 d after flowering, DAF) until late senescence stage (35 DAF) on three winter wheat field-grown varieties (Alka, Žitarka, and Olimpija) with the similar maturation time. OJIP curves implied that flag leaves of variety Alka detained the longest photosynthetic efficiency, while the earliest symptoms of senescence onset were indicated by positive L-band at 7 DAF and K-band at 14 DAF in variety Olimpija. A shift in I-P phase in the wheat flag leaves...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters as indicators of a particular abiotic stress in rice

P. FASEELA, A.K. SINISHA, M. BRESTIČ, J.T. PUTHUR

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):293-300 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.147

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of some chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence parameters as early indicators of a particular abiotic stress and also to characterize the effect of different abiotic stresses [high light, NaCl, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress, and heavy metals] on the electron transport chain of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. The results clearly revealed that Chl a fluorescence parameters differ between abiotic stress types and also allowed us to select some parameters which were specifically and intensively affected under different abiotic stresses. We observed that the performance...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Revisiting JIP-test: An educative review on concepts, assumptions, approximations, definitions and terminology

M. TSIMILLI-MICHAEL

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):275-292 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.150

The aim of this educative review is, by revisiting the JIP-test as introduced and further elaborated and extended by Professor Reto J. Strasser and his research group, to clarify concepts, assumptions, and approximations on which it is based, as well as definitions and terms it uses, reminding that it is meant to evaluate impacts of environmental stresses -factors and/or perturbations - on the photosynthetic structure and function. It analyses how the JIP-test, based on the Theory of Energy Fluxes and adopting Duysens' concept, translates the OJIP polyphasic chlorophyll a fluorescence rise kinetics, emitted by PSII, into biophysical parameters...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – A comparative chlorophyll a fluorescence study on isolated cells and intact leaves of Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama grass)

B. JIMÉNEZ-FRANCISCO, A. STIRBET, H. CAMPOS, F.V. CONDE-MARTÍNEZ, D. PADILLA-CHACÓN, C. TREJO, C.J. BERNACCHI, G. GOVINDJEE

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):262-274 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.148

Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama grass) is one of the most drought and grazing tolerant plants in the short-grass ecosystem. To obtain information on their photosystem activities, we measured the fast (< 1 s) chlorophyll a fluorescence transient (the OJIP curve) from their leaves, and isolated cells grown photoautotrophically in suspension in a culture medium, or with added sucrose. One of our goals was to study the effect of different sucrose concentrations (0, 0.15, 0.3, and 3%) on PSII activity in isolated cells. Our results on cells suspended in culture medium, using the JIP-test, showed a decrease in PSII activity at increasing sucrose...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Can be performance indexes used to select plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria?

A.T. PERBONI, E.G. MARTINAZZO, A.B. MOURA, M.A. BACARIN

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):253-261 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.149

The plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are bacteria that colonize the rhizosphere or roots, resulting in a beneficial effect on plants. The evaluation of the PGPR effects is mostly based on growth biometric measurements, but there is little information about using the chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence. We used rhizobacteria to treat canola seeds and evaluate their effects on leaf area, dry mass, and Chl fluorescence. In order to select PGPR, we suggest the JIP-test as a method to evaluate their effects using the performance indexes. The biometric measurements and JIP-test parameters allowed to group bacterial isolates into different groups. We...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Photoinhibition of oxygen-evolving complex and photosystem II at chilling stress in the tropical tree species Dalbergia odorifera

Y.-J. YANG, T. LIU, S.-B. ZHANG, W. HUANG

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):245-252 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.138

Photosystem II is sensitive to chilling stress in tropical tree species. However, the underlying mechanism is not clear. In this study, we examined the effects of chilling and light stress on activities of PSII and oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), in order to resolve the controversy of whether chilling-induced PSII photoinhibition is attributed to the excess-energy model or the two-step scheme. We determined changes in chlorophyll a fluorescence transient and energy distribution in PSII during treatment at chilling-light stress for the tropical tree species Dalbergia odorifera. At chilling temperature, the light-use efficiency was largely...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Photosynthesis response of microalgae (Tetradesmus wisconsinensis) to different inorganic carbon sources probed with chlorophyll fluorescence analysis

E. JANKA, I. UMETANI, M. SPOSOB, R. BAKKE

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):236-244 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.142

Bicarbonate is an alternative carbon source for production of photosynthetic microalgae, although sparging of CO₂-enriched gas is commonly practised, its efficiency seems to be scarcely considered. This study evaluated the photosynthetic activities of microalgae (Tetradesmus wisconsinensis) using chlorophyll fluorescence under different concentrations of bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) and CO₂. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis showed noticeable difference in photosynthetic activity between the bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) and CO₂ supplied cultures. The JIP-test parameters obtained...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – The photosynthetic performance of two Citrus species under long-term aluminum treatment

H. ZHANG, X.Y. LI, L.-S. CHEN, Z.R. HUANG

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):228-235 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.145

The effect of Al stress on leaf pigment contents, chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence transient, and leaf gas exchange of Citrus sinensis and Citrus grandis were investigated in sandy culture with nutrient solution (control) or supplemented by 0.5 mM AlCl₃.6H₂O (Al toxic) for 54 weeks. We found a significant decline of Chl a, carotenoids (Car), Ch a/b, and Car/Chl (a+b) in C. grandis caused by Al stress. Except the significant increase of Car/Chl (a+b), no remarkable difference was found in C. sinensis. The Al-induced downregulation of CO₂...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf gas exchange, and genomic analysis of chromosome segment substitution rice lines exposed to drought stress

K. HUNGSAPRUG, T. KOJONNA, M. SAMLEEPAN, C. PUNCHKHON, W. UT-KHAO, B. KOSITSUP, W. KASETTRANUN, J.L. SIANGLIW, T. TOOJINDA, L. COMAI, K. PLAIMAS, S. CHADCHAWAN

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):214-227 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.144

This research aims to evaluate the photosynthesis-related parameters in rice chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSL), containing drought-tolerant region from DH212 in a Khao Dawk Mali105 genetic background. Screening at seedling stage indicated that CSSL4 was more tolerant to drought stress than KDML105 with the higher maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry. After withholding water, the decline in light-saturated net photosynthetic rate due to drought stress occurred simultaneously with the decrease in electron transport rate and effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry values, suggesting that stomatal changes affect light-saturated...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Structural and functional response of photosynthetic apparatus of radish plants to iron deficiency

I.A. SAMBORSKA-SKUTNIK, H.M. KALAJI, L. SIECZKO, W. BĄBA

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):205-213 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.132

In this work, we tried to identify some specific chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) parameters, that could enable detection of iron deficiency (Fe_def) in radish plants (Raphanus sativus L.), before any visual symptoms appear. Changes in ChlF kinetics, JIP-test parameters, and chlorophyll content revealed that iron deficiency negatively affected PSII activity mainly via disruption of light absorption in light-harvesting complexes and by decreasing the activity of the primary quinone acceptor of PSII (Q_A). Iron deficiency was clearly reflected in the changes of some JIP-test parameters, such as time to reach...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Plant biomass in salt-stressed young maize plants can be modelledwith photosynthetic performance

V. GALIĆ, M. MAZUR, D. ŠIMIĆ, Z. ZDUNIĆ, M. FRANIĆ

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):194-204 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.131

Predicting responses to stressful conditions is very important. Chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) can be used to assess effects of various stresses on photosynthetic performance. We tested the responses of five 10-d old maize hybrids to salinity stress by measuring ChlF parameters, fresh (FM) and dry mass (DM). ChlF data were incorporated into a penalized regression model to predict biomass traits. The values of FM and DM significantly decreased under salt stress by 42 and 25%, respectively. Strong responses in ChlF parameters assessing the absorption dissipation and trapping fluxes to NaCl treatment were detected. In penalized regression models,...

Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser – Development and aging of photosynthetic apparatus of Vitis vinifera L. during growing season

K. SITKO, S. RUSINOWSKI, M. POGRZEBA, A. DASZKOWSKA-GOLEC, Ż. GIEROŃ, H.M. KALAJI, E. MAŁKOWSKI

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(2):186-193 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.107

The aim of this study was to examine the development and aging of chosen grapevine leaves in situ during the growing season (130 d) using chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence measurements and determining the changes in pigment contents. During the course of photosystems development, the increase of Chl and decrease of anthocyanin contents in leaves was observed simultaneously. On 28^th day, the maximum content of Chl and minimum content of anthocyanins was measured. However, the maximal photosynthetic performance was found one week later, when the content of Chl started to diminish. Our study proved that the achievement of maximal...

Photosynthetic and physiological responses of small seeded faba bean genotypes (Vicia faba L.) to salinity stress: identification of a contrasting pair towards salinity

I. RAJHI, S. BEN MOUSSA, I. NEJI, B. BACCOURI, M. BEN CHIKHA, C. CHAMMAKHI, M. AMRI, R. BROUQUISSE, H. MHADHBI

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(1):174-185 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.152

In this study, we examined the behavior of six faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes under salinity conditions at the seedling stage. The evaluation was assessed using 21 morphological, physiological, and photosynthetic traits under control, moderate, and severe salinity conditions. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify genotypes of contrasting behavior in response to salt stress and to characterize the important traits for salt tolerance. The result of PCA analysis showed that the genotypes displayed different behavior under the saline conditions. The most discriminating quantitative characters were related to plant biomass...

Lanthanum chloride enhances the photosynthetic characteristics and increases konjac glucomannan contents in Amorphophallus sinensis Belval

X.X. LI, B. YU, Y.Y. DONG, L.S. WANG, S.L. ZHANG, H.Y. SHANGGUAN, Z.H. HE, X.M. LUO, P.F. LAI

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(1):165-173 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.184

Lanthanum (La) has been used as agricultural inputs in order to enhance yield and improve crop quality. However, little is known about the effect of La on the photosynthesis and growth of Amorphophallus sinensis, a worldwide food source. The effects of La on the photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, photosynthetic pigments, corm yield, and konjac glucomannan (KGM) of Amorphophallus sinensis were investigated via field experiments. The leaves were sprayed with different concentrations of LaCl₃ (20, 80, 160, and 240 mg L^-1). The results exhibited an increasing effect of LaCl₃ on...

Low temperature and low irradiation induced irreversible damage of strawberry seedlings

C. XU, M.T. WANG, Z.Q. YANG, Q.T. ZHENG

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(1):156-164 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2020.001

Low temperature (LT) and low irradiation (LI) are common factors posing a great risk to plants. The study aimed to elucidate the effects of LT and LI and recovery on the photosynthetic apparatus, photoinhibition of PSII, and reactive oxygen metabolism of strawberry seedlings. The results showed that strawberry growth slowed down or even stopped and total chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, and maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry decreased, while intercellular CO₂ concentration increased under LI, LT, and combined stress (LL). Additionally, JIP-test showed that compared to LI or LT stress, LL-stressed...

High humidity alleviates photosynthetic inhibition and oxidative damage of tomato seedlings under heat stress

C. XU, Z.Q. YANG, S.Q. YANG, L. WANG, M.T. WANG

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(1):146-155 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.168

This study investigated the effects of high humidity on the growth and photosynthetic and physiology traits of tomato plants under high temperature stress (HT). The results showed that high humidity effectively alleviated the limitation of HT on plant growth and increased the root-to-shoot ratio. In addition, high humidity also increased the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII in tomato seedlings under HT stress, but declined the stomatal limitation value. Moreover, JIP-test showed that increasing air humidity improved the quantum yields and efficiencies of HT-stressed tomato plants and increased...

Effects of exogenous cytokinin on photosynthesis, senescence, and yield performance of inferior rice tillers grown under different nitrogen regimes

Y. WANG, J.W. LU, T. REN, P.F. LI, Q.X. LIU, X.K. LI

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(1):137-145 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.170

Inferior tillers contribute negligibly to rice grain yields as their late occurrence or prematurity curtails growth. However, 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA, a synthetic cytokinin) can delay tiller senescence. Our results indicate that foliar application of 6-BA enhanced the distribution and allocation of light energy for the photochemical reactions of PSII, under appropriate N supply. The percentage of thermal energy dissipation also decreased following the application of 6-BA as a consequence of the reduced risk of chloroplast oxidative damage through excess excitations. Moreover, leaf peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities were augmented...

Changes in photosynthesis and carotenoid composition of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in response to low-light stress and low temperature combined with low-light stress

J.F. ZHANG, J. LI, J.M. XIE, J.H YU, M.M. DAWUDA, J. LYV, Z.Q. TANG, J. ZHANG, X.D. ZHANG, C.N. TANG

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(1):125-136 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.175

Light and temperature are two major factors for plant growth. Carotenoids are important photoprotective and light-harvesting pigments in photosynthetic organs. Therefore, this study explored photosynthesis and carotenoid-related metabolism under control (CK), low-light (L), and low-temperature and low-light (LL) conditions by using the pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) varieties Longjiao 5 and Hangjiao 4. We found the increased inhibition of plant growth and photosynthetic capacity under both L and LL stress. Meanwhile, carotenoid-related metabolic compounds accumulated in pepper showed different responses to the two stresses. Significantly, zeaxanthin...

Co-author and co-cited reference network analysis for chlorophyll fluorescence research from 1991 to 2018

K. HU, G. GOVINDJEE, J. TAN, Q. XIA, Z. DAI, Y. GUO

Photosynthetica 2020, 58(1):110-124 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2019.154

Chlorophyll a fluorescence has been extensively used in studying photosynthesis and overall physiology of plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. As a research hotspot, a large number of papers have been published. This creates a challenge for beginning researchers to gain a holistic view of co-author and co-cited reference network by reading individual publications. Further, these scientists need to understand the research trends in the field. Scientometric analysis, a method for mining publication datasets, was therefore conducted to analyze the co-author and co-cited reference network in the area of chlorophyll fluorescence research. The countries...

Triadimefon increases drought tolerance through the regulation of photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in rapeseed at bolting stage

F. WANG, F. ZHONG, S. ZHANG, P. ZHANG, F. CHEN, W. LI, S. ZHANG, H. JIANG