Effects of doubled atmospheric CO2 concentration on the growth and photosynthesis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae)

The freshwater microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Dangeard, was cultured under 350 and 700 ppmv CO₂ to determine the impact of doubled atmospheric CO₂ concentration on its growth and photosynthesis. No significant difference was observed in the specific growth rate, photosynthetic efficiency, maximal net photo‐synthetic rate and light‐saturating point between the low and high CO₂ cultures. Both the low‐ and high‐CO₂‐grown cells showed reduced light‐dependent O₂ evolution rate and photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m) owing to photoinhibition when exposed to high photon flux density. However, high‐CO₂‐grown cells were less photoinhibited, and showed better recovery in dim light or darkness during the initial period of the recovery process.     

Partitioning of photosynthetic electron flow between CO2 and O2 reduction in a C3 leaf (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at different CO2 concentrations and during drought stress

Photosystem II chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf net gas exchanges (CO₂ and H₂O) were measured simultaneously on bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) submitted either to different ambient CO₂ concentrations or to a drought stress. When leaves are under photorespiratory conditions, a simple fluorescence parameter F/ F_m (B. Genty et al. 1989, Biochem. Biophys. Acta 990, 87–92; F = difference between maximum, F_m, and steady-state fluorescence emissions) allows the calculation of the total rate of photosynthetic electron-transport and the rate of electron transport to O₂. These rates are in agreement with the measurements of leaf O₂ absorption using ¹⁸O₂ and the kinetic properties of ribulose-1,5bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. The fluorescence parameter, F/F_m, showed that the allocation of photosynthetic electrons to O₂ was increased during the desiccation of a leaf. Decreasing leaf net CO₂ uptake, either by decreasing the ambient CO₂ concentration or by dehydrating a leaf, had the same effect on the partitioning of photosynthetic electrons between CO₂ and O₂ reduction. It is concluded that the decline of net CO₂ uptake of a leaf under drought stress is only due, at least for a mild reversible stress (causing at most a leaf water deficit of 35%), to stomatal closure which leads to a decrease in leaf internal CO₂ concentration. Since, during the dehydration of a leaf, the calculated internal CO₂ concentration remained constant or even increased we conclude that this calculation is misleading under such conditions.Abbreviations Ca, Ci ambient, leaf internal CO₂ concentrations - F_m, F_o, F_s maximum, minimal, steady-state fluorescence emission - F_v variable fluorescence emission - PPFD photosynthetic photon flux density - q_p, q_N photochemical, non-photochemical fluorescence quenching - Rubisco ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase     

Is a short,sharp shock equivalent to long‐term punishment? Contrasting the spatial pattern of acute and chronic ozone damage to soybean leaves via chlorophyll fluorescence imaging

Experimental investigations of ozone (O₃) effects on plants have commonly used short, acute [O₃] exposure (>100 ppb, on the order of hours), while in field crops damage is more likely caused by chronic exposure (<100 ppb, on the order of weeks). How different are the O₃ effects induced by these two fumigation regimes? The leaf‐level photosynthetic response of soybean to acute [O₃] (400 ppb, 6 h) and chronic [O₃] (90 ppb, 8 h d^?1, 28 d) was contrasted via simultaneous in vivo measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging (CFI) and gas exchange. Both exposure regimes lowered leaf photosynthetic CO₂ uptake about 40% and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency (F_q′/F_m′) by 20% compared with controls, but this decrease was far more spatially heterogeneous in the acute treatment. Decline in F_q′/F_m′ in the acute treatment resulted equally from decreases in the maximum efficiency of PSII (F_v′/F_m′) and the proportion of open PSII centres (F_q′/F_v′), but in the chronic treatment decline in F_q′/F_m′ resulted only from decrease in F_q′/F_v′. Findings suggest that acute and chronic [O₃] exposures do not induce identical mechanisms of O₃ damage within the leaf, and using one fumigation method alone is not sufficient for understanding the full range of mechanisms of O₃ damage to photosynthetic production in the field.     

Adjustment of leaf photosynthesis to shade in a natural canopy: rate parameters

The present study was performed to investigate the adjustment of the rate parameters of the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis to the natural growth light in leaves of an overstorey species, Betula pendula Roth, a subcanopy species, Tilia cordata P. Mill., and a herb, Solidago virgaurea L., growing in a natural plant community in Järvselja, Estonia. Shoots were collected from the site and individual leaves were measured in a laboratory applying a standardized routine of kinetic gas exchange, Chl fluorescence and 820 nm transmittance measurements. These measurements enabled the calculations of the quantum yield of photosynthesis and rate constants of excitation capture by photochemical and non-photochemical quenchers, rate constant for P700⁺ reduction via the cytochrome b₆f complex with and without photosynthetic control, actual maximum and potential (uncoupled) electron transport rate, stomatal and mesophyll resistances for CO₂ transport, K_m(CO₂) and V_m of ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco) in vivo. In parallel, N, Chl and Rubisco contents were measured from the same leaves. No adjustment toward higher quantum yield in shade compared with sun leaves was observed, although relatively more N was partitioned to the light-harvesting machinery in shade leaves ( H. Eichelmann et al., 2004 ). The electron transport rate through the Cyt b₆f complex was strongly down-regulated under saturating light compared with darkness, and this was observed under atmospheric, as well as saturating CO₂ concentration. In vivo V_m measurements of Rubisco were lower than corresponding reported measurements in vitro, and the k_cat per reaction site varied widely between leaves and growth sites. The correlation between Rubisco V_m and the photosystem I density was stronger than between V_m and the density of Rubisco active sites. The results showed that the capacity of the photosynthetic machinery decreases in shade-adjusted leaves, but it still remains in excess of the actual photosynthetic rate. The photosynthetic control systems that are targeted to adjust the photosynthetic rate to meet the plant's needs and to balance the partial reactions of photosynthesis, down-regulate partial processes of photosynthesis: excess harvested light is quenched non-photochemically; excess electron transport capacity of Cyt b₆f is down-regulated by ΔpH-dependent photosynthetic control; Rubisco is synthesized in excess, and the number of activated Rubisco molecules is controlled by photosystem I-related processes. Consequently, the nitrogen contained in the components of the photosynthetic machinery is not used at full efficiency. The strong correlation between leaf nitrogen and photosynthetic performance is not due to the nitrogen requirements of the photosynthetic apparatus, but because a certain amount of energy must be captured through photosynthesis to maintain this nitrogen within a leaf.     

Differential coordination of stomatal conductance,mesophyll conductance,and leaf hydraulic conductance in response to changing light across species

Stomatal conductance (g_s) and mesophyll conductance (g_m) represent major constraints to photosynthetic rate (A), and these traits are expected to coordinate with leaf hydraulic conductance (K_leaf) across species, under both steady‐state and dynamic conditions. However, empirical information about their coordination is scarce. In this study, K_leaf, gas exchange, stomatal kinetics, and leaf anatomy in 10 species including ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms were investigated to elucidate the correlation of H₂O and CO₂ diffusion inside leaves under varying light conditions. Gas exchange, K_leaf, and anatomical traits varied widely across species. Under light‐saturated conditions, the A, g_s, g_m, and K_leaf were strongly correlated across species. However, the response patterns of A, g_s, g_m, and K_leaf to varying light intensities were highly species dependent. Moreover, stomatal opening upon light exposure of dark‐adapted leaves in the studied ferns and gymnosperms was generally faster than in the angiosperms; however, stomatal closing in light‐adapted leaves after darkening was faster in angiosperms. The present results show that there is a large variability in the coordination of leaf hydraulic and gas exchange parameters across terrestrial plant species, as well as in their responses to changing light.     

Effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on photosynthesis and leaf traits of an understory dwarf bamboo in subalpine forest zone,China

The dwarf bamboo (Fargesia rufa Yi), growing understory in subalpine dark coniferous forest, is one of the main foods for giant panda, and it influences the regeneration of subalpine coniferous forests in southwestern China. To investigate the effects of elevated CO₂, temperature and their combination, the dwarf bamboo plantlets were exposed to two CO₂ regimes (ambient and double ambient CO₂ concentration) and two temperatures (ambient and +2.2°C) in growth chambers. Gas exchange, leaf traits and carbohydrates concentration were measured after the 150‐day experiment. Elevated CO₂ significantly increased the net photosynthetic rate (A_net), intrinsic water‐use efficiency (WUE_i) and carbon isotope composition (δ¹³C) and decreased stomatal conductance (g_s) and total chlorophyll concentration based on mass (Chl_m) and area (Chl_a). On the other hand, elevated CO₂ decreased specific leaf area (SLA), which was increased by elevated temperature. Elevated CO₂ also increased foliar carbon concentration based on mass (C_m) and area (C_a), nitrogen concentration based on area (N_a), carbohydrates concentration (i.e. sucrose, sugar, starch and non‐structural carbohydrates) and the slope of the A_net–N_a relationship. However, elevated temperature decreased C_m, C_a and N_a. The combination of elevated CO₂ and temperature hardly affected SLA, C_m, C_a, N_m, N_a, Chl_m and Chl_a. Variables A_net and N_a had positive linear relationships in all treatments. Our results showed that photosynthetic acclimation did not occur in dwarf bamboo at elevated CO₂ and it could adjust physiology and morphology to enable the capture of more light, to increase WUE and improve nutritional conditions.     

Interactive effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on the acclimation potential of foliage photosynthetic properties of cork oak,Quercus suber,to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations

Leaf gas-exchange and chemical composition were investigated in seedlings of Quercus suber L. grown for 21 months either at elevated (700 μmol mol^–1) or normal (350 μmol mol^–1) ambient atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, [CO₂], in a sandy nutrient-poor soil with either ‘high’ N (0.3 mol N m^–3 in the irrigation solution) or with ‘low’ N (0.05 mol N m^–3) and with a constant suboptimal concentration of the other macro- and micronutrients. Although elevated [CO₂] yielded the greatest total plant biomass in ‘high’ nitrogen treatment, it resulted in lower leaf nutrient concentrations in all cases, independent of the nutrient addition regime, and in greater nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations. By contrast, nitrogen treatment did not affect foliar N concentrations, but resulted in lower phosphorus concentrations, suggesting that under lower N, P use-efficiency in foliar biomass production was lower. Phosphorus deficiency was evident in all treatments, as photosynthesis became CO₂ insensitive at intercellular CO₂ concentrations larger than ≈ 300 μmol mol^–1, and net assimilation rates measured at an ambient [CO₂] of 350 μmol mol^–1 or at 700 μmol mol^–1 were not significantly different. Moreover, there was a positive correlation of foliar P with maximum Rubisco (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) carboxylase activity (V_cmax), which potentially limits photosynthesis at low [CO₂], and the capacities of photosynthetic electron transport (J_max) and phosphate utilization (P_max), which are potentially limiting at high [CO₂]. None of these potential limits was correlated with foliar nitrogen concentration, indicating that photosynthetic N use-efficiency was directly dependent on foliar P availability. Though the tendencies were towards lower capacities of potential limitations of photosynthesis in high [CO₂] grown specimens, the effects were statistically insignificant, because of (i) large within-treatment variability related to foliar P, and (ii) small decreases in P/N ratio with increasing [CO₂], resulting in balanced changes in other foliar compounds potentially limiting carbon acquisition. The results of the current study indicate that under P-deficiency, the down-regulation of excess biochemical capacities proceeds in a similar manner in leaves grown under normal and elevated [CO₂], and also that foliar P/N ratios for optimum photosynthesis are likely to increase with increasing growth CO₂ concentrations. Symbols: A, net assimilation rate (μmol m^–2 s^–1); A_max, light-saturated A (μmol m^–2 s^–1); α, initial quantum yield at saturating [CO₂] and for an incident Q (mol mol^–1); [CO₂], atmospheric CO₂ concentration (μmol mol^–1); C_i, intercellular CO₂ concentration (μmol mol^–1); C_a, CO₂ concentration in the gas-exchange cuvette (μmol mol^–1); F_B, fraction of leaf N in ‘photoenergetics’; F_L, fraction of leaf N in light harvesting; F_R, fraction of leaf N in Rubisco; Γ*, CO₂ compensation concentration in the absence of R_d (μmol mol^–1); J_max*, capacity for photosynthetic electron transport; J_mc, capacity for photosynthetic electron transport per unit cytochrome f (mol e^–[mol cyt f]^–1 s^–1); K_c, Michaelis-Menten constant for carboxylation (μmol mol^–1); K_o, Michaelis-Menten constant for oxygenation (mmol mol^–1); M_A, leaf dry mass per area (g m^–2); O, intercellular oxygen concentration (mmol mol^–1); [P_i], concentration of inorganic phosphate (mM); P_max*, capacity for phosphate utilization; Q, photosynthetically active quantum flux density (μmol m^–2 s^–1); R_d*, day respiration (CO₂ evolution from nonphotorespiratory processes continuing in the light); Rubisco, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase; RUBP, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate; T_l, leaf temperature (°C); U_TPU*, rate of triose phosphate utilization; V_cmax*, maximum Rubisco carboxylase activity; V_cr, specific activity of Rubisco (μmol CO₂[g Rubisco]^–1 s^–1] *given in either μmol m^–2 s^–1 or in μmol g^–1 s^–1 as described in the text.     

Ecophysiological responses of two Mediterranean shrubs, Erica multiflora and Globularia alypum, to experimentally drier and warmer conditions

A new approach was used to experimentally dry and warm a Mediterranean shrubland. By means of automatically sliding curtains, the drought period was extended by excluding rain over the two growing seasons (spring and autumn), and passive warming was created by avoiding infra‐red dissipation at night over the whole year. The aim of the study was to test how a future extended drought period and an increase in temperatures could affect the photosynthetic and water use strategies of two co‐occurring Mediterranean shrubs, Erica multiflora and Globularia alypum, which are common species of the dry coastal shrublands. The shoot water potential, leaf gas exchange rates and chlorophyll a fluorescence of plants was monitored seasonally during two years (1999–2001). In addition we measured the photosynthetic response curves to light and CO₂ in autumn 2001 and the foliar N concentration and leaf C and N stable isotopes in summer 1999 and 2000. Droughted plants of both shrub species showed lower shoot water potentials, transpiration rates and stomatal conductances than control plants, although there was a high seasonal variability. Drought treatment reduced significantly the overall leaf net photosynthetic rates of E. multiflora, but not of G. alypum. Droughted plants of E. multiflora also showed lower leaf net photosynthetic rates in response to light and CO₂ and lower carboxylation efficiency than controls, but there was no significant effect of drought on its overall photosystem II (PSII) photochemical efficiency. Although warming treatment did not affect the leaf net photosynthetic rates of the two species overall the study, it increased significantly the carboxylation efficiency and leaf net photosynthetic rates of G. alypum plants in response to CO₂ levels in autumn 2001. In addition, warming treatment increased the potential photochemical efficiency of PSII (F_v/F_m) of both species (but especially of G. alypum) at predawn or midday and mainly in autumn and winter. Thus, the results suggest that drier conditions might decrease the annual productivity of these Mediterranean shrubs, particularly of E. multiflora, and that future warming could alleviate the present low temperature constraints of the photosynthetic performance of the two studied species, but especially of G. alypum, during the colder seasons. Ultimately, drier and warmer conditions in the near future may change the competitive relationship among these species in such Mediterranean ecosystems.     

Photosynthesis, carboxylation and leaf nitrogen responses of 16 species to elevated pCO2 across four free-air CO2 enrichment experiments in forest, grassland and desert

The magnitude of changes in carboxylation capacity in dominant plant species under long‐term elevated CO₂ exposure (elevated pC_a) directly impacts ecosystem CO₂ assimilation from the atmosphere. We analyzed field CO₂ response curves of 16 C₃ species of different plant growth forms in favorable growth conditions in four free‐air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) experiments in a pine and deciduous forest, a grassland and a desert. Among species and across herb, tree and shrub growth forms there were significant enhancements in CO₂ assimilation (A) by +40±5% in elevated pC_a (49.5–57.1 Pa), although there were also significant reductions in photosynthetic capacity in elevated pC_a in some species. Photosynthesis at a common pC_a (A_a) was significantly reduced in five species growing under elevated pC_a, while leaf carboxylation capacity (V_cmax) was significantly reduced by elevated pC_a in seven species (change of ?19±3% among these species) across different growth forms and FACE sites. Adjustments in V_cmax with elevated pC_a were associated with changes in leaf N among species, and occurred in species with the highest leaf N. Elevated pC_a treatment did not affect the mass‐based relationships between A or V_cmax and N, which differed among herbs, trees and shrubs. Thus, effects of elevated pC_a on leaf C assimilation and carboxylation capacity occurred largely through changes in leaf N, rather than through elevated pC_a effects on the relationships themselves. Maintenance of leaf carboxylation capacity among species in elevated pC_a at these sites depends on maintenance of canopy N stocks, with leaf N depletion associated with photosynthetic capacity adjustments. Since CO₂ responses can only be measured experimentally on a small number of species, understanding elevated CO₂ effects on canopy N_m and N_a will greatly contribute to an ability to model responses of leaf photosynthesis to atmospheric CO₂ in different species and plant growth forms.     

Photosynthesis in the water-stressed C4 grass Setaria sphacelata is mainly limited by stomata with both rapidly and slowly imposed water deficits

A comparison of the effects of a rapid and a slowly imposed water deficit on photosynthesis was performed in Setaria sphacelata var. splendida (Stapf) Clayton, a C₄ NADP‐ME grass. Gas exchange was measured in rapidly and slowly dehydrated adult leaves either under atmospheric CO₂ partial pressure with an infrared gas analyser or under saturating CO₂ partial pressure with a leaf disc oxygen electrode. These measurements were used to calculate stomatal and non‐stomatal limitations to photosynthesis. These were further investigated using modulated chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements and photosynthetic pigment quantification. The decrease of net photosynthesis, leaf conductance and water use efficiency was more pronounced under rapid stress than in slow stress. However, photosynthesis is always mainly limited by stomata in both types of stress, albeit the contribution of non‐stomatal limitations increases at severe water deficits in slow stress experiments. The substomatal CO₂ partial pressure significantly increased in both types of stress, suggesting an increased resistance due to an internal barrier to CO₂ diffusion. Physical alterations in the structure of the intercellular spaces due to leaf shrinkage may account for these results. The maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) was remarkably resistant to stress, as the F_v/F_m ratio decreased only at severe water deficit. On the contrary, the effective photochemical efficiency of PSII (ΔF/F′_m) measured under high actinic light decreased linearly in both types of stress, although in a more pronounced way under rapid stress. A similar variation in photochemical quenching suggests that the decrease of ΔF/F′_m is mainly due to the closure of PSII reaction centres. The non‐photochemical quenching did not change significantly except under severe dehydration indicating that the energization state of thylakoids remained stable under stress. The decrease observed in photosynthetic pigments may be an adaptation to stress rather than a limiting factor to photosynthesis. Results suggests that, although intrinsic mesophyll metabolic inhibitions occur, stomatal limitation to CO₂ diffusion is the main reason for the decrease in photosynthesis.     

Susceptibility to photoinhibition of three deciduous broadleaf tree species with different successional traits raised under various light regimes

The susceptibility to photoinhibition of tree species from three different successional stages were examined using chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange techniques. The three deciduous broadleaf tree species were Betula platyphylla var. japonica, pioneer and early successional, Quercus mongolica, intermediate shade‐tolerant and mid‐successional, and Acer mono, shade‐tolerant and late successional. Tree seedlings were raised under three light regimes: full sunlight (open), 10% full sun, and 5% full sun. Susceptibility to photoinhibition was assessed on the basis of the recovery kinetics of the ratio of vaviable to maximum fluorescence (F_v/F_m) of detached leaf discs exposed to about 2000 μmol m^?1 s^?1 photon flux density (PFD) for 2 h under controlled conditions (25 to 28 °C, fully hydrated). Differences in susceptibility to photodamage among species were not significant in the open and 10% full sun treatments. But in 5% full sun, B. platyphylla sustained a significantly greater photodamage than other species, probably associated with having the lowest photosynthetic capacity indicated by light‐saturated photosynthetic rate (B. platyphylla, 9·87, 5·85 and 2·82; Q. mongolica, 8·05, 6·28 and 4·41; A. mono, 7·93, 6·11 and 5·08 μmol CO₂ m^?1 s^?1for open, 10% and 5% full sun, respectively). To simulate a gap formation and assess its complex effects including high temperature and water stress in addition to strong light on the susceptibility to photoinhibition, we examined photoinhibition in the field by means of monitoring ΔF/F′_m on the first day of transfer to natural daylight. Compared with ΔF/F′_m in AM, the lower ΔF/F′_m in PM responding to lower PFD following high PFD around noon indicated that photoinhibition occurred in plants grown in 10 and 5% full sun. The diurnal changes of ΔF/F′_m showed that Q. mongolica grown in 5% full sun was less susceptible to photoinhibition than A. mono although they showed little differences both in photosynthetic capacity in intact leaves and susceptibility to photoinhibition based on leaf disc measurements. These results suggest that shade‐grown Q. mongolica had a higher tolerance for additional stresses such as high temperature and water stress in the field, possibly due to their lower plasticity in leaf anatomy to low light environment.     

Photosynthetic parameters of birch (Betula pendula Roth) leaves growing in normal and in CO2- and O3- enriched atmospheres

Two silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) clones K1659 and V5952 were grown in open‐top chambers over 3 years (age 7–9 years). The treatments were increased CO₂ concentration (+CO₂, 72 Pa), increased O₃ concentration (+O₃, 2 × ambient O₃ with seasonal AOT40 up to 28 p.p.m. h) and in combination (+CO₂ + O₃). Thirty‐seven photosynthetic parameters were measured in the laboratory immediately after excising leaves using a computer‐operated routine of gas exchange and optical measurements. In control leaves the photosynthetic parameters were close to the values widely used in a model (Farquhar, von Caemmerer and Berry, Planta 149, 78–90, 1980). The distribution of chlorophyll between photosystem II and photosystem I, intrinsic quantum yield of electron transport, uncoupled turnover rate of Cyt b₆f, Rubisco specificity and K_m (CO₂) were not influenced by treatments. Net photosynthetic rate responded to +CO₂ with a mean increase of 17% in both clones. Dry weight of leaves increased, whereas protein, especially Rubisco content and the related photosynthetic parameters decreased. Averaged over 3 years, eight and 17 mechanistically independent parameters were significantly influenced by the elevated CO₂ in clones K1659 and V5952, respectively. The elevated O₃ caused a significant decrease in the average photosynthetic rate of clone V5952, but not of clone K1659. The treatment caused changes in one parameter of clone K1659 and in 11 parameters of clone V5952. Results of the combined treatment indicated that +O₃ had less effect in the presence of +CO₂ than alone. Interestingly, changes in the same photosynthetic parameters were observed in chamberless grown trees of clone V5952 as under +O₃ treatment in chambers, but this was not observed for clone K1659. These results suggest that during chronic fumigation, at concentrations below the threshold of visible leaf injuries, ozone influenced the photosynthetic parameters as a general stress factor, in a similar manner to weather conditions that were more stressful outside the chambers. According to this hypothesis, the sensitivity of a species or a clone to ozone is expected to depend on the growth conditions: the plant is less sensitive to ozone if the conditions are close to optimal and it is more sensitive to ozone under conditions of stress.     

Salt stress affects water relations,photosynthesis, and oxidative defense mechanisms in Solanum melongena L.

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the salt-induced changes in some key physio-biochemical attributes in eggplant (cv. New Noble) plants. Eggplant plants were grown under varying levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) of sodium chloride under greenhouse conditions supplied with natural light and other climatic conditions. Varying saline regimes in growth medium significantly reduced the shoot and root fresh and dry weights, shoot and root lengths, relative water content, chlorophyll a and b pigments, photosynthetic rate (A), water-use efficiency, stomatal conductance (g _s ), leaf and root K⁺, total phenolics, total soluble proteins, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and leaf water and osmotic potentials in all eggplant plants. However, in contrast, saline regimes of the root growing medium did not affect transpiration rate (E), internal CO₂ concentration (C _i ), C _i /C _a ratio, photochemical quenching (qP), non-photochemical quenching, efficiency of photosystem-II (F _v /F _m ), leaf and root Ca²⁺ as well as ascorbic acid (AsA) contents in eggplant. A significant increase was observed in leaf turgor potential, free proline and glycinebetaine contents, leaf and root Na⁺ contents, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents and activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in eggplant plants under varying saline regimes. Overall, salt-induced growth reduction in eggplant plants was found to be associated with high accumulation of Na⁺ in both roots and shoots, which adversely affected photosynthetic capacity, chlorophyll pigments, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ contents, H₂O₂ and AsA levels and activities of SOD, POD, and CAT.     

Photosynthetic light-response curves and photoinhibition of the deep-water laminaria abyssalis and the intertidal laminaria digitata (phaeophyceae)

Photosynthetic light‐response curves of the deep‐water Laminaria abyssalis Oliveira and of the intertidal L. digitata Lamoroux were determined and related to photoinhibition phenomena as monitored by oxygen evolution and photosystem II efficiency (F_V/F_M). L. abyssalis has half the pigment content, number of cells and plastids, and photosynthetic capacity per unit area compared with L. digitata. L. abyssalis showed a higher in vivo Chl a absorption coefficient and higher photosynthetic efficiency on a Chl a basis, although the two algae showed somewhat similar light‐response curves on a Chl a basis. Both species showed similar Chl a/Chl c and Chl a/fucoxanthin ratios, and similar dark respiration rates and light compensation points. In addition, they also showed similar convexities in their light‐response curves and no differences in their light saturation of F_V/F_M. Room temperature chlorophyll fluorescence induction measurements of fronds incubated in 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU) suggest that both species may have a similar PSII absorption cross section. Thus, L. abyssalis appears to optimize its light absorption at very low light intensities, not by increasing the pigment content, but by absorbing light more efficiently. However, L. abyssalis was more sensitive to photoinhibition than L. digitata and showed no recovery of F_V/F_M and O₂ evolution after a photoinhibitory treatment, even with a subsequent exposure to 24 h of dim light. L. digitata, on the other hand, recovered its photosynthetic capacity within 6 h under dim light. These results suggest that photosynthetic light‐induction curves based on Chl a are not a good indicator of either the photosynthetic capacity or the sensitivity to photoinhibition when macroalgae of different species are being compared. Based on their light‐response and photoinhibition characteristics, we suggest that L. abyssalis, a deep‐water oceanic macroalgae, is an atypical shade alga whereas L. digitata has the properties of a sun alga.     

Silicon partially preserves the photosynthetic performance of rice plants infected by Monographella albescens

Leaf scald, caused by Monographella albescens, is one of the major diseases in rice worldwide. This study investigated the effect of silicon (Si) on the photosynthetic gas exchange parameters [net CO₂ assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance to water vapour (g_s), transpiration rate (E)] and internal CO₂ concentration (C_i), chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence a parameters [minimal fluorescence (F₀), maximum fluorescence (F_m), maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (F_v/F_m)], photochemical quenching coefficient (q_p), effective quantum yield of PSII [Y(II)], quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation [Y(NPQ)] and quantum yield dissipation non‐regulated [Y(NO)] and the concentrations of pigments in rice plants grown in nutrient solutions containing either 0 (?Si) or 2 mM Si (+Si) and non‐inoculated or inoculated with M. albescens. Leaf scald severity decreased with higher foliar Si concentration. For the inoculated +Si plants, A, g_s and E were significantly higher in comparison with the inoculated ?Si plants, in which C_i was significantly increased. Similarly, the concentrations of Chl_a, Chl_b, total Chl_a+b and carotenoids were higher for the +Si plants in comparison with the ?Si plants. Changes in the images of Chl a fluorescence were first observed precisely on the ?Si plants leaves in comparison with the +Si plants. A decrease of q_P and Y(II) in inoculated ?Si plants, in comparison with the inoculated +Si plants, was accompanied by an increase in Y(NPQ) and Y(NO). Notably, the extent of the leaf areas was much more evident for Y(II) and q_P in comparison with F₀, F_m and F_v/F_m, suggesting that Y(II) and q_P were good predictors in detecting the early effects of leaf scald on the leaf photosynthesis. For the +Si non‐inoculated plants, changes in Y(II) were associated with alterations in both Y(NPQ) and Y(NO) compared with non‐inoculated ?Si plants. In conclusion, the photosynthetic performance (as demonstrated by the gas exchange and Chl a fluorescence parameters) and the pigment pools of rice plants infected with M. albescens were preserved by Si supply and, therefore, provided an increase in rice resistance against leaf scald.     

Growth and photosynthesis of two eucalypt species during high temperature stress under ambient and elevated [CO2]

Two species of eucalypt (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha and E. rossii) were grown under conditions of high temperatures (45 °C, maximum) and high light (1500 μmol m^?2 s^?1, maximum) at either ambient (350 μL L^?1) or elevated (700 μL L^?1) CO₂ concentrations for 8 weeks. The growth enhancement, in terms of total dry weight, was 41% and 103% for E. macrorhyncha and E. rossii, respectively, when grown in elevated [CO₂]. A reduction in specific leaf area and increased concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates were observed for leaves grown in elevated [CO₂]. Plants grown in elevated [CO₂] had an overall increase in photosynthetic CO₂ assimilation rate of 27%; however, when measured at the same CO₂ concentration a down-regulation of photosynthesis was evident especially for E. macrorhyncha. During the midday period when temperatures and irradiances were maximal, photosynthetic efficiency as measured by chlorophyll fluorescence (F_v/F_m) was lower in E. macrorhyncha than in E. rossii. Furthermore, F_v/F_m was lower in leaves of E. macrorhyncha grown under elevated than under ambient [CO₂]. These reductions in F_v/F_m were accompanied by increases in both photochemical (qP) and nonphotochemical quenching (qN and NPQ), and by increases in the concentrations of xanthophyll cycle pigments with an increased proportion of the total xanthophyll cycle pool comprising of antheraxanthin and zeaxanthin. Thus, increased atmospheric [CO₂] may enhance photoinhibition when environmental stresses such as high temperatures limit the capacity of a plant to respond with growth to elevated [CO₂].     

Phosphorus alleviates aluminum-induced inhibition of growth and photosynthesis in Citrus grandis seedlings

Limited data are available on the effects of phosphorus (P) and aluminum (Al) interactions on Citrus spp. growth and photosynthesis. Sour pummelo (Citrus grandis) seedlings were irrigated for 18 weeks with nutrient solution containing 50, 100, 250 and 500 μM KH₂PO₄× 0 and 1.2 mM AlCl₃· 6H₂O. Thereafter, P and Al in roots, stems and leaves, and leaf chlorophyll (Chl), CO₂ assimilation, ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and Chl a fluorescence (OJIP) transients were measured. Under Al stress, P increased root Al, but decreased stem and leaf Al. Shoot growth is more sensitive to Al than root growth, CO₂ assimilation and OJIP transients. Al decreased CO₂ assimilation, Rubisco activity and Chl content, whereas it increased or did not affect intercellular CO₂ concentration. Al affected CO₂ assimilation more than Rubisco and Chl under 250 and 500 μM P. Al decreased root, stem and leaf P, leaf maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (F_v/F_m) and total performance index (PI_tot,abs), but increased leaf minimum fluorescence (F_o), relative variable fluorescence at K‐ and I‐steps. P could alleviate Al‐induced increase or decrease for all these parameters. We conclude that P alleviated Al‐induced inhibition of growth and impairment of the whole photosynthetic electron transport chain from photosystem II (PSII) donor side up to the reduction of end acceptors of photosystem I (PSI), thus preventing photosynthesis inhibition through increasing Al immobilization in roots and P level in roots and shoots. Al‐induced impairment of the whole photosynthetic electron transport chain may be associated with growth inhibition.     

Ultrastructural responses of the desiccation tolerant plants Xerophyta viscosa and X. retinervis to dehydration and rehydration

This paper compares the changes in water content, chlorophyll a fluorescence and leaf ultrastructure during dehydration and rehydration in two desiccation tolerant plants Xerophyta viscosa and X. retinervis. Both species showed decreasing quantum efficiency of photosystem 2 (F_v/F_m) with decreasing water content. Extreme water loss observed after 25 d of dehydration resulted in considerable damage of leaf tissue ultrastructure. After rehydration, both species need several days to reconstitute their photosynthetic machinery.     

Leaf discs floated on water are different from intact leaves in photosynthesis and photoinhibition

Photoinhibition has been often evaluated with leaf discs floated on water or placed on wet papers to prevent desiccation. Under these conditions, there is a possibility that CO₂ diffusion is blocked by water, which may lead to reduction in photosynthetic CO₂ assimilation. Using Chenopodium album L. grown at two irradiances, photosynthesis, quantum yield of Photosystem II (ΔF/F _m′), non-photochemical quenching (qN), and photoinhibition were compared between detached leaves and leaf discs. In low-light-grown plants, photoinhibition was greater in leaf discs than in detached leaves, while in high-light-grown plants, there was little difference. Leaf discs showed lower rates of photosynthesis and ΔF/F _m′, and higher qN. The ΔF/F _m′ in leaf discs increased when leaf discs were exposed to high concentration of CO₂, suggesting that CO₂ diffusion to chloroplasts was limited in leaf discs floated on water. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Influence of certain environmental factors on photosynthesis and photorespiration in Simmondsia chinensis

The response of net photosynthesis and apparent light respiration to changes in [O₂], light intensity, and drought stress was determined by analysis of net photosynthetic CO₂ response curves. Low [O₂] treatment resulted in a large reduction in the rate of photorespiratory CO₂ evolution. Lightintensity levels influenced the maximum net photosynthetic rate at saturating [CO₂]. These results indicate that [CO₂], [O₂] and light intensity affect the levels of substrates involved in the enzymatic reactions of photosynthesis and photorespiration. Intracellular resistance to CO₂ uptake decreased in low [O₂] and increased at low leaf water potentials. This response reflects changes in the efficiency with which photosynthetic and photorespiratory substrates are formed and utilized. Water stress had no effect on the CO₂ compensation point or the [CO₂] at which net photosynthesis began to saturate at high light intensity. The relationship between these data and recently published in-vitro kinetic measurements with ribulose-diphosphate carboxylase is discussed.Abbreviations C _w intracellular CO₂ concentration - F _gross gross photosynthesis - F _net net photosynthesis - I light intensity - R _L light respiration rate - r _c carboxylation resistance - r ₈ leaf gas-phase resistance - r _i intracellular resistance; to CO₂ uptake - r _t resistance to CO₂ flux between the intercellular spaces and the carboxylation sites - T _L leaf temperature - _t leaf water potential - CO₂ compensation point