Leaf photosynthetic parameters of two maize (Zea mays) cultivars in response to various patterns of chilling temperatures and photon flux densities

Chilling‐induced photosynthetic impairment was examined in leaves of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings of two cultivars, one adapted to western Europe and one adapted to Mexican highlands. Three experiments were performed in a controlled environment. The effects of chilling night temperatures, of chilling at high light intensity and of variable chilling day temperatures on photosynthetic parameters, were evaluated. Chilling in the dark period resulted in stomatal limitation of net photosynthesis. Chilling at moderate to high light intensities caused chilling‐dependent photoinhibition of CO₂ uptake. Photobleached maize leaves did not resume normal photosynthetic function. Maize cv. Batan 8686 from the highlands of Mexico was less susceptible to photosynthetic damage than maize cv. Bastion adapted for cultivation in W. Europe, when exposed to chilling night temperatures, or to mild chilling photoinhibitory conditions.