Photosynthesis, Transpiration, Leaf Temperature, and Stomatal Activity of Cotton Plants under Varying Water Potentials

Cotton plants, Gossypium hirsutum L. were grown in a growth room under incident radiation levels of 65, 35, and 17 Langleys per hour to determine the effects of vapor pressure deficits (VPD's) of 2, 9, and 17 mm Hg at high soil water potential, and the effects of decreasing soil water potential and reirrigation on transpiration, leaf temperature, stomatal activity, photosynthesis, and respiration at a VPD of 9 mm Hg.

Transpiration was positively correlated with radiation level, air VPD and soil water potential. Reirrigation following stress led to slow recovery, which may be related to root damage occurring during stress. Leaf water potential decreased with, but not as fast as, soil water potential.

Leaf temperature was usually positively correlated with light intensity and negatively correlated with transpiration, air VPD, and soil water. At high soil water, leaf temperatures ranged from a fraction of 1 to a few degrees above ambient, except at medium and low light and a VPD of 19 mm Hg when they were slightly below ambient, probably because of increased transpirational cooling. During low soil water leaf temperatures as high as 3.4° above ambient were recorded. Reirrigation reduced leaf temperature before appreciably increasing transpiration. The upper leaf surface tended to be warmer than the lower at the beginning of the day and when soil water was adequate; otherwise there was little difference or the lower surface was warmer. This pattern seemed to reflect transpiration cooling and leaf position effects.

Although stomata were more numerous in the lower than the upper epidermis, most of the time a greater percentage of the upper were open. With sufficient soil water present, stomata opened with light and closed with darkness. Fewer stomata opened under low than high light intensity and under even moderate, as compared with high soil water. It required several days following reirrigation for stomata to regain original activity levels.

Apparent photosynthesis of cotton leaves occasionally oscillated with variable amplitude and frequency. When soil water was adequate, photosynthesis was nearly proportional to light intensity, with some indication of higher rates at higher VPD's. As soil water decreased, photosynthesis first increased and then markedly decreased. Following reirrigation, photosynthesis rapidly recovered.

Respiration was slowed moderately by decreasing soil water but increased before watering. Respiration slowed with increasing leaf age only on leaves that were previously under high light intensity.

     

Photosynthesis and Osmotic Adjustment of Two Sugarbeet Cultivars Grown under Saline Conditions1

The response of photosynthesis in two sugarbeet cultivars exposedto 180 mol m^–3 NaCl was investigated. An increase in photosynthesis was found in both cultivars duringthe initial 4 d after exposure to salinity. With longer timeperiods, CO₂ fixation in one cultivar, Monriac, was not affected,while under the same conditions, photosynthesis of the othercultivar, Kawemegapoly, was significantly reduced. Full osmoticadjustment was obtained in both cultivars, and the sensitivityof Kawemegapoly to salinity was not due to loss of turgor. Thepossible mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are discussed.Rubisco activity responded to salinity as CO₂ fixation ratein both cultivars. Key words: Photosynthesis, osmotic adjustment, salinity     

Soil Water Stress and Photosynthesis in Cotton

An experiment was conducted in SPAR systems at Florence, S.C., to obtain a data set for use in the simulation of the effect of drying soil on photosynthetic rates in cotton. The plant water status was monitored using leaf water potential and stem diameter meaurements. Reductions were noted in apparent photosynthesis rates after only 5 days of soil drying, and as anticipated, there was uniform displacement of the diurnal cycle of leaf water potential, and corresponding decreases in transpiration and CO₂ uptake. The photosynthesis-light response curves indicated that an average two-fold reduction in photosynthesis rates occurred for solar radiation greater than 250 W/m². Stem diameter change (from a nonstress pre-sunrise value) and integrated stem stress were found to be good indicators of maximum daily plant water stress. The integrated stem stress gave a measure of the duration of the stress along with its magnitude. A simulation method for predicting leaf water potential from stem diameter measurements was used to show that the magnitude and duration of plant water stress increased uniformly during the experiment. This increase was representative of the decreased rates of photosynthesis measured. These data will be used in the simulation of cotton growth and yield.     

Water Content-Potential Relationship in Soya Bean: Changes in Component Potentials for Mature and Immature Leaves under Field Conditions

Changes in turgor and osmotic potentials of soya bean leaves(Glycine max.) with changes in water content were measured throughouta season using the pressure-volume technique. Two distinct reponsesto water loss were found. When water was expressed from leavesin the pressure chamber their osmotic behavior was describedby a concentration effect based on the osmotic volume. The osmoticfraction of the total water content averaged 0·72 and0·84 for mature and immature leaves, respectively. Thechanges in turgor pressure in the chamber were described bya volumetric modulus of elasticity which increased linearlywith turgor pressure. The changes in total potential at highturgor pressures were almost exclusively due to changes in turgordue to the high modulus (high tissue rigidity) in that range.Responses were different, however, for leaves drying in thefield. For these, the osmotic changes were always large anddominated by solute adjustment. Diurnal changes in osmotic potentialwere as much as 5 bars (500 kPa), or around 50 per cent, andwere about the same magnitude as the changes in turgor pressurefor both mature and immature leaves. The elastic modulus atthe time of sampling showed the normal turgor dependence forimmature leaves but for mature leaves the initial modulus wasapparently constant at about 180 bars. The different behaviourin the pressure bomb and the field is interpreted in terms ofa rate dependence for turgor and osmotic response to water loss.     

Effects of Water Stress under Contrasting Environmental Conditions on Transpiration and Photosynthesis in Soybean

Continuous and simultaneous measurements of CO₂ exchange andtranspiration rates of whole soybean plants were made undercontrasting, controlled environmental conditions when waterstress was imposed by withholding water. Daytime temperaturesand vapour pressure deficits were 27.5 ° C/12 mbar; 27.5° C/5 mbar; 22.5 ° C/12 mbar, and 22.5 ° C/5 mbar.The experimental conditions were virtually the same as the conditionsunder which the plants had been grown. Under all four treatments photosynthesis and transpiration rateswere closely correlated as water stress increased, but in viewof the evidence for a significant mesophyll resistance to photosynthesisin- both stressed and unstressed plants it is not consideredthat this is due to total stomatal control. At — 0.4 bar soil water potential (_soll) the rates oftranspiration and photosynthesis became independent of the atmosphericconditions and were very similar under all treatments. Thisis attributed to slow movement of water into the root zone fromthe surrounding soil with associated stomatal closure limitingthe rates of water uptake and transpiration. With decreasing _soll, relative water content of the leaf (RWC)fell more rapidly and to lower levels under 27.5 ° C/12mbar conditions than under the other treatments. The least reductionin RWC was under the 22.5 ° C/5 mbar treatment. Increasingsoil water stress had the greatest relative effect on ratesof gaseous exchange under 27.5 ° C/12mbar conditions andleast under 22.5 ° C/5mbar conditions.     

Nitrogenase Activity, Photosynthesis and Nodule Water Potential in Soyabean Plants Experiencing Water Deprivation

The effects of water deprivation on the activity of nodulesof soyabean (Glycine max) have been investigated in controlledenvironments. The water potential of detached nodules was measuredusing a Wescor psychrometer and a specially designed ten chamberpsychrometer; each chamber was capable of holding up to sixnodules which allowed for simultaneous measurements of betweenten and 60 nodules. Nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction)and respiration of intact, undisturbed nodulated roots was measuredin a flow-through gas system. The equilibration pattern of singlenodules in a Wescor chamber showed a distinct biphasic pattern.Differences between the pseudo- and the true equilibrium valuesof water potential suggest that water potential gradients closeto 01 MPa exist within the nodule tissue. Such gradients probablyreflect histological discontinuities. When detached noduleswere allowed to dry, decreases in water potential and diameterwere accompanied by increases in the resistance to water vapourloss through diffusion. These changes provide evidence for anatomicalmodifications which might provide some regulation of water loss. During a 7 d period of water deprivation there was a close relationshipbetween decreases in leaf and nodule water potential. Nitrogenaseactivity showed a 70% decrease during the first 4 d, whilstphotosynthesis only declined by 5%. It is suggested that waterstress exerts an influence on nitrogenase activity which isindependent of the rate of photosynthesis; it acts directlyon nodule activity through increases in the resistance to oxygendiffusion to the bacteroids. The data suggest that the linearrelationship between oxygen diffusion resistance and water potentialis more important than any reductions in photosynthate supply. Key words: Nitrogen fixation, water potential, photosynthesis     

不同土壤水分条件下珍珠油杏的光合光响应特征

用CIRAS-2便携式光合仪测定了不同土壤水分条件下(土壤相对含水量为84.7%～22.8%)2年生珍珠油杏叶片净光合速率、蒸腾速率、水分利用效率、胞间CO2浓度等光合生理参数的光响应过程,探讨其光合生理特性对土壤水分和光照强度的响应规律。结果表明:(1)随着土壤水分含量的降低,珍珠油杏叶片净光合速率、蒸腾速率、暗呼吸速率、光饱和点均呈降低趋势,表观量子效率先升高后降低,光补偿点先降低后升高。(2)利于珍珠油杏进行高光合作用并维持高水分利用效率的土壤相对含水量为43.6%～84.7%,适宜的光照强度为800～2 000μmol.m-2.s-1,即珍珠油杏对土壤水分和光照强度适应范围较广。(3)在土壤相对含水量43.6%～73.5%范围内,气孔限制是导致珍珠油杏光合速率下降的主要原因,在低于43.6%范围内,非气孔限制是导致光合速率下降的主要原因。研究认为,珍珠油杏是一种抗旱性比较强的植物,适合在华北干旱瘠薄山地引种栽培。     

Water Relations of Chromium VI Treated Bush Bean Plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Contender) under both Normal and Water Stress Conditions

The effect of Chromium VI on leaf water potential (^w), solutepotential (^a), turgor potential (^p) and relative water content(RWC) of primary and first trifoliatc leaves of Phaseolus vulgarisL. was studied under normal growth conditions and during anartificially induced water stress period in order to establishthe possible influence of this heavy metal on the water stressresistance of plants. Plants were grown on perlite with nutrientsolution containing 0, 1•0, 2•5, 5•0 or 10•0µg cm^–3 Cr as Na₂Cr₂O₇.2H₂O. The effect of Cr onwater relations was highly concentration dependent, and primaryand first trifoliate leaves were affected differently. The growthreducing concentrations of Cr (2•5, 5•0 and 10•0µg cm^–3) generally decreased _s and _w and increased_p in primary leaves. The 1•0 µg cm^–3 Cr treatmentdid not affect growth, but altered water relations substantially:in primary leaves _w and _p were increased and _s decreased, whilein trifoliate leaves the effect was the opposite. All Cr treatedplants resisted water stress for longer than control plants.The higher water stress resistance may be due to the lower _sand to the increased cell wall elasticity observed in Cr VItreated plants. Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris, Chromium VI, water stress, Richter plot     

Sucrose Metabolism in Bean Plants Under Water Deficit

The effects of water stress on sucrose metabolism were evaluatedin bean plants of Tacarigua variety grown for 25 d. Decreasingwater potential and relative water content were observed. Waterstress effects resulted in a decrease of sucrose phosphate synthase(SPS) in both total (substrate saturating conditions) and Pi-insensitive(substrate limiting conditions plus inorganic phosphate) activities.The SPS Pi-insensitive activity was lower than the total SPSactivity, but the decrease in activity induced by water deficitwas relatively lower in the Pi-insensitive; however the activationstate increased during the water deficit period. An increasein sucrose synthase activity increased the activities of bothneutral and acid invertases at moderate water stress (–0·8MPa) and decreased activities at severe water stress(–1·45 MPa). The activity values of neutral invertasewere lower than those for the acid invertase. The starch/sucroseratio decreased and the ratio of total glucose/total fructoseincreased. These results indicate a relevant physiological roleof SPS in bean plants under water stress. Key words: Acid invertase, sucrose phosphate synthase, sucrose synthase     

Influence of Potassium Deficiency on Photosynthesis,Chlorophyll Content,and Chloroplast Ultrastructure of Cotton Plants

In cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) grown in controlled-environment growth chamber the effects of K deficiency during floral bud development on leaf photosynthesis, contents of chlorophyll (Chl) and nonstructural saccharides, leaf anatomy, chloroplast ultrastructure, and plant dry matter accumulation were studied. After cotton plants received 35-d K-free nutrient solution at the early square stage, net photosynthetic rate (P _N) of the uppermost fully expanded main-stem leaves was only 23 % of the control plants receiving a full K supply. Decreased leaf P _N of K-deficient cotton was mainly associated with dramatically low Chl content, poor chloroplast ultrastructure, and restricted saccharide translocation, rather than limited stomata conductance in K-deficient leaves. Accumulation of sucrose in leaves of K-deficient plants might be associated with reduced entry of sucrose into the transport pool or decreased phloem loading. K deficiency during squaring also dramatically reduced leaf area and dry matter accumulation, and affected assimilate partitioning among plant tissues.     

8种城市绿化攀缘植物的光合作用和水分关系特性

研究了华南地区有较好开发利用前景的8种城市绿化攀缘植物禾雀花(Mucuna birdwoodianauna)、炮仗花(Pyrostegia venusta)、鸡蛋果(Passiflora edulis)、使君子(Quisqualis indica)、蒜香藤(Pseudocalymma alliaceum)、小花青藤(Illigera paviflora)、龙吐珠(Clerodendron thomsonae)和砾叶粉藤(Cissus rhombifolia)盆栽植株叶片的光合速率-光强响应曲线,叶片部分形态特征和水分关系参数。结果表明,8种植物的Pmax(最大光合速率)、LSP(光合作用光饱和光强)、LCP(光合作用光补偿点)均较低,但在光合有效辐射(PAR)强度达1700μmolm-2s-1下未出现光抑制现象,显示其光合机构具有应对低光及高光强的可塑性。光强的提高会改变ILUE(瞬时光能利用效率)、Gs(气孔导度)、Tr(蒸腾速率)和Ci(细胞间隙CO2浓度)值,高光强下(PAR>500μmolm-2s-1)的Pn(净光合速率)与Gs呈正相关。低Gs和Ci是强光下限制Pn的主要因子。LT(叶片厚度)与水分关系参数(RWC相对含水量,IWUE瞬时水分利用效率,AWLR平均失水速率和RR复水率)之间没有明显的相关性。不同植物的Pmax,ILUE,LA,LT,IWUE和光合色素(Chl叶绿素,Car类胡萝卜素)含量等皆有显著的差别。禾雀花、炮仗花和鸡蛋果的光合作用和水分关系特性优于其余种类,而蒜香藤和小花青藤的这些参数的水平最低。     

Seasonal Changes in Respiration, Photosynthesis, and Translocation of the 14C Labelled Products of Photosynthesis in Young Pinus strobus L. Plants

Three-year-old Pinus strobus plants, grown under conditionsof either high or low light intensities, were brought from thenursery to the laboratory every three to four weeks from themiddle of April 1961 until January 1962. Translocation, measuredas the amount of ¹⁴C recovered from the roots at the end ofseven hours of illumination following exposure of the shootto ¹⁴CO₂, was found to be high in the spring, dropping to negligibleamounts during June and July, increasing again in the autumnand declining after October. Seasonal variation in root respirationwas found to parallel that of translocation. Rates of apparentphotosynthesis were low during the spring, rising to a maximumduring September, and then declining over the winter. The respiration,photosynthesis, and translocation of the low-light grown plantsfollowed a similar pattern to those grown in high-light, exceptthat in general rates were of a lower order. In the high-light grown plants more than 90 per cent of theabsorbed carbon was present in the ethanol-soluble form, ofwhich sugars formed at least 90 per cent. This was even morepronounced in the case of low-light grown plants. The main sugarwas always sucrose. The raffinose content was found to decreaseduring the warmer months. The new needles, during their period of maximum growth, fixedcarbon dioxide photosynthetically at a rate comparable to thatof the old needles. The new stems also possessed a relativelyhigh carbon dioxide fixing ability. Shoot growth, as measured by the increase in length of the newleader stem and new needles, showed the typical patterns forpine species.     

不同土壤水分条件下文冠果的光合作用日变化

在黄土丘陵区,以3年生文冠果苗木为材料,测定其在不同土壤水分条件下的气体交换和荧光参数日变化,分析其光合作用与不同土壤水分的定量关系,以指导文冠果这一能源树种在半干旱地区的推广种植。结果表明:(1)文冠果叶片的净光合速率(Pn)、水分利用效率(WUE)、光下最大荧光(Fm)、PSⅡ最大光量子产量(Fv/Fm)、PSⅡ实际量子效率(ΦPSⅡ)、光化学猝灭系数(qP)均随土壤相对含水量(Wr)降低呈先升高后降低趋势,其最小荧光(Fo)先降后升,而其NPQ持续升高,当Wr为44.7%~81.2%时各参数都维持在较高水平。(2)文冠果叶片日净光合累计量(PD)和WUE在Wr为58.6%~81.2%时都处于较高水平,当Wr为66.6%时WUE达到最大值,过高或过低的土壤水分含量均不利于文冠果叶片光合作用的进行和水分的利用。(3)气体交换参数分析表明,文冠果中午光合作用的下降在Wr为38.1%~81.2%时是由气孔因素导致,而在Wr低于31.8%时转为非气孔限制;当Wr低于73.9%时,文冠果中午会出现光抑制,光合机构受到破坏。研究认为,在黄土丘陵区,适宜文冠果栽培的土壤相对含水量在58.6%~81.2%之间,低于38.1%时则无法正常生长。     

Effect of Growth Regulators on Photosynthesis, Transpiration and Related Parameters in Water Stressed Cotton

Gas exchange in Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. H-777 as affected by water deficit and growth regulators (IAA, GA₃, BAP, ABA, ethrel) was examined. Sixty days after sowing, growth regulators in concentration 50 µM were applied as foliar spray and irrigation was withheld to get desired (moderate and severe) water deficit. All the parameters were measured on the third leaf from the top between 10:00 and 11:00. Net photosynthetic rate (P_N), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (g_s), carboxylation efficiency (CE), and water potential (_w) decreased significantly with the increasing water stress, however, water use efficiency (WUE) was unaffected. Foliar spray with IAA, GA₃ and BAP partially counteracted the effect of water deficit on the above parameters except _w, which became more negative. ABA and up to some extent ethrel increased WUE and maintained higher _w, however, caused further decrease in P_N, E, and g_s.     

Water Balance in Cucumis Plants, Measured by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, II

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to investigate theeffects of changes in root temperature, of changes in the areaof root in contact with culture solution and of day/night rhythmon the water balance of a cucumber and a gherkin plant. Resultsare discussed in terms of water potential, flow rate and resistanceusing a previously presented model of water balance. As longas water uptake alone is varied, flow rate and water content(or potential) will change in the same direction. In contrast,from that model it is predicted that changes in transpirationwill affect flow rate and water content in opposite ways. Anexperimental verification of this prediction was given in theprevious paper. Results obtained by the NMR method are comparedto those determined using a dendrometer. The results demonstratethat the NMR method is a valuable tool to study plant waterbalance and that it can serve as a technique for discriminatingbetween changes in plant water balance that are due to changesin water uptake by roots and those due to changes in transpiration. Key words: Water balance model, Cucumis satious L., flow, water content, NMR, water balance measurement