Evidence of the Photosynthetic Origin of Monoterpenes Emitted by Quercus ilex L. Leaves by 13C Labeling

The carbon of the four main monoterpenes emitted by Quercus ilex L. leaves was completely labeled with 13C after a 20-min feeding with 99% 13CO2. This labeling time course is comparable with the labeling time course of isoprene, the terpenoid emitted by other Quercus species and synthesized in leaf chloroplasts. It is also comparable with that of phosphoglyceric acid. Our experiment therefore provides evidence that monoterpenes emitted by Q. ilex are formed from photosynthesis intermediates and may share the same synthetic pathway with isoprene. By analyzing the rate and the distribution of labeling in the different fragments, we looked for evidence of differential carbon labeling in the [alpha]-pinene emitted. However, the labeling pattern was quite uniform in the different fragments, suggesting that the carbon skeleton of the emitted monoterpenes comes from a unique carbon source.     

12CO2 emission from different metabolic pathways measured in illuminated and darkened C3 and C4 leaves at low,atmospheric and elevated CO2 concentration

The detection of 12CO2 emission from leaves in air containing 13CO2 allows simple and fast determination of the CO2 emitted by different sources, which are separated on the basis of their labelling velocity. This technique was exploited to investigate the controversial effect of CO2 concentration on mitochondrial respiration. The 12CO2 emission was measured in illuminated and darkened leaves of one C4 plant and three C3 plants maintained at low (30-50 ppm), atmospheric (350-400 ppm) and elevated (700-800 ppm) CO2 concentration. In C3 leaves, the 12CO2 emission in the light (Rd) was low at ambient CO2 and was further quenched in elevated CO2, when it was often only 20-30% of the 12CO2 emission in the dark, interpreted as the mitochondrial respiration in the dark (Rn). Rn was also reduced in elevated CO2. At low CO2, Rd was often 70-80% of Rn, and a burst of 12CO2 was observed on darkening leaves of Mentha sativa and Phragmites australis after exposure for 4 min to 13CO2 in the light. The burst was partially removed at low oxygen and was never observed in C4 leaves, suggesting that it may be caused by incomplete labelling of the photorespiratory pool at low CO2. This pool may be low in sclerophyllous leaves, as in Quercus ilex where no burst was observed. Rd was inversely associated with photosynthesis, suggesting that the Rd/Rn ratio reflects the refixation of respiratory CO2 by photosynthesizing leaves rather than the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in the light, and that CO2 produced by mitochondrial respiration in the light is mostly emitted at low CO2, and mostly refixed at elevated CO2. In the leaves of the C4 species Zea mays, the 12CO2 emission in the light also remained low at low CO2, suggesting efficient CO2 refixation associated with sustained photosynthesis in non-photorespiratory conditions. However, Rn was inhibited in CO2-free air, and the velocity of 12CO2 emission after darkening was inversely associated with the CO2 concentration. The emission may be modulated by the presence of post-illumination CO2 uptake deriving from temporary imbalance between C3 and C4 metabolism. These experiments suggest that this uptake lasts longer at low CO2 and that the imbalance is persistent once it has been generated by exposure to low CO2.     

Sensitivity of terpene emissions to drought and fertilization in terpene-storing Pinus halepensis and non-storing Quercus ilex

We studied the effects of water stress, fertilization and time course on foliar volatile terpene emission rates by Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis in a garden experiment. The terpenes mostly emitted by both species were α -pinene, β -pinene, β -myrcene and Δ³-carene. P. halepensis emission rates (average 31.45 μg g⁻¹ DM h⁻¹) were similar to those of Q. ilex (average 31.71 μg g⁻¹ DM h⁻¹). The effects of drought (reduction to one-third of full watering) and fertilization (250 kg N ha⁻¹, 250 kg P ha⁻¹, or both) were different depending on the species: the drought treatment significantly increased the terpene emissions from Q. ilex by 33%, and the fertilization treatments reduced the terpene emissions from P. halepensis by 38%. Terpene emission rates increased with time course in parallel to raising summer temperatures in P. halepensis and Q. ilex , whose emission rates were temperature related (r = 0.42 and r = 0.68, respectively) and light related (r = 0.32 and r = 0.57, respectively). There was a positive relationship for P. halepensis , and a negative relationship for Q. ilex, between emission rates and relative water contents. No relationship was found between emission rates and N or P foliar concentrations. The results of this study show complex species-specific responses with stronger and faster short-term responses in terpene-non-storing than in storing species and indicate that terpene emissions may significantly change in the warmer, drier and more fertilized conditions predicted for the next decades in the Mediterranean region.     

Seasonal pattern of monoterpene synthase activities in leaves of the evergreen tree Quercus ilex

Monoterpene synthase activities were measured in current year and 1-year-old leaves of holm oak ( Quercus ilex L.). The monoterpene synthase activities of the leaves strongly changed with leaf development and leaf age. Enzyme activities increased rapidly in spring after leaf emergence, reaching maximum values in summer, which declined during the following winter period. In the next spring monoterpene synthase activities recovered in the old leaves to about one-third of values in the previous years and showed a similar seasonal variation as in young leaves. In both leaf age classes the pattern of enzymatic monoterpene formation was stable with α-pinene (33%), β-pinene (28%), and myrcene (26%) as prominent compounds followed by minor fractions of sabinene (10%) and limonene (3%). Monoterpene emission correlated with the activity of the synthetizing enzymes, indicating that monoterpene synthase activities in Q. ilex reflect the seasonal monoterpene emission potential of the leaves.     

Emission of isoprene from salt-stressed Eucalyptus globulus leaves

Eucalyptus spp. are among the highest isoprene emitting plants. In the Mediterranean area these plants are often cultivated along the seashore and cope with recurrent salt stress. Transient salinity may severely but reversibly reduce photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of Eucalyptus globulus leaves but the effect on isoprene emission is not significant. When the stress is relieved, a burst of isoprene emission occurs, simultaneously with the recovery of photosynthetic performance. Later on, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and isoprene emission decay, probably because of the onset of leaf senescence. Isoprene emission is not remarkably affected by the stress at different light intensities, CO(2) concentrations, and leaf temperatures. When CO(2) was removed and O(2) was lowered to inhibit both photosynthesis and photorespiration, we found that the residual emission is actually higher in salt-stressed leaves than in controls. This stimulation is particularly evident at high-light intensities and high temperatures. The maximum emission occurs at 40 degrees C in both salt-stressed and control leaves sampled in ambient air and in control leaves sampled in CO(2)-free and low-O(2) air. However, the maximum emission occurs at 45 degrees C in salt-stressed leaves sampled in CO(2)-free and low-O(2) air. Our results suggest the activation of alternative non-photosynthetic pathways of isoprene synthesis in salt-stressed leaves and perhaps in general in leaves exposed to stress conditions. The temperature dependence indicates that this alternative synthesis is also under enzymatic control. If this alternative synthesis still occurs in the chloroplasts, it may involve a thylakoid-bound isoprene synthase.     

Photosynthesis, productivity, and yield of maize are not affected by open-air elevation of CO2 concentration in the absence of drought

While increasing temperatures and altered soil moisture arising from climate change in the next 50 years are projected to decrease yield of food crops, elevated CO2 concentration ([CO2]) is predicted to enhance yield and offset these detrimental factors. However, C4 photosynthesis is usually saturated at current [CO2] and theoretically should not be stimulated under elevated [CO2]. Nevertheless, some controlled environment studies have reported direct stimulation of C4 photosynthesis and productivity, as well as physiological acclimation, under elevated [CO2]. To test if these effects occur in the open air and within the Corn Belt, maize (Zea mays) was grown in ambient [CO2] (376 micromol mol(-1)) and elevated [CO2] (550 micromol mol(-1)) using Free-Air Concentration Enrichment technology. The 2004 season had ideal growing conditions in which the crop did not experience water stress. In the absence of water stress, growth at elevated [CO2] did not stimulate photosynthesis, biomass, or yield. Nor was there any CO2 effect on the activity of key photosynthetic enzymes, or metabolic markers of carbon and nitrogen status. Stomatal conductance was lower (-34%) and soil moisture was higher (up to 31%), consistent with reduced crop water use. The results provide unique field evidence that photosynthesis and production of maize may be unaffected by rising [CO2] in the absence of drought. This suggests that rising [CO2] may not provide the full dividend to North American maize production anticipated in projections of future global food supply.     

The Effect of Leaf Temperature and Photorespiratory Conditions on Export of Sugars during Steady-State Photosynthesis in Salvia splendens

Export and photosynthesis in leaves of Salvia splendens were measured concurrently during steady-state 14CO2 labeling conditions. Under ambient CO2 and O2 conditions, photosynthesis and export rates were similar at 15 and 25[deg]C, but both declined as leaf temperature was raised from 25 to 40[deg]C. Suppressing photorespiration between 15 and 40[deg]C by manipulating CO2 and O2 levels resulted in higher rates of leaf photosynthesis, total sugar synthesis, and export. There was a linear relationship between the rate of photosynthesis and the rate of export between 15 and 35[deg]C. At these temperatures, 60 to 80% of the carbon fixed was readily exported with sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose, which together constituted over 90% of phloem mobile assimilates. Above 35[deg]C, however, export during photosynthesis was inhibited both in photorespiratory conditions, which inhibited photosynthesis, and in nonphotorespiratory conditions, which did not inhibit photosynthesis. Sucrose and raffinose but not stachyose accumulated in the leaf at 40[deg]C. When leaves were preincubated at 40[deg]C and then cooled to 35[deg]C, export recovered more slowly than photosynthesis. These data are consistent with the view that impairment of export processes, rather than photosynthetic processes associated with light trapping, carbon reduction, and sucrose synthesis, accounted for the marked reduction in export between 35 and 40[deg]C. Taken together, the data indicated that temperature changes between 15 and 40[deg]C had two effects on photosynthesis and concurrent export. At all temperatures, suppressing photorespiration increased both photosynthesis and export, but above 35[deg]C, export processes were more directly inhibited independent of changes in photorespiration and photosynthesis.     

Profiles of isoprene emission and photosynthetic parameters in hybrid poplars exposed to free‐air CO2 enrichment†

Poplar (Populus × euroamericana) saplings were grown in the field to study the changes of photosynthesis and isoprene emission with leaf ontogeny in response to free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) and soil nutrient availability. Plants growing in elevated [CO₂] produced more leaves than those in ambient [CO₂]. The rate of leaf expansion was measured by comparing leaves along the plant profile. Leaf expansion and nitrogen concentration per unit of leaf area was similar between nutrient treatment, and this led to similar source–sink functional balance. Consequently, soil nutrient availability did not cause downward acclimation of photosynthetic capacity in elevated [CO₂] and did not affect isoprene synthesis. Photosynthesis assessed in growth [CO₂] was higher in plants growing in elevated than in ambient [CO₂]. After normalizing for the different number of leaves over the profile, maximal photosynthesis was reached and started to decline earlier in elevated than in ambient [CO₂]. This may indicate a [CO₂]‐driven acceleration of leaf maturity and senescence. Isoprene emission was adversely affected by elevated [CO₂]. When measured on the different leaves of the profile, isoprene peak emission was higher and was reached earlier in ambient than in elevated [CO₂]. However, a larger number of leaves was emitting isoprene in plant growing in elevated [CO₂]. When integrating over the plant profile, emissions in the two [CO₂] levels were not different. Normalization as for photosynthesis showed that profiles of isoprene emission were remarkably similar in the two [CO₂] levels, with peak emissions at the centre of the profile. Only the rate of increase of the emission of young leaves may have been faster in elevated than in ambient [CO₂]. Our results indicate that elevated [CO₂] may overall have a limited effect on isoprene emission from young seedlings and that plants generally regulate the emission to reach the maximum at the centre of the leaf profile, irrespective of the total leaf number. In comparison with leaf expansion and photosynthesis, isoprene showed marked and repeatable differences among leaves of the profile and may therefore be a useful trait to accurately monitor changes of leaf ontogeny as a consequence of elevated [CO₂].     

Seasonal patterns of terpene content and emission from seven Mediterranean woody species in field conditions

The seasonal pattern of terpene content and emission by seven Mediterranean woody species was studied under field conditions. Emission rates were normalized at 30°C and 1000 μmol·m·s PFD (photosynthetic photon flux density). Bupleurum fruticosum, Pinus halepensis, and Cistus albidus stored large amounts of terpenes (0.01-1.77% [dry matter]) with maximum values in autumn and minimum values in spring. They emitted large amounts of terpenes (2-40 μg·g DM·h), but with no clear seasonal trend except for Cistus albidus, which had maximum values in spring and minimum values in autumn. The nonstoring species Arbutus unedo, Erica arborea, Quercus coccifera and Quercus ilex also emitted large amounts of terpenes (0-40 μg·g DM·h) and also tended to present maximum emission rates in spring, although this trend was significant only for A. unedo. At the seasonal scale, emission rates did not follow changes in photosynthetic rates; instead, they mostly followed changes in temperature. From autumn to spring, the least volatile monoterpenes such as limonene were emitted at highest rates, whereas the most volatile monoterpenes such as α-pinene and β-pinene were the most emitted in summer. The monoterpene emission rates represented a greater percentage of the photosynthetic carbon fixation in summer (from 0.51% in Arbutus unedo to 5.64% in Quercus coccifera) than in the rest of the seasons. All these seasonality trends must be considered when inventorying and modeling annual emission rates in Mediterranean ecosystems.     

Characterization of juvenile and adult leaves of Eucalyptus globulus showing distinct heteroblastic development: photosynthesis and volatile isoprenoids

Heteroblastic Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus L.) leaves were characterized for their functional diversity examining photosynthesis and photosynthesis limitations, transpiration, and the emission of isoprene and monoterpenes. In vivo and combined analyses of gas-exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and light absorbance at 830 nm were made on the adaxial and abaxial sides of juvenile and adult leaves. When adult leaves were reversed to illuminate the abaxial side, photosynthesis and isoprene emission were significantly lower than when the adaxial side was illuminated. Monoterpene emission, however, was independent on the side illuminated and similarly partitioned between the two leaf sides. The abaxial side of adult leaves showed less diffusive resistance to CO(2) acquisition by chloroplasts, but also lower ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity, than the adaxial leaf side. In juvenile leaves, photosynthesis, isoprene, and monoterpene emissions were similar when the adaxial or abaxial side was directly illuminated. In the abaxial side of juvenile leaves, photosynthesis did not match the rates attained by the other leaf types when exposed to elevated CO(2), which suggests the occurrence of a limitation of photosynthesis by ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration. Accordingly, a reduced efficiency of both photosystems and a high non-radiative dissipation of energy was observed in the abaxial side of juvenile leaves. During light induction, the adaxial side of juvenile leaves also showed a reduced efficiency of photosystem II and a large non-radiative energy dissipation. Our report reveals distinct functional properties in Eucalyptus leaves. Juvenile leaves invest more carbon in isoprene, but not in monoterpenes, and have a lower water use efficiency than adult leaves. Under steady-state conditions, in adult leaves the isobilateral anatomy does not correspond to an equal functionality of the two sides, while in juvenile leaves the dorsiventral anatomy does not result in functional differences in primary or secondary metabolism in the two sides. However, photochemical limitations may reduce the efficiency of carbon fixation in the light, especially in the abaxial side of juvenile leaves.     

Stomatal development in new leaves is related to the stomatal conductance of mature leaves in poplar (Populus trichocarpaxP. deltoides)

In general, stomatal density (SD) decreases when plants are grown at high CO2 concentrations. Recent studies suggest that signals produced from mature leaves regulate the SD of expanding leaves. To determine the underlying driver of these signals in poplar (Populus trichocarpaxP. deltoides) saplings, a cuvette system was used whereby the environment around mature (lower) leaves could be controlled independently of that around developing (upper) leaves. A series of experiments were performed in which the CO2 concentration, vapour pressure deficit (D), and irradiance (Q) around the lower leaves were varied while the (ambient) conditions around the upper leaves were unchanged. The overall objective was to break the nexus between leaf stomatal conductance and transpiration and photosynthesis rates of lower leaves and determine which, if any, of these parameters regulate stomatal development in the upper expanding leaves. SD, stomatal index (SI), and epidermal cell density (ED) were measured on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of fully expanded upper leaves. SD and SI decreased with increasing lower leaf CO2 concentration (150-780 ppm) at both ambient (1.3-1.6 kPa) and low (0.7-1.0 kPa) D. SD and SI at low D were generally higher than at ambient D. By contrast, ED was relatively insensitive to both vapour pressure and CO2 concentration. When lower leaves were shaded, upper leaf SD, SI, and ED decreased but did not change with varying CO2 concentration. These results suggest that epidermal cell development and stomatal development are regulated by different physiological mechanisms. SI of the upper leaves was positively and highly correlated (r2>0.84) with the stomatal conductance of the lower leaves independent of their net photosynthesis and transpiration rates, suggesting that the stomatal conductance of mature leaves has a regulatory effect on the stomatal development of expanding leaves.     

Effect of ouabain on stomatal movements and transpiration rate of Secale cereale

Young rye seedlings (Secale cereale cv. Petkus) were grown for 12 or 18 din aerated nutrient solution. CO2-free air in light or in darkness induced stomatal opening. When light and CO2-free air were applied together, maximum stomatal opening was observed. Na+ channel inhibitor [3H]ouabain was taken up from nutrient medium and translocated into the leaves via the xylem sap. The presence of 10-5 M ouabain in the root medium for 20 h increased stomatal opening and transpiration rate. On the other hand, stomatal closing was not affected by the presence of ouabain. These results suggested that Na+ might play a role in stomatal movements. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Experimental Study and Mathematical Simulation of Water Use Efficiency in Wheat Leaves Affected by Some Environmental Factors

By incorporating Ball-Berry model of stomatal conductance into the models of photosynthesis and transpiration, a model of leaf water use efficiency (WUE) as affected by several environmental variables [irradiance (Ⅰ), vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and atmospheric CO2 concentration (Ca) ] was constructed. Because the environmental variables influenced the photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate in different ways, the changes of leaf WUE with these factors were quite complicated. The rates of photosynthesis and transpiration of wheat leaves were also measured in the phytotron where the environmental variables were kept within certain ranges, and leaf WUE was calculated therefrom. The results of simulation fit quite well with the measurements except at high Ca.     

Photosynthesis, Soluble and Structural Carbon Compounds in Two Mediterranean Oak Species (Quercus pubescens and Q. ilex) after Lifetime Growth at Naturally Elevated CO2 Concentrations

Abstract: To study physiological responses of mature forest trees to elevated CO₂ after lifetime growth under elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations ( p CO₂), photosynthesis, Rubisco content, foliar concentrations of soluble sugars and starch, sugar concentrations in transport tissues (phloem and xylem), structural biomass, and lignin in leaves and branches were investigated in 30- to 50-year-old Quercus pubescens and Q. ilex trees grown at two naturally elevated CO₂ springs in Italy. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase content was decreased in Q. pubescens grown under elevated CO₂ concentrations, but not in Q. ilex. Photosynthesis was consistently higher in Q. pubescens grown at elevated CO₂ as compared with "control" sites, whereas the response in Q. ilex was less pronounced. Stomatal conductance was lower in both species leading to decreased transpiration and increased instantaneous water use efficiency in Q. pubescens. Overall mean sugar + starch concentrations of the leaves were not affected by elevated p CO₂, but phloem exudates contained higher concentrations of soluble sugars. This finding suggests increased transport to sinks. Qualitative changes in major carbon-bearing compounds, such as structural biomass and lignins, were only found in bark but not in other tissues. These results support the concept that the maintenance of increased rates of photosynthesis after long-term acclimation to elevated p CO₂ provides a means of optimization of water relations under arid climatic conditions but does not cause an increase in aboveground carbon sequestration per unit of tissue in Mediterranean oak species.     

松嫩草地全叶马兰夏季与秋季光合及蒸腾作用的比较

在生长季晴天条件下,夏季和秋季松嫩草地全叶马兰的光合,蒸腾作用的日变化均为双峰曲线,但不同季节有所差异,夏季日均净光合速率与蒸腾速率均高于秋季,光合和蒸腾作用与环境因子的植物内部因子之间有密切关系。分析表明,叶片净光合速率与有效光辐射呈极显著相关,与气孔阻力,胞间CO2呈负相关;蒸腾速率与有效光辐射呈极显著相关,与叶温,饱和差呈正相关,与气孔阻力,胞间CO2浓度呈负相关,有效光辐射是影响光合和蒸腾作用诸因子中的主导因子,而气孔阻力变化则在调节光合和蒸腾中起着重要作用,蒸腾速率午降主要由于光辐射强,叶温高,湿度低,植物体缺水,气孔部分关闭所致。     

High glycolate oxidase activity is required for survival of maize in normal air

A mutant in the maize (Zea mays) Glycolate Oxidase1 (GO1) gene was characterized to investigate the role of photorespiration in C4 photosynthesis. An Activator-induced allele of GO1 conditioned a seedling lethal phenotype when homozygous and had 5% to 10% of wild-type GO activity. Growth of seedlings in high CO2 (1%-5%) was sufficient to rescue the mutant phenotype. Upon transfer to normal air, the go1 mutant became necrotic within 7 d and plants died within 15 d. Providing [1-14C]glycolate to leaf tissue of go1 mutants in darkness confirmed that the substrate is inefficiently converted to 14CO2, but both wild-type and GO-deficient mutant seedlings metabolized [1-14C]glycine similarly to produce [14C]serine and 14CO2 in a 1:1 ratio, suggesting that the photorespiratory pathway is otherwise normal in the mutant. The net CO2 assimilation rate in wild-type leaves was only slightly inhibited in 50% O2 in high light but decreased rapidly and linearly with time in leaves with low GO. When go1 mutants were shifted from high CO2 to air in light, they accumulated glycolate linearly for 6 h to levels 7-fold higher than wild type and 11-fold higher after 25 h. These studies show that C4 photosynthesis in maize is dependent on photorespiration throughout seedling development and support the view that the carbon oxidation pathway evolved to prevent accumulation of toxic glycolate.     

Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Metabolism by the Glycollate Pathway in Leaves

When solutions of [¹⁴C]glycollate, glycine, serine, glycerate,or glucose were supplied to segments of wheat leaves throughtheir cut bases in the light, most of the ¹⁴C was incorporatedinto sucrose in air but in CO₂-free air less sucrose was made.The synthesis of sucrose was decreased because metabolism ofserine was partly blocked. Sucrose synthesis from glucose andglycerate in CO₂-free air was decreased but to a smaller extent;relatively more CO₂ was evolved and serine accumulated. Theeffects of DCMU and light of different wavelengths on metabolismby leaves of L-[U-¹⁴C]serine confirmed that simultaneous photosyntheticassimilation of carbon was necessary for the conversion of serineto sucrose. Of various products of photosynthesis fed exogenouslyto the leaves -keto acids were the most effective in promotingphotosynthesis of sucrose and release of ¹⁴CO₂ from ¹⁴C-labelledserine. This suggests that in CO₂-free air the metabolism ofserine may be limited by a shortage of -keto acid acceptorsfor the amino group. In CO₂-free air added glucose stimulatedproduction of CO₂ and sucrose from D-[U-¹⁴C]- glycerate andno competitive effects were evident even though glucose is convertedrapidly to sucrose under these conditions. In addition to asupply of keto acid, photosynthesis may also provide substratesthat can be degraded and provide energy in the cytoplasm forthe conversion of glycerate to sugar and phosphates and sucrose.     

Does elevated atmospheric [CO2] alter diurnal C uptake and the balance of C and N metabolites in growing and fully expanded soybean leaves?

Increases in growth at elevated [CO2] may be constrained by a plant's ability to assimilate the nutrients needed for new tissue in sufficient quantity to match the increase in carbon fixation and/or the ability to transport those nutrients and carbon in sufficient quantity to growing organs and tissues. Analysis of metabolites provides an indication of shifts in carbon and nitrogen partitioning due to rising atmospheric [CO2] and can help identify where bottlenecks in carbon utilization occur. In this study, the carbon and nitrogen balance was investigated in growing and fully expanded soybean leaves exposed to elevated [CO2] in a free air CO2 enrichment experiment. Diurnal photosynthesis and diurnal profiles of carbon and nitrogen metabolites were measured during two different crop growth stages. Diurnal carbon gain was increased by c. 20% in elevated [CO2] in fully expanded leaves, which led to significant increases in leaf hexose, sucrose, and starch contents. However, there was no detectable difference in nitrogen-rich amino acids and ureides in mature leaves. By contrast to mature leaves, developing leaves had high concentrations of ureides and amino acids relative to low concentrations of carbohydrates. Developing leaves at elevated [CO2] had smaller pools of ureides compared with developing leaves at ambient [CO2], which suggests N assimilation in young leaves was improved by elevated [CO2]. This work shows that elevated [CO2] alters the balance of carbon and nitrogen pools in both mature and growing soybean leaves, which could have down-stream impacts on growth and productivity.     

CO2浓度升高和不同氮源对紫茎泽兰生长及光合特性的影响

大气CO2浓度升高和植物入侵是全世界面临的两大重要问题。CO2浓度升高促进植物的光合作用,但在某些植物中,这种促进作用出现在短期高浓度CO2下,而在长期高浓度CO2处理下消失（称为CO2驯化）,被认为源于高浓度CO2对光呼吸和NO-3同化的抑制。通过比较研究不同形式氮源（全氮、硝态氮）和短期（8 days）、长期（40 days）CO2浓度升高处理对入侵植物紫茎泽兰生理特征的影响,结果表明在全氮供应下,短期和长期CO2浓度升高均促进了紫茎泽兰的光合;氨态氮缺失情况下,长期CO2浓度升高促进紫茎泽兰的光合,而短期CO2浓度升高对紫茎泽兰的光合没有促进作用;缺NH＋4下,短期高浓度CO2提高了叶片叶绿素含量,长期CO2升高又使其回复到正常CO2下的较低水平。这些结果表明紫茎泽兰并不会对长期的CO2升高产生驯化,即长期CO2升高会促进紫茎泽兰的光合作用,而且这一促进作用不受土壤中缺NH＋4的影响。鉴于培养介质中缺NH＋4会导致一些植物产生“CO2驯化”,未来CO2浓度升高情况下,在缺NH＋4的土壤中,紫茎泽兰的竞争力可能会更强。