Selection for higher yields and heat resistance in Pima cotton has caused genetically determined changes in stomatal conductances

Gas exchange analysis was used to characterize photosynthetic and stomatal responses to key environmental stimuli in five commercial lines of Pima cotton ( Gossypium barbadense L.) which represent a gradient of selection for higher yields and heat resistance, and a primitive, uncultivated G. barbadense. At constant light and vapor pressure deficit, stomatal conductance increased linearly with air temperature in the 23 to 36$C range in all five commercial lines, and conductance at each temperature increased as a function of selection. In contrast, photosynthetic rates had a low sensitivity to temperature in the 23 to 36$C range, particularly in the advanced lines. In a segregating F₂ population from a cross between the advanced line, Pima S-6, and the primitive cotton, B368, the slope of the stomatal response to temperature in each F₂ plant was positively correlated with the stomatal conductance measured at 40$C. An analysis of the frequency distribution of stomatal conductance in F₁ and F₂ progeny of the cross showed that the differences in stomatal conductance between lines were genetically determined. These data indicate that selection for higher yield and heat resistance in Pima cotton has caused genetically determined changes in stomatal properties. Characterization of the relationship between the altered stomatal properties and the attained increases in heat resistance and yields could make it possible to use these physiological traits as selection criteria in future breeding programs.     

Inheritance of stomatal conductance in cotton (Gossypium barbadense)

Stomatal conductance in improved Pima cotton cultivars (Gossypium barbadense) has been previously shown to be positively associated with heat resistance and yield potential. In the present study we determined the mode of inheritance of stomatal conductance in crosses of six G. barbadense parents varying in origin, degree of agronomic development and stomatal conductance. Parents included a primitive tropical cotton (B368), two obsolete cultivars (St Vincent V135, Pima 32), one modern commercial line (Pima S-6) and two elite genotypes of the Pima germplasm (P70, P73). These lines showed distinct differences in stomatal conductance, under greenhouse and field conditions. The primitive B368 had the lowest conductance, and the elite lines the highest. Generation means analysis was used to quantify genetic effects in the crosses P70 × St Vincent V135, Pima S-6 × B368, Pima S-6 × Pima 32, P73 × Pima 32 and P73 × Pima S-6. Best-fit models of the inheritance of stomatal conductance varied in complexity from a simple additive-dominance model in the cross P70 × St. Vincent V135 to models displaying digenic epistatic interactions in the remaining crosses. Significant additive mean effects for stomatal conductance were detected in all crosses. Dominance mean effects were significant in the crosses P73 × Pima 32 and P73 × Pima S-6. Broadsense heritability estimates of stomatal conductance were relatively low (0.16–0.44) in all crosses except Pima S-6 × B368 (0.74). Results also show that the mode of inheritance of stomatal conductance is multigenic, and may have maternal as well as nuclear components. Recouping higher stomatal conductance levels from genetically wider crosses appears feasible and could proceed at a moderate rate. Fixing higher levels of stomatal conductance in populations from crosses of elite germplasm may be more difficult because of the presence of dominant mean effects and digenic epistatic interactions.     

Field evaluation of cotton near-isogenic lines introgressed with QTLs for productivity and drought related traits

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for yield and drought related physiological traits, osmotic potential (OP), carbon isotope ratio (δ¹³C, an indicator of water use efficiency), and leaf chlorophyll content (Chl), were exchanged via marker-assisted selection (MAS) between elite cultivars of the two cotton species Gossypium barbadense cv. F-177 and G. hirsutum cv. Siv’on. The resulting near isogenic lines (NILs) were examined in two field trials, each with two irrigation regimes, in order to (1) evaluate the potential to improve cotton drought resistance by MAS and (2) test the role of physiological traits in plant productivity. NILs introgressed with QTLs for high yield rarely exhibited an advantage in yield relative to the recipient parent, whereas a considerable number of NILs exhibited the expected phenotype in terms of lower OP (5 out of 9), higher δ¹³C (4 out of 6) or high Chl (2 out of 3). Several NILs exhibited considerable modifications in non-targeted traits including leaf morphology, stomatal conductance and specific leaf weight (SLW). In G. barbadense genotypes, yield was correlated negatively with δ¹³C and OP and positively with stomatal conductance, SLW and Chl, whereas in G. hirsutum yield was negatively correlated with δ¹³C, SLW and Chl. This dissimilarity suggests that each of the respective species has evolved different mechanisms underlying plant productivity. We conclude that the improvement of drought related traits in cotton NILs may lead to improved drought resistance via MAS, but that conventional breeding may be necessary to combine the introduced QTL(s) with high yield potential.     

Genetic variation of stomatal conductance, blue light sensitivity and zeaxanthin content in guard cells of Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense)

Pima S‐6 ( Gossypium barbadense L.) is a modern line with high stomatal conductance, while B368 is a primitive cotton with low conductance. The blue light sensitivity of adaxial guard cells, probed as the blue light‐dependent enhancement of the red light‐induced chlorophyll a fluorescence quenching, was investigated in these two cotton lines with contrasting stomatal conductance. Adaxial guard cells isolated from Pima S‐6 cotton plants had a significantly higher carotenoid content and a higher blue light sensitivity than those isolated from B368 plants. In a growth chamber‐grown F₂ population of a cross between these two lines, adaxial stomatal conductances of individual plants segregated over a range exceeding the average conductances of the parents. Carotenoid content and the blue light sensitivity of adaxial guard cells also segregated. The concentrations of xanthophylls and β‐carotene in the adaxial guard cells were poorly correlated with the blue light response, except for zeaxanthin. The co‐segregation of stomatal conductance and blue light sensitivity suggested that the stomatal response to blue light may play a role in the regulation of stomatal conductance in the intact leaf. Zeaxanthin content and blue light sensitivity also co‐segregated, suggesting that both parameters are under genetic control. The co‐segregation of zeaxanthin content, blue light sensitivity and stomatal conductance provides further evidence for a role of zeaxanthin in the blue light photoreception of guard cells.     

Leaf morphology,rather than plant water status,underlies genetic variation of rice leaf rolling under drought

Soil drying causes leaf rolling in rice, but the relationship between leaf rolling and drought tolerance has historically confounded selection of drought‐tolerant genotypes. In this study on tropical japonica and aus diversity panels (170–220 genotypes), the degree of leaf rolling under drought was more affected by leaf morphology than by stomatal conductance, leaf water status, or maintenance of shoot biomass and grain yield. A range of canopy temperature and leaf rolling (measured as change in normalized difference vegetation index [ΔNDVI]) combinations were observed among aus genotypes, indicating that some genotypes continued transpiration while rolled. Association mapping indicated colocation of genomic regions for leaf rolling score and ΔNDVI under drought with previously reported leaf rolling genes and gene networks related to leaf anatomy. The relatively subtle variation across these large diversity panels may explain the lack of agreement of this study with earlier reports that used small numbers of genotypes that were highly divergent in hydraulic traits driving leaf rolling differences. This study highlights the large range of physiological responses to drought among rice genotypes and emphasizes that drought response processes should be understood in detail before incorporating them into a varietal selection programme.     

田间条件下海岛棉和陆地棉花铃期叶片光保护的机制

研究海岛棉(Gossypium barbadense)和陆地棉(G. hirsutum)两个棉花栽培种的光合作用特性, 探讨两个栽培种光合机构的光抑制以及防御保护机制, 以期为新疆棉花高光效品种选育和高产高效栽培实践提供理论基础。在新疆生态气候条件下, 系统测定了海岛棉和陆地棉的叶片运动、叶片接受光量子通量密度(PFD)、叶片温度、叶绿素荧光参数、气体交换参数和光呼吸速率的日变化。研究结果表明: 陆地棉叶片的“横向日性”较强而海岛棉较弱, 导致海岛棉叶片接受PFD较低, 但其叶片温度较高。海岛棉叶片的光合速率和气孔导度均显著低于陆地棉。在8:00-10:00 (北京时间, 下同)海岛棉叶片的光呼吸速率略低于陆地棉, 其余时间段海岛棉和陆地棉叶片的光呼吸速率相似。不同栽培种间, 叶片的最大光化学效率和实际光化学效率的日变化均无明显差异。除14:00-16:00以外, 海岛棉叶片的表观电子传递速率和光化学猝灭系数均显著低于陆地棉。8:00以后, 海岛棉叶片的非光化学猝灭显著高于陆地棉。因此, 在新疆生态气候条件下, 海岛棉和陆地棉叶片“横向日性”运动能力和气孔导度的差异导致叶片所处的光温环境不同, 同时造成海岛棉叶片的碳同化能力较低。为阻止光合电子传递链的过度还原, 减轻光合机构的光抑制, 陆地棉叶片主要通过光合机构的电子流途径耗散激发能, 而海岛棉叶片通过热耗散途径和相对较高的光呼吸能力来耗散激发能。     

Differential leaf expansion can enable hydraulic acclimation to sun and shade

Although leaf size is one of the most responsive plant traits to environmental change, the functional benefits of large versus small leaves remain unclear. We hypothesized that modification of leaf size within species resulting from differences in irradiance can allow leaves to acclimate to different photosynthetic or evaporative conditions while maintaining an efficient balance between hydraulic supply (vein density) and evaporative demand. To test this, we compared the function and anatomy of leaf hydraulic systems in the leaves of a woody angiosperm (Toona ciliata M. Roem.) grown under high and low irradiance in controlled conditions. Our results confirm that in this species, differential leaf expansion regulates the density of veins and stomata such that leaf hydraulic conductance and stomatal conductance remain proportional. A broader sample of field-grown tree species suggested that differences in leaf venation and stomatal traits induced by sun and shade were not regulated by leaf size in all cases. Our results, however, suggest that leaf size plasticity can provide an efficient way for plants to acclimate hydraulic and stomatal conductances to the contrasting evaporative conditions of sun and shade.     

热岛效应下亚热带城市植被叶气孔权衡特征及其与叶功能性状的关系

叶片气孔不仅是植物平衡光合-蒸腾关系的重要门户,也是影响大气碳循环与水循环的关键结构。分析热岛效应下福州市乔木、灌木、草本3种生活型和常绿、落叶2种叶习性植物的气孔性状间的差异及其与其他叶功能性状间的权衡关系有助于探究不同类型植物在热环境下的适应策略。以福州市区的自然和半自然植被为研究对象,测定441个植物样本的气孔特征、化学计量特征和形态特征,结果表明：（1）3种生活型、2种叶习性植物的气孔长度（SL）、气孔密度（SD）差异显著（P<0.05）,潜在气孔导度指数（PCI）不存在显著差异（P>0.05）。草本的SL高于灌木和乔木,乔木的SD最高,灌木次之,草本最低;落叶植物的SL高于常绿植物,SD低于常绿植物。（2）SL与SD间的权衡关系稳定存在于3种生活型和2种叶习性植物中,且随着不同生活型和落叶习性植物的生态策略而呈现各异的权衡特征,即当SL一定时,乔木的SD最大,灌木的SD最小,常绿植物的SD大于落叶植物。（3）气孔性状和叶片形态、化学计量特征紧密联系,SL与比叶面积（SLA）正相关（P<0.01）,与叶面积（LA）负相关（P<0.01）;SD与叶氮含量（LNC）、叶磷含量（LPC）、SLA负相关（P<0.01）,与LA正相关（P<0.01）;PCI与LNC、SLA负相关（P<0.01）,与叶厚度（LT）正相关（P<0.05）。（4）复杂的环境是气孔性状变异的重要驱动因素,SL、PCI均与年均温（MAT）负相关（P<0.05）。     

Enhanced Photosynthesis and Stomatal Conductance of Pima Cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) Bred for Increased Yield

Yield of Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) has tripled over the last 40 years with the development of new cultivars. Six genetic lines representing successive stages in the breeding process (one primitive noncultivated accession, four cultivars with release dates from 1949 to 1983, and one unreleased breeding line) were grown in a greenhouse, and their gas exchange properties were compared. Among the cultivated types, genetic advances were closely associated with increasing single-leaf photosynthetic rate (A) and stomatal conductance (g_s), especially in the morning. The A and g_s of the primitive line approached those of the cultivated types early in the morning, but were much lower for the rest of the day. In both morning and afternoon, A was correlated with g_s across genotypes but was not correlated with leaf thickness, concentrations of chlorophyll or starch, or intercellular CO₂ concentration (c_i). In the oldest cultivar, the relationship of A to c_i did not change between morning and afternoon. In the two most recent lines, the slopes of the A:c_i curves at limiting c_i exceeded that of the oldest cultivar by 25 to 50% in the morning, but the differences were much smaller in the afternoon. The maximum A of the newer lines at high c_i exceeded that of the oldest cultivar only in the morning. Breeding for increasing yield has enhanced the photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance of Pima cotton and altered the diurnal regulation of photosynthesis.     

青藏高原矮火绒草(Leontopodium nanum)叶片性状对海拔高度变化的响应

植物叶片对环境变化十分敏感,能反映植物适应环境所形成的生存策略。为揭示高寒植物叶片性状对海拔高度变化的响应,对位于青藏高原东北部的冷龙岭3400—4200 m之间5个不同海拔高度的矮火绒草(Leontopodium nanum)叶片进行取样,采用常规石蜡制片技术和显微观察方法测定叶片外部形态、表皮气孔特征和解剖结构,探讨其叶片性状随海拔的变化,结果表明：（1）随海拔高度升高,叶面积呈减小的趋势,而比叶重和叶干物质含量增加;（2）叶片下表皮气孔密度随海拔升高呈先增加后下降的趋势,且气孔密度、气孔器面积、长度、宽度和潜在气孔导度指数等气孔特征之间存在显著相关性;（3）叶厚、栅栏组织和海绵组织厚度随海拔升高呈显著增厚的趋势;（4）叶片解剖结构可塑性和相关性分析显示,上、下角质层厚度的可塑性指数最大,而部分解剖结构指标间存在极显著的相关性。研究表明,矮火绒草为适应沿海拔上升温度降低的环境,主要采取叶片变小、变厚的对策,使植物趋于保温、保水和抗机械损伤的方向发展,并将资源最大化地投入到自身生长发育中。     

Evaluation of physiological traits for improving drought tolerance in faba bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia faba</Emphasis> L.)

Among grain legumes, faba bean is becoming increasingly popular in European agriculture due to recent economic and environmental interests. Faba bean can be a highly productive crop, but it is sensitive to drought stress and yields can vary considerably from season to season. Understanding the physiological basis of drought tolerance would indicate traits that can be used as indirect selection criteria for the development of cultivars adapted to drought conditions. To assess genotypic variation in physiological traits associated with drought tolerance in faba bean and to determine relationships among these attributes, two pot experiments were established in a growth chamber using genetic materials that had previously been screened for drought response in the field. Nine inbred lines of diverse genetic backgrounds were tested under adequate water supply and limited water conditions. The genotypes showed substantial variation in shoot dry matter, water use, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, transpiration efficiency, carbon isotope discrimination (Δ¹³C), relative water content (RWC) and osmotic potential, determined at pre-flowering vegetative stage. Moisture deficits decreased water usage and consequently shoot dry matter production. RWC, osmotic potential, stomatal conductance and Δ¹³C were lower, whereas leaf temperature and transpiration efficiency were higher in stressed plants, probably due to restricted transpirational cooling induced by stomatal closure. Furthermore, differences in stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, Δ¹³C and transpiration efficiency characterized genotypes that were physiologically more adapted to water deficit conditions. Correlation analysis also showed relatively strong relationships among these variables under well watered conditions. The drought tolerant genotypes, ILB-938/2 and Melodie showed lower stomatal conductance associated with warmer leaves, whereas higher stomatal conductance and cooler leaves were observed in sensitive lines (332/2/91/015/1 and Aurora/1). The lower value of Δ¹³C coupled with higher transpiration efficiency in ILB-938/2, relative to sensitive lines (Aurora/1 and Condor/3), is indeed a desirable characteristic for water-limited environments. Finally, the results showed that stomatal conductance, leaf temperature and Δ¹³C are promising physiological indicators for drought tolerance in faba bean. These variables could be measured in pot-grown plants at adequate water supply and may serve as indirect selection criteria to pre-screen genotypes.     

Differences in leaf thermoregulation and water use strategies between three co‐occurring Atlantic forest tree species

Given anticipated climate changes, it is crucial to understand controls on leaf temperatures including variation between species in diverse ecosystems. In the first study of leaf energy balance in tropical montane forests, we observed current leaf temperature patterns on 3 tree species in the Atlantic forest, Brazil, over a 10‐day period and assessed whether and why patterns may vary among species. We found large leaf‐to‐air temperature differences (maximum 18.3 °C) and high leaf temperatures (over 35 °C) despite much lower air temperatures (maximum 22 °C). Leaf‐to‐air temperature differences were influenced strongly by radiation, whereas leaf temperatures were also influenced by air temperature. Leaf energy balance modelling informed by our measurements showed that observed differences in leaf temperature between 2 species were due to variation in leaf width and stomatal conductance. The results suggest a trade‐off between water use and leaf thermoregulation; Miconia cabussu has more conservative water use compared with Alchornea triplinervia due to lower transpiration under high vapour pressure deficit, with the consequence of higher leaf temperatures under thermal stress conditions. We highlight the importance of leaf functional traits for leaf thermoregulation and also note that the high radiation levels that occur in montane forests may exacerbate the threat from increasing air temperatures.     

干旱区植物叶片大小对叶表面蒸腾及叶温的影响

利用热及物质交换原理, 并结合前人研究成果, 在单叶尺度上建立了简单的叶温和水气蒸腾模型。模型通过预设值驱动, 预设值参照干旱区环境及植物叶片特征设置。模拟结果显示: 随气孔阻力的增加, 叶片蒸腾速率降低, 叶温升高; 同一环境下, 具有低辐射吸收率的叶片蒸腾速率和叶温更低, 并且气孔阻力越大, 这种差异越明显。另外, 叶片宽度及风速是影响叶片蒸腾及叶温的重要因子。干旱地区植物生长季节, 风速小于0.1 m·s ^-1、气孔阻力接近1000 s·m ^-1时, 降低叶片宽度不仅有利于降低叶片温度, 而且能够降低叶片蒸腾速率, 从而实现保持水分, 增强植物适应高温、干旱的能力。     

水分亏缺冬小麦近等基因系冠气温差与群体总耗水量的关系

研究品种之间群体耗水特性的差异及其关键影响因素,为品种耗水特性评价与低耗水品种鉴选方法提供依据。选用水分亏缺条件下产量差异不显著,但耗水量差异极显著的冬小麦品种晋麦47和京411及其15个近等基因系为实验材料。利用防雨池和防雨棚开展实验,模拟水分亏缺条件。监测全生育期土壤水分含量,计算总耗水量,收获后测定籽粒产量,计算水分利用效率(WUE)。同时,分别在拔节-孕穗期、抽穗-开花期和灌浆期3个不同生育期监测冠层-大气温度差值(CTD)、叶片蒸腾速率和气孔导度。结果表明,3个不同生育期,15个近等基因系及其亲本之间,CTD均达到显著差异。CTD的方差分析表明,基因型和年份均对不同生育期的CTD有显著影响,但是二者之间仅在抽穗-开花期存在互作(P=0.0002)。15个近等基因系及其亲本之间耗水量存在显著差异,产量没有显著差异。源于耗水量的差异,部分品种/系之间WUE达显著差异。3个不同生育期,15个近等基因系及其亲本之间,CTD与总耗水量均呈极显著负相关关系。抽穗-开花期最高,2012—2013年度和2016—2017年度分别达到0.7042和0.6095。叶片蒸腾速率和气孔导度与群体总耗水量之间相关性很弱,3个生育期均未达到显著水平。对该组近等基因系材料,影响群体总耗水量的关键因素不是叶片蒸腾生理特性,而是群体冠层生长特性。表明构建合理的群体冠层结构不仅是获得高产的途经,而且是调控群体总耗水量,提高品种水分利用效率的重要途径。     

Molecular mapping of stomatal‐conductance‐related traits in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum)

The most promising traits identified in wheat to raise yield potential via an increase in biomass accumulation are stomatal conductance and stomatal‐conductance‐related traits, such as carbon isotope discrimination (CID) and photosynthetic rate. The evaluation of the extent of genetic variation and the mapping of chromosomal regions controlling these traits are essential for the development of effective breeding strategies in durum wheat. A population of 161 F2‐derived, F8–F9 recombinant inbred lines obtained from a cross between durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) cultivars Ofanto and Cappelli was phenotyped for heading date, plant height, leaf porosity, CID and chlorophyll concentration (estimated through the SPAD index) for 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 seasons, at Ottava, Sardinia (Italy) under irrigated conditions. The genotype mean heritability for leaf porosity, CID and chlorophyll concentration was moderate in size. Six quantitative trait loci were detected for leaf porosity, four for chlorophyll concentration, but only one for CID, because of the small variation expressed in the population for this trait under these experimental conditions. The quantitative trait loci for leaf porosity located on chromosome 3B appear to be more stable with respect to the others, and different microsatellite markers are positioned within the interval of the quantitative trait loci, or in their vicinity, that represent useful tools in programmes for selection assisted by molecular markers.     

Variations in leaf morpho‐anatomy and photosynthetic traits between sun and shade populations of Eurya japonica (Pentaphylacaceae) whose seeds are dispersed by birds across habitats

Eurya japonica occurs in diverse light environments through seed dispersal by birds. As the seed size is extremely small, we hypothesized that newly germinated seedlings with restricted depth of roots and length of the hypocotyl would suffer high mortality due to increased transpiration in sunny habitats and low light in shady habitats. We also expected that surviving seedlings would differ in leaf traits between habitats as a result of selection. We aimed to determine how photosynthetic traits differ between habitats and how leaf structure is related to this difference. We examined photosynthesis and leaf morpho‐anatomy for plants cloned from cuttings collected from the forest understory (shade population) and neighboring roadsides and cut‐over areas (sun population) and then grown under two irradiances (18.5% and 100% sunlight) in an experimental garden. Under growth in 100% sunlight, cloned plants from the sun population exhibited significantly greater area‐based photosynthetic capacity compared to cloned plants from the shade population at a comparable stomatal conductance, which was attributable to a higher area‐based leaf nitrogen concentration. On the other hand, mean values of photosynthetic capacity did not significantly differ between the two populations. Cloned plants from the sun population had significantly thicker leaf laminas and spongy tissue and lower stomatal density compared to cloned plants from the shade population. Thickened leaf lamina might have increased leaf tolerance to physical stresses in open habitats. The variation in leaf morpho‐anatomy between the two populations can be explained in terms of the economy of leaf photosynthetic tissue.     

Stomatal regulation of photosynthesis in apple leaves: evidence for different water-use strategies between two cultivars

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Leaf responses to environmental conditions have been frequently described in fruit trees, but differences among cultivars have received little attention. This study shows that parameters of Farquhar's photosynthesis and Jarvis' stomatal conductance models differed between two apple cultivars, and examines the consequences of these differences for leaf water use efficiency. METHODS: Leaf stomatal conductance (g(sw)), net CO2 assimilation rate (A(n)), respiration (R(d)) and transpiration (E) were measured during summer in 8-year-old 'Braeburn' and 'Fuji' apple trees under well-watered field conditions. Parameters of Farquhar's and Jarvis' models were estimated, evaluated and then compared between cultivars. Leaf carbon isotope discrimination (delta(13)C) was measured at the end of the growing season. KEY RESULTS: A single positive relationship was established between V(Cmax) (maximum carboxylation rate) and N(a) (leaf nitrogen concentration per unit area), and between J(max) (maximum light-driven electron transport rate) and N(a). A higher leaf R(d) was observed in 'Fuji'. The g(sw) responded similarly to increasing irradiance and leaf temperature in both cultivars. g(sw) responded to lower vapour pressure deficit in 'Fuji' than in 'Braeburn'. Maximal conductance (g(swmax)) was significantly smaller and A(n) was more limited by g(sw) in 'Braeburn' than 'Fuji'. Lower g(sw), E and higher intrinsic water use efficiency were shown in 'Braeburn' and confirmed by smaller leaf delta(13)C compared with 'Fuji' leaves. CONCLUSIONS: The use of functional model parameters allowed comparison of the two cultivars and provided evidence of different water use 'strategies': 'Braeburn' was more conservative in water use than 'Fuji', due to stomatal limitation of A(n), higher intrinsic water use efficiency and lower delta(13)C. These physiological traits need to be considered in relation to climate adaptation, breeding of new cultivars and horticultural practice.     

Cultivar differences in leaf photosynthesis of rice bred in Japan

The grain yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.), as well as of other cereal crops, is limited to a large extent, by the supply of photosynthates produced during grain filling period. In this study, flag leaf photosynthesis (LPS) after heading was compared among 32 cultivars bred during the past century in Japan, to determine if the improvement of LPS has occurred with the breeding advance of high yielding cultivars. Measurement of LPS was made for 5 consecutive years in the paddy field, on the flag leaf of the main stem, at heading (LPS-0), and 2 weeks (LPS-2) and 4 weeks (LPS-4) after heading. LPS decreased with advance of leaf senescence from LPS-0 to LPS-2, and then to LPS-4. However, if nitrogen was top-dressed at the heading time, high LPS-2 was maintained, particularly in the newer cultivars. A significant positive correlation between LPS and the released year of cultivar was found at LPS-2, especially in the nitrogen top-dressed plot, but not at LPS-0 or LPS-4. Cultivar difference in LPS of the senescing leaves were not stable through the different years, whereas LPS-0 was stable over years, suggesting that the LPS in the senescent leaf is susceptible to the environmental variation due to the effects on leaf senescence. Cultivar difference in LPS at any stage was closely associated with mesophyll conductance to CO₂, and stomatal conductance was also associated with cultivar difference in such a high LPS as LPS-0 and nitrogen top-dressed LPS-2. Significant correlation between LPS and specific leaf weight was not observed at any stage of the flag leaf.Abbreviations CV coefficient of variation - g_m mesophyll conductance - g_s stomatal conductance - LPS apparent photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area (leaf photosynthesis) - LPS-0 LPS at heading - LPS-2 LPS at active grain filling - LPS-4 LPS at maturity of grain - NT non-top dressed plot - PPFD photosynthetic photon flux density - r_m mesophyll resistance - r_s stomatal diffusion resistance against CO₂ - r_s(H₂O) stomatal diffusion resistance against H₂O - RuBisCO ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase - SLW specific leaf weight - TD nitrogen top-dressed plot     

沙地生境和平茬年限对沙柳叶功能特征的影响

研究了毛乌素沙地南缘水滨边丘间地和干旱丘顶两种生境下沙柳平茬后不同年限(1、2、3～4和5～6年)对沙柳叶片光合气体交换、水分利用效率、结构特性及氮、磷养分含量等叶功能特征的影响.结果表明:水滨边丘间地沙柳叶片的净光合速率、气孔导度、瞬时和长期水分利用效率均高于丘顶,但N、P养分含量低于丘顶;两种生境下沙柳的叶结构性状无显著差异.干旱生境下沙柳主要通过增加养分含量、降低光合和水分利用来生存.随平茬年限增加,叶片净光合速率和气孔导度显著下降,氮含量和瞬时水分利用效率亦呈下降趋势,且二者之间呈显著正相关;平茬后1年的叶面积最高,比叶质量和叶干物质含量最低,此后比叶质量增加,叶面积和干物质含量不变;叶结构性状与光合及养分特性之间无显著相关性.叶光合活性和氮含量的下降是沙柳随平茬年限增加而衰败的重要原因.