3个树种对不同程度土壤干旱的生理生化响应

利用盆栽试验和采用人工浇水后持续自然耗水的方法,研究了3年生山杏(Prunus sibirica)、沙棘(Hippophae rhamnoides)、油松(Pinus tabulaeformis)对土壤干旱胁迫的生理生化响应过程。结果表明:随着干旱程度加剧,3个树种叶片相对含水量(LRWC)及叶绿素(Chl)含量持续下降,细胞膜透性逐渐增大;其中,以山杏和沙棘变化幅度较大,油松最小;3个指标发生显著变化的土壤相对含水量(RWC)临界值,油松为54.7%、山杏和沙棘分别为46.7%和48.4%。3个树种超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)与过氧化物酶(POD)两种抗氧化酶活性,随RWC降低先升高后降低;维持较高抗氧化酶活性的RWC范围,油松为32.9%—76.4%、山杏和沙棘分别为46.7%—77.9%和35.8%—78.2%;在不同土壤干旱程度下,油松的抗氧化酶活性水平高于沙棘和山杏。3个树种两种渗透调节物质脯氨酸(Pro)与可溶性糖(Ss)的含量随RWC降低而增加,油松的增加幅度大于山杏和沙棘;Pro含量的增加速度大于Ss含量。结论:3个树种可通过渗透调节、抗氧化酶活性升高等途径增强对干旱逆境的耐受性和适应性;3个树种的抗旱能力为油松>沙棘>山杏。     

Photosynthetic efficiency of Panicum hians and Panicum milioides in relation to C3 and C4 plants

Panicum hians and Panicum milioides were found to have characteristicsintermediate to those of C₃ and C₄ species with respect to CO₂compensation point, percentage inhibition of photosynthesisby O₂ at various O₂/CO₂ solubility ratios, and water use efficiency.C₄ species have a higher carboxylation efficiency than eitherthe intermediate or C₃ species. During photosynthesis, evenunder 2.5% O₂, C₄ species have a higher affinity for intercellularCO₂ (Km 1.6 µM) apparently due to the initial carboxylationthrough PEP carboxylase. Under low O₂ the intermediate and C₃species had a similar affinity for intercellular CO₂ duringphotosynthesis (Km 5–7 µM) consistent with carboxylationof atmospheric CO₂ through RuDP carboxylase. There were considerablevariation in photosynthesis/unit leaf area at saturating CO₂levels in the species examined which in part is due to differencesin RuDP carboxylase /unit leaf area. The highest rates of photosynthesis/unitleaf area under CO₂-saturating conditions were with the C₃ specieswhich had a correspondingly high level of RuDP carboxylase/unitleaf area. Possibilities for the greater efficiency of P. hiansand P. milioides in comparison to C₃ species in utilizing lowlevels of CO₂ in the presence of atmospheric O₂ are discussed. ¹ This research was supported by the College of Agriculturaland Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison; and theUniversity of Wisconsin Research Committee with funds from theWisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. (Received June 25, 1977; )     

Photosynthetic gas exchange characteristics in three different almond species during drought stress and subsequent recovery

Three different drought stress levels (water potential of the nutrient solution, Ψ_s = −0.6, −1.2 and −1.8 MPa, respectively), and a control treatment (Ψ_s = −0.1 MPa), were applied during 2 weeks to three almond species, followed by 3 weeks of recovery. The selected test species were Prunus dulcis (Miller) D.Webb (bitter almond) and two wild almond species, P. lycioides (Spach) C.K. Schneider and P. scoparia (Spach) C.K. Schneider. All three are species native to Iran, and can be used as rootstock, but only P. dulcis is actually used for commercial almond production.In the absence of drought stress, maximum net assimilation rate (A_max) is highest for P. scoparia and lowest for P. dulcis. For all species A_max was above 16 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹. A similar relationship between A_max and dark respiration rate (R_d), was observed for all species. This relationship suggests that optimisation of the carbon budget is independent of species.The three investigated species seem to have a different reaction to a similar stress, indicating different drought stress coping strategies. P. scoparia lost all its leaves during the experiment, while P. lycioides only kept some leaves, however, the remaining leaves were almost totally wilted and did not allow for any photosynthesis measurement. P. scoparia did not recover during the experiment, as no new leaves were developed once Ψ_s was restored to pre-drought stress levels. However, this species has green stems, indicating that stem photosynthesis might play an important role in the plants’ overall carbon balance. This species is an opportunistic one (sensu [Higgins, S.S., Larsen, F.E., Bendel, R.B., Radamaker, G.K., Bassman, J.H., Bidlake, W.R., Alwir, A., 1992. Comparative gas-exchange characteristics of potted, glasshouse-grown almond, apple, fig, grape, olive, peach and Asian pear. Sci. Hortic. 52 (4), 313–329]), where assimilation is seriously limited by non-stomatal processes as evidenced by measurements of intercellular CO₂ concentration, eventually resulting in total leaf loss. All P. lycioides leaves almost completely wilted during the experiment, but this species recovered rather quickly. Leaves, newly formed at the end of the experiment, obtained maximal assimilation rates under control Ψ_s levels, equivalent to those measured in the control treatment. Finally, P. dulcis did keep at least part of its leaves during drought stress. However, assimilation rates after 2 weeks of drought treatment and 3 weeks of recovery were only about half of those measured in the control treatment. Of the three investigated species, non-stomatal limitation of assimilation seems to be the least important in P. dulcis.Intrinsic water use efficiency, defined as the ratio of assimilation rate over stomatal conductance, increased for P. dulcis with increasing drought stress, while a different pattern was observed for P. lycioides and P. scoparia, indicating non-stomatal processes prevail over stomatal limitations of the assimilation process. It was concluded that P. dulcis is the species most tolerant to drought. P. scoparia tries to avoid drought, whereas P. lycioides has an intermediate behaviour. Besides P. dulcis, also P. lycioides seems to have some potential for use as rootstock for commercial almond production.     

Photosynthetic responses of C3 and C4 species to seasonal water variability and competition

This study examined the impacts of seasonal water variability and interspecific competition on the photosynthetic characteristics of a C3 (Leymus chinensis) and a C4 (Chloris virgata) grass species. Plants received the same amount of water but in three seasonal patterns, i.e. the one-peak model (more water in the summer than in the spring and autumn), the two-peak model (more water in the spring and autumn than in the summer), and the average model (water evenly distributed over the growing season). The effects of water variability on the photosynthetic characteristics of the C3 and C4 species were dependent on season. There were significant differences in the photosynthetic characteristics of the C4 species in the summer and the C3 species in the autumn among the three water treatments. Interspecific competition exerted negative impacts on the C3 species in August and September but had no effects on the C4 species in any of the four measuring dates. The relative competitive capability of the two species was not altered by water availability. The assimilation rate, the maximum quantum yield of net CO2 assimilation, and the maximum rate of carboxylation of the C3 species were 13-56%, 5-11%, and 11-48% greater, respectively, in a monoculture than in a mixture in August and September. The results demonstrated that the photosynthetic characteristics of the C3 and C4 species were affected by water availability, but the effects varied considerably with season.     

The activities of PEP carboxylase and the C4 acid decarboxylases are little changed by drought stress in three C4 grasses of different subtypes

The C(4) photosynthetic pathway involves the assimilation of CO(2) by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and the subsequent decarboxylation of C(4) acids. The enzymes of the CO(2) concentrating mechanism could be affected under water deficit and limit C(4) photosynthesis. Three different C(4) grasses were submitted to gradually induced drought stress conditions: Paspalum dilatatum (NADP-malic enzyme, NADP-ME), Cynodon dactylon (NAD-malic enzyme, NAD-ME) and Zoysia japonica (PEP carboxykinase, PEPCK). Moderate leaf dehydration affected the activity and regulation of PEPC in a similar manner in the three grasses but had species-specific effects on the C(4) acid decarboxylases, NADP-ME, NAD-ME and PEPCK, although changes in the C(4) enzyme activities were small. In all three species, the PEPC phosphorylation state, judged by the inhibitory effect of L: -malate on PEPC activity, increased with water deficit and could promote increased assimilation of CO(2) by the enzyme under stress conditions. Appreciable activity of PEPCK was observed in all three species suggesting that this enzyme may act as a supplementary decarboxylase to NADP-ME and NAD-ME in addition to its role in other metabolic pathways.     

塔里木沙漠公路防护林3种植物光合特性对干旱胁迫的响应

利用Li-6400光合作用系统在沙漠腹地测定分析塔里木沙漠公路防护林植物梭梭(Haloxylon ammodendron)、多枝柽柳(Tamarix ramosissima)和乔木状沙拐枣(Calligonum arborescens)光合特性对干旱胁迫的响应,探讨了水分亏缺对防护林植物光合积累的影响作用。结果显示:沙拐枣的净光合速率、蒸腾速率、水分利用效率、光能利用效率及潜在光合作用能力对水分亏缺最敏感,而柽柳则最不敏感;不同处理下3种植物光合特性变化的差异表明,不同植物对水分亏缺有着不同的响应变化和适应方式;此外,干旱胁迫未提高3种植物的水分利用效率,反而降低了其光能利用效率;C3植物多枝柽柳在干旱高温条件下保持着比C4植物梭梭和沙拐枣更为稳定的光合积累和水分利用效率,说明部分C3植物具备不弱于C4荒漠植物的干旱耐受适应能力;虽然水分亏缺对3种植物的光合作用能力均存在不同程度抑制作用,但未对其光合积累造成不可逆转的影响。可见3种植物都有很强的干旱适应与耐受能力,这种能力表明沙漠公路防护林的灌溉管理还有进一步的节水空间。     

Photosynthetic responses of C3 and C4 species from cool shaded habitats in Hawaii

Summary The C₄ species, Euphorbia forbesii, and the C₃ species, Claoxylon sandwicense, occupy cool, shaded habitats in Hawaii. Both of these species exhibit the photosynthetic characteristics of typical shade plants: low light-saturated photosynthetic rates, low dark respiration rates, low light levels for saturation of photosynthesis, and low light compensation points. In addition, the quantum yields of the two species are similar at leaf temperatures near 22°C, reflecting a significant increase in the quantum yield of E. forbesii over that of C₄ species from open habitats. C. sandwicense has a lower dark respiration rate than E. forbesii. Hence, since the quantum yields of the two species are similar at cool temperatures, C. sandwicense has a higher photosynthetic rate than E. forbesii at low incident photon flux densities. As a consequence, C. sandwicense should have a greater carbon gain than E. forbesii under the diffuse radiation conditions of their native habitat. However, since E. forbesii has a higher light-saturated photosynthetic rate than C. sandwicense, E. forbesii may have a greater carbon gain than C. sandwicense during sunflecks.     

干旱生境中接种丛枝菌根真菌对三叶鬼针草

为阐明丛枝菌根真菌对石灰岩地区适生植物三叶鬼针草(Bidens pilosa L.)光合作用的影响,设置正常浇水(A)、中度干旱胁迫(B)和重度干旱胁迫(C)3个水分处理梯度,比较了不同水分处理条件下接种丛枝菌根真菌Glomus mosseae和未接种三叶鬼针草之间净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率、胞间CO2浓度、羧化效率、水分利用效率等特征的差异.结果表明,水分胁迫显著降低三叶鬼针草的净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率和羧化效率.胞间CO2浓度在处理的前期(7d)因干旱胁迫而降低,在后期随土壤含水量的降低而升高;水分利用效率则是中度胁迫的植株、正常浇水处理植株、重度胁迫植株依次降低.在正常浇水条件下接种G. mosseae 对三叶鬼针草光合参数没有产生显著性影响;在中度胁迫条件下,接种植株较未接种植株在水分处理的前28d有更高的净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率和羧化效率;在重度胁迫条件下,虽然净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率和羧化效率接种植株高于未接种植株,但是二者并不显著.研究认为,干旱胁迫对三叶鬼针草光合作用的影响在水分处理的前期表现为气孔因素制约,在后期则主要是非气孔因素的影响;在正常浇水条件下接种G. mosseae 对三叶鬼针草的光合作用没有显著性影响,在干旱胁迫条件下,丛枝菌根真菌通过改善三叶鬼针草气孔导度和羧化效率等减弱干旱胁迫对植株的伤害,但是这种保护作用因为土壤水分的严重匮乏以及土壤干旱的时间延长而受到限制.     

Photosynthetic carbon metabolism in Panicum milioides, a C3-C4 intermediate species: evidence for a limited C4 dicarboxylic acid pathway of photosynthesis

Panicum milioides, a naturally occurring species with C4-like Kranz leaf anatomy, is intermediate between C3 and C4 plants with respect to photo-respiration and the associated oxygen inhibition of photosynthesis. This paper presents direct evidence for a limited degree of C4 photosynthesis in this C3-C4 intermediate species based on: (a) the appearance of 24% of the total 14C fixed following 4 s photosynthesis in 14CO2-air by excised leaves in malate and aspartate and the complete transfer of label from the C4 acids to Calvin cycle intermediates within a 15 s chase in 12CO2-air; (b) pyruvate- or alanine-enhanced light-dependent CO2 fixation and pyruvate stimulation ote- or alanine-enhanced light-dependent CO2 fixation and pyruvate stimulation of oxaloacetate- or 3-phosphoglycerate-dependent O2 evolution by illuminated mesophyll protoplasts, but not bundle sheath strands; and (c) NAD-malic enzyme-dependent decarboxylation of C4 acids at the C-4 carboxyl position, C4 acid-dependent O2 evolution, and 14CO2 donation from (4-14C)C4 acids to Calvin cycle intermediates during photosynthesis by bundle sheath strands, but not mesophyll protoplasts. However, P. milloides differs from C4 plants in that the activity of the C4 cycle enzymes is only 15 to 30% of a C4 Panicum species and the Calvin cycle and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase are present in both cell types. From these and related studies (Rathnam, C.K.M. and Chollet, R. (1979) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 193, 346-354; (1978) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 85, 801-808) we conclude that reduced photorespiration in P. milioides is due to a limited degree of NAD-malic enzyme-type C4 photosynthesis permitting an increase in pCO2 at the site of bundle sheath, but not mesophyll, ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase.     

Growth and physiological responses to ozone and mild drought stress of tree species with different ecological requirements

An open-top chamber experiment was carried out in Curno (Northern Italy) in 2004 and 2005 on seedlings of Fagus sylvatica (FS), Quercus robur (QR), and an ozone-sensitive Populus (POP) clone, to investigate the role of two stress factors: tropospheric ozone and water shortage. Treatments were filtered air to achieve a 50% reduction in the environmental ozone concentrations (charcoal filtered, CF); and non-filtered air, with a 5% reduction in the environmental ozone concentrations (non-filtered, NF). Overall ozone exposure (AOT40) in open air (April–September) was 26,995 ppb h in 2004 and 25,166 ppb h in 2005. The plants were either watered (W) or not watered (dry, D). We investigated the above-ground biomass, tree-ring growth, stable carbon isotopes ratio, i.e. δ¹³C of tree rings, and the photosynthetic parameter Driving forces (DF_ABS), derived from chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis. Ozone-induced growth reduction (in terms of biomass) in POP, and that reduction was more pronounced in D plots. A synergistic effect of ozone and drought stress was evidenced by DF_ABS in POP and QR, but not in FS. The water availability was revealed as the main factor influencing the isotopic ratio δ¹³C. In drought-stressed seedlings, the increase in δ¹³C value was accompanied by the reduction in stomatal conductance and increased DF_ABS. Fast-growing plant species with high water requirements are more susceptible to ozone and drought stress.     

Comparative metabolomics analysis reveals different metabolic responses to drought in tolerant and susceptible poplar species

Drought is one of the critical factors limiting tree growth and survival. Clarifying the adaptation to drought will facilitate the cultivation of drought-tolerant varieties. Metabolites, as direct signatures of biochemical functions, can uncover the biochemical pathways involved in drought responses. Here, we investigated the physiological and metabolic responses of drought-tolerant Populus simonii and drought-susceptible Populus deltoides cv. ‘Danhong’ to drought. Under drought conditions, P. simonii grew better and had a higher photosynthetic rate than P. deltoides cv. ‘Danhong’. Global untargeted metabolite profiling was analyzed using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry system. A total of 69 and 53 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified in drought-stressed P. simonii and P. deltoides cv. ‘Danhong’, respectively. The metabolisms of carbohydrate, amino acid, lipid and energy were involved in the drought responses common to both poplar species. The citric acid cycle was significantly inhibited to conserve energy, whereas multiple carbohydrates acting as osmolytes and osmoprotectants were induced to alleviate the adverse effects of drought stress. Unlike P. deltoides cv. ‘Danhong’, P. simonii underwent a specific metabolic reprogramming that enhanced non-enzymatic antioxidants, coordinated the cellular carbon/nitrogen balance and regulated wax biosynthesis. These results provide a reference for characterizing the mechanisms involved in poplar response to drought and for enhancing the drought tolerance of forest trees.     

Taxonomic revision of the genus Heliotropium (Boraginaceae s.l.) in south Yemen

The flora and fauna of Arabia, particularly southern Yemen, has recently attracted the interest of many authors. In this study, the genus Heliotropium L. (Boraginaceae) is taxonomically revised in southern Yemen. Ten species are recognized. Nomenclature, typification, representative specimens and a diagnostic key to all species are provided, along with their distribution in southern Yemen. The taxonomically most valuable characters in the genus are those of flowers (calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium) and nutlets, and those characters are thoroughly investigated and discussed. Both light and scanning microscopy are used in the investigation. Papillate anther apices (brush‐like) were recognized in some species. Connate anthers and deep or shallow ventral circular depressions on the nutlets were found to be useful in distinguishing members of H. sect. Orthostachys (viz. H. strigosum, H. rariflorum and H. ovalifolium), while winged nutlets were found only in H. pterocarpum. The length and hairiness of the style and stigma also proved to be taxonomically useful.     

不同西瓜基因型对干旱胁迫的生理响应及其抗旱性评价

以来源于不同地区的12个西瓜基因型为试材,采用盆栽控水的方式进行持续干旱处理,研究干旱胁迫对西瓜幼苗株高、根长、鲜质量及干物质积累等生长状况的影响,比较不同基因型材料对干旱胁迫的生理响应差异,同时依据旱害指数对其抗旱性进行直接评价,并采用隶属函数法进一步验证和综合评价.结果表明: 干旱处理下,12个西瓜基因型对干旱胁迫的耐受能力存在明显差异,各基因型开始出现旱害症状的时间和发生旱害的程度各不相同.干旱胁迫降低了西瓜幼苗的株高、地上、地下鲜质量和地上干物质积累量,普遍提高了根冠比,而对根长和地下干质量存在正向和负向两种不同的影响.干旱处理后,西瓜叶片的相对含水量和叶绿素含量均不同程度降低,丙二醛、过氧化氢和超氧阴离子含量增加,脯氨酸大量积累,而可溶性蛋白含量以及抗氧化酶活性则因基因型的不同而表现出不同的结果.分析认为,3个野生型材料M20、KY-3和Y-2为抗旱性强的西瓜种质,Y34、金美人和04-1-2为敏感种质,而其余基因型为中抗种质.     

Effects of irradiance and temperature on photosynthesis in C3, C4 and C3/C4 Panicum species

Species in the Laxa and Grandia groups of the genus Panicum are adapted to low, wet areas of tropical and subtropical America. Panicum milioides is a species with C₃ photosynthesis and low apparent photorespiration and has been classified as a C₃/C₄ intermediate. Other species in the Laxa group are C₃ with normal photorespiration. Panicum prionitis is a C₄ species in the Grandia group. Since P. milioides has some leaf characteristics intermediate to C₃ and C₄ species, its photosynthetic response to irradiance and temperature was compared to the closely related C₃ species, P. laxum and P. boliviense and to P. prionitis. The response of apparent photosynthesis to irradiance and temperature was similar to that of P. laxum and P. boliviense, with saturation at a photosynthetic photo flux density of about 1 mmol m^-2 s^-1 at 30°C and temperature optimum near 30°C. In contrast, P. prionitis showed no light saturation up to 2 mmol m^-2 s^-1 and an optimum temperature near 40°C. P. milioides exhibited low CO₂ loss into CO₂-free air in the light and this loss was nearly insensitive to temperature. Loss of CO₂ in the light in the C₃ species, P. laxum and P. boliviense, was several-fold higher than in P. milioides and increased 2- to 5-fold with increases in temperature from 10 to 40°C. The level of dark respiration and its response to temperature were similar in all four Panicum species examined. It is concluded that the low apparent photorespiration in P. milioides does not influence its response of apparent photosynthesis to irradiance and temperature in comparison to closely related C₃ Panicum species.Abbreviations AP apparent photosynthesis - I CO₂ compensation point - gl leaf conductance; gm, mesophyll conductance - PPFD photosynthetic photon flux density - PR apparent photorespiration rate - RuBPC sibulose bisphosphate carboxylase     

Diffusion limitations and metabolic factors associated with inhibition and recovery of photosynthesis from drought stress in a C3 perennial grass species

Stomatal closure and metabolic impairment under drought stress limits photosynthesis. The objective of this study was to determine major stomatal and metabolic factors involved in photosynthetic responses to drought and recovery upon re‐watering in a C₃ perennial grass species, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Two genotypes differing in drought resistance, ‘Midnight’ (tolerant) and ‘Brilliant’ (sensitive), were subjected to drought stress for 15 days and then re‐watered for 10 days in growth chambers. Single‐leaf net photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (g_s) and transpiration rate (Tr) decreased during drought, with a less rapid decline in ‘Midnight’ than in ‘Brilliant’. Photochemical efficiency, Rubisco activity and activation state declined during drought, but were significantly higher in ‘Midnight’ than in ‘Brilliant’. The relationship between A and internal leaf CO₂ concentration (A/Ci curve) during drought and re‐watering was analyzed to estimate the relative influence of stomatal and non‐stomatal components on photosynthesis. Stomatal limitation (Ls %), non‐stomatal limitation (Lns %), CO₂ compensation point (CP) and dark respiration (Rd) increased with stress duration in both genotypes, but to a lesser extent in ‘Midnight’. Maximum CO₂ assimilation rate (A_max), carboxylation efficiency (CE) and mesophyll conductance (g_m) declined, but ‘Midnight’ had significantly higher levels of A_max, CE and g_m than ‘Brilliant’. Maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco (V_cmax) and ribulose‐1,5‐bisphospate (RuBP) regeneration capacity mediated by maximum electron transport rate (J_max) decreased from moderate to severe drought stress in both genotypes, but to a greater extent in ‘Brilliant’ than in ‘Midnight’. After re‐watering, RWC restored to about 90% of the control levels in both genotypes, whereas A, g_s, Tr and Fv/Fm was only partially recovered, with a higher recovery level in ‘Midnight’ than in ‘Brilliant’. Rubisco activity and activation state restored to the control level after re‐watering, with more rapid increase in ‘Midnight’ than in ‘Brilliant’. The values of Ls, Lns, CP and Rd declined, and A_max, CE, V_cmax, J_max and g_m increased after re‐watering, with more rapid change in all parameters in ‘Midnight’ than in ‘Brilliant’. These results indicated that the maintenance of higher A and A_max under drought stress in drought‐tolerant Kentucky bluegrass could be attributed to higher Rubico activation state, higher CE and less stomatal limitation. The ability to resume metabolic activity (A_max, CE, Fv/Fm and Rubisco) was observed in the drought‐tolerant genotype and is the most likely cause for the increased recuperative ability of photosynthesis. Incomplete recovery of photosynthesis upon re‐watering could be attributable to lasting stomatal limitations caused by severe drought damage in both genotypes. Promoting rapid stomatal recovery from drought stress may be critical for plants to resume full photosynthetic capacity in C₃ perennial grass species.     

Phosphorus responses of C3 and C4 species

An hypothesis was formulated that phosphorus (P) partitioningin tissues of C₄ leaves would permit C₄ plants to resist P deficiencybetter than C₃ plants. To test this hypothesis, 12 C₃, C₄, andC₃–C₄ intermediate species were grown at adequate, deficient,and severely deficient P supply in a solid-phase-buffered sandculture system to characterize photosynthetic and growth responses.Species differed considerably in response to P stress. The growthof C₃ species was more sensitive to P supply than C₄ species,but C₃ and C₄ species had similar photosynthetic P use efficiency,and C₄ species did not have low leaf P content, contrary toour hypothesis. In fact, leaf photosynthetic rates were notcorrelated with growth responses. Moncots had lower leaf P contentand better maintenance of leaf production under P stress thandicots, because of greater inhibition of branching (dicots)than of tillering (monocots). The most P efficient species inthis survey was Brachiaria, a C₄ monocot that increased rootbiomass allocation under stress while maintaining P allocationto the shoot. It is concluded that C₄ species are not inherentlymore P efficient than C₃ species, but that monocots are moreP efficient than dicots, because of contrasting P and biomassallocation under stress. Key words: Phosphorus deficiency, C₃ plants, C₄ plants, growth response     

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase reduces photorespiration in Panicum milioides, a C3-C4 intermediate species.

Panicum milioides represents the first well-documented example of a higher plant species with reduced photorespiration and O₂ inhibition of photosynthesis. We have investigated the biochemical mechanism(s) involved in reducing O₂ sensitivity of photosynthesis in this species by parallel enzyme inhibitor experiments with thin leaf slices of P. milioides and C₃ and C₄Panicum species. The reduced O₂ sensitivity of net photosynthesis in P. milioides gradually increased with increasing concentrations of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.31) inhibitors, maleate and malonate. At saturating levels of inhibitor, photosynthesis in 2% O₂ was decreased by about 18%, and the inhibitory effects of both 21% O₂ and 49% O₂ were identical to those observed with a C₃Panicum species in the absence or presence of inhibitor. A significant potential for C₄ photosynthesis in P. milioides, compared to its complete absence in a C₃Panicum species, was demonstrated on the basis of: (a) a coupling of leaf slice CO₂ fixation by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase with the C₃ cycle; (b) NAD-malic enzyme (EC 1.1.1.39)-dependent aspartate and malate decarboxylation in leaf slices; (c) a full complement of C₄ cycle enzymes in leaf extracts, including pyruvate, P_i dikinase (EC 2.7.9.1) and NAD-malic enzyme; and (d) Kranz-like leaf anatomy with numerous plasmodesmata traversing the mesophyll-bundle sheath interfacial cell wall. These data indicate that the reduced photorespiration and O₂ inhibition of photosynthesis in P. milioides is due to phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase participation, possibly by creating a limited C₄-like CO₂ pump, rather than an altered ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (EC 4.1.1.39).     

Physiological and metabolic responses of different genotypes of Cymbopogon martinii and C. winterianus to water stress

The effect of water stress on growth and essential oil metabolism wasstudied in two species of aromatic grasses under induced water stressconditions. Cultivars of Cymbopogon martinii andC. winterianus differed considerably in their response towater stress. Plant growth, oil yield and water potential decreased whileproline accumulation and oil biogenesis increased in the different genotypesunder water stress. Water stress induced a wide variation in essential oilcomposition, protein content and in activities of PEP carboxylase and nitratereductase in the different genotypes in terms of increase, decrease or nochange. The physiological and biochemical basis of drought tolerance inC. martinii has been elucidated on the basis of growth andmetabolic responses.     

Effect of varying environments on photosynthetic parameters of C3, C3-C4 and C4 species of Panicum

Summary CO₂ exchange characteristics and the activity of the carboxylating enzymes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEP-C, E.C. 4.1.1.31) and ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBP-C, E.C. 4.1.1.39) during one year in the greenhouse and at two levels of light and temperature in growth chambers were determined in the C₃-C₄ intermediate species P. milioides Nees ex. Trin. These results were compared with those of P. bisulcatum Thumb. (C₃) and P. maximum Jacq. (C₄). Under all tested conditions, and even when the influence of leaf surface temperature on photosynthetic rates and CO₂ compensation points were measured, the biochemical and physiological behaviour of the C₃-C₄ intermediate was more similar to that of the C₃ plant than the C₄ species. The C₄ plant P. maximum, however, responded positively, mainly in terms of PEP-C activity and photosynthetic rate, to the regime of high light and temperature. The results presented indicate that in the C₃-C₄ Panicum grown in high light and temperature no direct relationships between a low CO₂ compesation point and superior growth are evident. It has still to be clarified why in nature a photosynthetic-photorespiratory pathway leading to an intermediate CO₂ compensation value has evolved in P. milioides.