A comparative study of above-ground productivity of dominant U.S. Gulf Coast marsh species

Above-ground productivity of dominant freshwater, brackish, and salt-marsh species from the U.S. Gulf Coast was evaluated using both gas exchange techniques and harvest methods. Both techniques showed significant differences in productivity among the study species which represent major components of their respective communities. Estimates of net aerial primary productivity using the harvest method yielded 3683 g dw (dry weight) m^?2yr^?1 for Spartina alterniflora (tall), 2008 g dw m^?2yr^?1 for S. alterniflora (short), 3677 g dw m^?yr^?1 for S. patens and 1641 g dwm^?yr^?1 for Panicum hemitomon. Carbon balance estimated from gas exchange calculation yielded values approximately equivalent to a biomass accumulation of 6024 g dw m^?2yr^?1 for S. alterniflora (tall), 3047 g dw m^?yr^?1 for S. alterniflora (short), 5702 g dw m^?yr^?1 for S. patens, and 2912 g dm^?yr^?1 for P. hemitomon. The net aerial primary production was estimated to be approximately 61% of total productivity in S. alterniflora (tall-form) and 66%o of total productivity in short-form, 64% in S. patens and 56%) in P. hemitomon. The assimilation data also indicated that Spartina alterniflora and S. patens continue carbon fixation throughout the year while assimilation in Panicum hemitomon is absent due to lack of live leaves during the winter. Various aspects of harvest and gas exchange techniques are discussed.     

Eco-physiological responses of the declining population Spartina anglica to N and P fertilizer addition

Nitrogen and phosphorus are both important life elements. N, P and combined N-P fertilizers were added to the declining population Spartina anglica Hubbard in coastal China. Some growth parameters and eco-physiological responses of S. anglica to different fertilizer treatments (N, P and combined N-P fertilizer addition with high, medium and low levels, respectively) were measured. The fertilizer addition had a highly significant effect on the dynamics of its height-growth, number of leaves, number of roots and total biomass. Only N addition had a significant effect on leaf area and leaf thickness in all fertilizer treatments. On the dynamics of its height-growth, the effect of N addition was the most apparent, and the effect of N-P addition was not greater than those of N and P addition separately. The photosynthesis rate was enhanced and the yield was the highest with the highest N, the highest N-P and the medium P addition. The rates were higher than those of CK by 19.08 μmol·m^?2·s^?1, 15.47 μmol·m^?2·s^?1 and 11.23 μmol·m^?2·s^?1, respectively. The activity of SOD and POD increased with the treatments after freshwater stress for 14 days. Effects of medium N and P addition were significant for SOD activity. However, POD activity was significantly higher with the treatment of higher N and higher N-P addition. In a word, fertilizer addition improved the growth of the declining population S. anglica. The results indicated that the decline of S. anglica was correlated with the nutriment deficiency in soil, especially with the lack of N.     

PHOTOAUTOTROPHIC GROWTH OF A RECENTLY ISOLATED N2-FIXING MARINE NON-HETEROCYSTOUS FILAMENTOUS CYANOBACTERIUM, SYMPLOCA SP. (CYANOBACTERIA)

Photoautotrophic growth of a marine non-heterocystous filamentous cyanobacterium, Symploca sp. strain S84, was examined under nitrate-assimilating and N₂-fixing conditions. Under continuous light, photon flux density of 55 μmol photons·m⁻² ·s⁻¹ was at a saturating level for growth, and light did not inhibit the growth rate under N₂-fixing conditions even when the photon flux density was doubled (110 μmol photons·m⁻² ·s⁻¹). Doubling times of the N₂-fixing cultures under 55 and 110 μmol photons·m⁻² ·s⁻¹ were about 30 and 31 h, respectively. Under 110 μmol photons·m⁻² ·s⁻¹ during the light phase of an alternating 12:12-h light:dark (L:D) cycle, the doubling time of the N₂-fixing culture was also about 30 h. When grown diazotrophically under a 12:12-h L:D regime, C₂H₂ reduction activity was observed mainly during darkness. In continuous light, relatively large cyclic fluctuations in C₂H₂ reduction were observed during growth. The short-term (<4 h) effect of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU; 5 μM) indicated that C₂H₂ reduction activity was not influenced by photosynthetic O₂ evolution. Long-term (24 h) effects of DCMU indicated that photosynthesis and C₂H₂ reduction activity occur simultaneously. These results indicate that strain S84 grows well under diazotrophic conditions when saturating light is supplied either continuously or under a 12:12-h L:D diel light regime.     

Dynamic responses of photosystem II and phycobilisomes to changing light in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942

We have examined the molecular and photosynthetic responses of a planktonic cyanobacterium to shifts in light intensity over periods up to one generation (7 h). Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 possesses two functionally distinct forms of the D1 protein, D1∶1 and D1∶2. Photosystem II (PSII) centers containing D1∶1 are less efficient and more susceptible to photoinhibition than are centers containing D 1∶2. Under 50 μmol photons· m^?2·s^?1, PSII centers contain D1∶1, but upon shifts to higher light (200 to 1000 μmol photons·m^?2·s^?1), D1∶1 is rapidly replaced by D 1∶2, with the rate of interchange dependent on the magnitude of the light shift. This interchange is readily reversed when cells are returned to 50 μmol photons·m^?2·s^?1. If, however, incubation under 200 μmol photons·m^?2·s^?1 is extended, D1∶1 content recovers and by 3 h after the light shift D1∶1 once again predominates. Oxygen evolution and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence measurements spanning the light shift and D1 interchanges showed an initial inhibition of photosynthesis at 200 μmol photons·m^?2·s^?1, which correlates with a proportional loss of total D1 protein and a cessation of growth. This was followed by recovery in photosynthesis and growth as the maximum level of D 1∶2 is reached after 2 h at 200 μmol photons·m^?2·s^?1. Thereafter, photosynthesis steadily declines with the loss of D1∶2 and the return of the less-efficient D1∶1. During the D1∶1/D1∶2 interchanges, no significant change occurs in the level of phycocyanin (PC) and Chl a, nor of the phycobilisome rod linkers. Nevertheless, the initial PC/Chl a ratio strongly influences the magnitude of photo inhibition and recovery during the light shifts. In Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942, the PC/Chl a ratio responds only slowly to light intensity or quality, while the rapid but transient interchange between D1∶1 and D 1∶2 modulates PSII activity to limit damage upon exposure to excess light.     

Elevated CO2 stimulates associative N2 fixation in a C3 plant of the Chesapeake Bay wetland

In this study, the response of N₂ fixation to elevated CO₂ was measured in Scirpus olneyi, a C₃ sedge, and Spartina patens, a C₄ grass, using acetylene reduction assay and ¹⁵N₂ gas feeding. Field plants grown in PVC tubes (25 cm long, 10 cm internal diameter) were used. Exposure to elevated CO₂ significantly (P < 0·05) caused a 35% increase in nitrogenase activity and 73% increase in ¹⁵N incorporated by Scirpus olneyi. In Spartina patens, elevated CO₂ (660 ± 1 μ mol mol ^{− 1}) increased nitrogenase activity and ¹⁵N incorporation by 13 and 23%, respectively. Estimates showed that the rate of N₂ fixation in Scirpus olneyi under elevated CO₂ was 611 ± 75 ng ¹⁵N fixed plant ^{− 1} h ^{− 1} compared with 367 ± 46 ng ¹⁵N fixed plant ^{− 1} h ^{− 1} in ambient CO₂ plants. In Spartina patens, however, the rate of N₂ fixation was 12·5 ± 1·1 versus 9·8 ± 1·3 ng ¹⁵N fixed plant ^{− 1} h ^{− 1} for elevated and ambient CO₂, respectively. Heterotrophic non-symbiotic N₂ fixation in plant-free marsh sediment also increased significantly (P < 0·05) with elevated CO₂. The proportional increase in ¹⁵N₂ fixation correlated with the relative stimulation of photosynthesis, in that N₂ fixation was high in the C₃ plant in which photosynthesis was also high, and lower in the C₄ plant in which photosynthesis was relatively less stimulated by growth in elevated CO₂. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that carbon fixation in C₃ species, stimulated by rising CO₂, is likely to provide additional carbon to endophytic and below-ground microbial processes.     

PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN AN EXTREME SHADE ENVIRONMENT: BENTHIC MICROBIAL MATS FROM LAKE HOARE, A PERMANENTLY ICE-COVERED ANTARCTIC LAKE

We investigated the composition of benthic microbial mats in permanently ice-covered Lake Hoare, Antarctica, and their irradiance vs. photosynthetic oxygen exchange relationships. Mats could be subdivided into three distinct depth zones: a seasonally ice-free “moat” zone and two under-ice zones. The upper under-ice zone extended from below the 3.5 m thick ice to approximately 13 m and the lower from below 13 m to 22 m. Moat mats were acclimated to the high irradiance they experienced during summer. They contained photoprotective pigments, predominantly those characteristic of cyanobacteria, and had high compensation and saturating irradiances (E_c and E_k) of 75 and 130 μmol photons·m⁻²·s⁻¹, respectively. The moat mats used light inefficiently. The upper under-ice community contained both cyanobacteria and diatoms. Within this zone, biomass (as pigments) increased with increasing depth, reaching a maximum at 10 m. Phycoerythrin was abundant in this zone, with shade acclimation and efficiency of utilization of incident light increasing with depth to a maximum of 0.06 mol C fixed·mol⁻¹ incident photons under light-limiting conditions. Precipitation of inorganic carbon as calcite was associated with this community, representing up to 50% of the carbon sequestered into the sediment. The lower under-ice zone was characterized by a decline in pigment concentrations with depth and an increasing prevalence of diatoms. Photosynthesis in this community was highly shade acclimated and efficient, with E_c and E_k below 0.5 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ and 2 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, respectively, and maximum yields of 0.04 mol C fixed·mol⁻¹ incident quanta. Carbon uptake in situ by both under-ice and moat mats was estimated at up to 100 and 140 mg·m⁻²·day⁻¹, based on the photosynthesis–irradiance curves, incident irradiance, and light attenuation by ice and the water column.     

Relationship of soil hydrogen sulfide level to net carbon assimilation ofPanicum hemitomon andSpartina patens

Panicum hemitomon Schult andSpartina patens (Ait) Muhl. plants from Louisiana Gulf Coast fresh and brackish marshes were subjected to hydrogen sulfide under controlled sediment redox conditions. Net carbon assimilation responses of both species to the combined sediment anaerobiosis and hydrogen sulfide concentrations was measured.Panicum hemitomon was more sensitive to hydrogen sulfide as compared toSpartina patens. Initiation of reduction in net carbon assimilation inP. hemitomon began when H₂S concentrations of soil solution exceeded 0.22 mgl^-1. Reductions in net carbon assimilation inS. patens were also noted at H₂S concentrations exceeding 0.34 mgl^-1. The reduction in net carbon assimilation of both species measured at elevated H₂S concentrations suggests that extreme anaerobiosis and elevated sulfide could contribute to the growth reduction of these species under certain conditions. However based on H₂S concentration in fresh and brackish marsh soil profiles, levels were too low to cause any adverse effects ofPanicum hemitomon. In brackish marsh soils containing hydrogen sulfide of 3.4 mgl^-1 in soil solution, sulfide could be a major factor limiting growth ofS. patens.     

The role of leaf and canopy-level gas exchange in the replacement of Quercus virginiana (Fagaceae) by Juniperus ashei (Cupressaceae) in semiarid savannas

Photosynthesis, transpiration, and leaf area distribution were sampled in mature Quercus virginiana and Juniperus ashei trees to determine the impact of leaf position on canopy-level gas exchange, and how gas exchange patterns may affect the successful invasion of Quercus communities by J. ashei. Sampling was conducted monthly over a 2-yr period in 12 canopy locations (three canopy layers and four cardinal directions). Photosynthetic and transpiration rates of both species were greatest in the upper canopy and decreased with canopy depth. Leaf photosynthetic and transpiration rates were significantly higher for Q. virginiana (4.1–6.7 μmol CO₂·m⁻²·s⁻¹ and 1.1–2.1 mmol H₂O·m⁻²·s⁻¹) than for J. ashei (2.1–2.8 μmol CO₂·m⁻²·s⁻¹ and 0.7–1.0 mmol H₂O·m⁻²·s⁻¹) in every canopy level and direction. Leaves on the south and east sides of both species had higher gas exchange rates than leaves on the north and west sides. Although Quercus had a greater mean canopy diameter than Juniperus (31.3 vs. 27.7 m²), J. ashei had significantly greater leaf area (142 vs. 58 m²/tree). A simple model combining leaf area and gas exchange rates for different leaf positions demonstrated a significantly greater total canopy carbon dioxide uptake for J. ashei compared to Q. virginiana (831 vs. 612 g CO₂·tree⁻¹·d⁻¹, respectively). Total daily water loss was also greater for Juniperus (125 vs. 73 Ltree⁻¹·d⁻¹). Differences in leaf gas exchange rates were poor predictors of the relationship between the invasive J. ashei and the codominant Q. virginiana. Leaf area and leaf area distribution coupled with leaf gas exchange rates were necessary to demonstrate the higher overall competitive potential of J. ashei.     

Effect of light intensity and eye development on prey capture by larval striped bass Morone saxatilis

The efficacy of visual and non-visual feeding among pelagic striped bass Morone saxatilis larvae adapted to a turbid estuary was determined in the laboratory in clear water. Capture of Artemia salina (density 100 l⁻¹) was significantly affected by the interaction between age of larvae (range: 8–25 days post-hatch, dph) and light intensity (range: 0–10·6 μmol s⁻¹ m⁻² at the water surface). Visual feeding by larvae aged 9–11 dph was highest in dim light (0·086–0·79 μmol s⁻¹ m⁻²), with fish capturing up to 5 prey larva⁻¹ h⁻¹. As the larvae grew, prey capture in brighter light improved, associated with an increasing proportion of twin cone photoreceptors and improving ability of the retina to light- and dark-adapt. By age >22 dph, mean prey capture was greatest at highest light intensities (0·79 and 10·6 μmol s⁻¹ m⁻²) exceeding 100 prey larva⁻¹ h⁻¹. Incidence of feeding larvae generally improved as the larvae grew, reaching >80% in all light intensities from 16 dph onwards. The lower threshold for visual feeding, between 0·0084 and 0·03 μmol s⁻¹ m⁻², remained constant as the larvae grew, despite an increasing density of rod photoreceptors. Below this threshold, non-visual feeding was evident at a low rate (<6 prey larva⁻¹ h⁻¹) that was independent of larval age.     

Photosynthesis and transpiration of tomato and CO2 fluxes in a greenhouse under changing environmental conditions in winter

Responses of tomato leaves in a greenhouse to light and CO₂ were examined at the transient stage at the end of winter, when both photoperiod and irradiance gradually increase. Additionally, CO₂ fluxes were calculated for a greenhouse without supplementary lighting and without CO₂ enrichment based on CO₂ sinks (plant photosynthesis) and CO₂ sources (plant and substrate respiration). In January, tomato leaves in the greenhouse showed low photosynthesis with a maximum assimilation of 6–8 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹, a quantum yield of 0.06 μmol CO₂ μmol⁻¹ photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and a low light compensation point of 26 μmol PAR m⁻² s⁻¹, a combination which classifies them as shade leaves. In February, tomato leaves increased their light compensation point to 39 μmol PAR m⁻² s⁻¹ and quantum yield to 0.08, the former indicating the adaptation to increased irradiance and photoperiod. These tomato leaves increased their transpiration from 0.4 to 0.9 in January to ∼2 mmol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹ in February. Both photosynthesis and transpiration were primarily limited by light but neither by stomatal conductivity nor by CO₂. In January, light response of photosynthesis, dark respiration and transpiration were negligibly affected by increasing CO₂ concentrations from 600 to 900 ppm CO₂ under low light conditions, indicating no benefit of CO₂ enrichment unless light intensity increased. In February, tomato leaves were photoinhibited at inherent greenhouse CO₂ concentrations on the first sunny day; this photoinhibition was further enhanced by an increased CO₂ concentration of 1000 ppm. CO₂ fluxes in the greenhouse appeared strongly dependent on solar radiation. After exceeding the light compensation point in the morning, greenhouse CO₂ concentrations decreased by 58 or by 110 ppm CO₂ h⁻¹ on a sunny day in January or February and by 23 ppm on overcast days in both months. Calculated per overall tomato canopy, plant photosynthesis contributed 42–50% to the morning CO₂ depletion in the greenhouse. Dark respiration of tomato leaves was ∼2 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ in January and ∼3 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ in February. This dark respiration resulted in rises of 15 and 17 ppm CO₂ h⁻¹ at night in the greenhouse compartment and was identified as primary source of CO₂. Respiration of the substrate used to grow the plants, which produced 7.3 ppm CO₂ h⁻¹, was identified as secondary source of CO₂. The combined plant and substrate respiration resulted in peaks of up to 900 ppm CO₂ in the greenhouse before dawn.     

Growth of tissue culture–regenerated salt marsh monocots in a simulated marsh field plot: Implication for wetland creation and restoration

Phenotypically and genetically variable salt marsh plants are needed for wetland creation and restoration efforts. Selected tissue culture regenerants of five salt marsh monocots, Spartina patens, Spartina alterniflora, Juncus gerardi, Juncus roemerianus, and Scirpus robustus, were planted in a simulated marsh field plot that was flood-irrigated with 10 ppt salt water to compare their phenotypic variation for potential use in wetland projects. Plant growth was evaluated after one growing season. Phenotypic variation among regenerants was found in S. alterniflora, S. patens and J. gerardi, indicating the occurrence of somaclonal variation. In S. alterniflora, significant differences occurred among regenerants in stem density. In J. gerardi, significant differences occurred in height and clone circumference. In S. patens, two of the nine regenerants exhibited higher biomass and stem density than some of the other regenerants. By using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique, genome DNA variation in S. patens regenerants was detected. Genetic variation not only occurred among phenotypically different regenerants, but also among those phenotypically similar for the characteristics measured. Tissue culture–regenerated plants often have desirable genetic characteristics and adaptability as a result of somaclonal variation and may enable a species to perform its ecological functions in created or restored wetlands where ideal environments cannot be achieved. Thus, some previously unrestorable sites may be restorable or marginal marshes made more productive.     

PHOTOACCLIMATION IN THE PHOTOTROPHIC MARINE CILIATE MESODINIUM RUBRUM (CILIOPHORA)1

Mesodinium rubrum (=Myrionecta rubra), a marine ciliate, acquires plastids, mitochondria, and nuclei from cryptophyte algae. Using a strain of M. rubrum isolated from McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, we investigated the photoacclimation potential of this trophically unique organism at a range of low irradiance levels. The compensation growth irradiance for M. rubrum was 0.5 μmol quanta · m⁻² · s⁻¹, and growth rate saturated at ∼20 μmol quanta · m⁻² · s⁻¹. The strain displayed trends in photosynthetic efficiency and pigment content characteristic of marine phototrophs. Maximum chl a–specific photosynthetic rates were an order of magnitude slower than temperate strains, while growth rates were half as large, suggesting that a thermal limit to enzyme kinetics produces a fundamental limit to cell function. M. rubrum acclimates to light‐ and temperature‐limited polar conditions and closely regulates photosynthesis in its cryptophyte organelles. By acquiring and maintaining physiologically viable, plastic plastids, M. rubrum establishes a selective advantage over purely heterotrophic ciliates but reduces competition with other phototrophs by exploiting a very low‐light niche.     

Development and interspecific transferability of genic microsatellite markers in Spartina spp. with different genome size

Flow cytometry analysis showed variation of nuclear DNA content among different species of Spartina. Spartina alterniflora had the biggest genome (1763.9 Mbp) and S. cynosuroides had the smallest genome (756.35 Mbp), whereas the genomes of S. patens (969.36 Mbp) and S. spartinae (979.78 Mbp) were comparable. Mining simple sequence repeats (SSR) from 1227 expressed sequence tags (EST) generated from salt stressed S. alterniflora showed an abundance of di- and tri-nucleotide repeats. Of 100 ESSR (EST-derived SSR) loci with five or more repeats, 81 loci were successfully amplified in eight S. alterniflora genotypes and 15 (22.2%) ESSR markers were polymorphic. Eleven of the 15 polymorphic ESSRs showed amplification across six different species of Spartina while 100% cross transferability was observed with at least one species of Spartina. The average number of alleles per marker was 3.9 and 5.8 within S. alterniflora and among Spartina species, respectively. The ESSR markers discriminated different members within and between species of Spartina genus.     

Diurnal and seasonal changes in the intensity of photosynthesis in stems of lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.)

It has been demonstrated that during the whole year the stems are photosyntheticaly active and capable of assimilating atmospheric CO₂. The intensity of photosynthesis varies. During the vegetation period the registered net photosynthesis lasted up to 13 hours per day, and in the leafless period for 2–3 hours a day. Photosynthesis was registered also at temperatures below zero (−3 °C) as a reduced CO₂ evolution in light in comparison with darkness. The maximal net photosynthesis values during the vegetation period amounted to 6 up 8 μmol (CO₂)·m⁻²·s⁻¹, and in the leafless period 0.5 – 1 μmol (CO₂)·m⁻²·s⁻¹, and they were close to being up to twice as big as the values obtained of darkness respiration. An increase of the photosynthetic activity of stems preceded the spring development of the leaves.     

Mechanistic differences in photoinhibition of sun and shade plants

Leaf discs of the shade plant Tradescantia albiflora Kunth grown at 50 μmol · m^?2 · s^?1, and the facultative sun/shade plant Pisum sativum L. grown at 50 or 300 μmol · m^?2, s^?1, were photoinhibited for 4 h in 1700 μmol photons m^?2 · s^?1 at 22° C. The effects of photoinhibition on the following parameters were studied: i) photosystem II (PSII) function; ii) amount of D1 protein in the PSII reaction centre; iii) dependence of photoinhibition and its recovery on chloroplast-encoded protein synthesis; and, iv) the sensitivity of photosynthesis to photoinhibition in the presence or absence of the carotenoid zeaxanthin. We show that: i) despite different sensitivities to photoinhibition, photoinhibition in all three plants occurred at the reaction centre of PSII; ii) there was no correlation between the extent of photoinhibition and the degradation of the D1 protein; iii) the susceptibility to photoinhibition by blockage of chloroplas-tencoded protein synthesis was much less in shade plants than in plants acclimated to higher light; and iv) inhibition of zeaxanthin formation increased the sensitivity to photoinhibition in pea, but not in the shade plant Tradescantia. We suggest that there are mechanistic differences in photoinhibition of sun and shade plants. In sun plants, an active repair cycle of PSII replaces photoinhibited reaction centres with photochemically active ones, thereby conferring partial protection against photoinhibition. However, in shade plants, this repair cycle is less important for protection against photoinhibition; instead, photoinhibited PSII reaction centres may confer, as they accumulate, increased protection of the remaining connected, functional PSII centres by controlled, nonphotochemical dissipation of excess excitation energy.     

PHOTOSYNTHESIS,DARK RESPIRATION AND DESICCATION RESISTANCE OF THE INTERTIDAL SEAWEEDS HESPEROPHYCUS HARVEYANUS AND PELVETIA FASTIGIATA F. GRACILIS12

Rates of net photosynthesis and dark respiration were determined under submersed and emerged conditions for Hesperophycus harveyanus S. & G. and Pelvetia fastigiata f. gracilis (Decne.) S. & G. Both species exhibited submersed photosynthesis-light relationships and dark respiration rates similar to those established for other closely related intertidal, fucoids. Maximal net photosynthesis of H. harveyanus (0.21 mmol O₂ g dry wt.^-1· h^-1; 0.18 mmol CO₂ g dry wt.^-1· h^-1) was similar to that of P. fastigiata f. gracilis (0.17 mmol. O₂ g dry wt.^-1· h^-1; 0.14 mmol CO₂ g dry wt. ^-1· h^-1). Light saturation occurred between 150 and 250 μE · m^-2· s^-1 for H. harveyanus and between 75 and 150 μE · m^-2· s^-1 for P. fastigiata f. gracilis; photon flux densities required for compensation were 6.4 and 9.2 μE · m^-2· s^-1, respectively. Photoinhibition was not observed for either species. The light-saturated, submersed net photosynthetic performances of both species varied significantly with temperature. Greatest photosynthetic rates were obtained at 23° C for H. harveyanus and at 18° C for P. fastigiata f. gracilis. Under emersed conditions, the maximal net photosynthetic rate and the photon flux densities required for saturation were greater for H. harveyanus (0.08 mmol CO₂ g dry wt.^-1· h^-1; 260 to 700 μE · m^-2· s^-1) than for P. fastigiata f. gracilis (0.02 mmol CO₂g dry wt.^-1· h^-1; 72 to 125 μE · m^-2· s^-1). However, for both species, emersed photosynthetic rates were much lower (14–44%) than those obtained under submersed conditions. Desiccation negatively influenced emersed photosynthesis, of both species, but H. harveyanus thalli contained more water when fully hydrated and lost water more slowly during dehydration, thus suggesting greater photosynthetic potential during field conditions of emersion.     

不同地理种群两针松光合和生长特性的差异

为认识两针松中的赤松（Pinus densiflora）、长白松（Pinus sylvestris var. sylvestriformis）和樟子松（Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica）光合作用对环境变化的响应和适应特征,在其自然分布区内选择地理和气候差异显著的9个地理种群,采集成熟种子并播种于东北林业大学温室,2 a后,测定针叶的光合能力及其相关因子,并同时测定幼苗的株高和基径,比较种间和地理种群间差异。结果表明：赤松、长白松和樟子松种间最大光合速率（p=0.34）、呼吸速率（p=0.15）和表观量子效率（p=0.18）的差异均不显著;地理种群间表观量子效率（AQY）差异显著(p=0.08),其中兴凯湖种群表观量子效率最高,为0.084 5±0.002 4 mol CO₂·mol^-1 photons,较其他种群高13.10%~159.23%。地理种群间呼吸速率(R_d)差异显著(p=0.01),黑河和兴凯湖种群的呼吸速率最高（分别为1.62±0.18 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1,1.52±0.30 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1）,安图和东宁种群的呼吸速率最低,分别为0.40±0.01 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1,0.34±0.03 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1。地理种群间最大净光合速率(P_max)差异显著(p=0.02),其中兴凯湖、东宁、韩国、鸡东、二道白河、红花尔基种群的最大光合速率差异不显著,均值为18.36±1.81 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1,高于安图、漠河、黑河种群。安图、漠河、黑河种群间最大光合速率差异不显著,均值为12.57±0.86 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1。地理种群间的株高和基径差异均显著,其中韩国种群株高最高,黑河种群最低;基径兴凯湖种群最高,安图种群最低。株高和基径最大值约为最小值的3倍。两针松针叶的光合能力及其一些相关因子的地理种群间差异可能是其光合机构对种源地环境条件长期生理适应的结果。     

Photosynthesis and respiration in bladelets of Ecklonia cava Kjellman (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) in two localities with different temperature conditions

Characteristics of photosynthesis and respiration of bladelets were compared between Ecklonia cava Kjellman sporophytes growing in a warmer temperate locality (Tei, Kochi Pref., southern Japan) and in a cooler temperate locality (Nabeta, Shizuoka Pref., central Japan). Photosynthesis and respiration were measured with a differential gas-volumeter (Productmeter). In photosynthesis-light curves at 20°C, the rate of net photosynthesis was almost the same at light intensities lower than 25 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and the light-saturation occurred at 200–400 μmol m⁻²s⁻¹ in plants of both localities. The light-saturated net photosynthetic rates were higher in winter and spring than in summer and autumn in both plants. The optimum temperature for net photosynthesis at 400 μmol m⁻²s⁻¹ was 27°C throughout the year in the Tei plant and 25–27°C in the Nabeta plant. The decrease of net photosynthetic rates in the supraoptimal temperature range up to 29°C was sharper in winter and spring than in summer and autumn in both plants, being smaller in the Tei plant than in the Nabeta plant in all seasons. The dark respiration rate always increased with water temperature rise in both plants. No clear differences were found in the dark respiration rate between Tei and Nabeta plants except that when measured against dry weight, the Tei plant showed a slightly lower rate as compared with the Nabeta plant.     

THE MECHANISM OF DAYLENGTH PERCEPTION IN THE RED ALGA ACROSYMPHYTON PURPURIFERUM1

The red alga Acrosymphton purpuriferum (J. Ag.) Sjöst. (Dumontiaceae) is a short day plant in the formation of its tetrasporangia. Tetrasporogenesis was not inhibited by 1 h night-breaks when given at any time during the long (16 h) dark period (tested at 2 h intervals). However, tetrasporogenesis was inhibited when short (8 h) main photoperiods were extended beyond the critical daylength with supplementary light periods (8 h) at an irradiance below photosynthetic compensation. The threshold irradiance below photosynthetic compensation. The threshold irradiance for inhibition of tetrasporogenesis was far lower when supplementary light periods preceded the main photoperiod than when they followed it (< 0.05 μmol.m⁻². s⁻¹ vs. 3 μmol.m⁻².s⁻¹. The threshold level also depended on the irradiance given during the main photoperiod and was higher after a main photoperiod in bright light than after one in dim light (threshold at 3 μmol.m⁻².s⁻¹ after a main photoperiod at ca. 65 μmol.m⁻².s⁻¹ vs. threshold at <0.5 μmol.m⁻².s⁻¹ after a main photoperiod at ca. 35 μmol.m⁻².s⁻¹. The spectral dependence of the response was investigated in day-extensions (supplementary light period (8 h) after main photoperiod (8 h) at 48 μmol. m⁻².s⁻¹) with narrow band coloured light. Blue light (λ= 420 nm) was most effective, with 50% inhibition at a quantum-dose of 2.3 mmol.m⁻². However, yellow (λ= 563 nm) and red light (λ= 600 nm; λ= 670 nm) also caused some inhibition, with ca. 30% of the effectiveness of blue light. Only far-red light (λ= 710 nm; λ= 730 nm) was relatively ineffective with no significant inhibition of tetrasporogenesis at quantum-doses of up to 20 mmol. m⁻².     

THE MECHANISM OF DAYLENGTH PERCEPTION IN THE RED ALGA ACROSYMPHYTON PURPURIFERUM1

The red alga Acrosymphyton purpuriferum (J. Ag.) Sjöst. (Dumontiaceae) is a short day plant in the formation of its tetrasporangia. Tetrasporogenesis was not inhibited by 1 h night-breaks when given at any time during the long (16 h) dark period (tested at 2 h intervals). However, tetrasporogenesis was inhibited when short (8 h) main photoperiods were extended beyond the critical daylength with supplementary light periods (8 h) at an irradiance below photosynthetic compensation. The threshold irradiance for inhibition of tetrasporogenesis was far lower when supplementary light periods preceded the main photoperiod than when they followed it (<0.05 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ vs. 3 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). The threshold level also depended on the irradiance given during the main photoperiod and was higher after a main photoperiod in bright light than after one in dim light (threshold at 3 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ after a main photoperiod at ca. 65 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ vs. threshold at <0.5 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ after a main photoperiod at ca. 35 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). The spectral dependence of the response was investigated in day-extensions (supplementary light period (8 h) after main photoperiod (8 h) at 48 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) with narrow band coloured light. Blue light (λ= 420 nm) was most effective, with 50% inhibition at a quantum-dose of 2.3 mmol·m⁻². However, yellow (λ= 563 nm) and red light (λ= 600 nm; λ= 670 nm) also caused some inhibition, with ca. 30% of the effectiveness of blue light. Only far-red light (λ= 710 nm; λ= 730 nm) was relatively ineffective with no significant inhibition of tetrasporogenesis at quantum-doses of up to 20 mmol·m⁻².