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.     

Physiological effects of sulphur dioxide. 1. The effect of SO2 on photosynthesis and stomatal regulation of Vicia faba L.

Abstract. The effect of short-term SO₂ fumigation on photosynthesis and transpiration of Vicia faba L. was measured at different irradiances and SO₂ concentrations. At high irradiances photosynthetic rates were reduced when leaves were exposed to SO₂ and the magnitude of the reduction was linearly related to the rate of SO₂ uptake through the stomata. Photosynthetic rates stabilized within 2 h after the start of fumigation.
The effect of SO₂ on photosynthesis was measured at different CO₂ concentrations to analyse the contribution of stomatal and non-stomatal factors to photosynthetic inhibition. Mesophyll resistance to CO₂ diffusion increased as a result of SO₂ exposure and caused a rapid reduction in photosynthesis after the start of fumigation. Stomatal resistance was not affected directly by SO₂ fumigation, but indirectly as a result of a feedback loop between net photosynthesis and internal CO₂ concentration.
Analysis of gas-exchange measurements in biochemical terms indicated that photosynthetic inhibition during SO₂ exposure can be explained by a stronger reduction in the affinity of RBP carboxylase/oxygenase for CO₂ than for O₂.     

Light and CO2 responses of photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics in bean plants after simulated acid rain

The effects of simulated acid rain on some chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and photosynthetic gas exchange at different light intensities and CO₂ concentrations of bean plants were investigated. Measurements were carried out 3, 5 and 24 h after spraying. The results showed that a single acid rain (pH 1.8) treatment of bean plants reduced gas exchange, the maximal carboxylating efficiency and photochemical quenching. This treatment led also to increased CO₂ compensation point and non-photochemical quenching and changed the shape of CO₂ and light curves of photosynthesis. Both stomatal and non-stomatal factors contributed to the decreased photosynthetic rate, but their proportion changed with time of recovery of the photosynthetic ampparatus. Three hours after the treatment, the stomatal factors predominated in photosynthesis reduction, while during the next experimental period (5–24 h), mainly non-stomatal factors determined the decreased photosynthetic rate. It is suggested that the effects observed in consequence of acid rain treatment could be due to an increased intracellular accumulation of H⁺ and harmful ions contained in the cocktail. This probably led to impaired membrane permeability, enhancement of stroma acidity, uncoupled electron transport and insufficient accumulation of ATP and NADPH, which affected carbon metabolism.     

A relationship between carbon dioxide, photosynthetic efficiency and shade tolerance

Net photosynthesis and transpiration of seedlings from shade tolerant, moderately tolerant and intolerant tree species were measured in ambient carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations ranging from 312 to 734 ppm. The species used, Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. (tolerant), Quercus alba L., Q. rubra L., Liriodendron tulipifera L. (moderately tolerant), Liquidambar styraciflua L. and Pinus taeda L. (intolerant), are found co-occurring in the mixed pine-hardwood forests of the Piedmont region of the southeastern United States. When seedlings were grown in shaded conditions, photosynthetic CO₂ efficiency was significantly different in all species with the highest efficiency in the most shade tolerant species, Fagus grandifolia , and progressively lower efficiencies in moderately tolerant and intolerant species. Photosynthetic CO₂ efficiency was defined as the rate of increase in net photosynthesis with increase in ambient CO₂ concentration. When plants which had grown in a high light environment were tested, the moderately tolerant and intolerant deciduous species had the highest photosynthetic CO₂ efficiencies but this capacity was reduced when these species grew in low light. The lowest CO₂ efficiency and apparent quantum yield occurred in Pinus taeda in all cases. Water use efficiency was higher for all species in enriched CO₂ environments but transpiration rate and leaf conductance were not affected by CO₂ concentration. High photosynthetic CO₂ efficiency may be advantageous for maintaining a positive carbon balance in the low light environment under a forest canopy.     

Reduction of leaf photosynthesis and transpiration rates of potato plants by second-stage juveniles of Globodera pallida

Abstract. Net photosynthesis and transpiration rates of potato plants, grown in pots in the greenhouse, were measured at various light irradiances and ambient CO₂ concentrations, 3d after inoculation with second stage juveniles of Globodera pallida. Gas exchange rates, both in darkness and in light, and the initial light use efficiency were strongly reduced by nematodes. Stomatal conductance of infected plants was lower than that of control plants and showed little response to decreasing ambient CO₂ concentration. The maximum internal CO₂ concentration of infected plants was lower than that of control plants. Globodera pallida reduced photosynthesis also by apparent non-stomatal effects.
The effects of G. pallida on gas exchange rates are similar to the effects of abscisic acid in the transpiration stream and of abiotic stresses in the root environment. Apparently, there is a general response of plant roots to adverse conditions. The reduction of photosynthesis may be an important factor in yield reduction by potato cyst nematodes.     

Influence of light intensity during growth on photosynthesis and activity of several key photosynthetic enzymes in a C4 plant (Zea mays)

Maize ( Zea mays L. Hybrid Sweet Corn, Royal Crest), a C₄ plant, was grown under different light regimes, after which the rate of photosynthesis and activities of several photosynthetic enzymes (per unit leaf chlorophyll) were measured at different light intensities. Plants were grown outdoors under direct sunlight or 23% of direct sunlight, and in growth chambers at photosynthetic photon flux densities of about 20% and 8% of direct sunlight. The plants grown under direct sunlight had a higher light compensation point than plants grown under lower light. At a light intensity about 25% of direct sunlight, plants from all growth regimes had a similar rate of photosynthesis. Under saturating levels of light the plants grown under direct sunlight had a substantially higher rate of photosynthesis than plants grown under the lower light regimes. The higher photosynthetic capacity in the plants grown under direct sunlight was accompanied by an increased activity of several photosynthetic enzymes and in the amount of the soluble protein in the leaf. Among five photosynthetic enzymes examined, RuBP carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) and pyruvate, Pi dikinase (EC 2.7.9.1) were generally just sufficient to account for rates of photosynthesis under saturating light; thus, these may be rate limiting enzymes in C₄ photosynthesis. Pyruvate, Pi dikinase and NADP-malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.82) were the only enzymes examined which were light activated and increased in activity with increasing light intensity. In the low light grown plants the activity of pyruvate, Pi dikinase closely paralleled the photosynthetic rate measured under different light levels. With the plants grown under direct sunlight, as light intensity was increased the activation of pyruvate, Pi dikinase and NADP⁺-malate dehydrogenase proceeded more rapidly than photosynthesis.     

Influence of elevated CO2 and nitrogen supply on the carbon assimilation performance and cell composition of the unicellular alga Dunaliella viridis

The carbon assimilation efficiency and the internal composition of the chlorophyte Dunaliella viridis have been studied under conditions of current (0.035%) and enriched (1%) levels of CO₂, with and without N limitation (supplied as nitrate). Results show that both photosynthesis and growth rates are enhanced by high CO₂, but the strategy of acclimation also involves the light harvesting machinery and the nutritional metabolism in an N supply dependent manner. D. viridis carried out a qualitative rather than a quantitative acclimation of the light harvesting system leading to increased PSII quantum yields. Total internal C decreased as a consequence of either active growth or organic carbon release to the external medium. The latter process allowed photosynthetic electron transport to proceed at higher rates than under normal CO₂ conditions, and maintained the internal C:N balance in a narrow range (under N sufficiency). N limitation generally prevented the effects of high CO₂, with some exceptions such as the photosynthetic O₂ evolution rate.     

Gas exchange studies in two Portuguese grapevine cultivars

Gas exchange characteristics of leaves of Vitis vinifera L. cvs Tinta Amarela and Periquita, two grapevine cultivars grown in distinct climatic regions of Portugal, were studied under natural and controlled conditions. Daily time courses of gas exchange were measured on both a hot, sunny day and a cooler, partly cloudy day. Responses of net photosynthesis to irradiance and internal partial pressure of CO₂, were also obtained. A strong correlation between net photosynthesis (P_N) and leaf conductance (g_s) was found during the diurnal time courses of gas exchange, as well as a relatively constant internal partial pressure of CO₂ (P_i), even under non-steady-state conditions. On the cloudless day, both P_N and g_s were lower in the afternoon than in the morning, despite similar conditions of leaf temperature, air to leaf water vapor deficit and irradiance. The response curves of net photosynthesis to internal CO₂ showed linearity up to p_i values of 50 Pa, possibly indicating a substantial excess of photosynthetic capacity. When measured at low partial pressures of O₂ (1 kPa), P_N became inhibited at high CO₂ levels. Inhibition of P_N at high CO₂ was absent under normal levels of O₂ (21 kPa). Significant differences in gas exchange characteristics were found between the two cultivars, with T. Amarela having higher rates under similar measurement conditions. In particular, the superior performance of T. Amarela at high temperatures may represent adaptation to the warmer conditions at its place of origin.     

Effect of light and gibberellic acid on photosynthesis during leaf senescence of alstroemeria cut flowers.

The functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus during leaf senescence was investigated in alstroemeria cut flowers by a combination of gas-exchange measurements and analysis of in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence. Chlorophyll loss in leaves of alstroemeria cut flowers is delayed by light and by a treatment of the cut flowers with gibberellic acid (GA₃). The maximal photosynthesis of the leaves was approximately 6 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ at I 350 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (PAR) which is relatively low for intact C₃ leaves. Qualitatively the gas-exchange rates followed the decline in chlorophyll content for the various treatments, i.e. light and GA₃-treatment delayed the decline in photosynthetic rates. However, when chlorophyll loss could not yet be observed in the leaves, photosynthetic rates were already strongly decreased. In vivo fluorescence measurements revealed that the decrease in CO₂ uptake is (partly) due to a decreased electron flow through photosystem II. Furthermore, analysis of the fluorescence data showed a high nonphotochemical quenching under all experimental conditions, indicating that the consumption of reducing power in the Calvin cycle is very low. The chlorophyll, remaining after 9 days incubation of leaves with GA₃ in the dark should be considered as a 'cosmetic' pigment without any function in the supply of assimilates to the flowers.     

BRYOZOANS INCREASE AVAILABLE CO2 FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN GELIDIUM SESQUIPEDALE (RHODOPHYCEAE)

A possible benefit of the presence of the epiphytic bryozoan Electra pilosa (L.) for the red macroalga Gelidium sesquipedale (Clem.) Thuret et Bornet is described. Absorption spectra and photosynthetic parameters of O₂ evolution vs. irradiance curves were determined for both epiphytized and nonepiphytized thalli. The absorptance of G. sesquipedale thalli for PAR was not modified by the presence of the epiphyte. Gross photosynthetic rates at saturating light were approximately doubled in epiphytized thalli. Photosynthesis by G. sesquipedale was enhanced when CO₂ concentration was increased in the medium by a decrease in pH. On the other hand, an increase in pH from 8.1 to 8.7 produced a significant reduction of the O₂ evolution rates indicating that G. sesquipedale has a very low capacity to use HCO₃⁻. The decrease in photosynthesis at high pH was higher in nonepiphytized thalli than in epiphytized ones, suggesting that the amount of available CO₂ is higher in the presence of E. pilosa. This positive effect was attributed to the CO₂ released by respiration of the epiphyte.     

Effects of sulphur dioxide on leaf photosynthesis: the role of temperature and humidity

The effect of temperature and humidity on SO₂–induced photosynthetic depression was determined in gas exchange experiments with leaves of Vicia faba , L. Stomatal behaviour was sensitive to humidity resulting in higher uptake rates of SO₂ and stronger reductions of photosynthesis at low VPD (vapour pressure deficit). After a fumigation period of 2 h, when the photosynthetic rate had stabilized, photosynthesis of leaves exposed to SO₂ at 8°C was reduced much more than at 18°C at the same rate of SO₂ uptake. Data analysis with a mechanistic model revealed that this effect was due to the slower rate of S(IV) oxidation at lower temperatures, resulting in higher accumulation of S(IV) and thus stronger reduction of photosynthesis. These results were confirmed by experimental analyses of the S(IV) concentration in leaves following fumigation, which showed that more S(IV) accumulated in leaves exposed at a lower temperature. This may explain the high sensitivity of plants exposed to SO₂ under winter conditions, when both VPD and temperature are low.     

Effect of nitrogen nutrition on photosynthesis and growth in C4Panicum species

Abstract. The growth and photosynthetic responses to high and low N nutrition were measured in 2 NADP-malic enzyme and 4 NAD-malic enzyme C₄ subtype Panicum species to evaluate whether differences in C₄ photosynthetic biochemistry result in differences in the N requirement for growth. All species had lower biomass production, photosynthesis rates, and shoot N concentrations at low N, and no consistent differences between the C₄ subtypes were apparent. The assimilation rates (biomass accumulated over the period of growth) for the NADP-malic enzyme species were higher than the NAD-malic enzyme species at high N but not at low N. When assimilation rates were evaluated on a shoot N basis a higher N-use-efficiency was found for the NADP-malic enzyme species at high N. Thus the NADP-malic enzyme Panicum species had a greater amount of growth for a given shoot N concentration, but only above a certain level of shoot N concentrations.     

Photosynthetic and respiratory responses to temperature and light of three Alaskan tundra growth forms

Photosynthetic and respiratory response of four Alaskan tundra species comprising three growth forms were investigated in the laboratory using an infrared gas analysis system. Vaccinium vitis-idaea , a dwarf evergreen shrub, demonstrated a low photosynthetic capacity: P_max= 1 mg CO₂ g dry wt⁻¹ h⁻¹; T_opt < 10°C. Betula nana , a deciduous shrub, had a high relatively photosynthetic capacity: P_max= 14 mg CO₂ g dry wt⁻¹ h⁻¹; T_opt 17°C. Two graminoid (sedge) species, Carex aquatilis and Eriophorum vaginalum , showed different responses. Carex showed a high photosynthetic capacity: P_max= 20 mg CO₂ g dry wt⁻¹ h⁻¹; T_opt 22°C. Eriophorum vaginatum demonstrated an intermediate photosynthetic capacity of 4 mg CO₂ g dry wt⁻¹ h⁻¹ at saturated light levels. Leaf dark respiration, up to 20°C, was approximately the same for all species. The patterns of root respiration among species was opposite to the trend in photosynthesis. Vaccinium vitis-idaea had the highest rate of root respiration and B. nana the lowest ( C aquatilis was not measured). Correlation between leaf nitrogen content (%) and photosynthetic capacity was high. Hypothesized growth form relationships explained differences in photosynthetic capacity between the deciduous shrub and evergreen shrub, but did little to account for differences between the two sedges. Differences in rooting patterns between species may affect tissue nutrient content, carbon flux rates, and carbon balance.     

SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS-IRRADIANCE RESPONSES BY BIOFILMS IN MEDITERRANEAN STREAMS

The relationships between primary production and irradiance were analyzed over an annual cycle in natural biofilms of two undisturbed streams: La Solana (LS), an open calcareous stream, and Riera Major (RM), a shaded siliceous stream. In LS, low photosynthetic efficiency (α^chl and α^area) and high values of both the light saturation parameter (I_k) and the carotenoid / chlorophyll ratio indicated adaptation to high light regimes. On the other hand, higher photosynthetic efficiency and lower I_k as well as photoinhibition at high irradiance found in the biofilms of RM indicated shade adaptation. However, the lack of correlation between light availability in nature and the photosynthetic parameters studied in the laboratory suggested that light was not the most important factor in determining seasonal changes in the photosynthetic behavior in this stream. Both in the open and shaded streams, algal patches collected simultaneously exhibited different photosynthesis-irradiance (P-I) curues, showing that community composition influenced the P-I parameters. In the open stream (LS), however, significant negative correlations between α^area and chlorophyll a and between P _max^chl and chlorophyll a ( r = -0.994 , P < 0.001, and r = -0.929 , P < 0.05, respectively) suggested that photosynthesis was affected by self-shading. Due to the absence of photoinhibition in the biofilms of LS, high photosynthetic rates were maintained at the ambient high light environment, thus compensating for low photosynthesis at low irradiance. In the shaded stream (RM), because photosynthesis was saturated at low irradiances, primary production was relatively high given the low light conditions .     

Growth in elevated CO2 enhances temperature response of photosynthesis in wheat

The temperature dependence of C₃ photosynthesis may be altered by the growth environment. The effects of long-term growth in elevated CO₂ on photosynthesis temperature response have been investigated in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) grown in controlled chambers with 370 or 700 μmol mol⁻¹ CO₂ from sowing through to anthesis. Gas exchange was measured in flag leaves at ear emergence, and the parameters of a biochemical photosynthesis model were determined along with their temperature responses. Elevated CO₂ slightly decreased the CO₂ compensation point and increased the rate of respiration in the light and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) V_cmax, although the latter effect was reversed at 15°C. With elevated CO₂, J_max decreased in the 15–25°C temperature range and increased at 30 and 35°C. The temperature response (activation energy) of V_cmax and J_max increased with growth in elevated CO₂. CO₂ enrichment decreased the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP)-limited photosynthesis rates at lower temperatures and increased Rubisco- and RuBP-limited rates at higher temperatures. The results show that the photosynthesis temperature response is enhanced by growth in elevated CO₂. We conclude that if temperature acclimation and factors such as nutrients or water availability do not modify or negate this enhancement, the effects of future increases in air CO₂ on photosynthetic electron transport and Rubisco kinetics may improve the photosynthetic response of wheat to global warming.     

Effect of elevated CO2, temperature and drought on photosynthesis of nodulated alfalfa during a cutting regrowth cycle

Rising atmospheric CO₂ may increase potential net leaf photosynthesis under short-term exposure, but this response decreases under long-term exposure because plants acclimate to elevated CO₂ concentrations through a process known as downregulation. One of the main factors that may influence this phenomenon is the balance between sources and sinks in the plant. The usual method of managing a forage legume like alfalfa requires the cutting of shoots and subsequent regrowth, which alters the source/sink ratio and thus photosynthetic behaviour. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CO₂ (ambient, around 350 vs. 700 µmol mol⁻¹), temperature (ambient vs. ambient + 4° C) and water availability (well-irrigated vs. partially irrigated) on photosynthetic behaviour in nodulated alfalfa before defoliation and after 1 month of regrowth. At the end of vegetative normal growth, plants grown under conditions of elevated CO₂ showed photosynthetic acclimation with lower photosynthetic rates, V_cmax and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) activity. This decay was probably a consequence of a specific rubisco protein reduction and/or inactivation. In contrast, high CO₂ during regrowth did not change net photosynthetic rates or yield differences in V_cmax or rubisco total activity. This absence of photosynthetic acclimation was directly associated with the new source-sink status of the plants during regrowth. After cutting, the higher root/shoot ratio in plants and remaining respiration can function as a strong sink for photosynthates, avoiding leaf sugar accumulation, the negative feed-back control of photosynthesis, and as a consequence, photosynthetic downregulation.     

Diurnal regulation of photosynthesis in understory saplings

Photosynthetic rates of plants grown in natural systems exhibit diurnal patterns often characterized by an afternoon decline, even when measured under constant light and temperature conditions. Since we thought changes in the carbohydrate status could cause this pattern through feedback from starch and sucrose synthesis, we studied the natural fluctuations in photosynthesis rates of plants grown at 36 and 56 Pa CO₂ at a FACE (free-air-CO₂-enrichment) research site. Light-saturated photosynthesis varied by 40% during the day and was independent of the light-limited quantum yield of photosynthesis, which varied little through the day. Photosynthesis did not correspond with xylem water potential or leaf carbohydrate build-up, but rather with diurnal changes in air vapor-pressure deficit and light. The afternoon decline in photosynthesis also corresponded with decreased stomatal conductance and decreased Rubisco carboxylation efficiency which in turn allowed leaf-airspace CO₂ partial pressure to remain constant. Growth at elevated CO₂ did not affect the afternoon decline in photosynthesis, but did stimulate early-morning photosynthesis rates relative to the rest of the day. Plants grown at 56 Pa CO₂ had higher light-limited quantum yields than those at 36 Pa CO₂ but, there was no growth–CO₂ effect on quantum yield when measured at 2 kPa O₂. Therefore, understory plants have a high light-limited quantum yield that does not vary through the day. Thus, the major diurnal changes in photosynthesis occur under light-saturated conditions which may help understory saplings maximize their sunfleck-use-efficiency.     

Seasonal differences in photosynthesis between the C3 and C4 subspecies of Alloteropsis semialata are offset by frost and drought

The regional abundance of C₄ grasses is strongly controlled by temperature, however, the role of precipitation is less clear. Progress in elucidating the direct effects of photosynthetic pathway on these climate relationships is hindered by the significant genetic divergence between major C₃ and C₄ grass lineages. We addressed this problem by examining seasonal climate responses of photosynthesis in Alloteropsis semialata , a unique grass species with both C₃ and C₄ subspecies. Experimental manipulation of rainfall in a common garden in South Africa tested the hypotheses that: (1) photosynthesis is greater in the C₄ than C₃ subspecies under high summer temperatures, but this pattern is reversed at low winter temperatures; and (2) the photosynthetic advantage of C₄ plants is enhanced during drought events. Measurements of leaf gas exchange over 2 years showed a significant photosynthetic advantage for the C₄ subspecies under irrigated conditions from spring through autumn. However, the C₄ leaves were killed by winter frost, while photosynthesis continued in the C₃ plants. Unexpectedly, the C₄ subspecies also lost its photosynthetic advantage during natural drought events, despite greater water-use efficiency under irrigated conditions. This study highlights previously unrecognized roles for climatic extremes in determining the ecological success of C₃ and C₄ grasses.     

Differences in photosynthetic characteristics among northern and southern C4 plants

Both responses to short-term changes of temperature and to chilling under high light were analyzed in populations of Echinochloa crus-galli var. crus-galli (L.) Beauv. from Québec. North Carolina and Mississippi to improve the understanding of C₄ photosynthesis at low temperature. Comparison also included plants of Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. from Mississippi to provide for differences among species and populations. Plants were grown at two thermoperiods (28/22°C, 21/15°C). After transfer from cool (21/15°C) to warm (28/22°C) growth conditions, Echinochloa from Mississippi achieved the highest photosynthetic rates. Plants from Québec maintained the highest rates of CO₂ uptake upon transfer to cool conditions. Exposure to 7°C for 3 days at a photon fluence rate of 1000 μmol m−²s−¹ resulted in a reduction in the growth rates of all populations. This reduction was paralleled by a decrease in net photosynthesis and in stomatal conductance. Following chilling under hight light, the reduction in growth parameters was less important for plants from Québec than for the other populations. It suggests that, among other characteristics, northern plants had developed a certain tolerance to chilling under light.     

干旱胁迫对转PtPIP2;8基因84K杨苗木光合、生长和根系结构的影响

为研究水通道蛋白PtPIP2;8基因功能, 了解其不同表达水平的转基因84K杨(Populus alba × P. glandulossa)应对干旱胁迫的响应, 该文以转PtPIP2;8 84K杨抑制表达株系(抑制表达)、野生型(WT)和转PtPIP2;8 84K杨超表达株系(超表达)为试验材料, 测定PtPIP2;8表达水平、根系导度、光响应曲线、气体交换参数、生长及根系形态指标。结果显示: (1) WT植株PtPIP2;8仅在根系表达; 超表达植株PtPIP2;8除在根部显著表达外, 在茎和叶片中也显著表达; 抑制表达植株PtPIP2;8仅在根部有微量表达, 表达量分别是WT和超表达植株的1/20和1/80。(2)根系结构分析发现, 超表达植株总根长、总根表面积、总根体积、总根尖数显著低于WT和抑制表达植株, 根系导水率显著高于WT和抑制表达植株, 表明PtPIP2;8参与了植物根系水分运输, 提高了水分运输效率。(3)正常水分条件下, 抑制表达植株苗高、叶面积显著低于WT和超表达植株, 根冠比显著高于WT和超表达植株。干旱胁迫后, 抑制表达植株净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)下降幅度小, 仍能维持较高的P_n。气体交换参数显示抑制表达植株P_n、G_s日变化为“单峰”型, 属气孔因素引起的净光合速率下降;WT和超表达植株P_n、G_s日变化为“双峰”型, 干旱胁迫后, 抑制表达植株P_n略微下降, WT和超表达植株P_n均下降, 尤其是13:00、15:00下降显著, 表明WT和超表达植株对干旱胁迫更加敏感, 干旱对其影响更大。(4)干旱胁迫后, 抑制表达植株相对生长速率、总生物量降低的最少, 根冠比最高; 总根表面积、总根体积、总根尖数显著高于WT植株。表明PtPIP2;8直接参与水分运输并提高水分运输效率, 其转化影响了植株根系发育和生长。超表达植株根系发育的下降和叶面积的增大减弱了它的抗旱性, 而抑制表达植株矮小, 降低的叶面积, 增加的根系生长和根冠比提高了它的抗旱能力。从研究结果来看, 水通道蛋白提高了水分跨膜运输效率, 而非水通道蛋白导水机制对干旱有较强的耐受性。