Interaction between light and chilling temperature on the inhibition of photosynthesis in chilling‐sensitive plants*

Abstract

Abstract. Fully expanded leaves of 25°C grown Phaseolus vulgaris and six other species were exposed for 3 h to chilling temperatures at photon flux densities equivalent to full sunlight. In four of the species this treatment resulted in substantial inhibition of the subsequent quantum yield of CO2 uptake, indicating reduction of the photochemical efficiency of photosynthesis. The extent of inhibition was dependent on the photon flux density during chilling and no inhibition occurred when chilling occurred at a low photon flux density. No inhibition occurred at temperatures above 11.5°C, even in the presence of the equivalent of full sunlight. This interaction between chilling and light to cause inhibition of photosynthesis was promoted by the presence of oxygen at normal air partial pressures and was unaffected by the CO2 partial pressure present when chilling occurred in air. When chilling occurred at low O2 partial pressures, CO2 was effective in reducing the degree of inhibition. Apparently, when leaves of chilling‐sensitive plants are exposed to chilling temperatures in air of normal composition then light is instrumental in inducing rapid damage to the photochemical efficiency of photosynthesis.