Surface density and volume density measurements of chloroplast thylakoids in maize (Zea mays L.) under chilling conditions

L. Kubínová, J. Kutík

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):481-488 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0082-5

Measurements of ultrastructural characteristics of chloroplast thylakoids are important for studies of ontogenic or ecological limitations of leaf photosynthetic functions. Most frequently, volumetric proportion of thylakoids in the chloroplast is measured; however, such measurement does not provide a direct information about the surface area of thylakoids which is most important from the functional point of view. Therefore, we adapted the stereological method using "local vertical windows" for estimating thylakoid surface area in the chloroplast volume and compared thus obtained surface density results with results of conventional volume density measurements....

Effects of nitrogen supply restriction on gas exchange and photosystem 2 function in flag leaves of a traditional low-yield cultivar and a recently improved high-yield cultivar of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

E. Kumagai, T. Araki, F. Kubota

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):489 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0084-3

The effects of nitrogen (N) supply restriction on the CO₂ assimilation and photosystem 2 (PS2) function of flag leaves were compared between two contrastive Japanese rice cultivars, a low-yield cultivar released one century ago, cv. Shirobeniya (SRB), and a recently improved high-yield cultivar, cv. Akenohoshi (AKN). Both cultivars were solution-cultured at four N supply levels from N4 (control) to N1 (the lowest). With a reduction in N-supply, contents of N (LNC), ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBPCO), and chlorophyll (Chl) in flag leaves decreased in both cultivars. In parallel with this, the net photosynthetic rate...

The higher resistance to chilling stress in adaxial side of Rumex K-1 leaves is accompanied with higher photochemical and non-photochemical quenching

P. M. Li, P. Fang, W. B. Wang, H. Y. Gao, T. Peng

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):496 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0086-1

Responses of two sides of Rumex K-1 leaves to chilling stress (5 °C, photon flux density of 100 µmol m^-2 s^-1) were studied by using gas exchange, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, and spectrum reflectance techniques. The Chl and carotenoid contents in the two sides were not affected by chilling treatment, and both were higher in the adaxial side. The maximum quantum yield of photosystem (PS) 2 and fraction of functional PS1 in the abaxial side decreased more markedly than those in the adaxial side during the chilling treatment, indicating that the abaxial side was damaged more significantly than the adaxial side. Before...

Photosynthetic response to water stress and changes in metabolites in Jasminum sambac

H. Cai, D. K. Biswas, A. Q. Shang, L. J. Zhao, W. D. Li

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):503-509 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0087-0

Gas exchange, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, and contents of some metabolites in two genotypes of jasmine (Jasminum sambac), single petal (SP) and double petal (DP) one, were analyzed during dehydration and re-hydration. Water stress significantly decreased net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and maximum photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m) in both jasmine genotypes, but increased minimum fluorescence (F₀) only in DP-jasmine. Water stress also decreased starch content, while increased contents of total soluble sugars and proline in leaves of both genotypes. SP-jasmine demonstrated higher drought tolerance...

A new viewpoint to understand the response of leaf dark respiration to elevated CO₂ concentration

Y. Z. Qiao, Y. B. Zhang, K. Y. Wang, Y. P. Wang, Y. Xu, Q. C. Li

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):510 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0088-z

By investigating the R _D-C _a (dark respiration rate-atmospheric CO₂ concentration) and P _N (net photosynthetic rate)-C _a curves of bamboo (Fargesia denudata) and poplar (Populus cathayanna), we found that: (1) the minimal R _D was close to ambient CO₂ concentration, and the elevated or decreased atmospheric CO₂ concentration enhanced the R _D of both species; (2) the response curves of R _D-C _a were simulated well by quadratic function. This phenomenon...

Genotypic and within canopy variation in leaf carbon isotope discrimination and its relation to short-term leaf gas exchange characteristics in cassava grown under rain-fed conditions in the tropics

M. A. El-Sharkawy, S. M. De Tafur

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):515-526 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0089-y

In a field rain-fed trial with 15 cassava cultivars, leaf gas exchanges and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) of the same leaves were determined to evaluate genotypic and within-canopy variations in these parameters. From 3 to 7 months after planting leaf gas exchange was measured on attached leaves from upper, middle, and lower canopy layers. All gas exchange parameters varied significantly among cultivars as well as canopy layers. Net photosynthetic rate (P _N) decreased from top canopy to bottom indicating both shade and leaf age effects. The same trend, but in reverse, was found with respect to Δ, with the highest values...

Leaf shape and its relationship with Leaf Area Index in a sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivar

J. T. Tsialtas, N. Maslaris

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):527-532 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0090-5

Heteroblasty of sugar beet cultivar Rizor was studied under field conditions for three growing seasons (2003, 2005, 2006) in a Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design experiment. Eleven leaf samplings, from early June till the end of October, were conducted each year and leaf shape parameters [leaf area (LA), centroid X or Y (CX or CY), length (L), width (W), average radial (AR), elongation (EL), shape factor (SF)] were determined by an image analysis system. During samplings, Leaf Area Index (LAI) was measured non-destructively. Significant year and sampling effects were found for all traits determined. With the progress of the growing season, leaves...

Response of photosynthetic machinery of field-grown kiwifruit under Mediterranean conditions during drought and re-watering

G. Montanaro, B. Dichio, C. Xiloyannis

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):533 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0091-4

Groups of Actinidia deliciosa A. Chev. C.F. Liang et A.R. Ferguson var. deliciosa kiwifruit plants were subjected to soil water shortage (D), while other groups were well irrigated (I). Variations in chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence indices and leaf gas exchange were determined once plants were severely stressed (25 d after the beginning of the D-cycle). Daily maximum values of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) were ca. 1 650 µmol(photon) m^-2 s^-1, while air temperatures peaked at 34.6 °C. High irradiance per se did not greatly affect the efficiency of photosystem (PS) 2,...

Leaf traits of natural populations of Adiantum reniforme var. sinensis, endemic to the Three Gorges region in China

J. X. Liao, H. W. Shi, M. X. Jiang, H. D. Huang

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):541-546 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0092-3

Leaf mass per unit area (LMA), carbon and nitrogen contents, leaf construction cost, and photosynthetic capacity (P _max) of Adiantum reniforme var. sinensis, an endangered fern endemic to the Three Gorges region in southwest China, were compared in five populations differing in habitat such as soil moisture and irradiance. The low soil moisture and high irradiance habitat population exhibited significantly higher LMA, area-based leaf construction (CC_A), and carbon content (C_A), but lower leaf nitrogen content per unit dry mass (N_M) than the other habitat populations. The high soil moisture...

Photoprotective mechanisms against winter stresses in the needles of Abies mariesii grown at the tree line on Mt. Norikura in Central Japan

J. Y. Yamazaki, S. Tsuchiya, S. Nagano, E. Maruta

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):547-554 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0094-1

Evergreen fir Abies mariesii growing at the tree line (near 2 500 m altitude) on Mt. Norikura (36°61'N, 137°33'E, 3 026 m altitude) in Central Japan is exposed to harsh winter stresses. To protect against these stresses, the deep-oxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle pigments increased, because the needles contained large amounts of zeaxanthin, which resulted in an increase of non-radiative thermal dissipation from the antenna system. Not only the antenna system but also the inactivated photosystem (PS) 2 reaction centre (RC) might contribute to the heat dissipation of absorbed excess photon energy. In addition, a decrease in the PS2 activity...

Changes in effects of ozone exposure on growth, photosynthesis, and respiration of Ginkgo biloba in Shenyang urban area

X. Y. He, S. L. Fu, W. Chen, T. H. Zhao, S. Xu, Z. Tuba

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):555-561 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0095-0

An open-top chamber experiment was carried out from April through October 2006 to examine the effects of elevated (80 nmol mol^-1) atmospheric O₃ on Ginkgo biloba (4-years-old) in urban area. The air with ambient O₃ (AA, ≈ 45 nmol mol^-1) was used as control. The leaf mass and size, leaf area index, net photosynthetic rate (P _N), apparent quantum yield, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance were decreased by elevated O₃ (EO) exposure. Visible foliar injury, which is light-brown flecks, was observed in the EO OTCs after 90 d of exposure. Carboxylation efficiency...

Delayed fluorescence as a direct indicator of diurnal variation in quantum and radiant energy utilization efficiencies of phytoplankton

E. Kurzbaum, W. Eckert, Y. Z. Yacobi

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):562-567 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0096-z

We compared delayed fluorescence (DF) excitation spectrometry with radiocarbon (¹⁴C) technique using a monoalgal culture of Chlorella vulgaris grown under natural temperature and irradiance. This was done by monitoring the DF, in parallel to quantum efficiency (QE) and index of radiant energy utilization efficiency (Ψ) as calculated on the basis of carbon uptake measurements by radiocarbon technique. During the diurnal cycle, temperature, irradiance, and chlorophyll (Chl) contents were monitored in the algal culture that was kept in an open transparent plastic tank submerged at the surface of Lake Kinneret, Israel. The DF signal...

Characterization of potato genotypes by chlorophyll fluorescence during plant aging in a Mediterranean environment

A. Ierna

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):568-575 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0097-y

Field experiments were conducted in Sicily (south Italy) during two seasons to characterize by chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence four genotypes (Spunta, Sieglinde, Daytona, and Ninfa) of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) for off-season production during plant aging and to analyse the possible relation between Chl parameters and tuber yield. Chl fluorescence parameters [initial fluorescence (F₀), maximum fluorescence (F_m), F_v/F_m, time in which maximal fluorescence occurs (T_max)] gained from Kautsky kinetics and Chl content were measured weekly, from 5^th to 6^th leaf appearance...

Effect of topdressing on individual leaf photosynthesis at different position in direct-sown rice with non-woven fabric mulch system

S. T. Hossain, H. Sugimoto, J. Yamashita

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):576-581 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0099-9

Direct sowing with non-woven fabric mulch is the new organic rice cultivation system. We studied the effect of topdressing on individual leaf photosynthesis at different position and grain yield in rice plants cultivated by this system. Leaf photosynthetic rate at the different leaf position per plant (P _N-LP) of the third and fourth to lower leaves was higher when the topdressing amount was increased. Without topdressing or in no-fertilizers plots, the P _N-LP values of lower leaves were very low. The leaf photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area (P _N-LA) decreased gradually as the leaf position became...

Photosynthesis and yield responses of ozone-polluted winter wheat to drought

H. Xu, D. K. Biswas, W. D. Li, S. B. Chen, L. Zhang, G. M. Jiang, Y. G. Li

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):582-588 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0100-7

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Jingdong 8) was exposed to short-term high ozone treatment after anthesis and then was either well irrigated with soil water content (SWC) of 80-85 % (O₃+W) or drought treated (SWC 35-40 %, O₃+D). Short-term ozone exposure significantly decreased irradiance-saturated net photosynthetic rate (P _N) of winter wheat. Under good SWC, P _N of the O₃-treated plant was similar to that of control on 2 d after O₃-exposure (6 DAA), but decreased significantly after 13 DAA, indicating that O₃ exposure accelerated leaf senescence....

Life time deficiency of photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes CP1, A1, AB1, and AB2 in two cecidomyiid galls derived from Machilus thunbergii leaves

C. M. Yang, M. M. Yang, M. Y. Huang, J. M. Hsu, W. N. Jane

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):589 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0101-6

Two kinds of cecidomyiid galls induced by Daphnephila on Machilus thunbergii Sieb. & Zucc. leaves at various developmental stages, i.e., young, growing, and mature, were analyzed for their biochemical composition of photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes located in thylakoid membranes using the Thornber and MARS electrophoretic fractionation systems. Both kinds of galls were totally deficient in the pigment-protein complexes CP1, and A1, AB1, and AB2 through the whole period of gall formation. Immunoblotting of antibody against light-harvesting complex 2b (LHC2b) apoprotein confirmed this deficiency in gall's lifetime,...

Differences in photosynthetic characteristics and accumulation of osmoprotectants in saplings of evergreen plants grown inside and outside a glasshouse during the winter season

S. C. Joshi, S. Chandra, L. M. S. Palni

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):594 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0102-5

Photochemical efficiency, photosynthetic capacity, osmoprotectants, and relative water content (RWC) were recorded in saplings of two evergreen plants (Boehmeria rugulosa Wedd. and Olea glandulifera Wall. ex G. Don) grown inside (GL) and outside (OP) a glasshouse during the winter season. The OP plants experienced 2.0-2.5 °C lower air temperature and dew formation in comparison to GL plants. Diurnal observations indicated no change in RWC in the leaves of GL and OP plants, while significant reduction in both transpiration and net photosynthetic (P _N) rates was observed in OP plants: the reduction in P _N...

Comparative photosynthesis characteristics of Calycanthus chinensis and Chimonanthus praecox

L. Z. Mao, H. F. Lu, Q. Wang, M. M. Cai

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):601-605 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0103-4

Calycanthus chinensis is an endangered plant of the national second-grade protection of China restricted in a small area in Zhejiang Province. We studied parameters of photosynthesis, chlorophyll (Chl) contents, and Chl fluorescence (minimum fluorescence, F₀, maximum fluorescence, F_m, variable fluorescence, F_v, and F_v/F_m) of C. chinensis and Chimonanthus praecox. C. chinensis had lower compensation irradiance but higher saturation irradiance than C. praecox. Hence C. chinensis has more advantage in obtaining and utilizing photon energy and higher Chl content,...

Fluorescence excitation spectra of drought resistant and sensitive genotypes of triticale and maize

M. T. Grzesiak, A. Rzepka, T. Hura, S. Grzesiak, K. Hura, W. Filek, A. Skoczowski

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):606-611 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0104-3

An influence of soil drought (7 or 14 d) and 7 d recovery on changes of leaf fluorescence excitation spectra at wavelengths of 450, 520, 690, and 740 nm (F₄₅₀, F₅₂₀, F₆₉₀, F₇₄₀) for drought resistant and sensitive genotypes of triticale and maize was compared. In non-stressed plants the differences between maize and triticale were observed for F₄₅₀ and F₅₂₀, but not for F₆₉₀ and F₇₄₀. Drought caused the increase in F₄₅₀, F₅₂₀, and F₆₉₀ and this increase was more distinct for drought sensitive genotypes. After re-hydration, chlorophyll...

Influence of water stress and low irradiance on morphological and physiological characteristics of Picea asperata seedlings

Y. Yang, Q. Liu, C. Han, Y. Z. Qiao, X. Q. Yao, H. J. Yin

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):613-619 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0106-1

The combined effects of water stress (WS) and low irradiance (LI) on growth, photosynthesis, osmotic adjustment, and lipid peroxidation were studied in dragon spruce (Picea asperata Mast.) seedlings grown under two water treatments (well watered, 100 % of field capacity, and water stressed, 30 % of field capacity) and two irradiances (HI, 100 % of full sunlight and LI, 15 % of full sunlight). WS reduced growth, chlorophyll (Chl) a and b contents, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and effective quantum yield of photosystem 2 (Y) but increased free proline and malondialdehyde contents. LI increased...

Reconstitution of water-oxidizing complex in manganese-depleted photosystem 2 preparations with synthetic manganese complexes

G. Y. Chen, G. Y. Han, L. Ling, D. G. Huang, S. Q. Li, A. A. Khorobrykh, S. K. Zharmukhamedov, Q. T. Liu, V. V. Klimov, T. Y. Kuang

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):620-627 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0107-0

Four synthetic manganese complexes in which Mn atoms have different coordination environments and valence states were used to reconstitute water-oxidizing complex (WOC) in Mn-depleted photosystem 2 preparations. Three Mn-complexes restored a significant rate of electron transfer and oxygen evolution except one complex in which Mn atom ligated to the O-atoms within the ligands by covalent linkage. The effect of coordination environment of the Mn-atom within the Mn-complexes on their efficiencies in reconstituting the electron transport and oxygen evolution was analysed.

Golbeck, J.H. (ed.): Photosystem I. The Light-Driven Plastocyanin:Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase

Z. Šesták

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):488 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0083-4

Kitchin, R., Fuller, D.: The Academic's Guide to Publishing

Z. Šesták

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):495 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0085-2

Kelly, G.J., Latzko, E.: Thirty Years of Photosynthesis. 1974-2004

Z. Šesták

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):546 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0093-2

Gamaleï, Y.V.: Transportnaya Sistema Sosudnykh Rasteniï. [Transport System of Vascular Plants.]

J. Šantrůček

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):575 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0098-x

Huang, B. (ed.): Plant-Environment Interactions

J. Šantrůček

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):612 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0105-2

Chilling stress and chilling tolerance of sweet potato as sensed by chlorophyll fluorescence

K. H. Lin, W. C. Hwang, H. F. Lo

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):628-632 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0108-z

We studied changes in the chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence components in chilling-stressed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) cv. Tainung 57 (TN57, chilling-tolerant) and cv. Tainung 66 (TN66, chilling-susceptible). Plants under 12-h photoperiod and 400 µmol m^-2 s^-1 irradiance at 24/20 °C (day/night) were treated by a 5-d chilling period at 7/7 °C. Compared to TN66, TN57 exhibited a significantly greater basic Chl fluorescence (F₀), maximum fluorescence (F_m), maximum fluorescence yield during actinic irradiation (F_m' ), and the quantum efficiency of electron transport through photosystem...

Environmental induced variations in leaf dark respiration and net photosynthesis of Quercus ilex L.

L. Gratani, L. Varone, A. Bonito

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):633 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0109-y

The relationships between dark respiration rate (R _D) and net photosynthetic rate (P _N) in Quercus ilex L. shrubs growing at the Botanical Garden in Rome were analysed. Correlation analysis of the data sets collected in the year 2006 confirmed the dependence among the considered leaf traits, in particular, R _D was significantly (p<0.05) correlated with P _N (r = 0.40). R _D and P _N increased from March to May [1.40±0.10 and 10.1±1.8 µmol(CO₂) m^-2 s^-1 mean values of the...

A new model for relationship between irradiance and the rate of photosynthesis in Oryza sativa

Z. P. Ye

Photosynthetica 2007, 45(4):637-640 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-007-0110-5

The calculated maximum net photosynthetic rate (P _N) at saturation irradiance (I _m) of 1 314.13 µmol m^-2 s^-1 was 25.49 µmol(CO₂) m^-2 s^-1, and intrinsic quantum yield at zero irradiance was 0.103. The results fitted by nonrectangular hyperbolic model, rectangular hyperbolic method, binomial regression method, and the new model were compared. The maximum P _N values calculated by nonrectangular hyperbolic model and rectangular hyperbolic model were higher than the measured values, and the I _m calculated by nonrectangular...