Developing a mathematical model for variation of physiological responses of Jatropha curcas leaves depending on leaf positions under soil flooding

The effect of soil flooding on photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance of Jatropha curcas seedlings were studied under natural environmental variables. Soil flooding reduced photosynthesis (P _N), transpiration (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) in response to leaf positions of Jatropha curcas plants. Based on the results, we conclude that decrease in stomatal opening and stomatal limitation of photosynthesis, followed by decrease in individual leaf area are the main causes of reductions in carbon uptake of flooded seedlings. A mathematical relationship was successfully developed to describe photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal response of Jatropha under soil flooding stress.     

沙埋对沙米幼苗生长、存活及光合蒸腾特性的影响

沙米(Agriophyllum squarrosum)是藜科沙蓬属1年生沙生植物,广泛分布于我国各主要沙漠和沙地中。为了解沙埋对沙米生长、存活和光合蒸腾特性影响,2010-2011年在科尔沁沙地研究了不同沙埋深度下沙米幼苗高度、存活率、光合速率、蒸腾速率、气孔导度和水分利用效率的变化,结果表明:沙米具有极强的耐沙埋能力。埋深为株高25%时,沙米幼苗存活率和株高显著增加,埋深为株高50%-100%时,其株高和存活率虽有下降,但与非沙埋对照差异不显著。当沙埋深度超过株高后,其株高和存活率急剧下降,但沙埋达到株高266%时仍然有部分幼苗存活。沙埋第5天,随着沙埋深度的增加,沙米幼苗的光合速率缓慢下降,蒸腾速率、气孔导度和水分利用效率均呈波动式变化。随着沙埋时间的延长,和对照相比,沙米幼苗的光合速率、蒸腾速率和气孔导度均随沙埋深度增加而大幅度下降,但水分利用效率仍呈波动式变化。沙埋第15天时其光合速率、蒸腾速率、气孔导度和水分利用效率分别较非沙埋对照下降了86.7%、89.0%、90.0%和4.2%。相关分析表明,沙米幼苗的存活率和高生长与其光合速率、蒸腾速率、气孔导度变化呈显著正相关,而其光合速率、蒸腾速率、气孔导度之间也呈显著正相关,但与水分利用效率的相关性未达到显著水平。沙埋胁迫下沙米幼苗存活率下降和生长抑制不仅源于沙埋造成幼苗顶土困难和光合面积减少,光合速率、蒸腾速率和气孔导度下降也是重要原因。     

Effects of above- and below-ground competition from shrubs on photosynthesis, transpiration and growth in Quercus robur L. seedlings

For a tree seedling to successfully establish in dense shrubbery, it must maintain function under heterogeneous resource availability. We evaluated leaf-level acclimation in photosynthetic capacity, seedling-level transpiration, and seedling morphology and growth to gain an understanding of the effects of above- and below-ground competition on Quercus robur seedlings. Experimental seedlings were established in a typical southern Swedish shrub community where they received 1 of 4 competition levels (above-ground, below-ground, above- and below-ground, or no competition), and leaf-level responses were examined between two growth flushes. Two years after establishment, first-flush leaves from seedlings receiving above-ground competition showed a maximum rate of photosynthesis (A_max) 40% lower than those of control seedlings. With the development of a second flush above the shrub canopy, A_max of these seedlings increased to levels equivalent to those of seedlings free of light competition. Shrubby competition reduced oak seedling transpiration such that seedlings exposed to above- and below-ground competition showed rates 43% lower than seedlings that were not exposed to competition. The impaired physiological function of oak seedlings growing amid competition ultimately led to a 60-74% reduction in leaf area, 29-36% reduction in basal diameter, and a 38-78% reduction in total biomass accumulation, but root to shoot ratio was not affected. Our findings also indicate that above-ground competition reduced A_max, transpiration and biomass accumulation more so than below-ground competition. Nevertheless, oak seedlings exhibited the ability to develop subsequent growth flushes with leaves that had an A_max acclimated to utilize increased light availability. Our findings highlight the importance of flush-level acclimation under conditions of heterogeneous resource availability, and the capacity of oak seedlings to initiate a positive response to moderate competition in a shrub community.     

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Alter Fractal Dimension Characteristics of Robinia pseudoacacia L. Seedlings Through Regulating Plant Growth,Leaf Water Status,Photosynthesis, and Nutrient Concentration Under Drought Stress

The influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus intraradices, on plant growth, leaf water status, chlorophyll concentration, photosynthesis, nutrient concentration, and fractal dimension (FD) characteristics of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seedlings was studied in pot culture under well-watered, moderate drought stress, and severe drought stress treatments. Mycorrhizal seedlings had higher dry biomass, leaf relative water content (RWC), and water use efficiency (WUE) compared with non-mycorrhizal seedlings. Under all treatments, AMF colonization notably enhanced net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate, but decreased intercellular CO₂ concentration. Leaf chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll concentrations were higher in AM seedlings than those in non-AM seedlings although there was no significant difference between AMF species. AMF colonization improved leaf C, N, and P concentrations, but decreased C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios. Mycorrhizal seedlings had a larger FD value than non-mycorrhizal seedlings. The FD value was positively and significantly correlated to the plant growth parameters, photosynthesis, RWC, WUE, and nutrient concentration but negatively correlated to leaf/stem ratio, C:N and C:P ratios, and intercellular CO₂ concentration. We conclude that AMF lead to an improvement of growth performance of black locust seedlings under all growth conditions, including drought stress via improving leaf water status, chlorophyll concentration, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake. Moreover, FD technology proved to be a powerful non-destructive method to characterize the effect of AMF on the physiology of host plants during drought stress.     

Changes in photosynthesis caused by adaptation of maize seedlings to short-term drought

Detached leaf is in the state of increasing water deficit; it is a good experimental model for looking into the hardening effect of adaptation of eight-day-old maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings to short-term drought (five days without watering). The light stage of photosynthesis and photosynthetic CO₂/H₂O exchange in detached leaves were studied. Specific surface density of leaf tissue (SSDL), the content of chlorophylls a and b, proline, MDA as well as photosynthetic parameters: quantum yield of photosystem II fluorescence, assimilation of CO₂, and transpiration at room temperature and light saturation (density of PAR quantum flux of 2000 μmol/(m² s)) at normal and half atmospheric CO₂ concentration were determined. The leaves of seedlings exposed to short-term drought differed from control material by a greater SSDL and higher content of proline. The hardening effect of the stress agent on the dark stage of photosynthesis was detected; it was expressed in the maintenance of the higher photosynthetic CO₂ assimilation against control material due to the elevation of stomatal conductance for CO₂ diffusing into the leaf. Judging from the lack of differences in the MDA content, short-term drought did not injure photosynthetic membranes. In detached leaves of experimental maize seedlings, photosynthesis was maintained on a higher level than in control material.     

Effect of Several Transpiration Suppressants on Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapor Exchange of Citrus and Grapevine Leaves

Several transpiration suppressants, (phenyl mercuric acetate, Tag 16 (polyethylen emulsion) R₁₄-poly (ethylene adipate) 4–4 Diphenylmethan diisocyanate), which are known to either close stomata or form thin films on leaves, were sprayed on citrus and grapevine seedlings. Water vapor and carbon dioxide exchange of single leaves were measured by means of infra red gas analyzer and L1C1 hygrosensors. The effects of the chemicals were evaluated by analyzing net photosynthesis, transpiration, mesophyll resistance to CO₂ compensation concentration and respiration. All the chemicals tested increased either mesophyll resistance or CO₂ compensation point to various degrees. It is concluded that none of the chemicals tested acted solely on epidermal resistance. All chemicals reduced photosynthesis, but the ratio of photosynthesis to transpiration increased in most cases in grapevine but not in citrus. Different chemicals acted differently on citrus and grapevine. The method of analysis used enabled us to evaluate separately the relative effect of a chemical on mesophyll resistance and respiration.     

Types of the daily course of transpiration rate in seedlings of forest trees

Types of the daily course of transpiration rate were studied in two-year old seedlings ofPinus silvestris L.,Picea excelsa L.,Larix decidua L.,Tilia cordata Mill., andAlnus glu-tinosa (L.) Gaertn. The curves illustrating the daily development of transpiration rate (Figs. 3 - 8) may be grouped in two types, showing a midday maximum (one-peak curves) and a midday depression (two-peak curves). Unlike herbaceous plants, the seedlings ofPinus silvestris L. were found to show, during the night-time, lower but not negligible values for the rate of transpiration (see Figs. 3 and 8). The following times are considered most suitable in determining the rate of transpiration for both herbs and woody species during the daylight: 09.0, 12.0, 14.0, and 17.0 hours. For the forest species seedlings further times are suitable for the night-time, as follows: 23.0, 01.0, and 06.0 hours. The rate of transpiration in the seedlings of Pinus silvestris attained very low levels at 3 and between 6 and 8 a.m. and between 6 and 8 p.m. (see Figs 3 and 8).     

Influence of a variation potential on photosynthesis in pumpkin seedlings (Cucurbita pepo L.)

The influence of a variation potential on photosynthesis in pumpkin seedlings (Cucurbita pepo L.) was investigated in our work. It was shown that the variation potential induced by cotyledon burning propagates into a leaf. It decreases CO₂ assimilation and transpiration as well as increases nonphotochemical quenching. Investigation of isolated chloroplasts showed that lowering of the pH in incubation medium from 6.9–7.2 to 6.5 increases nonphotochemical quenching. It was proposed that lowering of the cytoplasmic pH induced by the variation potential takes place in the photosynthetic response development.     

Importance of Aerodynamic Resistance to Water Use Efficiency in Three Conifers under Field Conditions

The quantitative importance of aerodynamic resistance to H₂O vapor and CO₂ exchange was determined for shoots from saplings of three conifers (Abies lasiocarpa [Hook] Nutt., Pinus contorta Dougl., Juniperus communis L.) under natural conditions in the field. A combination of relatively low stomatal resistances (<300 seconds per centimeter) and low wind speeds (<30 centimeters per second) led to substantial contributions of the aerodynamic resistance (R_wv^a) to water use efficiency (WUE = photosynthesis/transpiration) for all three species. For A. lasiocarpa, transpiration was calculated to be 44% less and photosynthesis 17% less due to the presence of R_wv^a, which led to a predicted increase in WUE of 57% compared to the calculated WUE when R_wv^a was assumed negligible. Similar increases in WUE were computed for P. contorta (48%) with somewhat smaller values for J. communis (34%). These results are discussed in terms of the estimated importance of R_wv^a on water and photosynthetic relations of plants that have relatively low stomatal resistances and grow in microhabitats with low winds.     

The Effect of Cadmium on Net Photosynthesis, Transpiration, and Dark Respiration of Excised Silver Maple Leaves

Excised leaves of silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.) exposed to 0, 0.045, 0.090, or 0.180 mM Cd²⁴ exhibited reduced net photosynthesis and transpiration, and increased dark respiration. Rates of net photosynthesis and transpiration diminished with time and were strongly correlated with solution concentration and tissue content of Cd²⁴, Net photosynthesis and transpiration were reduced to 18 and 21%, respectively, of the untreated controls after 64 h. Dark respiration increased as much as 193% of the untreated controls but was poorly correlated with solution concentration or tissue content of Cd²⁴, Diffusive resistances of leaves to carbon dioxide and water vapor transfer increased with both increasing Cd²⁴ concentration and time. These findings are discussed in relation to stomatal function.     

Root hydraulic conductance,gas exchange and leaf water potential in seedlings of Pistacia lentiscus L. and Quercus suber L. grown under different fertilization and light regimes

Differences in morphology, biomass allocations and physiological responses were investigated in seedlings of Mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus L.) and Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) submitted to contrasting fertilization and light regimes during early growth. These species are two evergreen sclerophyllous Mediterranean species frequently used in Mediterranean reforestation programmes. Fertilization was the treatment that affected most of the morphological and physiological variables evaluated in P. lentiscus and Q. suber seedlings. Leaf area and specific leaf area (SLA) were affected by shading treatment in both species, showing higher values in seedlings grown under shade. P. lentiscus seedlings showed a high capacity to modify root morphological variables and root hydraulic conductance (K_R) with the fertilization treatment. In contrast, Q. suber showed low to moderate root system changes with the treatments applied, although the fertilization level affected biomass allocation (i.e., root to shoot ratio) in both species. Under high water demand, P. lentiscus seedlings with high K_R allowed transpiration (E) to increase without increasing the water potential gradient between soil and leaves. In Q. suber, high fertilization induced significant increases in photosynthesis (A), as well as a tendency to increase E with significantly lower leaf water potential (ψ_L).     

Investigations on Net CO2 Assimilation, Transpiration and Root Growth of Fagus sylvatica Infested with Four Different Phytophthora Species

Abstract: In this contribution, we compare the influence of four different Phytophthora species on root development, net CO₂ assimilation and transpiration of beech seedlings and saplings. Some few days after inoculation, photosynthesis and transpiration of seedlings infected with either P. citricola or P. cambivora were strongly reduced. In parallel, about 60 % of their root systems was destroyed compared to control plants. Three weeks after infection, all seedlings were dead, showing severe wilt symptoms on leaves. Remarkably, P. syringae and P. undulata infected seedlings and older beech plants did not differ from controls regarding photosynthesis and transpiration, although the root systems were damaged. However, a significant influence on net CO₂ assimilation and transpiration of P. citricola infected beech saplings was visible after bud break in the following year. Some days before plants started to wilt, photosynthesis and transpiration were reduced to almost zero. Water use efficiency data (WUE) clearly indicated that infected plants suffered from severe drought.     

Exogenous 24-epibrassinolide ameliorates high temperature-induced inhibition of growth and photosynthesis in Cucumis melo

This study was carried out to better understand the role of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) in thermotolerance of melon (Cucumis melo L.). The melon seedlings were pretreated with various concentrations of EBR (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg dm^?3) as foliar spray and then exposed to a high temperature (HT) stress. Exogenous EBR (0.5–1.5 mg dm^?3) alleviated HT-caused growth suppression. In parallel, 1.0 mg dm^?3 EBR attenuated the decrease in chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem (PS) II, quantum yield of PS II, and photochemical quenching of chlorophyll a fluorescence in HT-stressed plants, and inhibited transpiration rate and non-photochemical quenching. Furthermore, exogenous EBR also significantly reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the content of soluble proteins and free proline, and activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase under the HT stress. The results show that protective effects of EBR against the HT stress in the melon seedlings were most likely mediated through the improvement of photosynthesis and the stimulation of antioxidant capacity.     

海岸不同坡向滨麦光合特性与风速异质环境的关系

在自然条件下,测定分析了夏季和秋季静风天及秋季大风天,海岸沙丘不同坡向环境因子及滨麦株高、叶片叶绿素含量、土壤含水量和光合日变化特性,以期明晰滨麦响应不同风速环境的生理调控机理。结果表明,不同坡向环境异质性明显,滨麦形态可塑性强。海岸迎风坡风大、温度低、湿度大,滨麦植株低矮、叶绿素含量较高;背风坡温度高、土壤干旱、空气流动差,滨麦植株高大,叶绿素含量低。在夏秋季静风天,迎风坡和背风坡滨麦叶片Pn出现光合"午休"现象,但迎风坡滨麦日均Gs、Tr、Pn均显著高于背风坡;而在秋季大风天,迎风坡和背风坡滨麦叶片Pn"午休"现象消失,并且背风坡滨麦日均Pn、Tr、Gs均显著高于迎风坡滨麦。同坡向相比,秋季大风天迎风坡滨麦日均Pn、Tr、Gs明显较秋季静风天低,而背风坡滨麦日均叶片Pn、Tr、Gs却较静风天分别增高126%、66.3%、134%。强海风吹袭引发迎风坡温度降低、滨麦叶片摇摆、气孔导度降低导致Pn下降,而强海风使背风坡空气流动加快、温度降低、气孔导度增大、"午休"消失使Pn增高。不同坡向滨麦对不同海风风速的适应表现出明显的光合生理可塑性,它在滨麦适应不同风力、提高其光合速率和增加物质积累上具有重要作用。而滨麦的形态和光合生理可塑性可能是其在不同海风强度下生存、生长、实现种群扩张的重要生理调控机理,这一特性在未来作物、牧草和树木抗风、抗盐育种中具有重要应用价值。     

山黧豆幼苗对干旱胁迫的生理响应

用PEG6000模拟干旱对山黧豆进行胁迫。结果发现,胁迫初期（0~48 h）,突然的水分亏缺使气孔导度（Sc）和蒸腾速率（Tr）迅速下降,而净光合速率（Pn）和水分有效利用率（WUE）基本维持稳定。胁迫后期（48~108 h）,上述四个光合指标均不同程度地向对照水平恢复;脯氨酸和相对电导率（REC）受胁迫强度影响较小,但与胁迫时间呈明显正相关,分别在48和60 h增幅最大,而且当REC上升至对照的50%左右时,脯氨酸含量已达对照的14倍之多。由此认为,山黧豆可能主要通过迅速减小Sc和Tr以及大量而急剧的积累脯氨酸来减轻干旱所造成的伤害。     

不同强度净风频繁吹袭对樟子松(Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica)幼苗光合蒸腾特征的影响

为了解不同强度净风频繁吹袭对樟子松幼苗光合蒸腾特性的影响,2013年春季在内蒙古科尔沁沙地研究了0(对照)、6、9、12、15、18 m/s等6个风速处理(分别相当于0、4、5、6、7、8级风)4次吹袭下樟子松幼苗光合速率、蒸腾速率、水分利用效率等指标的变化。结果表明,净风频繁吹袭没有改变樟子松幼苗的光合速率和蒸腾速率的日变化规律,但可使其光合蒸腾的"午休"时间加长、"休眠"程度加深;随着风吹强度的增加,其日均光合能力和蒸腾速率显著降低,其中18 m/s处理较对照分别下降27.6%和22.3%;随着风吹强度增加,气孔导度、胞间CO_2浓度均先下降后回升,除18 m/s处理胞间CO_2浓度显著高于CK外,其他处理均显著低于CK;随着风吹强度增加,水分利用效率和光能利用效率均先增加后下降,其中除18 m/s处理的水分利用效率显著低于CK,6 m/s处理的光能利用效率高于CK外,其他处理的水分利用效率均高于CK,光能利用效率均低于CK;日均光合蒸腾速率的下降主要源于气孔导度的降低,而水分利用效率和光能利用效率的变化均受制于光合速率和蒸腾速率的变化。     

Overaccumulation of glycine betaine enhances tolerance to drought and heat stress in wheat leaves in the protection of photosynthesis

We investigated the different responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants to drought- (DS) and heat stress (HS), and analyzed the physiological mechanisms of glycine betaine (GB) involved in the improvement of wheat tolerance to the combination of these stresses. The transgenic wheat T6 line was generated by introducing a gene encoding betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) into the wild-type (WT) Shi4185 line. The gene was cloned from the Garden Orache plant (Atriplex hortensis L.). Wheat seedlings were subjected to drought stress (30%, PEG-6000), heat stress (40°C), and their combination. Photosynthetic gas exchange, water status and lipid peroxidation of wheat leaves were examined under different stresses. When subjected to a combination of drought and heat, the inhibition of photosynthesis was significantly increased compared to that under DS or HS alone. The increased inhibition of photosynthesis by the combined stresses was not simply the additive stress effect of separate heat- and drought treatments; different responses in plant physiology to DS and HS were also found. HS decreased the chlorophyll (Chl) content, net photosynthetic rate (P _N), carboxylation efficiency (CE) and apparent quantum yield (AQY) more than DS but DS decreased the transpiration rate (E), stomata conductance (g _s) and intercellular CO₂ concentration (C _i) more than HS. GB over-accumulation led to increased photosynthesis not only under individual DS or HS but also under their combination. The enhancement of antioxidant activity and the improvement of water status may be the mechanisms underlying the improvement of photosynthesis by GB in wheat plants.     

德国鸢尾对Cd胁迫的生理生态响应及积累特性

通过盆栽研究了Cd胁迫下德国鸢尾的生长状况、生态效应、生理特性及吸收和富集Cd的能力.结果表明:德国鸢尾对小于5 mg/kg的Cd有较强的耐性,适用于城区土壤修复;Cd浓度大于5 mg/kg时抑制德国鸢尾生长,降低了其生态效应.随着Cd浓度的增大,德国鸢尾根系活力、叶绿素含量和含水量逐渐降低,游离脯氨酸和可溶性糖含量先升高后降低,细胞膜透性逐渐升高.Cd在德国鸢尾体内分布为根系＞地上部分,随着Cd浓度的增大,德国鸢尾根系和地上部分Cd积累浓度逐渐升高、富集系数和转运系数逐渐降低;Cd浓度为20 mg/kg时德国鸢尾对Cd的积累量最大,为2.122 mg/plant.     

Effects of NaCl stress on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of Ulmus pumila L. seedlings in sand culture

The effects of NaCl stress on the growth and photosynthetic characters of Ulmus pumila L. seedlings were investigated under sand culture condition. With increasing NaCl concentration, main stem height, branch number, leaf number, and leaf area declined, while Na⁺ content and the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in both expanded and expanding leaves increased. Na⁺ content was significantly higher in expanded leaves than in those just expanding. Chlorophyll (Chl) a and Chl b contents declined as NaCl concentration increased. The net photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO₂ concentration, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate also declined, but stomatal limitation value increased as NaCl concentration increased. Both the maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry and the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry declined as NaCl concentration rose. These results suggest that the accumulation of Na⁺ in already expanded leaves might reduce damage to the expanding leaves and help U. pumila endure high salinity. The reduced photosynthesis in response to salt stress was mainly caused by stomatal limitation.     

Limitation of acetylene reduction (nitrogen fixation) by photosynthesis in soybean having low water potentials

The role of photosynthesis and transpiration in the desiccation-induced inhibition of acetylene reduction (nitrogen fixation) was investigated in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr. var. Beeson) using an apparatus that permitted simultaneous measurements of acetylene reduction, net photosynthesis, and transpiration. The inhibition of acetylene reduction caused by low water potentials and their aftereffects could be reproduced by depriving shoots of atmospheric CO₂ even though the soil remained at water potentials that should have favored rapid acetylene reduction. The inhibition of acetylene reduction at low water potentials could be partially reversed by exposing the shoots to high CO₂ concentrations. When transpiration was varied independently of photosynthesis and dark respiration in plants having high water potentials, no effects on acetylene reduction could be observed. There was no correlation between transpiration and acetylene reduction in the CO₂ experiments. Therefore, the correlation that was observed between transpiration and acetylene reduction during desiccation was fortuitous. We conclude that the inhibition of shoot photosynthesis accounted for the inhibition of nodule acetylene reduction at low water potentials.