Comparison of Strawberry F. chiloensis and F. ×ananassa in Response to Water Stress: II. Leaf Fluorescence, Chlorophyll Content, and 4th-derivative Spectra

Abstract

Leaf fluorescence characteristics, chlorophyll (Chl) content and 4th-derivative spectra were measured six times before, during, and after water stress development in F. chiloensis and F. ×ananassa grown in growth chambers. The younger strawberry leaves under water stress maintained higher Chl a, Chl b, and total Chl contents than those under nonstressed conditions, while the older ones lost Chl quickly under water stress and then died. In comparison to F. ×ananassa, F. chiloensis had significantly higher Chl a, Chl b, and total Chl contents and peak amplitudes of Cb 630 and Ca 693 in 4th-derivative spectra under stressed and nonstressed conditions. The differences in peak amplitude of Ca 693 between the two species increased under water stress. Fq was the most sensitive fluorescence characteristic to water stress and was reduced significantly under stress. Fm and Fv decreased significantly under more severe water stress. A reduction in Fv suggests that severe water stress might cause thylakoid damage and photoinhibition in the leaves, which resulted in a very depressed CO2 assimilation level. F. chiloensis had significantly higher Ft and Fq before and under water stress development (but not after stress recovery) than F. ×ananassa.