Photosynthetic responses of ornamental passion flower hybrids to varying light intensities

Wild species and hybrids of passion flower are cultivated in many countries for their ornamental value, and used for landscaping as indoor and garden plants. However, knowledge of physiological responses of passion flower to changes in light level is limited. In this paper, the relationship among low (25 %), medium (50 %), and high light level (75 %) and photosynthetic efficiency was investigated on hybrids of Passiflora ‘Aninha’ and Passiflora ‘Priscilla’. Hybrids of P. ‘Aninha’ grown under 25 % showed higher net photosynthetic rate and light-saturated rate of net photosynthesis, while for hybrids of P. ‘Priscilla’ the highest values were observed at 50 %. For P. ‘Aninha’ and P. ‘Priscilla’ the highest level of light (75 %) was not favorable as regards the maximization of stomatal conductance and contributed to reduction in transpiration rate. The values of maximal quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry indicated efficient conversion of photosynthetically active radiation, being higher at 25 % light level and decreased progressively with the increase in light level. On the whole, leaf gas exchange parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence indicated higher photosynthetic efficiency at low- and medium-light levels for the two studied hybrids. Summing up, hybrids of P. ‘Aninha’ and P. ‘Priscilla’, showed adaptability to the shade, and could be used for landscaping projects of indoor.     

Photoacclimation characteristics of Sargassum thunbergii germlings under different light intensities

The photosynthesis and growth responses of Sargassum thunbergii germlings to different light intensities (10, 60, and 300 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1) were investigated. Maximum photochemical efficiency (F _v/F _m), rapid light curves (RLCs), and photochemical and non-photochemical quenching (qP and NPQ) were estimated by a pulse amplitude-modulated fluorometer. The photosynthesis of S. thunbergii germlings exhibited different properties to optimize light capture and utilization. The excitation pressure (1???qP) was rapidly increased to approximately 0.27 showing that germlings responded to high light by chronic photoinhibition with an accumulation of closed reaction centers, which ultimately resulted in a slow growth. This was accompanied by a reduced F _v/F _m with time and a development of high capacity for NPQ. Although F _v/F _m in moderate-light germlings did not fully recover overnight, germlings demonstrated a less severe chronic photoinhibition considering the reduced degree of excitation pressure accumulation of approximately 0.15. The relative stability of photosynthetic capacity (rETR_max, E _k, and α) could endow germlings with the highest relative growth rate (RGR) of approximately 9.3 % day^?1 in moderate light. By contrast, low-light germlings demonstrated high F _v/F _m and F _o, corresponding high α collectively suggested greater efficiency of light absorption and energy transformation. Sustained increases in electron transport capacity (rETR_max and E _k) occurred in low-light germlings, which resulted in a stable RGR of over 8.2 % day^?1. Consequently, S. thunbergii germlings are considered to prefer low light regimes and have a relative capacity of moderate and high light tolerance. However, the light acclimation to oversaturating conditions is at the cost of slow growth to maintain survival.     

Photosynthetic characteristics of rice leaves grown under red light with or without supplemental blue light

In rice plants grown under red light supplemented with blue light (red/blue-light PPFD ratio was 4/1), photosynthetic rates per unit leaf area measured under white light at 1,600 and 250 micromol m-2) s-1 were higher than those in the plants grown under red light alone. The higher photosynthetic rates were associated with higher total N content of leaves, which was accompanied by larger amounts of key components of photosynthesis-limiting processes, including Rubisco, Cyt f, Chl and LHCII. These results suggested that the increase in total N content of leaves induced by supplemental blue light enhanced both light-saturated and light-limited photosynthesis.     

不同光环境对红松幼苗光合生理特征的影响

应用Li-6400P便携式光合测定系统于生长季（8月）测定了4种模拟光环境（100%、60%、30%和15%自然光强,分别记为FI、II、LI和WI）和3个实际光环境（林窗、林下和林缘,分别记为G、U和E）下3个苗龄红松（Pinus koraiensis）针叶气体交换参数和净光合速率（P_n）的日变化,以及单位叶面积叶绿素（Chl）含量和比叶质量（LMA）的变化。结果表明:3年和5年生红松在II和LI处理间的P_n基本一致,且均高于FI的P_n;7年生红松在FI处理下的P_n高于其他处理的P_n,各处理的P_n峰值均出现在13:00。3年和5年生红松在LI处理下的最大光合速率（A_max）和暗呼吸速率（R_d）均高于全光FI处理。随光强降低,LMA呈下降趋势,说明红松通过改变LMA的方式适应光环境的变化。3年和5年生红松II处理与G处理间的光合生理指标差异不显著(P>0.05）,LI和WI处理与E处理间同样如此,说明光环境模拟很好地反映了实际的光环境。通过对红松针叶生理生态指标的可塑性分析,得出3种不同苗龄红松可塑性的大小顺序为3年>5年>7年。表明随树龄增大,红松的需光性增加;3年和5年生红松在全光30%～60%条件下生长较好,7年生红松则是在全光下生长最好。     

Carotenoid contents in leaves grown under various light intensities

The catotenoid content in the leaves of mosses, pteridophyt, gymnosperms and angiosperms (dicotyledons and monocotyledons0 growing in the sunlight and in the shade was studied. In the leaves of the plants growing in the shade the total carotenoid content and β-carotene increases as does chlorophyll. On the other hand, in the leaves of all plants a marked increase in lutein content was observed only in the leaves exposed to sunlight. The data indicates that carotenoids play a significant role, equal to that of chlorophyll, as ‘antennae’ absorbing light in the plants.     

不同基因型辣椒光合及生长特性对弱光的响应

通过遮光使光照强度降低65%～70%,以研究弱光条件对不同基因型辣椒光合特性、同化物分配、产量形成和幼苗生长的影响.结果表明：弱光下辣椒净光合速率（P_n）、暗呼吸速率（R_d）、夜间呼吸速率（R_n）、蒸腾速率（T_r）、水分利用效率（WUE）、光补偿点（LCP）、CO₂补偿点（CCP）和羧化效率（CE）下降,表观量子效率（AQY）上升.弱光下辣椒成株期光合作用的限制因素是非气孔因素.弱光处理使辣椒幼苗高/粗比和比叶面积增加,根/冠比、全株干样质量及壮苗指数显著下降.弱光显著抑制了辣椒生物产量与经济产量的形成,使植株同化物向茎叶的分配比例增加,向果实的分配比例减少.辣椒（果实味辣）在弱光下具有较低的光补偿点,以及较高的相对壮苗指数、相对单株产量和相对坐果率,耐弱光性普遍强于甜椒（果实味甜）.     

Anthraquinones and β-polysaccharides content and distribution in Aloe plants grown under different light intensities

The curative and therapeutic effects of Aloe plants have mostly been ascribed to anthraquinones such as aloin, and to some characteristic β-polysaccharides. Although the actual concentration of these bioactives in Aloe plants has not yet been fully clarified, it was expected that plant species, age and growth conditions would play an important role. The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship between species, light intensity and the content of bioactives in Aloe arborescens Mill. and Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.Aloin was determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: Its concentration was higher in the leaves of younger plants and there was more in A. vera than in A. arborescens. The content of β-polysaccharides was determined colorimetrically after binding with Congo Red dye. The results were not affected by plant age, and concentrations were higher in A. vera than in A. arborescens.Finally, even though the type of tunnel (and therefore light spectrum) under which plants were grown seemed to have no effect on the content of bioactives, the plants grown under reduced light intensities had significantly lower aloin and β-polysaccharides concentrations.     

Photosynthetic enhancement at high light intensities

Enhancement of photosynthetic oxygen evolution by Chlorella pyrenoidosa (211-8b) decreased almost linearly as the rate of photosynthesis was increased. The observed decrease was predicted most accurately by a model assuming exponential rate versus intensity curves as opposed to a model assuming hyperbolic light curves. The decrease in enhancement was not changed significantly upon changing from 0.03% to 5% carbon dioxide.     

Photosynthetic characteristics and quality of five passion fruit varieties under field conditions

Due to photosynthetic mechanisms respond very quickly to most stressors and due to strong concerns regarding the impact of climate change on future plant productivity, the purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of in vivo photosynthetic efficiencies and fruit quality of five cultivars of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims. f. flavicarpa Degener). The experiments were conducted in the northern region of Espírito Santo State using cultivars FB 200, FB 300, BRS Gigante Amarelo, BRS Sol do Cerrado, and BRS Ouro Vermelho. Analyses were performed 6 months after planting, when the plants were beginning reproduction and were repeated two times during the next 4 months until fruit ripening. Chlorophyll a fluorescence transient, total chlorophyll content, and gas exchange were measured in the leaves. Physical and chemical fruit attributes were also assessed. The lowest fluorescence rates were identified in the FB 300, BRS Sol do Cerrado, and BRS Ouro Vermelho cultivars, which exhibited better capacities for quinone A (Q_A) reoxidation and better electron transfer efficiencies from Photosystem II to Photosystem I acceptors. Better photochemical performances (PI_total) and CO₂ assimilations (A) resulted in higher fruit pulp yields, demonstrating the superior quality of the FB 300, BRS Sol do Cerrado, and BRS Ouro Vermelho cultivars.     

Photosynthetic adaptation of pea plants grown at different light intensities: State 1 - State 2 transitions and associated chlorophyll fluorescence changes

A study of pea plants grown at different light intensities has been made. Using a leaf oxygen electrode, it was shown that plants grown under low light intensities had lower saturated rates of photosynthesis than high-light-grown plants however, at low light intensities the photosynthetic rates were similar for both types of plants. State 1- State 2 transitions have been monitored with attached leaves using a modulated fluorescence technique. It is shown that peas grown under low light intensities (20 W m^-2) had a faster State 1 to State 2 transition when compared with medium-(50 W m^-2) and high-(70 W m^-2) light-grown plants. Measurement of fast-fluorescence-induction curves in the absence of 3-(3′,4′-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) have shown that low-light plants are, when in State 1, more effective at using Photosystem-two (PSII) light to reduce their plastoquinone pool than high-light plants. Transition from State 1 to State 2 for all plants led to a decrease in the reduction level of the plastoquinone pool inidcating that the transition had increased electron flow through Photosystem one (PSI) relative to PSII. Analyses of fast fluorescence induction in the presence of DCMU indicate that low-light-grown plants have a higher PSII-α/PSII-β ratio than high-light-grown plants. Such a difference is in line with the increase in the PSII/PSI ratio of low-light plants and is reflected in their high chlorophyll b/chlorophyll a ratio and their larger appressed to non-appressed thylakoid-membrane areas. It is suggested that these two latter factors give rise to the faster State 1 - State 2 transitions in low-light plants.     

Different rhodoxanthin contents in the leaves of gymnosperms grown under various light intensities

The rhodoxanthin content in the leaves of 15 gymnosperm species from sunny and shaded sites was determined. More rhodoxanthin was noted in the leaves of all gymnosperm examined from sunny sites.     

Photochemical activities and organization of photosynthetic apparatus of C3 and C4 plants grown under different light intensities

Changes in the photochemical activities, influenced by variation in the growth light intensity, were followed in typical C₃ (Phaseolus, Ipomoea) and C₄ (Amaranthus, Sorghum) plants. Progressive decrease in the growth light intensity accelerated the O-P fluorescence induction in whole leaves. Such acceleration of the fluorescence kinetics was found to be not due to enhanced photosystem II activity but possibly a result of reduced rate of electron flow between the two photosystems. This is supported by 4 lines of evidence: (1) by the Hill activity determined in the presence of electron acceptors functioning before and after plastoquinone; (2) the photosynthetic unit size determined after flash excitation showing variations that were apparently too small to account for the changes observed fluorescence induction; (3) modification of the kinetics of second-range light-induced absorbance changes at 520 nm; and (4) absence of significant changes in the ratio of P₇₀₀/total chlorophyll ratio. The P₇₀₀/cytochrome f ratio, however, increased from the usual 1–1.5 to 3–4 in plants grown under 9% sunlight. Increase in the P₇₀₀/cytochrome f ratio was found to be due to a decrease in the cytochrome f/chlorophyll ratio, and this was due to perhaps to a simultaneous increase in chlorophyll and decrease in cytochrome content.     

Photochemical activities and organization of photosynthetic apparatus of C3 and C4 plants grown under different light intensities

Changes in the photochemical activities, influenced by variation in the growth light intensity, were followed in typical C₃ (Phaseolus, Ipomoea) and C₄ (Amaranthus, Sorghum) plants. Progressive decrease in the growth light intensity accelerated the O-P fluorescence induction in whole leaves. Such acceleration of the fluorescence kinetics was found to be not due to enhanced photosystem II activity but possibly a result of reduced rate of electron flow between the two photosystems. This is supported by 4 lines of evidence: (1) by the Hill activity determined in the presence of electron acceptors functioning before and after plastoquinone; (2) the photosynthetic unit size determined after flash excitation showing variations that were apparently too small to account for the changes observed fluorescence induction; (3) modification of the kinetics of secondrange light-induced absorbance changes at 520 nm; and (4) absence of significant changes in the ratio of P₇₀₀/total chlorophyll ratio. The P₇₀₀/cytochrome f ratio, however, increased from the usual 1–1.5 to 3–4 in plants grown under 9% sunlight. Increase in the P₇₀₀/cytochrome f ratio was found to be due to a decrease in the cytochrome f/chlorophyll ratio, and this was due to perhaps to a simultaneous increase in chlorophyll and decrease in cytochrome content.     

Genetic analysis of biomass and photosynthetic parameters in wheat grown in different light intensities

Growth light intensities largely determine photosynthesis, biomass, and grain yield of cereal crops. To explore the genetic basis of light responses of biomass and Researchphotosynthetic parameters in wheat(Triticum aestivum L.),a quantitative trait locus(QTL) analysis was carried out in a doubled haploid(DH) population grown in low light(LL),medium light(ML), and high light(HL), respectively. The results showed that the wheat seedlings grown in HL produced more biomass with lower total chlorophyll content(Chl), carotenoid content, and maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II(Fv/Fm) while the wheat seedlings grown in LL produced less biomass with higher Chl compared with those grown in ML. In total, 48 QTLs were identified to be associated with the investigated parameters in relation to growth light intensities. These QTLs were mapped to 15 chromosomes which individually explained6.3%–36.0% of the phenotypic variance, of which chromo-somes 3A, 1D, and 6B were specifically involved in LL response, 5D and 7A specifically involved in ML response,and 4B specifically involved in HL response. Several light-responsive QTLs were co-located with QTLs for photosynthetic parameters, biomass, and grain weight under various conditions which may provide new hints to uncover the genetic control of photosynthesis, biomass, and grain weight.     

不同水稻品种在不同光照条件下的光合特性及干物质积累

对12个杂交水稻品种在两类生态条件下的光合特性及干物质积累进行了研究.结果表明:水稻适应环境的能力主要由其自身因素决定,品种之间存在较大差异.品种间的净光合速率和叶绿素含量差异均比生态区域间的差异更显著.产量与总干物质量和净光合速率呈显著正相关,决定系数R²分别为0.584和0.590,与茎鞘物质输出率和茎鞘物质转换率相关不显著.与低光强地区相比,高光强地区叶片厚度和干物质积累量增加,茎鞘物质输出率和茎鞘物质转换率降低.在光照充足的条件下,产量中来自于后期光合积累物质的比例较大;在光照不足的条件下,产量中来自于前期干物质积累及其转运的比例较大.     

Photosynthetic response of two tropical liana species grown under different irradiances

We investigated the characteristics of gaseous exchanges and chlorophyll a fluorescence under different irradiances in two liana species Canavalia parviflora Benth. (Fabaceae) and Gouania virgata Reissk (Rhamnaceae), both of a semi-deciduous tropical forest of Southeast Brazil. We used cultivated plants growing under irradiances of 100, 40, 10, and 1.5 % of the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). Higher net photosynthetic rates (P _N) were observed during early morning under full sunlight. After this, reduced P _N values were recorded due to pronounced stomatal closure. In Canavalia, the gas exchange responses diminished concomitant with reduced irradiance. Gouania exhibited a narrower range of response, with high P _N values even at 10 % PPFD. Marked reduction of the effective photochemical yield (ΔF/F_m’) near midday was observed, followed by increases in the non-photochemical quenching for both species under full sunlight. Despite the common occurrence of these species in open areas of the forest, both were able to maintain relatively high P _N in shaded environments. We suggest that lianas present an intermediate physiological behaviour between shade and non-shade tolerant species.     

Photosynthetic characteristics of algae grown under constant illumination and light-dark regimes

When grown under a 12-12 light-dark regime, Amphidinium, Biddulphia, Chaetoceros, Chroomonas, Cylindrotheca, Dunaliella, Pavlova, and Phaeodactylum had a higher photosynthetic rate and photosynthesis: respiration ratio than when grown under constant illumination. The chlorophyll content was also higher (except for Biddulphia and Chaetoceros), the assimilation number was higher (except for Pavlova), but growth was less (except for Biddulphia which showed no difference and for Amphidinium which grew faster).     

不同光照强度下豆链格孢菌对白车轴草生理生化特性的影响

通过盆栽实验研究了不同光照强度下,接种豆链格孢菌(Alternariaazukiae(hara)comb.nov)对白车轴草(TrifoliumrepensL.)叶组织细胞膜透性、色素含量、丙二醛(MDA)含量、蛋白质含量、脯氨酸含量以及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性的影响。结果表明:豆链格孢菌使白车轴草叶组织细胞膜透性上升,电导率显著升高,膜脂过氧化加强,MDA水平上升,色素含量、蛋白质含量以及脯氨酸含量下降。随着处理光照强度的减弱,以上各生理指标的变化趋势更为明显,电导率和MDA含量均与光照强度显著负相关,而色素含量、蛋白质含量及脯氨酸含量均与光照强度显著正相关。接种豆链格孢菌后,色素含量明显下降,且弱光下(75%遮阳),豆链格孢菌对白车轴草叶片色素含量的影响更为明显,对照组的叶绿素a、叶绿素b、叶绿素(a b)和类胡萝卜素含量均显著高于接种组的色素含量。在豆链格孢菌的刺激下,活性氧清除系统遭到破坏,保护酶系统失衡,其中SOD和CAT活性显著下降,而POD活性却明显上升,并且SOD、POD和CAT三种酶活性均与光照强度存在着明显的负相关系。     

Photosynthetic characteristics of coffee (Coffea arabusta) plantlets in vitro in response to different CO2 concentrations and light intensities

The photosynthetic characteristics of coffee ( Coffea arabusta) plantlets cultured in vitro in response to different CO₂ concentrations inside the culture vessel and photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) were investigated preliminarily. The estimation of net photosynthetic rate (P_n) of coffee plantlets involved three methods: (1) estimating time courses of actual P_n in situ based on measuring CO₂ concentrations inside and outside the vessel during a 45-day period, (2) estimating P_n in situ at different CO₂ concentrations and PPFs using the above measuring approach for 10-day and 30-day old in vitro plantlets, and (3) estimating P_n of a single leaf at different CO₂ concentrations and PPFs by using a portable photosynthesis measurement system for 45-day old in vitro coffee plantlets. The results showed that coffee plantlets in vitro had relatively high photosynthetic ability and that the P_n increased with the increase in CO₂ concentration inside the vessel. The CO₂ saturation point of in vitro coffee plantlets was high (4500–5000 μmol mol^-1); on the other hand, the PPF saturation point was not so high as compared to some other species, though it increased with increasing CO₂ concentration inside the vessel. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.