Leaf rolling and photosystem II efficiency in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ctenanthe setosa</Emphasis> exposed to drought stress

Photochemical efficiency of PSII of Ctenanthe setosa was investigated to understand the photosynthetic adaptation mechanism under drought stress causing leaf rolling. Stomatal conductance (g _s), the levels of photosynthetic pigments and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters were determined in leaves that had four different visual leaf rolling scores from 1 to 4, opened after re-watering and mechanically opened at score 4. g _s value gradually decreased in adaxial and abaxial surfaces in relation to scores of leaf rolling. Pigment contents decreased until score 3 but approached score 1 level at score 4. No significant variations in effective quantum yield of PSII (Φ_PSII), and photochemical quenching (q_p) were found until score 3, while they significantly decreased at score 4. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) increased at score 2 but then decreased. After re-watering, the Chl fluorescence and other physiological parameters reached to approximately score 1 value, again. As for mechanically opened leaves, g _s decreased during drought period. The decrease in adaxial surface was higher than that of the rolled leaves. NPQ was higher than that of the rolled leaves. Φ_PSII and q_p significantly declined and the decreases were more than those of the rolled leaves. In conclusion, the results indicate that leaf rolling protects PSII functionality from damage induced by drought stress.     

Evaluation of reflectance spectroscopy indices for estimation of chlorophyll content in leaves of a tropical tree species

The effectiveness of eight spectral reflectance indices for estimating chlorophyll (Chl) content in leaves of Eugenia uniflora L., a tropical tree species widely distributed throughout the world and a key species for ecosystem restoration projects, was evaluated. Spectral reflectance indices were tested using sun and shade leaves with a broad variation in leaf mass per area (LMA). Shortly after plants were exposed to chilling temperatures, there was a dramatic visible change in some sun leaves from green to red. Prior to testing Chl-related reflectance indices, the green and red leaves were separated according to the anthocyanin reflectance index (ARI). Slightly green to dark green leaves corresponded to an ARI value less than 0.11 (n = 107), whereas slightly red to red leaves corresponded to an ARI value greater than 0.11 (n = 35). To estimate leaf Chl, two simple reflectance indices (SR₆₈₀ and SR₇₀₅), two normalized difference indices (ND₆₈₀ and ND₇₀₅), two modified reflectance indices (mSR₇₀₅ and mND705), a modified Chl absorption ratio index (mCARI₇₀₅) and an index insensitive to the presence of anthocyanins (CI_re) were evaluated. Good estimates of leaf Chl content were obtained using the reflectance indices tested regardless of the presence of anthocyanins and changes in LMA. Based on the coefficients of determination (r ²) and the root mean square errors (RMS?_c) the best results were obtained with reflectance indices measured at wavelengths of 750 and 705 nm. Considering the performance of the models the best reflectance indices to estimate Chl contents in E. uniflora leaves with a broad variation in LMA and anthocyanin contents was SR₇₀₅ and mCARI₇₀₅.     

Variations in light energy dissipation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Woodfordia fruticosa</Emphasis> leaves during expansion

Young leaves of tropical trees frequently appear red in color, with the redness disappearing as the leaves mature. During leaf expansion, plants may employ photoprotective mechanisms to cope with high light intensities; however, the variations in anthocyanin contents, nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), and photorespiration during leaf expansion are poorly understood. Here, we investigated pigment contents, gas exchange, and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence in Woodfordia fruticosa leaves during their expansion. Young red leaves had significantly lower Chl content than that of expanding or mature leaves, but they accumulated significantly higher anthocyanins and dissipated more excited light energy through NPQ. As the leaves matured, net photosynthetic rate, total electron flow through PSII, and electron flow for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate oxygenation gradually increased. Our results provided evidence that photorespiration is of fundamental importance in regulating the photosynthetic electron flow and CO₂ assimilation during leaf expansion.     

冬季南亚热带森林演替中后期优势树种幼叶光保护策略

为了解演替中期和后期优势树种对冬季不同光强的适应性,对在全光照(100%自然光强)和低光照(30%自然光强)下生长的演替中期优势种木荷(Schima superba)、锥栗(Castanopsis chinensis)和黧蒴(Castanopsis fissa)及演替后期优势种华润楠(Machilus chinensis)、黄果厚壳桂(Cryptocarya coninna)和厚壳桂(Cryptocarya chinensis)的生理生化响应进行了研究。结果表明,与全光照相比,低光照下演替中期优势树种幼叶的非光化学猝灭(NPQ)、类胡萝卜素与叶绿素的比值(Car/Chl)和花色素苷含量下降,细胞质膜渗透率增加;而演替后期优势树种幼叶的花色素苷含量增加、细胞质膜渗透率降低,且受光抑制的程度低(Fv/Fm高)。此外,除总抗氧化能力外,演替中期优势树种幼叶的花色素苷含量、NPQ和Car/Chl均显著低于演替后期优势种。因此,演替后期优势树种可以通过灵活多样的光保护策略来提高对冬季强光环境的适应能力,而演替中期优势种在光保护策略的多样性及光保护能力上均弱于演替后期优势种。     

穿透雨减少下锐齿栎叶片光合色素季节动态及其反射光谱响应

通过林地穿透雨排除的方法模拟降雨减少,测定河南宝天曼自然保护区锐齿栎叶片光合色素含量与反射光谱的季节变化,对减雨处理造成的光合色素变化及其反射光谱的变化进行了定量分析,并探讨了水分控制条件下反射光谱对叶片光合色素变化的响应机制.结果表明: 锐齿栎叶片的光合色素含量和色素比率均呈现明显的季节变化.减雨样地与对照样地叶片的光合色素含量和比率在生长季的各个时期存在差异,其中,叶片叶绿素b(Chl b)含量的差异显著,说明Chl b对减雨处理的敏感性最高,叶片类胡萝卜素(Car)含量的差异较小,说明Car对减雨处理的敏感性相对较弱.550 nm处的光谱反射率对色素季节变化的响应最敏感,以其构造的简单比值指数(SR_750,550)与叶片Chl a、Chl b、总Chl和Car含量的正相关关系显著,光化学反射指数(PRI)与叶片Car/Chl的负相关关系显著.550 nm处的光谱反射率对减雨处理造成的色素变化响应最为敏感.SR_750,550对减雨处理造成的叶片Chl a、Chl b和总Chl的含量变化表现敏感(P<0.01),对Chl a/b的变化不敏感.PRI对减雨处理造成的叶片Car/Chl变化表现敏感(P<0.01).     

Predictive capability of a leaf optical meter for determining leaf pigment status during senescence

We conducted an experiment to assess the predictive capability of a leaf optical meter for determining leaf pigment status of Acer mono Maxim., A. ginnala Maxim., Quercus mongolica Fisch., and Cornus alba displaying a range of visually different leaf colors during senescence. Concentrations of chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, and total Chl [i.e., Chl (a+b)] decreased while the concentration of carotenoids (Car) remained relatively static for all species as leaf development continued from maturity to senescence. C. alba exhibited the lowest average concentration of Chl (a+b), Chl a, and Car, but the highest relative anthocyanin concentration, while Q. mongolica exhibited the highest Chl (a+b), Chl b, and the lowest relative anthocyanin concentration. A. mono exhibited the highest Chl a and Car concentrations. The relationships between leaf pigments and the values measured by the optical meter generally followed an exponential function. The strongest relationships between leaf pigments and optical measurements were for A. mono, A. ginnala, and Q. mongolica (R ² ranged from 0.64 to 0.95), and the weakest relationships were for C. alba (R ² ranged from 0.13 to 0.67). Moreover, optical measurements were more strongly related to Chl a than to Chl b or Chl (a+b). Optical measurements were not related to Car or relative anthocyanin concentrations. We predicted that weak relationships between leaf pigments and optical measurements would occur under very low Chl concentrations or under very high anthocyanin concentrations; however, these factors could not explain the weak relationship between Chl and optical measurements observed in C. alba. Overall, our results indicated that an optical meter can accurately estimate leaf pigment concentrations during leaf senescence — a time when pigment concentrations are dynamically changing — but that the accuracy of the estimate varies across species. Future research should investigate how species-specific leaf traits may influence the accuracy of pigment estimates derived from optical meters.     

Assessing leaf pigment content and activity with a reflectometer

This study explored reflectance indices sampled with a 'leaf reflectometer' as measures of pigment content for leaves of contrasting light history, developmental stage and functional type (herbaceous annual versus sclerophyllous evergreen). We employed three reflectance indices: a modified normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), an index of chlorophyll content; the red/green reflectance ratio ( R _RED: R _GREEN), an index of anthocyanin content; and the change in photochemical reflectance index upon dark–light conversions (ΔPRI), an index of xanthophyll cycle pigment activity. In Helianthus annuus (sunflower), xanthophyll cycle pigment amounts were linearly related to growth light environment; leaves in full sun contained approximately twice the amount of xanthophyll cycle pigments as leaves in deep shade, and at midday a larger proportion of these pigments were in the photoprotective, de-epoxidized forms relative to shade leaves. Reflectance indices also revealed contrasting patterns of pigment development in leaves of contrasting structural types (annual versus evergreen). In H. annuus sun leaves, there was a remarkably rapid increase in amounts of both chlorophyll and xanthophyll cycle pigments along a leaf developmental sequence. This pattern contrasted with that of Quercus agrifolia (coast live oak, a sclerophyllous evergreen), which exhibited a gradual development of both chlorophyll and xanthophyll cycle pigments along with a pronounced peak of anthocyanin pigment content in newly expanding leaves. These temporal patterns of pigment development in Q. agrifolia leaves suggest that anthocyanins and xanthophyll cycle pigments serve complementary photoprotective roles during early leaf development. The results illustrate the use of reflectance indices for distinguishing divergent patterns of pigment activity in leaves of contrasting light history and functional type.     

基于高光谱遥感的小麦冠层叶片色素密度监测

作物叶片色素状况是评价植株光合效率和营养胁迫的重要指标,冠层叶片色素密度（单位土地面积叶片色素总量）的实时无损监测对作物生长诊断、产量估算及氮素管理具有重要意义。以包括不同品质类型（高蛋白、中蛋白和低蛋白）的多个小麦品种在不同施氮水平下的连续2a大田试验为基础,研究了小麦叶片色素密度与冠层高光谱参数的定量关系。结果表明,叶片色素（叶绿素a、叶绿素b、叶绿素a＋b和类胡萝卜素）密度随施氮水平增加而提高,不施氮处理的叶片色素密度随生育进程而下降,施氮处理的叶片色素密度呈单峰曲线,品种间存在明显差异。群体叶片色素密度的敏感波段主要分布在可见光区,而红边区域导数光谱表现更显著。光谱参数VOG2、VOG3、RVI（810,560）、SRE／SBE和SDr／SDb等与叶绿素密度关系较为密切,线性方程决定系数R^2均在0．858以上,而与类胡萝卜素密度关系减弱,决定系数R^2低于0．780,且参数间差异较小。经独立试验资料的检验表明,VOG2、VOG3、SRE／SBE和SDr／SDb对不同色素的估测结果较好,预测相对误差RE低于17．6％,虽然对叶绿素b的准确性稍低。总体上,光谱参数VOG2、VOG3、SRE／SBE和SDr／SDb与小麦群体叶片色素密度关系密切,特别是对叶片叶绿素a和叶绿素a＋b的密度可以进行准确可靠的实时监测。     

Non-destructive optical detection of pigment changes during leaf senescence and fruit ripening

Reflectance spectra in the visible and near infra-red range of the spectrum, acquired for maple ( Acer platanoides L.), chestnut ( Aesculus hippocastanum L.), potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.), coleus ( Coleus blumei Benth.), leaves and lemon (Citrus limon L.) and apple ( Malus domestica Borkh.) fruits were studied. An increase of reflectance between 550 and 740 nm accompanied senescence-induced degradation of chlorophyll (Chl), whereas in the range 400–500 nm it remained low, due to retention of carotenoids (Car). It was found that both leaf senescence and fruit ripening affect the difference between reflectance ( R ) near 670 and 500 nm ( R ₆₇₈− R ₅₀₀), depending on pigment composition. The plant senescing reflectance index in the form ( R ₆₇₈− R ₅₀₀)/ R ₇₅₀ was found to be sensitive to the Car/Chl ratio, and was used as a quantitative measure of leaf senescence and fruit ripening. The changes in the index were followed during leaf senescence, and natural and ethylene-induced fruit ripening. This novel index can be used for estimating the onset, the stage, relative rates and kinetics of senescence/ripening processes.     

Genetic variation in leaf pigment,optical and photosynthetic function among diverse phenotypes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Metrosideros polymorpha</Emphasis> grown in a common garden

Coordinated variation has been reported for leaf structure, composition and function, across and within species, and theoretically should occur across populations of a species that span an extensive environmental range. We focused on Hawaiian keystone tree species Metrosideros polymorpha, specifically, 13-year old trees grown (2–4 m tall) in a common garden (approximately 1 ha field with 2–3 m between trees) from seeds collected from 14 populations along an altitude–soil age gradient. We determined the genetic component of relationships among specific leaf area (SLA), the concentrations of nitrogen (N) and pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins), and photosynthetic light-use efficiency. These traits showed strong ecotypic variation; SLA declined 35% with increasing source elevation, and area-based concentrations of N, Chl a + b and Car increased by 50, 109 and 96%, respectively. Concentrations expressed on a mass basis were not well related to source elevation. Pigment ratios expressed covariation that suggested an increased capacity for light harvesting at higher source elevation; Chl/N and Car/Chl increased with source elevation, whereas Chl a/b declined; Chl a/b was higher for populations on younger soil, suggesting optimization for low N supply. Parallel trends were found for the photosynthetic reactions; light-saturated quantum yield of photosystem II (Φ _PSII) and electron transport rate (ETR) increased with source elevation. Correlations of the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments, pigment ratios, and photosynthetic function across the ecotypes indicated a stoichiometric coordination of the components of the light-harvesting antennae and reaction centers. The constellation of coordinated morphological, biochemical and physiological properties was expressed in the leaf reflectance and transmittance properties in the visible and near-infrared wavelength region (400–950 nm), providing an integrated metric of leaf status among and between plant phenotypes.     

Responses of leaf photosynthesis,pigments and chlorophyll fluorescence within canopy position in a boreal grass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phalaris arundinacea</Emphasis> L.) to elevated temperature and CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> under varying water regimes

The effects of elevated growth temperature (ambient + 3.5°C) and CO₂ (700 μmol mol⁻¹) on leaf photosynthesis, pigments and chlorophyll fluorescence of a boreal perennial grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) under different water regimes (well watered to water shortage) were investigated. Layer-specific measurements were conducted on the top (younger leaf) and low (older leaf) canopy positions of the plants after anthesis. During the early development stages, elevated temperature enhanced the maximum rate of photosynthesis (P _max) of the top layer leaves and the aboveground biomass, which resulted in earlier senescence and lower photosynthesis and biomass at the later periods. At the stage of plant maturity, the content of chlorophyll (Chl), leaf nitrogen (N_L), and light response of effective photochemical efficiency (Φ_PSII) and electron transport rate (ETR) was significantly lower under elevated temperature than ambient temperature in leaves at both layers. CO₂ enrichment enhanced the photosynthesis but led to a decline of N_L and Chl content, as well as lower fluorescence parameters of Φ_PSII and ETR in leaves at both layers. In addition, the down-regulation by CO₂ elevation was significant at the low canopy position. Regardless of climate treatment, the water shortage had a strongly negative effect on the photosynthesis, biomass growth, and fluorescence parameters, particularly in the leaves from the low canopy position. Elevated temperature exacerbated the impact of water shortage, while CO₂ enrichment slightly alleviated the drought-induced adverse effects on P _max. We suggest that the light response of Φ_PSII and ETR, being more sensitive to leaf-age classes, reflect the photosynthetic responses to climatic treatments and drought stress better than the fluorescence parameters under dark adaptation.     

竹柏2种颜色叶片的光合特性研究

为了解竹柏(Podocarpus nagi)的光合特性,以3 a生全绿叶和花叶竹柏为材料,测定其光合色素含量和气体交换参数。结果表明,全绿叶竹柏叶片的叶绿素a、叶绿素b、类胡萝卜素、叶绿素a+b、叶绿素a/b和叶绿素a+b/类胡萝卜素均显著高于花叶竹柏;全绿叶竹柏叶片的初始量子效率、最大光合速率和暗呼吸速率均显著高于花叶,而光饱和点和光补偿点均显著低于花叶;全绿叶竹柏叶片的初始羧化效率、光合速率、CO2饱和点和光呼吸速率均高于花叶,而CO2补偿点低于花叶。2种颜色叶片的气孔导度、蒸腾速率和水分利用效率均随着光合有效辐射的增大而增大,且均表现为全绿叶花叶,而胞间CO2浓度则相反,表现为花叶全绿叶。因此,全绿叶竹柏利用弱光的能力强于花叶竹柏,而花叶竹柏利用强光的能力更强,在园林绿化配置中,可根据2种颜色叶片的光合特性合理配置。     

枫香秋季变色期叶色变化及其生理基础

为探究秋季枫叶呈色的关键生理因素,该文以转色期叶色为绿色、黄色和红色的枫香单株为试材,研究了L^*、a^*、b^*值变化与叶片色素、可溶性糖及可溶性蛋白质含量变化的相关性。结果表明:(1)在变色期,3种色彩枫香叶片叶绿素a、叶绿素b、总叶绿素和类胡萝卜素均大量降解,花色素苷不同程度积累。(2)绿色叶单株叶绿素和类胡萝卜素始终保持较高含量,花色素苷含量上升4.2倍,叶片内色素含量比值始终保持稳定; 黄色叶单株叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量最低,花色素苷含量上升4.4倍,b^*值与叶绿素含量极显著负相关,与类胡萝卜素含量显著负相关,与花色素苷/类胡萝卜素含量比值极显著正相关; 红色叶单株叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量略高于黄色叶单株,花色素苷含量上升27.2倍,a^*值与叶绿素含量、类胡萝卜素含量极显著负相关,与花色素苷含量显著正相关,与色素含量比值无显著相关性。(3)红色叶单株具有较高的可溶性糖含量和可溶性蛋白质含量。因此,在枫香叶片变色期,保持较高的叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量,维持色素含量比值稳定使叶片呈现绿色; 叶绿素和类胡萝卜素的大量降解,以及花色素苷/类胡萝卜素含量比值的升高使叶片呈现黄色; 叶绿素的降解和花色素苷的大量合成使叶片呈现红色。     

Photosynthetic characterization of Australian pitcher plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cephalotus follicularis</Emphasis>

Australian carnivorous pitcher plant Cephalotus follicularis Labill. produces two types of leaves. During the spring time, the plant produces a foliage type of noncarnivorous leaf called lamina. Later, the second type of leaf is produced — carnivorous pitcher. Using simultaneous measurements of gas exchange and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence photosynthetic efficiency of these two distinct forms of leaves were compared. In addition stomatal density, an important component of gas exchange, and Chl concentration were also determined. Pitcher trap had lower net photosynthetic rate (P _N) in comparison to noncarnivorous lamina, whereas the rate of respiration (R _D) was not significantly different. This was in accordance with lower stomatal density and Chl concentration in the pitcher trap. On the other hand maximum quantum yield of PSII (F_v/F_m) and effective quantum yield of photochemical energy conversion in PSII (Φ_PSII) was not significantly different. Nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) was significantly higher in the lamina at higher irradiance. These data are in accordance with hypothesis that changing the leaf shape in carnivorous plants to make it a better trap generally makes it less efficient at photosynthesis. However, the pitcher of Cephalotus had much higher P _N than it was expected from the data set of the genus Nepenthes. Because it is not possible to optimize for contrasting function such as photosynthesis and carnivory, it is hypothesized that Cephalotus pitchers are less elaborated for carnivorous function than the pitchers of Nepenthes.     

Diurnal cycle of chlorophyll fluorescence in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phalaenopsis</Emphasis>

Chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence of warm day/cool night temperature exposed Phalaenopsis plants was measured hourly during 48 h to study the simultaneous temperature and irradiance response of the photosynthetic physiology. The daily pattern of fluorescence kinetics showed abrupt changes of photochemical quenching (q_P), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and quantum yield of photosystem II electron transport (Φ_PSII) upon transition from day to night and vice versa. During the day, the course of Φ_PSII and NPQ was related to the air temperature pattern, while maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (F_v/F_m) revealed a rather light dependent response. Information on these daily dynamics in fluorescence kinetics is important with respect to meaningful data collection and interpretation.     

Caragana korshinskii seedlings maintain positive photosynthesis during short-term,severe drought stress

Seedling performance may determine plant distribution, especially in water-limited environments. Plants of Caragana korshinskii commonly grow in arid and semiarid areas in northwestern China, and endure water shortage in various ways, but little is known about their performance when water shortage occurs at early growth stages. The water relations, photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll (Chl) content and proline accumulation were determined in 1-year-old seedlings growing in a 1:1 mixture of Loess soil and Perlite and subjected to (1) a water deficit for 20 days and (2) kept adequately watered throughout. The water deficit induced low (−6.1 MPa) predawn leaf water potentials (LWP), but did not induce any leaf abscission. Stomatal conductance (g _s), leaf transpiration rate (E), and net photosynthetic rate (P _N) decreased immediately following the imposition of the water deficit, while the maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) (F_v/F_m) and the effective quantum yield of PSII (Φ_PSII) decreased 15 days later. An early and rapid decrease in g _s, reduced E, increased Chl (a+b) loss, increased the apparent rate of photochemical transport of electrons through PSII (ETR)/P _N, as well as a gradual increase in non-photochemical quenching of fluorescence (NPQ) and proline may have contributed to preventing Φ_PSII from photodamage. C. korshinskii seedlings used a stress-tolerance strategy, with leaf maintenance providing a clear selective advantage, considering the occasional rainfall events during the growing season.     

Effects of cadmium and salicylic acid on growth, spectral reflectance and photosynthesis of castor bean seedlings

Salicylic acid (SA) is a potent signaling molecule in plants and is involved in eliciting specific responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the exogenous application of SA can improve cadmium (Cd) induced inhibition of photosynthesis in castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) plants. The effects of SA and Cd on plant growth, spectral reflectance, pigment contents, chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange were examined in a hydroponic cultivation system. Results indicate that Cd exposure significantly decreased the dry biomass, photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (G_s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i), pigment contents, quantum yield of PS II photochemistry (F_v/F_m), and effective quantum yield of PS II (??PS II) in the plants. Pretreatment with SA alone reduced the biomass and P_n in castor bean plants, whereas pigment contents, F_v/F_m and ??PS II remained unaffected. Reduced G_s, C_i and E, as well as increased stomatal limitation (L_s) and water use efficiency (WUE), were observed in plants pretreated with 500???M SA alone, whereas plants treated with 250???M SA were unaffected. Under Cd stress, SA pretreatment led to a significant decrease in P_n, G_s, E, C_i, and chlorophyll contents (Chl a, Chl b, Chl a+b, Car, Chl a/b), and an increase in L_s and WUE. Cd exposure enhanced spectral reflectance in the range 550?C680?nm and 750?C1,050?nm. It also decreased the normalized difference vegetation index (_chlNDI), the modified red edge simple ratio index (mSR₇₀₅), the red edge position (REP), water band index, and red/green ratio, whereas the structure independent pigment index (SIPI) was increased. Significant correlations (P?<?0.01) between spectral indices (mSR₇₀₅, _chlNDI, REP, red/green ratio) and pigment contents. SA significantly worsened plant growth and photosynthesis in Cd-stressed castor bean plants, in which a stomatal limitation was involved. The leaf spectral reflectance is a sensitive indicator in determining Cd toxicity in plants.     

Effect of transient accumulation of anthocyanin on leaf development and photoprotection of Fagopyrum dibotrys mutant

Changes in pigments contents, leaf area, leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA), photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll a fluorescence were investigated in developing leaves of Fagopyrum dibotrys Hara. mutant. Anthocyanins transiently accumulate below the upper epidermis during leaf ontogeny of this mutant. Red leaves possessed lower Chl content, LMA, photosynthetic rate and apparent carboxylation efficiency than green leaves. However, content of anthocyanins declined and above mentioned parameters increased during further leaf development. In both red and green leaves, chronic photoinhibition did not take place according to variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence ratio (F_v/F_m). Red leaves had higher non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and higher PS 2 efficiency.     

Influence of the acetolactate synthase inhibitor metsulfuron-methyl on the operation, regulation and organisation of photosynthesis in Solanum nigrum

The influence of the acetolactate synthase inhibitor metsulfuron-methyl on the operation of the photosynthetic apparatus was examined on 4-weeks-old climate chamber-grown Solanum nigrum plant. To have an indication on the relative performance of the photosynthetic apparatus of ALS-treated plants, the level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) fixation, the relative quantum efficiency of photosystem I (Φ_PSI) or photosystem II (Φ_PSII) electron transport and leaf chlorophyll content were assessed for both control and treated plants at 2, 4 and 7 days after application of the herbicide. Results indicated a progressive inhibition of the level of CO₂ fixation, the relative quantum efficiency of photosystem I (Ф_PSI) and II (Ф_PSII) electron transport and the leaf chlorophyll content already 2 days after application of the herbicide. The linear relationship between the photosystem I and II was unaltered by herbicidal treatment and was sustained under conditions where large changes in pigment composition of the leaves occurred. It appears that the stress-induced loss of leaf chlorophyll is not a catastrophic process but rather is the consequence of a well-organised breakdown of components. Under photorespiratory and non-photorespiratory conditions, the relationship between the index of electron transport flow through photosystem I and II and the rate of CO₂ fixation is altered so that electron transport becomes less efficient at driving CO₂ fixation.     

季节性干旱对白皮乌口树(Tarenna depauperata Hutchins)水分状况、叶片光谱特征和荧光参数的影响

干热河谷稀树灌丛常绿植物能够忍受长达半年以上的季节性干旱胁迫,但对这些常绿植物响应干旱胁迫的生理生态机制研究很少。本研究以干热河谷稀树灌丛优势常绿植物白皮乌口树(Tarenna depauperata Hutchins)为研究对象,分别在雨季和干季测定其叶片的水势、压力-体积曲线、气体交换参数、叶片光谱特征以及叶绿素荧光和P700的光能分配。结果显示:受严重季节性干旱胁迫的影响,与雨季相比,干季的凌晨叶片水势(Ψpd)下降至-4.5 MPa,水分传导的叶比导率(KL)下降了49.5%,叶绿素反射指数(NDVI)下降了40.6%,花青素反射指数(ARI)上升至0.074(约为雨季的12.3倍),并且雨季和干季的叶片水势、水分传导效率、叶绿素含量和花青素含量均差异显著(P0.05)。与雨季相比,干旱导致光系统Ⅱ(PSⅡ)最大光化学量子效率(Fv/Fm)显著下降至0.72(P0.05),即PSⅡ发生光抑制,而光系统Ⅰ(PSⅠ)的活性(Pm)未发生明显变化;干季叶片的最大非光化学淬灭(NPQ)增加了31%,而激发的最大环式电子传递速率(CEF)下降了66%。表明长期干旱胁迫使CEF的激发受到强烈抑制,即光能捕获效率的降低和NPQ的增强促进了白皮乌口树在长期干旱胁迫下的光保护。