Temperature mitigation strategies in Lepidium latifolium L., a sleeper weed from Ladakh himalayas

Abstract

The plants growing in high altitude Ladakh Himalayas experience significant temperature variations during their vegetative growth. In this study, the photosynthetic response of Lepidium latifolium L., a sleeper weed, was investigated to short term temperature fluctuations. This plant maintained photosynthesis at higher temperatures by modulating the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II. Various physiological mechanisms including VpdL dependent and independent stomatal opening, the increase in the energy fluxes, closing of the reaction centers, and increase in the chlorophyll content play a crucial role in temperature tolerance. An efficient and dynamic non-photochemical quenching involving both zeaxanthin and PsbS dissipated the excess energy during higher temperatures. The degradation of the photosynthetic apparatus is compensated by increased expression of the subunit proteins. Other genetic elements that help in the repair and stabilization of the apparatus were also induced. Allyl isothiocyanate dependent modulation of the stomatal aperture acts as a swift response mechanism for the CO2 exchange and evapotranspirational requirements. Collectively, these processes help mitigate the harmful effects of high temperature on the photosynthetic process. This data will help to strategize the spread of Lepidium latifolium in an ecologically sensitive Ladakh Himalayas during the climate change scenario.