Editorial

Helena Synková, Ivana Štětinová

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):1-2 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0684-5  

Gas-exchange parameters and morphological features of festulolium (Festulolium braunii K. Richert A. Camus) in response to nitrogen dosage

G. Mastalerczuk, B. Borawska-Jarmułowicz, H. M. Kalaji, P. Dąbrowski, J. Paderewski

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):20-30 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0665-0  

The response of some photosynthetic parameters (CO₂ assimilation, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO₂ concentration, water-use efficiency, and chlorophyll content), shoot development, and the morphological features of the root system to differentiated conditions of nitrogen supply was tested in festulolium (Festulolium braunii K. Richert A. Camus) varieties (Felopa and Sulino). Nitrogen fertilization with no nitrogen added [0 g(N)], single dosage [0.23 g(N)], and double dosage [0.46 g(N)] per pot and per year was applied. Lack of nitrogen resulted in formation of longer and finer roots and lowered...

Specific leaf area variations drive acclimation of Cistus salvifolius in different light environments

G. Puglielli, L. Varone, L. Gratani, R. Catoni

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):31-40 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0235-5  

Cistus salvifolius L. is the most widely spread Cistus species around the Mediterranean basin. It colonizes a wide range of habitats growing from sea level to 1,800 m a.s.l., on silicolous and calcicolous soils, in sun areas as well as in the understory of wooded areas. Nevertheless, this species has been mainly investigated in term of its responsiveness to drought. Our aim was to understand which leaf traits allow C. salvifolius to cope with low-light environments. We questioned if biochemical and physiological leaf trait variations in response to a reduced photosynthetic photon flux density were related to leaf morphological...

Evaluation of wild Arachis species for cultivation under semiarid tropics as a fodder crop

P. C. Nautiyal, A. L. Rathnakumar, G. Kulkarni, M. S. Sheshshayee

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):41-49 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0642-7  

Wild Arachis genotypes were analysed for chlorophyll a fluorescence, carbon isotope discrimination (ΔC), specific leaf area (SLA), and SPAD readings. Associations between different traits, i.e., SLA and SPAD readings (r =-0.76), SLA and ΔC (r = 0.42), and ΔC and SPAD readings (r = 0.30) were established. The ratio of maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F_v/F_m) showed a wider variability under water deficit (WD) than that after irrigation (IR). Genotypes were grouped according to the F_v/F_m ratio as: efficient, values between 0.80 and 0.85; moderately...

Low doses of Pb affected Lactuca sativa photosynthetic performance

S. Silva, G. Pinto, C. Santos

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):50-57 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0220-z  

The effects of soil and water contamination by lead (Pb) and the consequences on plant growth and yield are of great concern worldwide. Limits of the Pb concentration in water have been established by governmental institutions but these differ from each other. In this study, Lactuca sativa (var. Reine de Mai) plants were exposed to low Pb(NO₃)₂ doses (0.05-20 mg L^-1), including the recommended limit values for irrigation water by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). After 28 d of exposure, lettuce plants did not present visible morphological alterations or growth impairment, but CO₂ assimilation...

Leaf vs. inflorescence: differences in photosynthetic activity of grapevine

M. Sawicki, B. Courteaux, F. Rabenoelina, F. Baillieul, C. Clement, E. Ait Barka, C. Jacquard, N. Vaillant-Gaveau

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):58-68 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0230-x  

Using measures of gas exchange and photosynthetic chain activity, we found some differences between grapevine inflorescence and leaf in terms of photosynthetic activity and photosynthesis regulations. Generally, the leaf showed the higher net photosynthesis (P _N) and lower dark respiration than that of the inflorescence until the beginning of the flowering process. The lower (and negative) P _N indicated prevailing respiration over photosynthesis and could result from a higher metabolic activity rather than from a lower activity of the photosynthetic apparatus. Considerable differences were observed between both organs...

The analysis of determining factors and evaluation of tolerance to photoinhibition in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

H. Li, Q. Zheng, J. Zhang, B. Li, Z. Li

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):69-76 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0228-4  

Photoinhibition is a significant constraint for improvement of radiation-use efficiency and yield potential in cereal crops. In this work, attached fully expanded leaves of seedlings were used to assay the factors determining photoinhibition and for evaluation of tolerance to photoinhibition in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Our results showed that even 1 h under PPFD of 600 µmol(photon) m^-2 s^-1 could significantly reduce maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F_v/F_m) and performance index (PI) compared to low light [300 µmol(photon) m^-2 s^-1]. The decrease of...

Effects of fertilization on leaf photosynthetic characteristics and grain yield in tartary buckwheat Yunqiao1

C. Wang, H. Z. She, X. B. Liu, D. Hu, R. W. Ruan, M. B. Shao, L. Y. Zhang, L. B. Zhou, G. B. Zhang, D. Q. Wu, Z. L. Yi

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):77-84 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0213-y  

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn) has been praised as one of green foods for humans in the 21_st century. Effects of fertilization on leaf photosynthetic characteristics and grain yield of tartary buckwheat has not been yet reported in detail. Our experiment was set as a split-plot factorial. The main plots and subplots were designed by fertilizer ratio and rate as: NPK 1:1:1 (A1), NPK 1:4:2 (A2), NPK 1:2:3 (A3), and 300 (B1), 450 (B2), and 600 (B3) kg (NPK) ha^-1. Our results showed that the grain yield was significantly and positively correlated with the net photosynthetic rate (P _N), stomatal...

Impact of light-emitting diode irradiation on photosynthesis, phytochemical composition and mineral element content of lettuce cv. Grizzly

A. Amoozgar, A. Mohammadi, M. R. Sabzalian

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):85-95 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0216-8  

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are a promising technology with a potential to improve the irradiance efficiency, light quality, and the light spectrum for increasing plant yield and quality. In this experiment, we investigated the impacts of various LED light qualities, including 100% red, 100% blue, 70% red + 30% blue, and 100% white, on the growth and photosynthesis, phytochemical contents, and mineral element concentrations in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. 'Grizzly') in comparison to normal greenhouse conditions. Photon flux of 300 µmol m^-2 s^-1 was provided for 14 h by 120 LEDs set on a 60 cm × 60 cm sheet of aluminum...

Effect of NaCl-induced changes in growth, photosynthetic characteristics, water status and enzymatic antioxidant system of Calligonum caput-medusae seedlings

Y. Lu, J. Q. Lei, F. J. Zeng, B. Zhang, G. J. Liu, B. Liu, X. Y. Li

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):96-106 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0234-6  

Calligonum caput-medusae is known to grow well when irrigated with water containing NaCl. The aim of this study was to investigate ecophysiological responses of C. caput-medusae to different NaCl concentrations. In our study, we examined the effect of 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mM NaCl. Our results demonstrated that maximum seedling growth occurred at 50 mM NaCl. Photosynthetic parameters, such as the photosynthetic pigment content and gas exchange parameters, correlated with growth response. High salinity (≥ 100 mM NaCl) resulted in a significant reduction of the plant growth. Similarly, marked declines in the pigment content, maximal...

Solute patterns and diurnal variation of photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence in Korean coastal sand dune plants

J. S. Hwang, Y. S. Choo

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):107-120 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0232-8  

Four plant species, Elymus mollis Trin., Carex kobomugi Ohwi, Glehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq., and Vitex rotundifolia L.f., are dominant perennial species in coastal sand dunes of Korea. We examined a physiological adaptation of these species by measurements of diurnal variation in photosynthesis and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence and solute patterns in leaves during one season (June), which is favorable for plant growth of all four species. All four species adopted different strategies in order to utilize radiation and to maintain water status under a fluctuating microclimate. Although the lowest water contents among...

Variations of leaf morphology, photosynthetic traits and water-use efficiency in Western-Mediterranean tomato landraces

M. Fullana-Pericàs, M. À. Conesa, S. Soler, M. Ribas-Carbó, A. Granell, J. Galmés

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):121-133 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0653-4  

Modern tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) breeding has mainly focused on increasing productivity under unlimited watering. In contrast, some Mediterranean accessions have been traditionally cultivated under water shortage and selected on the basis of their water-use efficiency (WUE). Ramellet and Penjar landraces were planted with other traditional, old and modern inbreeds, under full irrigation. In order to found differences between the tomato accessions, gas-exchange and leaf morphology measurements were performed. Despite high variability, Ramellet and Penjar presented clear differences compared to modern cultivars, mostly related to leaf morphology...

Effects of fertilization on the growth, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation in juvenile plants of three coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cultivars

Z. X. Zhang, Z. Q. Cai, G. Z. Liu, H. Wang, L. Huang, C. T. Cai

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):134-143 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0237-3  

We carried out a field experiment in order to study effects of fertilization in juvenile plants of three coffee (Coffea arabica) cultivars in Yunnan, SW China. Fertilization treatments included a control without fertilizer (CK), combinations of three NPK fertilization rates [high fertilization (F_H), medium fertilization (F_M), and low fertilization (F_L) with 135, 90, and 45 g per plant per year, respectively], and at two N:P₂O₅:K₂O ratios (R₁, 1:0.5:0.8; R₂, 1:0.8:0.5). The growth in juvenile plants was not altered by fertilization, with two clear growth peaks...

Green light enhances growth, photosynthetic pigments and CO₂ assimilation efficiency of lettuce as revealed by 'knock out' of the 480-560 nm spectral waveband

H. Liu, Y. Fu, M. Wang, H. Liu

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):144-152 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0233-7  

Adding green component to growth light had a profound effect on biomass accumulation in lettuce. However, conflicting views on photosynthetic efficiency of green light, which have been reported, might occur due to nonuniform light sources used in previous studies. In an attempt to reveal plausible mechanisms underlying the differential photosynthetic and developmental responses to green light, we established a new way of light treatment modeled according to the principle of gene "knock out". Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. youmaicai) was grown under two different light spectra, including a wide spectrum of light-emitting diode (LED) light (CK)...

Effect of sodium nitroprusside on responses of Melissa officinalis to bicarbonate exposure and direct Fe deficiency stress

R. Amooaghaie, Sh. Roohollahi

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):153-163 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0240-8  

In our study, one-month-old Melissa officinalis plants were subjected to Fe-deficiency treatments, such as 10 µM Fe (as direct iron deficiency, DD), and 30 µM Fe + 10 mM NaHCO₃ + 0.5 g l^-1 CaCO₃ (as indirect iron deficiency, ID), and 30 µM Fe (as control) for 14 d. Both Fe-deficiency types reduced plant growth, photosynthetic pigment contents, an active Fe content in roots and leaves, root Fe(III)-reducing capacity, Fe-use efficiency, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, a ratio of variable to basic fluorescence, and activities of antioxidant enzymes, while they increased lipid peroxidation...

Photosynthetic acclimation and leaf traits of Stipa bungeana in response to elevated CO₂ under five different watering conditions

H. Wang, G. S. Zhou, Y. L. Jiang, Y. H. Shi, Z. Z. Xu

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):164-175 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0239-1  

Although plant performance under elevated CO₂ (EC) and drought has been extensively studied, little is known about the leaf traits and photosynthetic performance of Stipa bungeana under EC and a water deficiency gradient. In order to investigate the effects of EC, watering, and their combination, S. bungeana seedlings were exposed to two CO₂ regimes (ambient, CA: 390 ppm; elevated, EC: 550 ppm) and five levels of watering (-30%, -15%, control, +15%, +30%) from 1 June to 31 August in 2011, where the control water level was 240 mm. Gas exchange and leaf traits were measured after 90-d treatments. Gas-exchange characteristics,...

Elevated CO₂ increased photosynthesis and yield without decreasing stomatal conductance in broomcorn millet

X. Y. Hao, P. Li, H. Y. Li, Y. Z. Zong, B. Zhang, J. Z. Zhao, Y. H. Han

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):176-183 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0226-6  

Broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is one of the important C₄ crops in the semiarid regions of northern China. It is a close relative of biofuel crop switchgrass. Yet, there is no information on how these crops might respond to a climate change in China. In order to gain insight into such a response, we studied the effect of elevated CO₂ concentration (EC) on broomcorn millet. The changes in leaf photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, morphological parameters, biomass and yield in response to EC [i.e., + 200 µmol(CO₂) mol^-1] over two years were determined at the open-top chamber...

Photosynthetic responses of Chrysanthemum morifolium to growth irradiance: morphology, anatomy and chloroplast ultrastructure

S. Han, S. M. Chen, A. P. Song, R. X. Liu, H. Y. Li, J. F. Jiang, F. D. Chen

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):184-192 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0219-5  

Seedlings of Chrysanthemum, cultivar 'Puma Sunny', were grown under a range of shading regimes (natural full sunlight, 55, 25, and 15% of full sunlight) for 18 days. Here, we characterized effects of varying light regimes on plant morphology, photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, anatomical traits, and chloroplast ultrastructure. We showed that leaf color was yellowish-green under full sunlight. Leaf area, internode length, and petiole length of plants were the largest under 15% irradiance. Net photosynthetic rate, water-use efficiency, PSII quantum efficiency, and starch grain were reduced with decreasing irradiance from 100 to 15%. Heavy...

Carbonic anhydrase - a universal enzyme of the carbon-based life

E. Kupriyanova, N. Pronina, D. Los

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):3-19 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0685-4  

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is a metalloenzyme that performs interconversion between CO₂ and the bicarbonate ion (HCO₃ ^-). CAs appear among all taxonomic groups of three domains of life. Wide spreading of CAs in nature is explained by the fact that carbon, which is the major constituent of the enzyme's substrates, is a key element of life on the Earth. Despite the diversity of CAs, they all carry out the same reaction of CO₂/HCO₃ ^- interconversion. Thus, CA obviously represents a universal enzyme of the carbon-based life. Within the classification of CAs, here we proposed the existence of...

Toxic effects of high copper content on physiological processes in Pinus sylvestris L.

K. Możdżeń, T. Wanic, G. Rut, T. Łaciak, A. Rzepka

Photosynthetica 2017, 55(1):193-200 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-016-0229-3  

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of increased copper contents on selected physiological processes in oneyear-old Pinus sylvestris L. needles from a former German timber storage area in Warcino Forest District, a subject to an environmental quality survey. Samples were collected from the area with the high copper content in the soil. The control area was a nearby pine tree stand showing unimpeded growth. The significant growth inhibition was found in dwarf shoots and whole needles, increased water content, and reduced dry mass were also observed. The chlorophyll content was lowered, while 20% higher electrolyte leakage was found....