Field-acclimated Gossypium hirsutum cultivars exhibit genotypic and seasonal differences in photosystem II thermostability

Previous investigations have demonstrated that photosystem II (PSII) thermostability acclimates to prior exposure to heat and drought, but contrasting results have been reported for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). We hypothesized that PSII thermotolerance in G. hirsutum would acclimate to environmental conditions during the growing season and that there would be differences in PSII thermotolerance between commercially-available U.S. cultivars. To this end, three cotton cultivars were grown under dryland conditions in Tifton Georgia, and two under irrigated conditions in Marianna Arkansas. At Tifton, measurements included PSII thermotolerance (T₁₅, the temperature causing a 15% decline in maximum quantum yield), leaf temperatures, air temperatures, midday (1200 to 1400 h) leaf water potentials (Ψ_MD), leaf-air vapor pressure deficit (VPD), actual quantum yield (Φ_PSII) and electron transport rate through PSII (ETR) on three sample dates. At Marianna, T₁₅ was measured on two sample dates. Optimal air and leaf temperatures were observed on all sample dates in Tifton, but PSII thermotolerance increased with water deficit conditions (Ψ_MD = −3.1 MPa), and ETR was either unaffected or increased under water-stress. Additionally, T₁₅ for PHY 499 was ∼5 °C higher than for the other cultivars examined (DP 0912 and DP 1050). The Marianna site experienced more extreme high temperature conditions (20–30 days T_max ≥ 35 °C), and showed an increase in T₁₅ with higher average T_max. When average T₁₅ values for each location and sample date were plotted versus average daily T_max, strong, positive relationships (r² from .954 to .714) were observed between T_max and T₁₅. For all locations T₁₅ was substantially higher than actual field temperature conditions. We conclude that PSII thermostability in G. hirsutum acclimates to pre-existing environmental conditions; PSII is extremely tolerant to high temperature and water-deficit stress; and differences in PSII thermotolerance exist between commercially-available cultivars.     

Wheat-Aegilops biuncialis amphiploids have efficient photosynthesis and biomass production during osmotic stress

Osmotic stress responses of water content, photosynthetic parameters and biomass production were investigated in wheat-Aegilops biuncialis amphiploids and in wheat genotypes to clarify whether they can use to improve the drought tolerance of bread wheat. A decrease in the osmotic pressure of the medium resulted in considerable water loss, stomatal closure and a decreased CO₂ assimilation rate for the wheat genotypes, while the changes in these parameters were moderate for the amphiploids. Maximal assimilation rate was maintained at high level even under severe osmotic stress in the amphiploids, while it decreased substantially in the wheat genotypes. Nevertheless, the effective quantum yield of PS II was higher and the quantum yield of non-photochemical quenching of PS II and PS I was lower for the amphiploids than for the wheat cultivars. Parallel with this, higher cyclic electron flow was detected in wheat than in the amphiploids. The elevated photosynthetic activity of amphiploids under osmotic stress conditions was manifested in higher biomass production by roots and shoots as compared to wheat genotypes. These results indicate that the drought-tolerant traits of Ae. biuncialis can be manifested in the wheat genetic background and these amphiploids are suitable genetic materials for improving drought tolerance of wheat.     

Photosynthesis is improved by exogenous calcium in heat-stressed tobacco plants

Effects of exogenous calcium chloride (CaCl₂) (20 mM) on photosynthetic gas exchange, photosystem II photochemistry, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in tobacco plants under high temperature stress (43 °C for 2 h) were investigated. Heat stress resulted in a decrease in net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance as well as the apparent quantum yield (AQY) and carboxylation efficiency (CE) of photosynthesis. Heat stress also caused a decrease of the maximal photochemical efficiency of primary photochemistry (F_v/F_m). On the other hand, CaCl₂ application improved P_n, AQY, and CE as well as F_v/F_m under high temperature stress. Heat stress reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), whereas the activities of these enzymes either decreased less or increased in plants pretreated with CaCl₂; glutathione reductase (GR) activity increased under high temperature, and it increased more in plants pretreated with CaCl₂. There was an obvious accumulation of H₂O₂ and O₂⁻ under high temperature, but CaCl₂ application decreased the contents of H₂O₂ and O₂⁻ under heat stress conditions. Heat stress induced the level of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), while CaCl₂ pretreatment enhanced it. These results suggested that photosynthesis was improved by CaCl₂ application in heat-stressed plants and such an improvement was associated with an improvement in stomatal conductance and the thermostability of oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), which might be due to less accumulation of reactive oxygen species.     

Abscisic acid root and leaf concentration in relation to biomass partitioning in salinized tomato plants

Salinization is one of the most important causes of crop productivity reduction in many areas of the world. Mechanisms that control leaf growth and shoot development under the osmotic phase of salinity are still obscure, and opinions differ regarding the Abscisic acid (ABA) role in regulation of biomass allocation under salt stress. ABA concentration in roots and leaves was analyzed in a genotype of processing tomato under two increasing levels of salinity stress for five weeks: 100 mM NaCl (S10) and 150 mM NaCl (S15), to study the effect of ABA changes on leaf gas exchange and dry matter partitioning of this crop under salinity conditions. In S15, salinization decreased dry matter by 78% and induced significant increases of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in both leaves and roots. Dry matter allocated in different parts of plant was significantly different in salt-stressed treatments, as salinization increased root/shoot ratio 2-fold in S15 and 3-fold in S15 compared to the control. Total leaf water potential (Ψ_w) decreased from an average value of approximately −1.0 MPa, measured on control plants and S10, to −1.17 MPa in S15. In S15, photosynthesis was reduced by 23% and stomatal conductance decreased by 61%. Moreover, salinity induced ABA accumulation both in tomato leaves and roots of the more stressed treatment (S15), where ABA level was higher in roots than in leaves (550 and 312 ng g⁻¹ fresh weight, respectively). Our results suggest that the dynamics of ABA and ion accumulation in tomato leaves significantly affected both growth and gas exchange-related parameters in tomato. In particular, ABA appeared to be involved in the tomato salinity response and could play an important role in dry matter partitioning between roots and shoots of tomato plants subjected to salt stress.     

Temporary drought can selectively suppress Schoenoplectus mucronatus in rice

Outdoor pot experiments were conducted in California to quantify differences in rice and Schoenoplectus mucronatus susceptibility to drought and to identify morphological and physiological traits that would favor rice over S. mucronatus under drought. Plants were grown in flooded soil for approximately 5 weeks, and then subjected to different drought periods after which pots were re-flooded. Chlorophyll fluorescence assays revealed that rice and S. mucronatus Fv/Fm first became <0.8 after leaf water potential (Ψ_leaf) had decreased to approximately −4 MPa and −2 MPa, respectively. Thus, by suffering less photosynthetic damage from drought, rice had better recovery after re-flooding than S. mucronatus. When drought reduced Ψ_leaf to −3 MPa, S. mucronatus re-growth was nearly suppressed but that of rice was unaffected. Rice plants depleted soil moisture 1.6 faster than S. mucronatus due to larger and deeper roots and a high water-spending strategy (when Ψ_leaf decreased from approximately −0.5 MPa to −2.5 MPa, ¹³δ increased from −27.8 to −27.4 and from −28.1 to −26.0 for rice and S. mucronatus, respectively). Rice under interspecific competition sustained its Ψ_leaf by extracting more water from greater depths, while causing severe moisture stress and photosynthetic damage to S. mucronatus. Thus temporary drought enhanced rice competitiveness over S. mucronatus, supporting the concept of using brief drought as a tool for S. mucronatus suppression in rice. The Ψ_leaf developed by the end of the drought period predicted rice yields (R² = 0.77, P < 0.0001) and the capacity of S. mucronatus to recover from drought upon irrigation resumption (R² = 0.62, P < 0.001). Brief (8-10 d) drought imposed on 5-week-old rice did not significantly depress late-season rice biomass growth or grain yields, while S. mucronatus never fully recovered from drought. Rice yields were only reduced after Ψ_leaf reached values below approximately −2.5 MPa. Longer drought (∼20 d) delayed maturity and reduced rice yields by approximately 60-80%. The dry-down approach could help suppress weeds similar to S. mucronatus in organic rice where premium prices can compensate for lower grain yield.     

Ambient UV-B radiation reduces PSII performance and net photosynthesis in high Arctic Salix arctica

Ambient ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation potentially impacts the photosynthetic performance of high Arctic plants. We conducted an UV-B exclusion experiment in a dwarf shrub heath in NE Greenland (74°N), with open control, filter control, UV-B filtering and UV-AB filtering, all in combination with leaf angle control. Two sites with natural leaf positions had ground angles of 0° (‘level site’) and 45° (‘sloping site’), while at a third site the leaves were fixed in an angle of 45° to homogenize the irradiance dose (‘fixed leaf angle site’). The photosynthetic performance of the leaves was characterized by simultaneous gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and the PSII performance through the growing season was investigated with fluorescence measurements. Leaf harvest towards the end of the growing season was done to determine the specific leaf area and the content of carbon, nitrogen and UV-B absorbing compounds. Compared to a 60% reduced UV-B irradiance, the ambient solar UV-B reduced net photosynthesis in Salix arctica leaves fixed in the 45° position which exposed leaves to maximum natural irradiance. Also a reduced Calvin Cycle capacity was found, i.e. the maximum rate of electron transport (J_max) and the maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco (V_cmax), and the PSII performance showed a decreased quantum yield and increased energy dissipation. A parallel response pattern and reduced PSII performance at all three sites indicate that these responses take place in all leaves across position in the vegetation. These findings add to the evidence that the ambient solar UV-B currently is a significant stress factor for plants in high Arctic Greenland.     

Does long-term cultivation of saplings under elevated CO2 concentration influence their photosynthetic response to temperature?

Background and Aims Plants growing under elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations often have reduced stomatal conductance and subsequently increased leaf temperature. This study therefore tested the hypothesis that under long-term elevated CO₂ the temperature optima of photosynthetic processes will shift towards higher temperatures and the thermostability of the photosynthetic apparatus will increase.Methods The hypothesis was tested for saplings of broadleaved Fagus sylvatica and coniferous Picea abies exposed for 4–5 years to either ambient (AC; 385 µmol mol⁻¹) or elevated (EC; 700 µmol mol⁻¹) CO₂ concentrations. Temperature response curves of photosynthetic processes were determined by gas-exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques.Key Results Initial assumptions of reduced light-saturated stomatal conductance and increased leaf temperatures for EC plants were confirmed. Temperature response curves revealed stimulation of light-saturated rates of CO₂ assimilation (A_max) and a decline in photorespiration (R_L) as a result of EC within a wide temperature range. However, these effects were negligible or reduced at low and high temperatures. Higher temperature optima (T_opt) of A_max, Rubisco carboxylation rates (V_Cmax) and R_L were found for EC saplings compared with AC saplings. However, the shifts in T_opt of A_max were instantaneous, and disappeared when measured at identical CO₂ concentrations. Higher values of T_opt at elevated CO₂ were attributed particularly to reduced photorespiration and prevailing limitation of photosynthesis by ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration. Temperature response curves of fluorescence parameters suggested a negligible effect of EC on enhancement of thermostability of photosystem II photochemistry.Conclusions Elevated CO₂ instantaneously increases temperature optima of A_max due to reduced photorespiration and limitation of photosynthesis by RuBP regeneration. However, this increase disappears when plants are exposed to identical CO₂ concentrations. In addition, increased heat-stress tolerance of primary photochemistry in plants grown at elevated CO₂ is unlikely. The hypothesis that long-term cultivation at elevated CO₂ leads to acclimation of photosynthesis to higher temperatures is therefore rejected. Nevertheless, incorporating acclimation mechanisms into models simulating carbon flux between the atmosphere and vegetation is necessary.     

Estimating contribution of anthocyanin pigments to osmotic adjustment during winter leaf reddening

The association between plant water stress and synthesis of red, anthocyanin pigments in leaves has led some plant biologists to propose an osmotic function of leaf reddening. According to this hypothesis, anthocyanins function as a solute in osmotic adjustment (OA), contributing to depression of osmotic potential (Ψ_π) and maintenance of turgor pressure during drought-stressed conditions. Here we calculate the percent contribution of anthocyanin to leaf Ψ_π during OA in two angiosperm evergreen species, Galax urceolata and Gaultheria procumbens. Both species exhibit dramatic leaf reddening under high light during winter, concomitant with declines in leaf water potential and accumulation of solutes. Data previously published by the authors on osmotic potential at full turgor (Ψ_π,100) of G. urceolata and G. procumbens leaves before and after leaf reddening were used to estimate OA. In vivo molar concentrations of anthocyanin, glucose, fructose, and sucrose measured from the same individuals were converted to pressure equivalents using the Ideal Gas Law, and percent contribution to OA was estimated. Estimated mean OA during winter was −0.7 MPa for G. urceolata and −0.8 MPa for G. procumbens. In vivo concentrations of anthocyanin (3–10 mM) were estimated to account for ∼2% of OA during winter, and comprised <0.7% of Ψ_π,100 in both species. Glucose, fructose, and sucrose combined accounted for roughly 50 and 80% of OA for G. urceolata and G. procumbens, respectively, and comprised ∼20% of Ψ_π,100. We observed that a co-occurring, acyanic species (Vinca minor) achieved similar OA without synthesizing anthocyanin. We conclude that anthocyanins represent a measurable, albeit meager, component of OA in red-leafed evergreen species during winter. However, due to their low concentrations, metabolic costliness relative to other osmolytes, and striking red color (unnecessary for an osmotic function), it is unlikely that they are synthesized solely for an osmoprotectant role.     

Elevated CO2 reduces the drought effect on nitrogen metabolism in barley plants during drought and subsequent recovery

The objective of this study was to determine the response of nitrogen metabolism to drought and recovery upon rewatering in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants under ambient (350 μmol mol⁻¹) and elevated (700 μmol mol⁻¹) CO₂ conditions. Barley plants of the cv. Iranis were subjected to drought stress for 9, 13, or 16 days. The effects of drought under each CO₂ condition were analysed at the end of each drought period, and recovery was analysed 3 days after rewatering 13-day droughted plants. Soil and plant water status, protein content, maximum (NR_max) and actual (NR_act) nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase (GS), and aminant (NADH-GDH) and deaminant (NAD-GDH) glutamate dehydrogenase activities were analysed. Elevated CO₂ concentration led to reduced water consumption, delayed onset of drought stress, and improved plant water status. Moreover, in irrigated plants, elevated CO₂ produced marked changes in plant nitrogen metabolism. Nitrate reduction and ammonia assimilation were higher at elevated than at ambient CO₂, which in turn yielded higher protein content. Droughted plants showed changes in water status and in foliar nitrogen metabolism. Leaf water potential (Ψ_w) and nitrogen assimilation rates decreased after the onset of water deprivation. NR_act and NR_max activity declined rapidly in response to drought. Similarly, drought decreased GS whereas NAD-GDH rose. Moreover, protein content fell dramatically in parallel with decreased leaf Ψ_w. In contrast, elevated CO₂ reduced the water stress effect on both nitrate reduction and ammonia assimilation coincident with a less-steep decrease in Ψ_w. On the other hand, Ψ_w practically reached control levels after 3 days of rewatering. In parallel with the recovery of plant water status, nitrogen metabolism was also restored. Thus, both NR_act and NR_max activities were restored to about 75-90% of control levels when water supply was restored; the GS activity reached 80-90% of control values; and GDH activities and protein content were similar to those of control plants. The recovery was always faster and slightly higher in plants grown under elevated CO₂ conditions compared to those grown in ambient CO₂, but midday Ψ_w dropped to similar values under both CO₂ conditions. The results suggest that elevated CO₂ improves nitrogen metabolism in droughted plants by maintaining better water status and enhanced photosynthesis performance, allowing superior nitrate reduction and ammonia assimilation. Ultimately, elevated CO₂ mitigates many of the effects of drought on nitrogen metabolism and allows more rapid recovery following water stress.     

Drought tolerance through over-expression of the expansin gene TaEXPB23 in transgenic tobacco

Expansins are proteins that are the key regulators of wall extension during plant growth. To investigate the role of TaEXPB23, a wheat expansin gene, we analyzed TaEXPB23 mRNA expression levels in response to water stress in wheat and examined the drought resistance of transgenic tobaccos over-expressing TaEXPB23. We found that the expression of TaEXPB23 corresponded to wheat coleoptile growth and the response to water stress. The results also indicated that the transgenic tobacco lines lost water more slowly than the wild-type (WT) plants under drought stress; their cells could sustain a more integrated structure under water stress than that of WT. Other physiological and biochemical parameters under water stress, such as electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, photosynthetic rate, F_v/F_m and ΦPSII, also suggested that the transgenic tobaccos were more drought resistant than WT plants.     

Water stress induces different levels of photosynthesis and electron transport rate regulation in grapevines

A, net CO₂ assimilation rate
E, leaf transpiration
ETR, electron transport rate
F_s, fluorescence yield at steady state
F_m and F_m', maximal fluorescence levels when all PSII reaction centres are closed in dark- and light-acclimated leaves, respectively
F_o and F_o', initial fluorescence levels when all PSII reaction centres are closed in dark- and light-acclimated leaves, respectively
F_v/F_m, efficiency of excitation capture by open PSII in dark-adapted leaves
ΔF/F_m', actual photochemical efficiency of PSII
g, stomatal conductance
NPQ, non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence
PPFD, photosynthetic photon flux density
Ψ_PD and Ψ_MD, leaf water potential at pre-dawn and midday, respectively
Rl, estimated photorespiration rate
I₁ and I₂, Irrigation treatments
R, Recovery treatment
D₁ and D₂, drought treatments
HD₁ and HD₂, hard drought treatments

Diurnal time courses of chlorophyll fluorescence and gas-exchange rates were measured in young potted grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo) subjected to different conditions of water supply under Mediterranean summer conditions. The irrigated plants exhibited typical diurnal patterns for all measured parameters, showing a correspondence between electron transport rate, net CO₂ assimilation and stomatal conductance. Mild decreases in soil-water availability led to different degrees of down-regulation of photosynthesis and increased nonphotochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence. A good correspondence between electron transport rate and CO₂ assimilation was still maintained, suggesting a coregulation of both photosynthetic processes. In contrast, a severe water deficit induced a drastic down-regulation of photosynthesis and breakage of the above-mentioned link. Both midday net CO₂ assimilation and electron transport rate significantly correlated with pre-dawn water potential (Ψ_PD) (r² = 0·65 and r² = 0·92, P < 0·001, respectively). However, when field data were analysed, the relationship between electron transport rate and Ψ_PD was not maintained, although net CO₂ assimilation was similarly correlated with Ψ_PD. Interestingly, the steady-state chlorophyll fluorescence yield was a good indicator of plant water stress.     

The impact of cold on photosynthesis in genotypes of Coffea spp.--photosystem sensitivity, photoprotective mechanisms and gene expression

Environmental constraints disturb plant metabolism and are often associated with photosynthetic impairments and yield reductions. Among them, low positive temperatures are of up most importance in tropical plant species, namely in Coffea spp. in which some acclimation ability has been reported. To further explain cold tolerance, the impacts on photosynthetic functioning and the expression of photosynthetic-related genes were analyzed. The experiments were carried out along a period of slow cold imposition (to allow acclimation), after chilling (4 °C) exposure and in the following rewarming period, using 1.5-year-old coffee seedlings of 5 genotypes with different cold sensitivity: Coffea canephora cv. Apoatã, Coffea arabica cv. Catuaí, Coffea dewevrei and 2 hybrids, Icatu (C. arabica × C. canephora) and Piatã (C. dewevrei × C. arabica). All genotypes suffered a significant leaf area loss only after chilling exposure, with Icatu showing the lowest impact, a first indication of a higher cold tolerance, contrasting with Apoatã and C. dewevrei. During cold exposure, net photosynthesis and Chl a fluorescence parameters were strongly affected in all genotypes, but stomatal limitations were not detected. However, the extent of mesophyll limitation, reflecting regulatory mechanisms and/or damage, was genotype dependent. Overnight retention of zeaxanthin was common to Coffea genotypes, but the accumulation of photoprotective pigments was highest in Icatu. That down-regulated photochemical events but efficiently protected the photosynthetic structures, as shown, e.g., by the lowest impacts on A_max and PSI activity and the strongest reinforcement of PSII activity, the latter possibly reflecting the presence of a photoprotective cycle around PSII in Icatu (and Catuaí). Concomitant to these protection mechanisms, Icatu was the sole genotype to present simultaneous upregulation of caCP22, caPI and caCytf, related to, respectively, PSII, PSI and to the complex Cytb₆/f, which could promote better repair ability, contributing to the maintenance of efficient thylakoid functioning. We conclude that Icatu showed the best acclimation ability among the studied genotypes, mostly due to a better upregulation of photoprotection and repair mechanisms. We confirmed the presence of important variability in Coffea spp. that could be exploited in breeding programs, which should be assisted by useful markers of cold tolerance, namely the upregulation of antioxidative molecules, the expression of selected genes and PSI sensitivity.     

Diurnal pollen tube growth rate is slowed by high temperature in field-grown Gossypium hirsutum pistils

For Gossypium hirsutum pollination, germination, and pollen tube growth must occur in a highly concerted fashion on the day of flowering for fertilization to occur. Because reproductive success could be influenced by the photosynthetic activity of major source leaves, we hypothesized that increased temperatures under field conditions would limit fertilization by inhibiting diurnal pollen tube growth through the style and decreasing subtending leaf photosynthesis. To address this hypothesis, G. hirsutum seeds were sown on different dates to obtain flowers exposed to contrasting ambient temperatures while at the same developmental stage (node 8 above the cotyledons). Collection and measurement were conducted at 06:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00 h on August 4 (34.6 °C maximum air temperature) and 14, 2009 (29.9 °C maximum air temperature). Microclimate measurements included photosynthetically active radiation, relative humidity, and air temperature. Pistil measurements included pistil surface temperature, pollen germination, pollen tube growth through the style, fertilization efficiency, fertilized ovule number, and total number of ovules per ovary. Subtending leaf measurements included leaf temperature, photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance. Under high temperatures the first measurable pollen tube growth through the style was observed earlier in the day (12:00 h) than under cooler conditions (15:00 h). Also, high temperature resulted in slower pollen tube growth through the style (2.05 mm h⁻¹) relative to cooler conditions (3.35 mm h⁻¹), but there were no differences in fertilization efficiency, number of fertilized ovules, or ovule number. There was no effect of sampling date on diurnal photosynthetic patterns, where the maximum photosynthetic rate was observed at 12:00 h on both dates. It is concluded that, of the measured physiological and reproductive processes, pollen tube growth rate showed the greatest sensitivity to high temperature under field conditions.     

Changes in effects of ozone exposure on growth,photosynthesis, and respiration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ginkgo biloba</Emphasis> in Shenyang urban area

An open-top chamber experiment was carried out from April through October 2006 to examine the effects of elevated (80 nmol mol⁻¹) atmospheric O₃ on Ginkgo biloba (4-years-old) in urban area. The air with ambient O₃ (AA, ≈ 45 nmol mol⁻¹) was used as control. The leaf mass and size, leaf area index, net photosynthetic rate (P _N), apparent quantum yield, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance were decreased by elevated O₃ (EO) exposure. Visible foliar injury, which is light-brown flecks, was observed in the EO OTCs after 90 d of exposure. Carboxylation efficiency (Φ_CO2) and photorespiration and dark respiration rates were enhanced by EO exposure in the first half of the season, but all of them turned to be lower than those of the AA control at the end of experiment. Stomata limitation of photosynthesis was significantly higher than control in the whole season (p<0.05). Chlorophyll (Chl) content was lower in EO variant than in the control and the difference became more and more apparent through the season. Hence the decrease in P _N of G. biloba exposed to EO was the result of both stomatal and non-stomatal limitations. In the early season, the inhibition of photosynthesis was mainly caused by the stomatal limitation, and the earliest response was photoprotective down-regulation of photosynthesis but not photodamage. However, at the end of the season, the non-stomatal limiting factors such as decrease in Chl content, decrease in Φ_CO2, and anti-oxidative enzyme activity became more important.     

Water relations and photosynthetic capacity of two species of Calotropis in a tropical semi-arid ecosystem

Background and Aims

Calotropis procera and Calotropis gigantea, originally from warm parts of Africa and Asia, are now pan-tropical and in ecological terms considered an indicator of overgrazed, disturbed lands; they grow successfully in dry areas. Variations in water relations, morphology and photosynthesis of the two species growing in the same habitat were studied to assess possible mechanisms of tolerance to drought and how these relate to their ecophysiological success. Also the hypothesis that their photosynthetic rate (A) under drought would be affected by stomatal and non-stomatal limitations was tested.

Methods

Water relations, gas exchange, water use efficiency (WUE), fluorescence parameters, pubescence and specific leaf area (SLA) of Calotropis procera and C. gigantea plants growing in the field were evaluated during the wet (WS) and dry (DS) seasons.

Results

The xylem water potential (ψ) was similar in both species during the WS and DS; drought caused a 28 % decrease of ψ. In C. procera, A, stomatal conductance (g_s) and carboxylation efficiency (CE) were higher in the WS with half the values of those during the DS, this species being more affected by drought than C. gigantea. A high δ¹³C of C. gigantea (–26·2 ‰) in the WS indicated a higher integrated WUE, in agreement with its lower g_s. Leaves of C. gigantea were more pubescent than C. procera. Relative stomatal and non-stomatal limitation of A increased with drought in both species; no changes in maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII; F_v/F_m) were observed. The decrease in the relative quantum yield of PSII (φ_PSII) and in the photochemical quenching coefficient (q_P) was more pronounced in C. procera than in C. gigantea.

Conclusions

The photosynthetic capacity of C. procera was higher than that of C. gigantea. During the DS, A was regulated by stomatal and non-stomatal factors in a coordinated manner and drought did not cause chronic photoinhibition. A higher density of trichomes and leaf angle in C. gigantea may contribute to the maintenance of A and confer more efficient protection of photochemical activity in the DS. Ecophysiological traits such as high photosynthetic rate throughout the year even during the DS, and high WUE, highly pubescent leaves and low SLA observed in both species contribute to the establishment and growth of Calotropis in dry conditions.     

Deficit irrigation for enhancing sustainable water use: Comparison of cotton nitrogen uptake and prediction of lint yield in a multivariate autoregressive state-space model

Deficit irrigation is an optimization strategy for achieving sustainability of irrigated crop production. A field-study of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) response to a limited water supply was conducted in an Alfisol in the southern High Plains of Texas. The objectives were to investigate cotton N uptake, canopy temperature, plant spectral index and lint yield variation under deficit irrigation and to provide information for enhancing sustainability of the water resources and Alfisols in the semi-arid environment. The experimental treatments were two deficit-irrigation levels at 50% and 75% of cotton evapotranspiration (ET). Plant and soil variables were measured 15 m apart along the center-pivot irrigation circles. The results show that cotton plants under the 50%-ET deficit irrigation level were 21% more water stressed (P < 0.05) based on the reflectance water index ratio. The 50%-ET irrigation resulted in a 25% lint yield loss with a 33% water saving compared to the higher irrigation level (75%-ET). Plant reflectance, canopy temperature, total N uptake and lint yield were correlated with normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), soil water content (SWC), soil NO₃-N concentrations and elevation (−0.69 < r < 0.72, P < 0.05, respectively). Future cotton lint yield is weighted on NDVI and water variation, quantified in a multivariate autoregressive state-space model. Increases in plant reflectance in the water band are signs of early plant water stress. Compared to the 12-year regional cotton lint yield obtained with full irrigation, the 75%-ET deficit irrigation would be agronomical, economical efficient in Alfisoils with only 7.8% of lint-yield loss from water stress but 25% of water saving for sustainable water use.     

Physiological Effects of Plant Hormones in Cotton Under Drought

Effects of plant hormones indole-3-yl-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), benzylaminopurine (BAP), abscisic acid (ABA) and ethrel (ETH) in 5 M concentration on gas exchange, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBPCO, EC 4.1.1.39) activity, pigment content and yield in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. H-777) under drought were studied. At reproductive stage (55 – 60 d after sowing) these hormones were sprayed on shoots one day prior to stress imposition by withholding irrigation. The soil moisture of control plants was kept at field capacity. Net photosynthetic rate (P_N), stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration rate (E), carboxylation efficiency (CE), water use efficiency (WUE), RuBPCO activity, boll number per plant, seed number per plant and lint mass per plant significantly decreased at drought while chlorophyll (Chl) b content and flower number per plant increased. ABA and ETH significantly reduced gas exchange parameters, Chl a and Chl b content. Detrimental drought effect on P_N, g_s, E, CE, RuBPCO and lint mass per plant was significantly alleviated by BAP and also its effect on seed number and lint mass per plant was significantly alleviated with the ABA treatment.     

Temperature response of photosynthesis in different drug and fiber varieties of Cannabis sativa L.

The temperature response on gas and water vapour exchange characteristics of three medicinal drug type (HP Mexican, MX and W1) and four industrial fiber type (Felinq 34, Kompolty, Zolo 11 and Zolo 15) varieties of Cannabis sativa, originally from different agro-climatic zones worldwide, were studied. Among the drug type varieties, optimum temperature for photosynthesis (T_opt) was observed in the range of 30–35 °C in high potency Mexican HPM whereas, it was in the range of 25–30 °C in W1. A comparatively lower value (25 °C) for T_opt was observed in MX. Among fiber type varieties, T_opt was around 30 °C in Zolo 11 and Zolo 15 whereas, it was near 25 °C in Felinq 34 and Kompolty. Varieties having higher maximum photosynthesis (P_{N max}) had higher chlorophyll content as compared to those having lower P_{N max}. Differences in water use efficiency (WUE) were also observed within and among the drug and fiber type plants. However, differences became less pronounced at higher temperatures. Both stomatal and mesophyll components seem to be responsible for the temperature dependence of photosynthesis (P_N) in this species, however, their magnitude varied with the variety. In general, a two fold increase in dark respiration with increase in temperature (from 20 °C to 40 °C) was observed in all the varieties. However, a greater increase was associated with the variety having higher rate of photosynthesis, indicating a strong association between photosynthetic and respiratory rates. The results provide a valuable indication regarding variations in temperature dependence of P_N in different varieties of Cannabis sativa L.     

Diurnal courses of net photosynthesis and photosystem II quantum efficiency of submerged Lagarosiphon major under natural light conditions

An optode device for net-photosynthesis measurements, based on oxygen-depending quenching of fluorescence from O₂-specific sensors, and PAM fluorometry have been used to study diurnal courses of net-photosynthesis and the F_v/F_m ratio of the submerged plant Lagarosiphon major. Plants were pre-cultivated and studied in large mesocosm flow-through outdoor tanks under 50% and 80% shade cloth, respectively. Growth under the different shade cloths resulted in similar light compensation points (∼20 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹), but strongly different light saturation levels, with about 150 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ for plants grown under 80% shade cloth and about 350 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ for plants grown under 50% shade cloth. Plants under both growth conditions showed a transient reduction of the maximum F_v/F_m value in the afternoon (down to 70% of the morning control values under 80% shade cloth and down to 85% under 50% shade cloth), which was not accompanied by a reduction of the net photosynthetic rate. This indicated that the fluorescence parameter F_v/F_m must not be a reliable indicator of the rate of photosynthesis under all conditions. The new photo-optical device became evidenced as a valuable tool not only for laboratory experiments, but also for field studies of gas exchange of submerged plants.     

Water relations of Caatinga trees in the dry season

The Caatinga is one of the world's richest dry forests. This forest occurs only in Brazil, but is the least studied and protected Brazilian ecosystem. There are few reports about drought tolerance mechanisms in Caatinga trees. This work evaluates water relations of six adult species in the middle of the dry season to further understand water relations in this ecosystem, which will be important for future reforestation and management projects. Based on results, the trees were classified into four groups: (I), Mimosa caesalpiniifolia had low leaf water potential (Ψ_w) at predawn and no significant decrease at midday. Stomatal conductance (g_s) analyses indicates that plants have reached its lowest Ψ_w; (II), Caesalpinia pyramidalis and Auxemma oncocalyx had low Ψ_w at predawn and significant decrease at midday. For these species the recuperation of water status at night may have been sufficient for maintaining stomata open during the day; (III), Caesalpinia ferrea and Calliandra spinosa had relatively high Ψ_w at predawn and a significant decrease at midday. These species might maintain their water status similar to individuals of group II, but they might also have deeper root systems; and (IV), Tabebuia caraiba with the highest Ψ_w at predawn and no significant decrease at midday, possibly indicating a combination of good stomatal control of water loss and a deeper root system. Moreover, except for individuals of group I, both in species with lower and higher Ψ_w at predawn it was not observed strong inhibition of g_s.