毛竹快速生长期茎秆不同节间光合色素和光合酶活性的差异

为揭示毛竹(Phyllostachysedulis)快速生长期茎秆中的光合碳同化特征及其在不同节间的变化规律,以毛竹笋竹茎秆为材料,测定不同节间光合色素含量、核酮糖-1,5-二磷酸羧化酶/加氧酶(Rubisco)、磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧化酶(PEPC)、苹果酸脱氢酶(NADP-MDH)、NADP-苹果酸酶(NADP-ME)、磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧激酶(PEPCK)以及丙酮酸磷酸双激酶(PPDK)活性。结果显示,茎秆中叶绿素a、叶绿素b以及类胡萝卜素含量随节间升高均呈下降趋势,叶绿素a/b比值呈逐渐上升趋势;随着节间的升高,茎秆中Rubisco、PEPC和PPDK活性在第1–10节间显著下降,之后酶活性降幅逐渐减缓;NADP-ME活性在第1–13节间呈显著下降趋势,之后酶活性趋于平稳;NADP-MDH活性在第1–25节间显著下降。PEPC/Rubisco活性比值随节间升高而不断增加,其范围介于18.37–65.09之间,明显大于典型C3植物中的活性比值。上述结果表明,茎秆不同节间的光合碳同化能力存在明显差异,中、下部节间生长相对较快;茎秆中存在多种C4酶且活性较高,这为此时期茎秆中存在C4光合途径提供了有力证据。     

玉米、花生及其间作茬口与施磷对冬小麦光合特性及产量的影响机制

该试验在玉米单作茬口、玉米-花生间作茬口(间作茬口)、花生单作茬口共3种茬口,以及0 kg P_2O_5·hm~(-2)(P_0)和180 kg P_2O_5·hm~(-2)(P_1) 2个磷水平下,研究了间作茬口与施磷对冬小麦分蘖、叶面积指数(LAI)、干物质积累、光合特性及产量的影响机制,为玉米花生间作与小麦-玉米复种轮作提供理论依据。结果表明:(1)间作茬口较玉米茬口显著提高了冬小麦有效分蘖数、LAI、净光合速率和干物质积累量,并提高了冬小麦旗叶的SPAD值、CO_2饱和点、光饱和点及最大净光合速率(P_(nmax))、表观量子效率(AQY)、羧化效率(CE)、最大羧化速率(V_(cmax))、最大RUBP再生的电子传递速率(J_(max))和最大磷酸丙糖利用速率(V_(TPU)),且CE、V_(cmax)、V_(TPU)的增幅均达到显著水平(P0.05),有效改善了冬小麦产量构成,显著提高籽粒产量(P0.05)。(2)间作茬口较花生茬口提高了冬小麦乳熟期的P_(nmax)、AQY、CE,增加了穗粒数和粒重,提高了产量。(3)与不施磷相比,施磷180 kg P_2O_5·hm~(-2)显著促进间作茬口冬小麦生长,显著提高冬小麦旗叶的SPAD值、P_(nmax)、AQY、CE、V_(cmax)、J_(max)、V_(TPU)和籽粒产量(P0.05)。研究发现,间作茬口较玉米茬口能有效增强冬小麦旗叶表观量子效率和CO_2羧化能力,显著提高小麦花后光合能力,促进冬小麦生长,从而增加穗粒数、粒重和籽粒产量,且间作茬口结合施磷180 kg P_2O_5·hm~(-2)效果更好。     

亚适温弱光对黄瓜幼苗光合酶活性和基因表达的影响

以‘津优3号’为试材,研究亚适温弱光(18℃/12℃,100 μmol·m-2·s-1)下黄瓜幼苗叶片核酮糖-1,5-二磷酸羧化/加氧酶(Rubisco)、果糖-1,6-二磷酸酶(FBPase)、甘油醛-3-磷酸脱氢酶(GAPDH)、果糖-1,6-二磷酸醛缩酶(FBA)、转酮醇酶(TK) mRNA表达量及活性的变化.结果表明:亚适温弱光处理的单株叶面积和干物质量均明显减小.处理初期,Rubisco大亚基(rbcL)、小亚基(rbcS)、FBPase、GAPDH、FBA及TK的基因表达量大幅度下降,多数酶活性明显减弱(TK变化不明显),光合速率(Pn)快速降低;处理3d后,亚适温弱光处理的rbcL、rbcS基因表达量和Rubisco初始活性持续下降,但下降幅度明显减小,Rubisco总活性及FBPase、GAPDH、FBA和TK基因表达与活性均呈上升趋势,Pn同步回升;处理时间超过6d时,Rubisco和FBPase基因表达与活性趋于平稳,其他酶和Pn呈下降趋势.可见,亚适温弱光下黄瓜光合酶基因表达量和活性的降低是Pn降低的重要原因,光合机构对亚适温弱光的适应与光合酶的活化机制有关.     

低浓度CO2对水车前和黑藻光合特性的影响

本实验通过对沉水植物水车前（offelia alismoides）和黑藻（Hydrilla verticillata）进行低浓度C02诱导,研究其光合特性的变化。研究显示,诱导后,水车前的PEPC／Rubisco活性比值由0．45上升到4．17,黑藻由0．47上升到4．17,两种植物的C4途径光合酶PEPC和NAD—ME的活性升高了10倍左右,其他C4光合酶如NAD—MDH和PPDK的活性也大幅升高;诱导后,水车前和黑藻的其他光合特性也发生了显著变化：净光合速率比对照分别提高了50．8％和74．1％,O2对处理组光合速率的抑制分别为对照组的35％和60％,叶绿素荧光基本参数也有显著性变化。研究结果表明,经低浓度C02诱导,水车前和黑藻光合碳同化途径可能由C3转变成为C4。     

玉米花生间作对玉米光合特性及产量形成的影响

为了进一步揭示玉米花生间作体系中玉米间作产量优势的光合机理,于2010—2011年在河南科技大学试验农场研究了间作玉米功能叶的光-光响应曲线和光-CO2响应曲线特点、荧光参数、叶绿素含量与构成、干物质积累及灌浆速率。结果表明:间作提高了玉米功能叶片的叶绿素含量,改变了叶绿素构成,显著提高了净光合速率,延缓衰老;间作提高了玉米光补偿点、光饱和点、光饱和时的最大净光合速率、表观量子效率和羧化效率,显著降低了CO2补偿点;PSⅡ的实际光化学效率、PSⅡ的最大光化学效率和光化学猝灭系数变化不明显。间作明显提高玉米生育后期单株干物质,主要在于促进了籽粒的生长,显著提高玉米产量,偏土地当量(PLER-M)高于其所占面积比例的106.6%—120.3%,表现出明显的间作产量优势。这说明间作玉米产量间作优势主要来源于其生育后期净光合速率的提高,促进光合物质向籽粒的分配,净光合速率的提高是通过羧化效率和表观量子效率的提高,增强CO2的固定能力实现的,而非是光能传递、转化效率的提高。     

玉米花生间作和磷肥对间作花生光合特性及产量的影响

揭示玉米(Zea mays)和花生(Arachis hypogaea)间作提高花生对弱光利用能力的光合特点及磷(P)肥效应, 对阐明间作花生适应弱光的光合机理和提高间作花生的产量具有重要意义。该试验于2011-2012年在河南科技大学试验农场分析了间作花生功能叶的叶绿素含量与构成、光响应曲线和CO₂响应曲线特点和荧光参数。结果表明: 与单作花生相比, 施P与不施P条件下玉米和花生间作显著(p < 0.01)提高了花生功能叶的叶绿素b含量, 降低了叶绿素a/b, 显著提高了光系统II最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)、实际光化学效率(Φ_PSII)、光化学猝灭系数(q_P)、表观量子效率(AQY)和弱光时的光合速率, 显著降低了气孔导度、二磷酸核酮糖羧化酶羧化速率(V_cmax)、电子传递速率(J_max)和磷酸丙糖利用速率(TPU); 与不施P相比, 施P有利于提高间作花生功能叶的叶绿素含量, 显著提高了Φ_PSII、q_P、V_cmax、J_max和TPU, 说明间作花生通过提高功能叶的叶绿素b含量, 改变叶绿素构成, 提高了光系统II的F_v/F_m、Φ_PSII和q_P, 增强了对光能的捕获和转化能力, 提高了对弱光的利用能力, 而并非提高了对CO₂的羧化固定能力; 施P有利于提高间作花生对弱光的利用能力和产量, 土地当量比提高了6.2%-9.3%。     

玉米/花生间作行比和施磷对玉米光合特性的影响

试验于2014—2015年设玉米/花生间作2∶2(R₁)、2∶4(R₂)和2∶8(R₃)三种间作模式,研究了间作行比和施磷对玉米冠层光照日变化、功能叶的SPAD值、光合-光强响应曲线和光合-CO₂响应曲线的影响,以探究间作玉米适应强光的光合机理.结果表明: 间作玉米冠层日均光照表现为R₃>R₂>R₁;大口期至灌浆期,间作玉米穗位叶的SPAD值、表观量子效率(AQY)、光补偿点(LCP)、光饱和点(LSP)、光饱和时的最大净光合速率(LSP_n)、羧化效率(CE)、最大电子传递速率(J_max)、磷酸丙糖利用率(TPU)、气孔导度(g_s)、蒸腾速率(T_r)和净光合速率(P_n)均表现为R₃>R₂>R₁,胞间CO₂浓度(C_i) 则为R₁>R₂>R₃;蜡熟期R₃间作玉米的AQY、LSP_n、g_s、CE、J_max和TPU均低于R₂间作玉米;施磷能提高AQY、LSP_n、CE、V_{c max}、J_max和TPU等光合参数.这说明间作玉米g_s、AQY、CE、V_{c max}、J_max和TPU随着光强增加逐渐提高是其增强利用强光能力的关键,但超过一定光强易早衰,施磷肥有助于增强玉米对强光的利用和延缓叶片衰老.     

转玉米PEPC基因水稻中有限的C4光合微循环及其生理作用

用转PEPC基因水稻(Oryza sativa L. subsp.japonica Kitaake)和原种水稻Kitaake为材料,研究了不同基因型水稻叶片中的C4光合微循环及其功能.通过测定与光合C4途径有关的关键酶,如磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧化酶(PEPC)、NADP -苹果酸酶(NADP -ME)、NADP -苹果酸脱氢酶(NADP -MDH)和丙酮酸磷酸双激酶(PPDK),说明原种水稻叶片中具有完整的C4光合酶体系;用外源OAA或MA饲喂叶切片或叶绿体后明显增加光合速率,证明原种水稻中具有一个有限的光合C4微循环.将玉米的PEPC基因导入原种水稻后,可大幅度提高光合C4微循环的速率.测定不同基因型的CO2交换速率,看出水稻中C4光合微循环的增强有提高净光合速率(Pn)和降低光呼吸速率/净光合速率(Pr/Pn)比值的作用.叶绿素荧光特性分析表明,C4光合微循环的增强伴随着PSⅡ电子传递效率(Fv/Fm)和光化学猝灭(qP)的增加以及非光化学猝灭(qN)的降低;这些结果为通过基因工程手段提高作物光合效率的遗传育种提供了科学根据.     

不同天气水稻光合日变化对大气CO2浓度和温度升高的响应——FACE研究

人类活动导致大气二氧化碳浓度(CO_2)升高、全球气候变暖和光合有效辐射(PAR)降低,影响着绿色作物的光合作用。为了明确高CO_2浓度、高温和低PAR对水稻光合日变化特征的影响,利用中国稻田开放空气CO_2浓度升高系统(free air CO_2enrichment,FACE),以常规粳稻南粳9108为试验材料,设置了环境CO_2和高CO_2浓度(增200μmol/mol)、环境温度和增高温度(增1—2℃)交互的4个处理,从9:00到17:00每隔1h测定了阴天和晴天水稻的光合作用,研究了不同天气对水稻光合日变化对大气CO_2浓度和温度升高的响应。观察到不同天气条件下水稻光合日变化的不同特征,晴天Pn为双峰曲线,发生了光合"午休",阴天未发生。结果表明,高CO_2浓度显著提高了水稻Pn,温度升高有降低水稻Pn趋势,CO_2浓度增加200μmol/mol对水稻光合作用的促进效应远大于增温1—2℃对其的抑制效应。高CO_2浓度显著增加了水稻胞间CO_2浓度(Ci),降低了水稻蒸腾速率(Tr),平均降幅为10.8%—22.0%。高温有降低Ci的趋势,增加了Tr,平均增幅达5.0%—13.5%。晴天比阴天增加了水稻Tr,平均增幅为9.8%—31.2%。CO_2浓度和温度同时升高显著降低了水稻气孔导度(Gs)。这些结果说明CO_2浓度、温度和PAR对水稻水分利用率(WUE)产生综合影响。阴天PAR比晴天平均低53.3%,阴天水稻Pn比晴天显著低,平均降幅达37.1%—72.0%。与对照比较,高CO_2浓度处理,较高PAR(晴天)条件下水稻Pn的增幅(38.6%—58.4%)显著大于较低PAR(阴天)条件下水稻Pn的增幅(21.6%—38.8%),这一现象值得关注和深入探讨。研究结果表明,评估气候变化对水稻生产的影响,需同时考虑未来大气CO_2浓度和温度升高以及PAR下降的因素及其相互作用。     

早春短命植物鸢尾蒜和准噶尔鸢尾蒜的光合途径

该研究以鸢尾蒜属两种早春短命植物准噶尔鸢尾蒜(Ixiolirion songaricum)和鸢尾蒜(Ixiolirion tataricum)为对象,通过解剖结构、光合参数、稳定碳同位素比值(δ¹³C)和光合关键酶活性分析二者的光合途径。结果发现：(1)显微结构和超微结构显示,两种短命植物的叶脉维管束鞘细胞1层、排列较紧密,鞘细胞内含有较多叶绿体且多离心分布,类似C₄花环结构。(2)准噶尔鸢尾蒜和鸢尾蒜最大净光合速率分别为14.81和15.04 μmol·m^-2·s^-1;两者的CO₂补偿点较低,分别为3.57和2.54 μmol·mol^-1,δ¹³C分别为-25.36±0.55‰和-25.76±1.38‰,光合酶PEPC/Rubisco比值分为别0.244和0.322。(3)最大净光合速率、δ¹³C和PEPC/Rubisco比值均说明两种植物为C₃光合途径,但二者均具有类似C₄的维管束鞘结构、较低的CO₂补偿点和暗呼吸速率,并具有高于部分C₃和C₃ C₄中间型植物的PEPC/Rubisco比值,表明两种短命植物的光合途径并非典型的C₃途径,而是C₃ C₄中间型。     

Photosynthetic characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hordeum,Triticum, Rumex</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trifolium</Emphasis> species at contrasting altitudes

Photosynthetic characteristics were compared between plants of low altitude (LA) grown at LA (Palampur; 1 300 m) and at high altitude, HA (Kibber; 4 200 m), and plants naturally occurring at different altitudes (Palampur, 1 300 m; Palchan, 2 250 m; and Marhi, 3 250 m). Net photosynthetic rate (P _N) was not significantly different between altitudes. However, the slopes of the curve relating P _N to intercellular CO₂ concentration (C _i) were higher in plants at Palchan, Marhi, and Kibber compared to those at Palampur, indicating that plants had higher efficiency of carbon uptake (the initial slope of P _N/C _i curve is an indication) at HA. They had also higher stomatal conductance (g _s), transpiration rate, and lower water use efficiency at HA. g _s was insensitive to photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) for plants naturally occurring at Palampur, Palchan, and Marhi, whereas plants from LA grown at Palampur and Kibber responded linearly to increasing PPFD. Insensitivity of g _s to PPFD could be one of the adaptive features allowing wider altitudinal distribution of the plants.This research is supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India vide grant number BT/PR/502/AGR/08/39/966-VI.     

Involvement of Exported Photosynthetic Products in the CO2Exchange of the Skeletal Shoots of Pine

CO₂exchange in the leafy and skeletal parts of attached shoots of Pinus sylvestrisL. was measured with an infrared gas-analyzer in an open differential system during daylight hours. The ¹⁴CO₂assimilation rates in the leafy parts of shoots and ¹⁴CO₂evolution from current photosynthetic products in the lower skeletal part of shoots were measured in afternoons. Chlorophyll content was measured in the needles of the same shoot. The carbon of exported assimilates contributed only about 4% to CO₂exchange in the heterotrophic tree tissues. Only this component of CO₂evolution from the surface of the skeletal part of the tree was related to the losses of the net primary photosynthetic production (NPP) in the aboveground part of the pine stand during the current growth period.     

Increased photosynthetic rates following gibberellic acid treatments to the roots of tomato plants

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of root applications of gibberellic acid (GA₃) on photosynthesis in tomato plants grown hydroponically. Photosynthetic rates (mg CO₂/dm²/hr) determined using an open infrared CO₂ gas exchange system showed a 40–50% increase within 5 hr after treatment with a 1.4 µM gibberellic acid (GA₃) to their roots. The effect was shown to persist for the duration of the experiment (9 days). Plants receiving pulses of 1.4 µM GA₃ to the roots for 1, 4, 8 or 12 hr exhibited significantly higher photosynthetic rates than the control for 6 days following treatment. By day 9 however, there was no significant difference. Continual treatments with 1.4 µM GA₃ to the roots maintained the photosynthetic rate significantly higher than the control for the duration of the experiment. Interestingly, at the lower light levels the percent stimulation was more dramatic. There was approximately a 90% increase in the photosynthetic rate at 80 µE m^-2 s^-1 while at saturating light conditions (560 µE m^-2 s^-1) there was approximately a 40% increase over the control rate. The light saturation point for both treated and control plants was 240 µE m^-2 s^-1. Applications of physiologically relevant concentrations of GA₃ to the roots of tomato plants stimulates photosynthesis more consistently than that achieved by previous studies involving foliar absorption.Approved for publication on May 28, 1981 as paper number 6242 in the Journal series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.     

The effect of free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) and soil nitrogen availability on the photosynthetic capacity of wheat

A simple system for free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) was recently developed and it is here briefly described. Such a MiniFACE system allowed the elevation of CO₂ concentration of small field plots avoiding the occurrence of large spatial and temporal fluctuations. A CO₂ enrichment field experiment was conducted in Italy in the season 1993–1994 with wheat (cv. Super-dwarf Mercia). A randomized experimental design was used with the treatment combination CO₂ × soil N, replicated twice. Gas exchange measurements showed that photosynthetic capacity was significantly decreased in plants exposed to elevated CO₂ and grown under nitrogen deficiency. Photosynthetic acclimation was, in this case, due to the occurrence of reduced rates of rubP saturated and rubP regeneration limited photosynthesis. Gas exchange measurements did not instead reveal any significant effect of elevated CO₂ on the photosynthetic capacity of leaves of plants well fertilized with nitrogen, in spite of a transitory negative effect on rubP regeneration limited photosynthesis that was detected to occur in the central part of a day with high irradiance. It is concluded that the levels of nitrogen fertilization will play a substantial role in modulating CO₂ fertilization effects on growth and yields of wheat crops under the scenario of future climate change.     

Carbon isotope composition as a tool to control the quality of herbs and medicinal plants

Isotope screening is a simple test for determining the photosynthetic pathway used by plants. The scope of this work was to classify the photosynthetic type of some herbs and medicinal plants through studies of the carbon isotope composition (δ¹³C). Also, we propose the use of carbon isotope composition as a tool to control the quality of herbs and medicinal plants. For studies of δ¹³C, δ¹³C‰ = [R (sample)/R (standard) − 1] × 10⁻³, dry leaves powdered in cryogenic mill were analyzed in a mass spectrometer coupled with an elemental analyzer for determining the ratio R = ¹³CO₂/¹²CO₂. In investigation of δ¹³C of 55 species, 23 botanical families, and 44 species possessed a C₃ photosynthetic type. Six species found among the botanical families Euphorbiaceae and Poaceae were C₄ plants, and 5 species found among the botanical families Agavaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Liliaceae possessed CAM-type photosynthesis. Carbon isotope composition of plants can be used as quality control of herbs and medicinal plants, allowing the identification of frauds or contaminations. Also, the information about the photosynthetic type found for these plants can help in introducing and cultivating exotic and wild herbs and medicinal plants.     

Contrasting growth response of an N2-fixing and non-fixing forb to elevated CO2: dependence on soil N supply

With the ability to symbiotically fix atmospheric N₂, legumes may lack the N-limitations thought to constrain plant response to elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO₂. The growth and photosynthetic responses of two perennial grassland species were compared to test the hypotheses that (1) the CO₂ response of wild species is limited at low N availability, (2) legumes respond to a greater extent than non-fixing forbs to elevated CO₂, and (3) elevated CO₂ stimulates symbiotic N₂ fixation, resulting in an increased amount of N derived from the atmosphere. This study investigated the effects of atmospheric CO₂ concentration (365 and 700 mol mol^–1) and N addition on whole plant growth and C and N acquisition in an N₂-fixing legume (Lupinus perennis) and a non-fixing forb (Achillea millefolium) in controlled-chamber environments. To evaluate the effects of a wide range of N availability on the CO₂ response, we incorporated six levels of soil N addition starting with native field soil inherently low in N (field soil + 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 g N m^–2 yr^–1). Whole plant growth, leaf net photosynthetic rates (A), and the proportion of N derived from N₂ fixation were determined in plants grown from seed over one growing season. Both species increased growth with CO₂enrichment, but this response was mediated by N supply only for the non-fixer, Achillea. Its response depended on mineral N supply as growth enhancements under elevated CO₂ increased from 0% in low N soil to +25% at the higher levels of N addition. In contrast, Lupinus plants had 80% greater biomass under elevated CO₂ regardless of N treatment. Although partial photosynthetic acclimation to CO₂ enrichment occurred, both species maintained comparably higher A in elevated compared to ambient CO₂ (+38%). N addition facilitated increased A in Achillea, however, in neither species did additional N availability affect the acclimation response of A to CO₂. Elevated CO₂ increased plant total N yield by 57% in Lupinus but had no effect on Achillea. The increased N in Lupinus came from symbiotic N₂ fixation, which resulted in a 47% greater proportion of N derived from fixation relative to other sources of N. These results suggest that compared to non-fixing forbs, N₂-fixers exhibit positive photosynthetic and growth responses to increased atmospheric CO₂ that are independent of soil N supply. The enhanced amount of N derived from N₂ fixation under elevated CO₂ presumably helps meet the increased N demand in N₂-fixing species. This response may lead to modified roles of N₂-fixers and N₂-fixer/non-fixer species interactions in grassland communities, especially those that are inherently N-poor, under projected rising atmospheric CO₂.     

地表臭氧浓度增加和UV-B辐射增强及其复合处理对大豆光合特性的影响

基于开顶式气室(OTC),系统开展了地表O3增加和UV-B增强及其复合处理下(自然空气,CK;10%UV-B增强,T1;100nmol/mol O3,T2;100 nmol/mol O3+10%UV-B增强,T3)大豆光合气体交换、光响应、光合色素和类黄酮含量等参数的观测与分析研究。结果表明,与对照相比,T1和T2单因子处理组的如下指标有相似变化:气孔导度、气孔限制值下降,胞间二氧化碳浓度上升,净光合速率、最大净光合速率、半饱和光强显著降低,表观量子效率和暗呼吸速率先升后降。T1的叶绿素含量降低不显著,类胡萝卜素含量先降后升,类黄酮含量上升,而T2的叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量显著降低,类黄酮含量先降后升。复合处理下,与CK相比各指标的变化和单因子相似,影响程度均强于两单因子组。因此,100 nmol/mol O3浓度增加和10%UV-B辐射增强复合处理对大豆叶绿素含量的影响存在协同作用,且O3胁迫起了主导作用。光合作用下降的主要原因均是非气孔因素,复合处理对大豆光合作用的影响比两因子单独胁迫有所加深,是O3和UV-B共同作用的结果。     

I can't believe my luck

The author gives an account of his life and work in scientific research. At the prompting of Govindjee, this is a quite personal account and, I hope, not too serious. The circumstances surrounding the discovery of C₄ photosynthesis are mentioned together with some aspects of the subsequent development of this field. Since it seems to be expected on such occasions, there is also some reminiscences and some unsolicited advice. I hope there are no gross or libelous inaccuracies.Abbreviations 3-PGA 3-phosphoglycerate - PEP phosphoenolpyruvate - P_i orthophosphate - PP_i pyrophosphate Written at the invitation of Govindjee.     

Susceptibility of green leaves and green flower petals of CAM orchid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dendrobium</Emphasis> cv. Burana Jade to high irradiance under natural tropical conditions

Photosynthetic rates of green leaves (GL) and green flower petals (GFP) of the CAM plant Dendrobium cv. Burana Jade and their sensitivities to different growth irradiances were studied in shade-grown plants over a period of 4 weeks. Maximal photosynthetic O₂ evolution rates and CAM acidities [dawn/dusk fluctuations in titratable acidity] were higher in leaves exposed to intermediate sunlight [a maximal photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 500–600 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹] than in leaves grown under full sunlight (a maximal PPFD of 1 000–1 200 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and shade (a maximal PPFD of 200–250 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹). However, these two parameters of GFP were highest in plants grown under the shade and lowest in full sun-grown plants. Both GL and GFP of plants exposed to full sunlight had lower predawn F_v/F_m [dark adapted ratio of variable to maximal fluorescence (the maximal photosystem 2 yield without actinic irradiation)] than those of shade-grown plants. When exposed to intermediate sunlight, however, there were no significant changes in predawn F_v/F_m in GL whereas a significant decrease in predawn F_v/F_m was found in GFP of the same plant. GFP exposed to full sunlight exhibited a greater decrease in predawn F_v/F_m compared to those exposed to intermediate sunlight. The patterns of changes in total chlorophyll (Chl) content of GL and GFP were similar to those of F_v/F_m. Although midday F_v/F_m fluctuated with prevailing irradiance, changes of midday F_v/F_m after exposure to different growth irradiances were similar to those of predawn F_v/F_m in both GL and GFP. The decreases in predawn and midday F_v/F_m were much more pronounced in GFP than in GL under full sunlight, indicating greater sensitivity in GFP to high irradiance (HI). In the laboratory, electron transport rate and photochemical and non-photochemical quenching of Chl fluorescence were also determined under different irradiances. All results indicated that GFP are more susceptible to HI than GL. Although the GFP of Dendrobium cv. Burana Jade require a lower amount of radiant energy for photosynthesis and this plant is usually grown in the shade, is not necessarily a shade plant.