大气CO2浓度升高对绿豆叶片光合作用及叶绿素荧光参数的影响

利用FACE系统在大田条件下通过盆栽试验研究了大气CO₂浓度升高\[CO₂浓度平均为（550±60) μmol·mol^-1\]对绿豆叶片光合生理和叶绿素荧光参数的影响.结果表明： 与对照\[CO₂浓度平均为（389±40）μmol·mol^-1左右\]相比,大气CO₂浓度升高使花荚期绿豆叶片净光合速率(P_n)和胞间CO₂浓度(C_i)分别升高11.7%和9.8%,气孔导度(G_s)和蒸腾速率(T_r)分别下降32.0%和24.6%, 水分利用效率(WUE)提高83.5%;在蕾期,CO₂浓度升高对绿豆叶片叶绿素初始荧光(F_o)、最大荧光（F_m）、可变荧光（F_v）、F_v/F_m和F_v/F_o没有显著影响;在鼓粒期,CO₂浓度升高使绿豆叶片F_o增加19.1%,F_m和F_v分别下降9.0%和14.3%,F_v/F_o和F_v/F_m分别下降25.8%和6.2%.表明大气CO₂浓度升高可能使绿豆生长后期光系统Ⅱ反应中心结构受到破坏,叶片的光合能力下降.     

低温胁迫下丛枝菌根真菌对玉米光合特性的影响

利用盆栽试验,在15 ℃和5 ℃低温胁迫下研究了丛枝菌根（AM）真菌对玉米生长、叶绿素含量、叶绿素荧光和光合作用的影响.结果表明：低温胁迫抑制了AM真菌的侵染;接种AM真菌的玉米地上部和地下部干物质量、相对叶绿素含量高于不接种植株.与非菌根玉米相比,菌根玉米具有较高的最大荧光（F_m）、可变荧光（F_v）、最大光化学效率（F_v/F_m）和潜在光化学效率（F_v/F_o）及较低的初始荧光（F_o）,并且在5 ℃处理中差异显著.接种AM真菌使玉米叶片的净光合速率（P_n）和蒸腾速率（T_r）显著增强;低温胁迫下,菌根植株的气孔导度（G_s）显著高于非菌根植株;而胞间CO₂浓度（C_i）显著低于非菌根植株.表明AM真菌可通过提高叶绿素含量及改善叶片叶绿素荧光和光合作用来减轻低温胁迫对玉米植株造成的伤害,提高玉米耐受低温的能力,进而提高玉米的生物量,促进玉米生长.     

盐胁迫对红树植物红榄李幼苗叶绿体超微结构及光合荧光特性的影响

探讨红榄李幼苗对盐胁迫的响应机制,为濒危红榄李保护提供理论依据。以红榄李幼苗为材料,研究了不同浓度NaCl(50、150、450、750 mmol·L^-1)对红榄李植株叶片光合、荧光参数、光合色素变化、抗氧化酶活性、叶绿体超微结构及气孔特征的影响。150 mmol·L^-1 NaCl处理下红榄李幼苗叶片净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)、潜在最大光能转换效率(F_v/F_m)、实际光能转换效率(Φ_PSII)、总叶绿素(Chl)含量、类胡萝卜素(Car)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性及过氧化物酶(POD)活性等均显著高于其他处理。当NaCl浓度超过450 mmol·L^-1时,上述指标值均显著下降,而胞间CO₂浓度(C_i)、过氧化氢(H₂O₂)含量、丙二醛(MDA)含量、超氧阴离子(■)产生速率等显著上升,其中,750 mmol·...     

套袋对番茄果实表面光系统Ⅱ光能吸收利用的影响

用白纸淋膜袋对温室番茄‘保罗塔’果实进行套袋处理,采用光纤光谱仪和叶绿素成像荧光仪测定了番茄果实的吸收光谱和叶绿素荧光参数,分析了套袋对番茄果实光系统Ⅱ光能利用效率的影响.结果表明： 在套袋后的前20 d内,与对照(CK)相比,套袋果实表面的叶绿素a (Chl a)含量和光系统Ⅱ最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)无明显变化,但是套袋降低了果实表面的相对吸光系数A_670/780和光系统Ⅱ实际光化学效率（Y_Ⅱ）,此时番茄果实主要以PSⅡ调节性能量耗散机制为主.随后,番茄果实表面的Chl a和Chl b含量开始明显下降,但是套袋果实的F_v/F_m、Y_Ⅱ和A_670/780与CK无显著差异.在套袋后的第40天,套袋果实表面的Chl a和Chl b含量分别比CK降低了35.2%和52.8%,F_v/F_m和Y_Ⅱ仍然维持较高水平,分别比CK增加了24.5%和35.4%,表明此时番茄果实PSⅡ具有较高的光能利用效率,通过进一步降低非调节性能量耗散量子产额Y_NO为果实的早熟奠定了能量基础.     

茉莉酸甲酯对干旱及复水条件下烤烟幼苗叶绿素荧光特性的影响

以烤烟品种“龙江911”为试验材料,研究了干旱及复水过程中外源茉莉酸甲酯(MeJA)对移栽后烤烟幼苗叶绿素含量和叶绿素荧光特性的影响.结果表明： 干旱下烤烟幼苗叶绿素含量、PSⅡ反应中心完全关闭时荧光产量(F_m)、PSⅡ潜在活性(F_v/F_o)、最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)、实际光化学效率(Ф_PSⅡ)、表观电子传递速率(ETR)和光化学猝灭系数(q_P)下降,而初始荧光(F_o)和非光化学猝灭系数(q_N)升高,0.2和0.5 mmol·L^-1的外源MeJA明显减缓了干旱下烤烟幼苗F_v/F_m、F_v/F_o、Ф_PSⅡ、ETR、q_P的下降和q_N的上升,而1.0 mmol·L^-1 MeJA效果不明显.复水后,烤烟幼苗各项叶绿素荧光指标均有明显恢复,并且MeJA处理后的幼苗恢复更明显.表明外源MeJA减轻了干旱胁迫下烤烟叶片叶绿素的分解,对PSII反应中心起到一定的保护作用,提高了电子传递速率,降低了干旱胁迫对烤烟幼苗的伤害,并且复水后叶绿素含量和叶绿素荧光参数能迅速恢复,从而保证了经干旱胁迫后烤烟幼苗能迅速缓苗.     

气候变化对不同水分条件下柿幼树光合作用的影响

以两年生柿树为试材,研究了高浓度CO₂处理（700 μmol·mol^-1）、高温处理（日平均温度高于正常日平均温度约5 ℃）、高温和高浓度CO₂复合处理及对照（温度为外界环境温度,CO₂浓度380 μmol·mol^-1）对不同水分条件下柿树净光合速率(P_n)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、气孔导度(G_s)、水分利用效率(WUE)、叶绿素含量和叶绿素荧光参数F_v/F_m、F_v/F_o的影响.结果表明:高温和高浓度CO₂复合处理使处于各水分条件下的柿树T_r、G_s减小,WUE增大;在高、中水分条件(分别为田间持水量的75%～85%和55%～65%)下高温和高浓度CO₂复合处理使柿树P_n增大,在低水分条件(为田间持水量的35%～45%)下使柿树P_n减小.高浓度CO₂处理使处于各水分条件下的柿树P_n、WUE增大,G_s、T减小.高温及高温和高浓度CO₂复合处理下WUE均受土壤水分状况的影响,并随土壤含水量的升高而升高.与对照相比,高浓度CO₂处理还提高了各水分条件下植株叶片水平的水分利用效率、叶绿素a、叶绿素b、叶绿素（a+b）、类胡萝卜素含量及F_v/F_m和F_v/F_o,缓解了水分胁迫,提高了柿树的抗逆能力.     

干旱胁迫和CO2浓度升高条件下白羊草的光合特征

采用盆栽控制试验,研究了黄土丘陵区乡土种白羊草在不同水分水平(80%FC和40%FC)和CO₂浓度(375和750 μmol·m^-2·s^-1) 处理下的光合生理变化特征.结果表明： 干旱胁迫使白羊草的最大净光合速率(P_nmax)、表观量子效率(AQE)、气孔导度(g_s)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)、潜在光化学效率(F_v/F_o)和光合色素含量降低,丙二醛(MDA)和脯氨酸(Pro)含量升高.水分充足条件下,与正常大气CO₂浓度相比,大气CO₂浓度倍增下白羊草的P_{n max}、MDA和Pro含量无显著差异.干旱胁迫下,CO₂浓度升高提高了白羊草的最大荧光(F_m)、F_v/F_m、F_v/F_o、叶绿素含量和AQE, P_nmax比正常CO₂浓度下高23.3%,差异达到显著水平,而MDA和Pro含量均显著降低.CO₂浓度升高对干旱胁迫引起的白羊草光合能力下降有一定的补偿作用,减轻了干旱胁迫对白羊草的伤害.     

不同浓度Ni、Cu处理对骆驼蓬光合作用和叶绿素荧光特性的影响

以骆驼蓬幼苗为材料,采用盆栽试验研究不同浓度（0、50、100、200、400 mg·kg^-1）Ni、Cu处理对骆驼蓬叶片光合作用、叶绿素荧光特性及生长状况的影响.结果表明： 随着Ni浓度的增加,骆驼蓬幼苗叶片的光合色素含量、净光合速率（P_n）、气孔导度（G_s）、蒸腾速率（T_r）、PSⅡ最大光化学效率（F_v/F_m）、PSⅡ电子传递量子产率（Φ_PSⅡ）、光化学猝灭系数（q_P）及各项生长指标均呈显著下降趋势,而细胞间隙CO₂浓度（C_i）和非光化学猝灭系数（q_N）呈显著增加趋势,其中P_n的下降主要是由非气孔限制所致;骆驼蓬幼苗叶片的光合色素含量、P_n、G_s、T_r、C_i、F_v/F_m、Φ_PSⅡ、q_P及各项生长指标均在50 mg·kg^-1 Cu处理时达到峰值,叶绿素a和b、P_n、G_s、T_r、C_i、F_v/F_m及各项生长指标值在100 mg·kg^-1 Cu处理时仍微高于对照,而后随Cu浓度的增加,光合色素含量、P_n、G_s、T_r、C_i、 F_v/F_m、Φ_PSⅡ、q_P及各项生长指标均呈下降趋势,q_N呈增加趋势,其中P_n的下降主要是由气孔限制所致.     

不同LED光源对乌塌菜生长、光合特性及营养品质的影响

与传统光源相比,LED具有光谱可控、亮度高但发热量小、寿命长等优势.LED光源可实现光谱可控,通过调制光谱与植物的感光细胞最优结合来影响植物的生长发育与营养品质.本研究利用LED精量调制光源,以‘菊花小八叶’乌塌菜品种为试验材料,设红光、蓝光、红/蓝光(3/1)、红/蓝光(7/1)、白/红/蓝光(3/2/1)5个处理,以白光为对照,研究不同光质对乌塌菜生长、光合特性及品质的影响.结果表明： 红光有利于乌塌菜生物量和茎粗的增大,而蓝光有抑制作用;叶绿素含量以红/蓝光(7/1)处理最高,且叶绿素总量与红/蓝光比值呈正相关,虽然蓝光显著降低叶绿素含量,但提高了叶绿素 a/b 值;光合速率和蒸腾速率均以红光处理最高,与对照相比分别增加43.8%和55.1%,而蓝光处理下有较高的气孔导度及胞间CO₂浓度.不同光质处理对乌塌菜的荧光参数有较大影响,白光的F_v/F_m、F_v/F_o和Φ_PSⅡ均最大;红光可以提高可溶性糖含量,蓝光能提高可溶性蛋白含量,白光能增加维生素C含量.综合分析,红/蓝光(7/1)处理在增加叶片光合色素含量,提高光合速率,促进植株生长和改善营养品质方面为最优组合.     

施氮和大气CO2浓度升高对小麦旗叶光合电子传递和分配的影响

采用开顶式气室盆栽培养小麦,设计2个大气CO₂浓度（正常：400 μmol·mol^-1;高：760 μmol·mol^-1）、2个氮素水平（0和200 mg·kg^-1土）的组合处理,通过测定小麦抽穗期旗叶氮素和叶绿素浓度、光合速率（P_n）-胞间CO₂浓度（C_i）响应曲线及荧光动力学参数,来测算小麦叶片光合电子传递速率等,研究了高大气CO₂浓度下施氮对小麦旗叶光合能量分配的影响.结果表明：与正常大气CO₂浓度相比,高大气CO₂浓度下小麦叶片氮浓度和叶绿素浓度降低,高氮处理的小麦叶片叶绿素a/b升高.施氮后小麦叶片PSⅡ最大光化学效率（F_v/F_m）、PSⅡ反应中心最大量子产额（F_v′/F_m′）、PSⅡ反应中心的开放比例（q_p）和PSⅡ反应中心实际光化学效率（Φ_PSⅡ）在大气CO₂浓度升高后无明显变化,虽然叶片非光化学猝灭系数（NPQ）显著降低,但PSⅡ总电子传递速率（J_F）无明显增加;不施氮处理的F_v′/F_m′、Φ_PSⅡ和NPQ在高大气CO₂浓度下显著降低,尽管F_v/F_m和q_P无明显变化,J_F仍显著下降.施氮后小麦叶片J_F增加,参与光化学反应的非环式电子流传递速率(J_C)明显升高.大气CO₂浓度升高使参与光呼吸的非环式电子流传递速率(J₀)、Rubisco氧化速率（V₀）、光合电子的光呼吸/光化学传递速率比（J₀/J_C）和Rubisco氧化/羧化比（V₀/V_C）降低,但使J_C和Rubisco羧化速率（V_C）增加.因此,高大气CO₂浓度下小麦叶片氮浓度和叶绿素浓度降低,而增施氮素使通过PSⅡ反应中心的电子流速率显著增加,促进了光合电子流向光化学方向的传递,使更多的电子进入Rubisco羧化过程,P_n显著升高.     

Rehydration of Sugar Beet Plants after Water Stress: Effect of Cytokinins

The possibility to improve the recovery of sugar beet plants after water stress by application of synthetic cytokinins N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) or N⁶-(m-hydroxybenzyl)adenosine (HBA) was tested. Relative water content (RWC), net photosynthetic rate (P_N), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (g_s), chlorophyll (Chl) a and Chl b contents, and photosystem 2 efficiency characterized by variable to maximal fluorescence ratio (F_v/F_m) were measured in control plants, in water-stressed plants, and after rehydration (4, 8, 24, and 48 h). Water stress markedly decreased parameters of gas exchange, but they started to recover soon after irrigation. Application of BA or HBA to the substrate or sprayed on leaves only slightly stimulated recovery of P_N, E, and g_s in rehydrated plants, especially during the first phases of recovery. Chl contents decreased only under severe water stress and F_v/F_m ratio was not significantly affected by water stress applied. Positive effects of BA or HBA application on Chl content and F_v/F_m ratio were mostly not observed.     

Lanthanum improves salt tolerance of maize seedlings

In this study, the effects of lanthanum were investigated on contents of pigments, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, antioxidative enzymes, and biomass of maize seedlings under salt stress. The results showed that salt stress significantly decreased the contents of Chl and carotenoids, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (F_v/F_m), photochemical quenching (q_P), and quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Φ_PSII), net photosynthetic rate (P_N), and biomass. Salt stress increased nonphotochemical quenching (q_N), the activities of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and the contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide compared with control. Pretreatment with lanthanum prior to salt stress significantly enhanced the contents of Chl and carotenoids, F_v/F_m, q_P, q_N, Φ_PSII, P_N, biomass, and activities of the above antioxidant enzymes compared with the salt-stressed plants. Pretreatment with lanthanum also significantly reduced the contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide induced by salt stress. Our results suggested that lanthanum can improve salt tolerance of maize seedlings by enhancing the function of photosynthetic apparatus and antioxidant capacity.     

Chlorophyll fluorescence performance of sweet almond [Prunus dulcis (Miller) D. Webb] in response to salinity stress induced by NaCl

One-year old sweet almond (Prunus dulcis) seedlings were submitted to four levels of salt stress induced by NaCl, namely 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 S m⁻¹. Effects of salt stress on a range of chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters (Chl FPs) and Chl contents were investigated in order to establish an eco-physiological characterization of P. dulcis to salinity. Salt stress promoted an increase in F₀, F_s, and F₀/F_m and a decrease in F_m, F′_m, F_v/F_m, q_P, ΔF/F′_m, F_v/F₀, and UQF_(rel), in almost all Chl fluorescence yields (FY) and FPs due to its adverse effect on activity of photosystem 2. No significant changes were observed for quenchings q_N, NPQ, and q_N(rel). The contents of Chl a and b and their ratio were also significantly reduced at increased salt stress. In general, adverse salinity effects became significant when the electric conductivity of the nutrient solution (EC_n) exceeded 0.3 S m⁻¹. The most sensitive salt stress indicators were F_v/F₀ and Chl a content, and they are thus best used for early salt detection in P. dulcis. Monitoring of a simple Chl FY, such as F₀, also gave a good indication of induced salt stress due to the significant correlations observed between the different Chl FYs and FPs. Even essential Chl FYs, like F₀, F_m, F′_m, and F_s, and mutually independent Chl FPs, like F_v/F₀ and q_P, were strongly correlated with each other.     

Responses of photosynthetic parameters of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mikania micrantha</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chromolaena odorata</Emphasis> to contrasting irradiance and soil moisture

Photosynthetic parameters were measured in two invasive weeds, Mikania micrantha and Chromolaena odorata, grown in soil under full, medium, and low irradiance and full, medium, and low water supply. Both species showed significantly higher net photosynthetic rate, quantum yield of PS 2 photochemistry and photochemical quenching coefficient under high than low irradiance. For M. micrantha, low irradiance caused decreased chlorophyll content (Chl), Chl a/b ratio and maximum photochemical efficiency of PS 2 (F_v/F_m), while drought decreased Chl content and F_v/F_m and increased nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). However, these parameters were much less affected in C. odorata except that Chl content and NPQ slightly increased under drought and high irradiance. High irradiance increased xanthophyll pools in both species, especially M. micrantha under combination with drought.     

Photosynthetic activity of poikilochlorophyllous desiccation tolerant plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Reaumuria soongorica</Emphasis> during dehydration and re-hydration

Diurnal patterns of gas exchange and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters of photosystem 2 (PS2) as well as Chl content were analyzed in Reaumuria soongorica (Pall.) Maxim., a perennial semi-shrub during dehydration and rehydration. The net photosynthetic rate (P _N), maximum photochemical efficiency of PS2 (variable to maximum fluorescence ratio, F_v/F_m), quantum efficiency of non-cyclic electron transport of PS2, and Chl content decreased, but non-photochemical quenching of fluorescence and carotenoid content increased in stems with the increasing of drought stress. 6 d after re-hydration, new leaves budded from stems. In the re-watered plants, the chloroplast function was restored and Chl a fluorescence returned to a similar level as in the control plants. This improved hydraulic adjustment in plant triggered a positive effect on ion flow in the tissues and increased shoot electrical admittance. Thus R. soongorica plants are able to sustain drought stress through leaf abscission and keep part of Chl content in stems.     

Evaluation of chlorophyll fluorescence as a tool for salt stress detection in roses

The induction kinetic of the chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence and the F_v/F_m ratio have been tested in order to find out the suitability of this technique to evaluate damage caused by salinity in plants of Rosa hybrida cv. Ilseta grafted on R. manetti growing in a greenhouse under non-saturating irradiance. Under these conditions salinity induced changes in plants morphology, nutrient and Chl contents and in the gas exchange parameters, but not in the F_v/F_m ratio. The Rfd index did not reveal more information. The F_v/F_m ratio as well as the fluorescence induction curves were more affected by salinity when an irradiation stress was added, therefore as an indicator of salt stress in roses, Chl fluorescence is of limited use when the plants are grown without additional stress. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll content in field-grown potato as affected by nitrogen supply, genotype, and plant age

Field experiments were conducted in Sicily (south Italy) to assess chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters in response of potato crop to nitrogen dose, to variation in genotype and in plant age, and to detect relationships between Chl content, fluorescence parameter F_v/F_m, and tuber yield. The experiment included five nitrogen doses (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g m⁻²) and four genotypes (Spunta, Sieglinde, Daytona, and Igea). Chl fluorescence parameters (initial fluorescence, F₀, maximum fluorescence, F_m, variable fluorescence, F_v, F_v/F_m, T_max (the time required to reach F_m), and Chl content were measured weekly between the appearance of the fifth and sixth leaves and the onset of plant senescence. A positive linear relationship was established between nitrogen supply and Chl content, F₀, and T_max. Nitrogen supply up to 10 g m⁻² also had a positive effect on F_m and F_v, but above this rate it reduced F_v/F_m. Spunta had the highest Chl content, F_m, F_v, and F_v/F_m, but the lowest F₀, whereas Sieglinde had the lowest Chl content, F_v, F_v/F_m, and T_max and the highest F₀. The cvs. Igea and Daytona exhibited intermediate Chl fluorescence parameters. Chl content and T_max decreased with increasing plant age, whereas F₀, F_m, and F_v increased until complete canopy development and thereafter declined until crop maturity. Tuber and plant dry matter yield were significantly correlated with Chl content, F₀, and T_max. Thus Chl fluorescence and content detect differences in the response of potato to N supply, can discriminate between genotypes, predict plant age, and yield performance under field conditions.     

Radiation Use Efficiency,Chlorophyll Fluorescence,and Reflectance Indices Associated with Ontogenic Changes in Water-Limited Chenopodium quinoa Leaves

Net photosynthetic rate, radiation use efficiency, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, photochemical reflectance index (PRI), and leaf water potential were measured during a 25-d period of progressive water deficit in quinoa plants grown in a glasshouse in order to examine effects of water stress and ontogeny. All physiological parameters except F_v/F_m were sensitive to water stress. Ontogenic variations did not exist in F_v/F_m and leaf water potential, and were moderate to high in the other parameters. The complete recovery of photosynthetic parameters after re-irrigation was related with the stability in F_v/F_m. PRI showed significant correlation with predawn leaf water potential, F_m, and midday F_v/F_m. Thus PRI and Chl fluorescence may help in assessing physiological changes in quinoa plants across different developmental stages and water status.     

Effects of foliar application of nitrogen on the photosynthetic performance and growth of two fescue cultivars under heat stress

The effects of nitrogen fertilization on the growth, photosynthetic pigment contents, gas exchange, and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters in two tall fescue cultivars (Festuca arundinacea cv. Barlexas and Crossfire II) were investigated under heat stress at 38/30 °C (day/night) for two weeks. Shoot growth rate of two tall fescue cultivars declined significantly under heat stress, and N supply can improved the growth rates, especially for the Barlexas. Chl content, leaf net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and the maximal efficiency of photosystem 2 photochemistry (F_v/F_m) also decreased less under heat stress by N supply, especially in Crossfire II. Moreover, cultivar variations in photosynthetic performance were associated with their different response to heat stress and nitrogen fertilization, which were evidenced by shoot growth rate and photosynthetic pigment contents.     

Photosynthesis performance in sweet almond [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus dulcis</Emphasis> (Mill) D. Webb] exposed to supplemental UV-B radiation

Due to anthropogenic influences, solar UV-B irradiance at the earth’s surface is increasing. To determine the effects of enhanced UV-B radiation on photosynthetic characteristics of Prunus dulcis, two-year-old seedlings of the species were submitted to four levels of UV-B stress, namely 0 (UV-B_c), 4.42 (UV-B₁), 7.32 (UV-B₂) and 9.36 (UV-B₃) kJ m⁻² d⁻¹. Effects of UV-B stress on a range of chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters (FPs), Chl contents and photosynthetic gas-exchange parameters were investigated. UV-B stress promoted an increase in minimal fluorescence of dark-adapted state (F₀) and F₀/F_m, and a decrease in variable fluorescence (F_v, F_v/F_m, F_v/F₀ and F₀/F_m) due to its adverse effects on photosystem II (PSII) activity. No significant change was observed for maximal fluorescence of dark-adapted state (F_m). Enhanced UV-B radiation caused a significant inhibition of net photosynthetic rate (P _N) at UV-B₂ and UV-B₃ levels and this was accompanied by a reduction in stomatal conductance (g _s) and transpiration rate (E). The contents of Chl a, b, and total Chl content (a+b) were also significantly reduced at increased UV-B stress. In general, adverse UV-B effects became significant at the highest tested radiation dose 9.36 kJ m⁻² d⁻¹. The most sensitive indicators for UV-B stress were F_v/F₀, Chl a content and P _N. Significant P<0.05 alteration in these parameters was found indicating the drastic effect of UV-B radiation on P. dulcis.