Photosynthetica, 2018 (vol. 56), issue 2

Editorial

Zdeněk Šesták and Photosynthetica, a tribute

H. K. Lichtenthaler

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):1-6 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-018-0811-y

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the international journal Photosynthetica in 2017 we briefly report on the establishment of this journal and on Dr. Zdeněk Šesták, the renowned researcher of photosynthesis processes who, in cooperation with the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, founded this essential science journal in Prague in 1967.

Original Papers

Induction of water deficit tolerance in wheat due to exogenous application of plant growth regulators: membrane stability, water relations and photosynthesis

S. K. Dwivedi, A. Arora, V. P. Singh, G. P. Singh

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):478-486 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0695-2

Our experiment was carried out in order to explore effects of plant growth regulators (PGR; thidiazuron, paclobutrazol, and ascorbic acid) on physiological traits of wheat genotypes under water surplus and deficit conditions. Study revealed that relative water content, membrane stability index, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate (P_N), and maximal quantum yield of PSII improved with PGRs application across the genotypes both under irrigation and water stress. The response of HD 2733 genotype was more positive toward PGRs treatment as compared to other genotypes under water stress. Higher P_N and chlorophyll contents...

Lisianthus response to salinity stress

N. Ashrafi, A. Rezaei Nejad

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):487-494 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0709-0

The effect of salinity on some morpho-physiological characteristics in lisianthus cultivars was investigated. Cultivars namely, Blue Picotee (C1), Champagne (C₂), Lime Green (C₃), and Pure White (C₄), were subjected to salt stress (0-60 mM NaCl) in a sand culture and their responses were measured. Our results showed that as a salinity level increased, growth parameters, relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, and gas-exchange characteristics decreased in all cultivars, while root fresh mass, root/shoot length ratio, electrolyte leakage, and a malondialdehyde content increased. However, the changes were less...

Tolerance mechanisms in Cassia alata exposed to cadmium toxicity - potential use for phytoremediation

J. R. R. Silva, A. R. Fernandes, M. L. Silva Junior, C. R. C. Santos, A. K. S. Lobato

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):495-504 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0698-z

Cadmium is often detected in areas contaminated by heavy metals and the incidence of this element in dangerous concentrations has been increasing due to anthropogenic activities. The aim of this research was to determine Cd concentrations in tissues, quantify compounds, pigments and enzymes, and to evaluate the gas exchange. Our aim was also to identify components that can modify and contribute to tolerance of Cassia alata against Cd toxicity. We used five Cd concentrations (0, 22, 44, 88, and 132 μM) to validate our hypothesis. The Cd concentrations in tissues of C. alata plants increased significantly, compared with the control treatment,...

The effects of para-hydroxybenzoic acid treatment on photosynthetic parameters of Populus × euramericana "Neva"

G. T. Liang, S. Y. Zhang, J. Guo, R. Yang, H. Li, X. C. Fang, G. C. Zhang

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):505-511 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0713-4

As a common tree species in northern China, Populus × euramericana "Neva" has an important practical value for the study of continuous cropping obstacles in poplar cultivation. Plant allelopathy is the main reason for continuous cropping obstacles, which are caused by allelochemicals, such as para-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HB). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of p-HB on the photosynthesis of poplar. Photosynthetic parameters of Populus × euramericana "Neva" poplar were determined in a pot culture experiment where five p-HB concentrations were used (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 mmol L^-1). Each seedling was treated...

Low concentrations of glycine inhibit photorespiration and enhance the net rate of photosynthesis in Caragana korshinskii

T. Kang, H. D. Wu, B. Y. Lu, X. J. Luo, C. M. Gong, J. Bai

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):512-519 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0688-1

The inhibition of photorespiration can be used to improve plant carbon fixation. In order to compare the effects of three photorespiration inhibitors [glycine, NaHSO₃, and isonicotinyl hydrazide (INH)], photosynthetic parameters of leaves sprayed respectively with these chemicals were examined and their inhibiting efficiency was evaluated in Caragana korshinskii. Our results showed that 5 mM glycine could reduce the photorespiratory rate (P_R) effectively, while the net photosynthetic rate (P_N), stomatal conductance (g_s), and intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci) significantly...

Effect of weedy rice at different densities on photosynthetic characteristics and yield of cultivated rice

X. M. Xu, G. Li, Y. Su, X. L. Wang

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):520-526 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0707-2

In order to evaluate effect of weedy rice on the photosynthesis and grain filling of cultivated rice, cultivated rice 'Nanjing 44' was planted in the field under different densities of weedy rice 'JS-Y1' for two years. The results showed that net photosynthetic rate (P_N), net assimilation rate, grain filling rate, and the grain yield of cultivated rice all decreased with increasing weedy rice density. Furthermore, yield component analysis revealed that increasing weedy rice density had the most significant effect on the percentage of filled grains and the number of rice panicles. The correlation analyses indicated that the yield of...

Changes in thermic limits and acclimation assessment for an alpine plant by chlorophyll fluorescence analysis: F_v/F_mvs. R_fd

A. V. Perera-Castro, P. Brito, A. M. González-Rodríguez

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):527-536 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0691-6

A comparison between maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F_v/F_m) and chlorophyll fluorescence decrease ratio (R_fd) for low and high temperature resistance was assessed in a seasonal study of the acclimation in Pterocephalus lasiospermus. Analyzing the regression adjustment of both parameters and the lethal temperatures (LT₅₀), R_fd resulted in being a more sensitive indicator for low and high temperature treatments, since the thermic resistance estimated with R_fd parameter was never higher than those estimated with F_v/F_m. Furthermore, the use of F_v/F_m...

Morphological and physiological acclimation of Catalpa bungei plantlets to different light conditions

J. W. Wu, Y. Su, J. H. Wang, Q. He, Q. Qiu, J. W. Ma, J. Y. Li

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):537-548 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0706-3

This study was performed to evaluate the ecophysiological acclimation of Catalpa bungei plantlets to different light conditions. We hypothesized that the acclimation of old and newly developed leaves to both increasing and decreasing irradiance should follow different patterns. The growth, photosynthesis, chlorophyll (Chl) content, and Chl fluorescence response were examined over a range of light treatments. The plants were grown under fixed light intensities of 80% (HH), 50% (MM), 30% (LL) of sun light and transferring irradiance of 80% to 50% (HM), 80% to 30% (HL), 30% to 50% (LM) and 30% to 80% (LH). For old leaves, light-saturation point,...

Effect of salt stress on photosynthesis and physiological parameters of three contrasting barley genotypes

M. Mahlooji, R. Seyed Sharifi, J. Razmjoo, M. R. Sabzalian, M. Sedghi

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):549-556 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0699-y

In order to understand the physiological traits important in conferring salt tolerance in three barley genotypes, this study was performed under field conditions with three water salinity levels (2, 10, and 18 dS m-1). High salinity decreased net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance, K⁺ concentration, K⁺:Na⁺ ratio, and grain yield, but increased electrolyte leakage and Na⁺ content. Under 10 and 18 dS m-1 salinity, Khatam (salt-tolerant) had the maximum stomatal conductance, K⁺, K⁺:Na⁺ ratio, and the grain yield, and a minimum Na⁺ content...

The positive roles of exogenous putrescine on chlorophyll metabolism and xanthophyll cycle in salt-stressed cucumber seedlings

R. N. Yuan, S. Shu, S. R. Guo, J. Sun, J. Q. Wu

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):557-566 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0712-5

The effects of foliar spray of putrescine (Put; 8 mM) on chlorophyll (Chl) metabolism and xanthophyll cycle in cucumber seedlings were investigated under saline conditions of 75 mM NaCl. Exogenous Put promoted the conversion of uroporhyrinogen III to protoporphyrin IX and alleviated decreases in Chl contents and in a size of the xanthophyll cycle pool under salt stress. Moreover, the Put treatment reduced the activities of uroporphyrinogen III synthase, chlorophyllase, and Mg-dechelatase and downregulated the transcriptional levels of glutamyl-tRNA reductase, 5-aminolevulinate dehydratase, uroporphyrinogen III synthase, uroporphyrinogen III decarboxylase,...

Response of photosystem II performance and antioxidant enzyme activities in stay-green wheat to cytokinin

D. Q. Yang, Y. L. Luo, W. H. Dong, Y. P. Yin, Y. Li, Z. L. Wang

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):567-577 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0708-1

WN6 (a stay-green wheat cultivar) and JM20 (control) were used to evaluate the effects of exogenous cytokinin on photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant enzymes activities in flag leaves. Results showed that WN6 reached the higher grain mass, which was mainly due to the higher photosynthetic rate resulting from the higher maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Φ_PSII) and probability that a trapped exaction transfers an electron into the electron transport chain beyond QA (Ψ_o), and lower relative variable fluorescence intensity at the J-step (Vj). Exogenous 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) enhanced antioxidant enzymes...

Adaptive photosynthetic and physiological responses to drought and rewatering in triploid Populus populations

T. Liao, Y. Wang, C. P. Xu, Y. Li, X. Y. Kang

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):578-590 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0704-5

Cuttings of Populus cathayana Rehd, originating from three triploid and one diploid populations with the same parents but different gamete origins, were used to examine physiological responses to drought stress and rewatering by exposure to three progressive water regimes. Progressive drought stress significantly decreased the leaf relative water content (RWC), photosynthesis, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and increased the relative electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), free proline (Pro), and antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, in the four populations evaluated. However, compared to...

Brassinosteroids mitigate cadmium toxicity in cowpea plants

L. R. Santos, B. L. Batista, A. K. S. Lobato

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):591-605 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0700-9

Anthropogenic activities and improper uses of phosphate fertilizers have led to an increase in cadmium concentrations in agricultural soils. Brassinosteroids are steroid hormones that are rapidly assimilated and metabolised with beneficial roles in physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Our aim was to ascertain whether exogenous treatment with 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) can mitigate the Cd toxicity, and whether this substance can reduce the Cd accumulation in plant tissues. Furthermore, the dose response to EBR was determined following exposure to Cd in Vigna unguiculata. The experiment was a completely randomised factorial design...

Effect of iron, zinc and manganese shortage-induced change on photosynthetic pigments, some osmoregulators and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in lettuce

H. R. Roosta, A. Estaji, F. Niknam

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):606-615 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0696-1

Although the beneficial role of Fe, Zn, and Mn on many physiological and biochemical processes is well established, effects of each of these elements on chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence and photosynthetic pigment contents is not well studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of Fe, Zn, and Mn deficiency in two lettuce cultivars. The parameters investigated could serve also as physiological and biochemical markers in order to identify stress-tolerant cultivars. Our results indicated that microelement shortage significantly decreased contents of photosynthetic pigments in both lettuce cultivars. Chl a fluorescence parameters including...

Effects of exogenous phenolic acids on photosystem functions and photosynthetic electron transport rate in strawberry leaves

X. F. Lu, H. Zhang, S. S. Lyu, G. D. Du, X. Q. Wang, C. H. Wu, D. G. Lyu

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):616-622 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0702-7

Our study investigated the physiological and biochemical basis for the effects of exogenous phenolic acids on the function of the photosynthetic apparatus and photosynthetic electron transport rate in strawberry seedlings. Potted seedlings of the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) were used. Syringic acid inhibited net photosynthetic rate and water-use efficiency decreased. Additionally, primary quinone electron acceptor of the PSII reaction centre, the PSII reaction centre and the oxygen evolving complex were also impaired. Both the maximum quantum yield of the PSII primary photochemistry and the performance index on absorption basis were...

Ameliorating effects of three kinds of antioxidants to ozone-polluted painted nettle (Coleus blumei Benth.)

L. Zhang, L. L. Jia, J. X. Sui, M. X. Wen, Y. J. Chen

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):623-632 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0693-4

Ground concentration of ozone (O₃) causes serious threat to plants. In order to protect sensitive plants from O₃ pollution, many kinds of antioxidants were assessed in previous studies. In this study, effects of O₃ fumigation (a single spike of 120 ± 20 nmol mol-1 for four hours) on an ornamental species (Coleus blumei) was examined in open-top chambers. Before the O₃ treatment, plants were sprayed respectively either with a solution of three different antioxidants [Na-ascorbate (NaAsA), kinetin (KIN), and spermidine (Spd)] or with distilled water to compare their protective effects to plants....

Simulation of PSII-operating efficiency from chlorophyll fluorescence in response to light and temperature in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) using a multilayer leaf model

E. Janka, O. Körner, E. Rosenqvist, C. O. Ottosen

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):633-640 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0701-8

Chlorophyll fluorescence serves as a proxy photosynthesis measure under different climatic conditions. The objective of the study was to predict PSII quantum yield using greenhouse microclimate data to monitor plant conditions under various climates. Multilayer leaf model was applied to model fluorescence emission from actinic light-adapted (F') leaves, maximum fluorescence from light-adapted (Fm') leaves, PSII-operating efficiency (F_q'/F_m'), and electron transport rate (ETR). A linear function was used to approximate F' from several measurements under constant and variable light conditions. Model performance was evaluated by...

Improvement of grapevine physiology and yield under summer stress by kaolin-foliar application: water relations, photosynthesis and oxidative damage

L. T. Dinis, A. C. Malheiro, A. Luzio, H. Fraga, H. Ferreira, I. Gonçalves, G. Pinto, C. M. Correia, J. Moutinho-Pereira

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):641-651 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0714-3

Knowledge about short-term climate change adaptation strategies for Mediterranean vineyards is needed in order to improve grapevine physiology and yield-quality attributes. We investigated effects of kaolin-particle film suspension on water relations, photosynthesis and oxidative stress of field-grown grapevines in the Douro region (northern Portugal) in 2012 and 2013. Kaolin suspension decreased leaf temperature by 18% and increased leaf water potential (up to 40.7% in 2013). Maximum photochemical quantum efficiency of PSII was higher and the minimal chlorophyll fluorescence was lower in the plants sprayed by kaolin. Two months after application,...

Investigating role of Triton X-100 in ameliorating deleterious effects of anthracene in wheat plants

C. Sharma, S. Mathur, R. S. Tomar, A. Jajoo

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):652-659 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0715-2

This study focused on the deleterious effect of anthracene (ANT) and role of a surfactant, Triton (TX-100), in recovery from inhibitory effect of ANT. Fast chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence measurements were performed in wheat plants. Results revealed that maximum quantum yield of PSII, area over the fluorescence curve, performance index (PI), and reaction centre density was negatively affected by ANT treatment. The effects on PSII quantum efficiency, reaction centre density, absorption, and trapping were partially recovered by TX-100. PSII heterogeneity in terms of PSII antenna heterogeneity, corresponding to PSII α, β, and γ centres,...

Effects of excess cadmium in soil on JIP-test parameters, hydrogen peroxide content and antioxidant activity in two maize inbreds and their hybrid

M. Franić, V. Galić, M. Mazur, D. Šimić

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):660-669 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0710-7

Excessive cadmium (Cd) content in soil leads to a number of phytotoxic effects and challenges agricultural production. Aim of this study was to investigate different responses of two maize inbreds and their hybrid to an elevated Cd content in soil by measuring photosynthetic and biochemical activity and to identify a Cd tolerance mechanism. Antioxidant statusrelated parameters varied significantly between inbreds and treatments. Dry mass increased in both inbreds, but remained unchanged in hybrid. After the Cd treatment, parameters of chlorophyll a fluorescence varied between inbreds and hybrid performance was similar to inbred B84. We concluded that...

The residual effects of bensulfuron-methyl on growth and photosynthesis of soybean and peanut

W. C. Su, L. L. Sun, Y. H. Ge, R. H. Wu, H. L. Xu, C. T. Lu

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):670-677 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0726-z

The effects of various concentrations of bensulfuron-methyl residues (BSM, 0-500 μg kg^-1) on the growth and photosynthesis of soybean and peanut were studied. Shoot length, root length, root-to-shoot ratio, and biomass of soybean and peanut seedlings declined with the increase of BSM residue concentrations. As the concentration of BSM increased, SPAD value, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal limitation, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate also declined with varying extent, but dark respiration rate and intercellular CO₂ concentration increased gradually. PSII maximum quantum yield, actual quantum yield, and electron...

Zinc oxide nanoparticle-mediated changes in photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant system of tomato plants

M. Faizan, A. Faraz, M. Yusuf, S. T. Khan, S. Hayat

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):678-686 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0717-0

The present study was carried out to assess the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in tomato plants on growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and antioxidant system. At 20-d stage of growth, roots of tomato plants were dipped into 0, 2, 4, 8, or 16 mg(ZnO-NPs) L^-1 for 15, 30, and 45 min and then seedlings were transplanted in their respective cups and allowed to grow under natural environmental conditions. At 45-d stage of growth, the ZnO-NPs treatments significantly increased growth, photosynthetic efficiency together with activities of carbonic anhydrase and antioxidant systems in a concentration- and duration-dependent manner. Moreover,...

Photosynthetic and stomatal traits of spike and flag leaf of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under water deficit

H. Ding, D. Liu, X. Liu, Y. Li, J. Kang, J. Lv, G. Wang

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):687-697 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0718-z

Xerophytic stomatal traits may help plants maintain photosynthetic rates under water deficit; however, such adaptations are not well understood. A pot experiment was conducted with two winter wheat cultivars (Pubing 143, Zhengyin 1) during the grain-filling period. Net photosynthetic rate (P_N) and chlorophyll (Chl) content were significantly less affected by water deficit in Pubing 143 than that in Zhengyin 1, and the variation in both P_N and Chl content were more stable in spikes compared to flag leaves. At 18 days after anthesis, stomatal conductance of spikes in Pubing 143 were 28% lower than that of the control,...

Leaf plasticity and stomatal regulation determines the ability of Arundo donax plantlets to cope with water stress

A. Romero-Munar, E. Baraza, J. Cifre, C. Achir, J. Gulías

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):698-706 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0719-y

The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of the giant reed (Arundo donax L.) to drought stress at early stages, as well as to determine the effects of limited soil water availability on plant growth, gas exchange, and water-use efficiency. Plantlets of a commercial clone were grown in a greenhouse under two water treatments: at 100% of field capacity and progressive drought for 66 days (until 20% of field capacity). Soil water content, leaf elongation rate, plant water consumption, and gas-exchange parameters were measured throughout the experiment. Total plant biomass, leaf water, and osmotic potential were determined at the...

Assessment of tolerances in Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. and Syzygium cumini Keels. seedlings to waterlogging

A. Bidalia, Z. Okram, M. Hanief, K. S. Rao

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):707-717 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0724-1

Waterlogging is one of the critical factors controlling the distribution, regeneration, and survival of vegetation in wetlands. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. and Syzygium cumini Keels, inhabiting the Keoladeo National Park, a Ramsar wetland (Bharatpur, India), are tolerant to waterlogging. The morphological and photosynthetic variables of four-month-old seedlings subjected to waterlogging, along with the concentrations of macroand micronutrients, were examined. After 35 days, treatment was halted due to high mortality of S. cumini seedlings in contrast to that of M. parvifolia seedlings....

Effect of static magnetic field pretreatment on growth, photosynthetic performance and yield of soybean under water stress

L. Baghel, S. Kataria, K. N. Guruprasad

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):718-730 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0722-3

In order to evaluate the effect of static magnetic field (SMF) on morphological and physiological responses of soybean to water stress, plants were grown under well-watered (WW) and water-stress (WS) conditions. The adverse effects of WS given at different growth stages was found on growth, yield, and various physiological attributes, but WS at the flowering stage severely decreased all of above parameters in soybean. The result indicated that SMF pretreatment to the seeds significantly increased the plant growth attributes, biomass accumulation, and photosynthetic performance under both WW and WS conditions. Chlorophyll a fluorescence transient from...

Influence of foliar application of polyamines on growth, gas-exchange characteristics, and chlorophyll fluorescence in Bakraii citrus under saline conditions

D. Khoshbakht, M. R. Asghari, M. Haghighi

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):731-742 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0723-2

The effects of polyamines (PAs) on salt stress in Bakraii (Citrus reticulata × Citrus limetta) seedlings were studied. Foliar treatments by putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd), and spermine (Spm) (0, 0.5, and 1 mM) were applied during the salinity period (0 and 75 mM of NaCl). PA-treated seedlings showed a lower content of Na⁺ and Cl^- in leaves. Application of PAs increased net photosynthetic rate in salt-stressed plants and it contributed to the enhanced growth parameters. PAs application considerably induced growth improvement in Bakraii seedlings which was found to be associated with reduced electrolyte leakage, increased...

Photochemistry of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem under fungal biocontrol interaction

H. Amrina, S. Shahzad, Z. S. Siddiqui

Photosynthetica 2018, 56(2):743-749 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0729-9

The aim of this study was to evaluate the photochemistry of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem in fungal biocontrol interacting treatments. Healthy plants were infected with Pythium aphanidermatum before the biocontrol application. Biocontrol agents were selected in preliminary Petri-plate experiment evaluation against causative agent P. aphanidermatum. Photosynthetic performance traits were studied. We found that P. aphanidermatum infection caused significant reduction in photosynthetic performance, pigments, and in maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry, photochemical quenching, and electron transport rate with increase...