Chlorophyll Fluorescence Kinetics Research Articles

Exogenous melatonin improves seedling health index and drought tolerance in tomato

The melatonin molecule is well-known for its benefits to human health. It also mediates many physiological processes in plants. In the current study, the effects of melatonin on the health index and drought tolerance of tomato seedlings have been investigated. Under drought stress, chlorophyll contents and net rates of photosynthesis in tomato seedlings were significantly decreased. As the stress was prolonged, the kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence was also significantly altered. However, plants pretreated with melatonin (0.1 mM) significantly alleviated these negative outcomes caused by the drought stress and enabled plants to maintain their photosynthetic capacity. The results show that application of melatonin to tomato plants enhances their root vigor, mitigates their stress-related damage to PSII reaction centers, minimizes the negative impact of drought by regulating the antioxidant system and reduces the cellular content of toxic substances of the plants. Current study provides valuable information for growers and breeders to use this approach to produce stronger and drought-tolerant tomato seedlings.

Ecotoxicity of two organophosphate pesticides chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos on non-targeting cyanobacteria Microcystis wesenbergii.

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs), as a replacement for the organochlorine pesticides, are generally considered non-toxic to plants and algae. Chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos are two OPs used for pest control all over the world. In this study, the dose-response of cyanobacteria Microcystis wesenbergii on OPs exposure and the stimulating effect of OPs with and without phosphorus source were investigated. The results showed that high concentrations of chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos caused significant decrease of chlorophyll a content. The median inhibitory concentrations (EC50) of chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos at 96 h were 15.40 and 261.16 μmol L(-1), respectively. Growth of M. wesenbergii under low concentration of OPs (ranged from 1/10,000 to 1/20 EC50), was increased by 35.85 % (chlorpyrifos) and 41.83 % (dichlorvos) at 120 h, respectively. Correspondingly, the highest enhancement on the maximum quantum yield (F v/F m) was 4.20 % (24 h) and 9.70 % (48 h), respectively. Chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, known as O-J-I-P transients, showed significant enhancements in the O-J, J-I, and I-P transients under low concentrations of dichlorvos at 144 h, while enhancements of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics induced by low concentrations of chlorpyrifos were only observed in the J-I transient at 144 h. Significant decreases of chlorophyll content, F v/F m and O-J-I-P transients with OPs as sole phosphorus source were found when they were compared with inorganic phosphate treatments. The results demonstrated an evidently hormetic dose-response of M. wesenbergii to both chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos, where high dose (far beyond environmental concentrations) exposure caused growth inhibition and low dose exposure induced enhancement on physiological processes. The stimulating effect of two OPs on growth of M. wesenbergii was negligible under phosphate limitation.

Automated integrative high-throughput phenotyping of plant shoots: a case study of the cold-tolerance of pea (Pisum sativum L.).

BackgroundRecently emerging approaches to high-throughput plant phenotyping have discovered their importance as tools in unravelling the complex questions of plant growth, development and response to the environment, both in basic and applied science. High-throughput methods have been also used to study plant responses to various types of biotic and abiotic stresses (drought, heat, salinity, nutrient-starving, UV light) but only rarely to cold tolerance.ResultsWe present here an experimental procedure of integrative high-throughput in-house phenotyping of plant shoots employing automated simultaneous analyses of shoot biomass and photosystem II efficiency to study the cold tolerance of pea (Pisum sativum L.). For this purpose, we developed new software for automatic RGB image analysis, evaluated various parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence obtained from kinetic chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, and performed an experiment in which the growth and photosynthetic activity of two different pea cultivars were followed during cold acclimation. The data obtained from the automated RGB imaging were validated through correlation of pixel based shoot area with measurement of the shoot fresh weight. Further, data obtained from automated chlorophyll fluorescence imaging analysis were compared with chlorophyll fluorescence parameters measured by a non-imaging chlorophyll fluorometer. In both cases, high correlation was obtained, confirming the reliability of the procedure described.ConclusionsThis study of the response of two pea cultivars to cold stress confirmed that our procedure may have important application, not only for selection of cold-sensitive/tolerant varieties of pea, but also for studies of plant cold-response strategies in general. The approach, provides a very broad tool for the morphological and physiological selection of parameters which correspond to shoot growth and the efficiency of photosystem II, and is thus applicable in studies of various plant species and crops.

Impact of Elevated Levels of CO2 and O3 on the Yield and Photosynthetic Capabilities of Brassica napus

The impact of elevated CO2 (750 ppm), O3 (80 ppb), and the combination of these two gasses were investigated on Brassica napus under well watered and water deficit conditions in Open-top chambers. A decrease in the dry weight (stems and leaves) was observed in the well watered as well as the water deficit treatments when exposed to elevated levels of CO2 and O3. Elevated levels of CO2 and O3 resulted in a decline in yield under well watered conditions. This decline in yield was most likely caused by a decline in the photosynthetic capacity of the plants as revealed by the chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics. However, under water deficit conditions the CO2 fumigated plants had a slight increase in yield. The combined effect of CO2 and O3 did not reveal any significant reductions in yield. This is promising since elevated CO2 levels can reduce the negative effects that air pollutants such as O3 can have on Brassica napus. Though the yield was not affected by the combined fumigation of CO2 and O3, the O3 did managed seriously damage the cuticle layer of the plants leaving the plants exposed to pathogen and insect attack.

Use of O-J-I-P Chlorophyll Fluorescence Transients to Probe Multiple Effects of UV-C Radiation on the Photosynthetic Apparatus of Euglena

Although the kinetic chlorophyll fluorescence signals are rich in information, most of the chlorophyll fluorescence related studies deal only with the quantum yield of primary photochemistry (Fv/Fm). JIP-test based OJIP fluorescence transient analysis is relatively a new technique to investigate the environmental stress responses of photosynthetic organisms. In the present study, the deleterious effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the photosynthetic machinery were probed by the JIP-test in Euglena, one of the most potent organisms for the future space stations. The cells were exposed to a series of UV-C doses and immediately after exposure, survival percentage was determined with Neutral Red staining, and the chlorophyll fluorescence was measured using AquaPen AP-C 100 fluorometer. Resultant OJIP transients were analyzed according to JIP-test, and several functional and structural parameters were derived to explain the PSII behavior. Results indicated that the UV-C induced inhibition of electron transport is severely affected due to higher sensitivity of dark reactions after QA -, represented as ψo, the electron transfer probability, than of the light dependent reactions, represented as φPo, the trapping probability. The performance index (PIABS) of PSII, which is a combination of the indices of three independent parameters, decreased markedly in exponential manner in response to UVC. Results illustrate the advantage of using a number of fluorescent parameters over the use of one parameter, often the Fv/Fm. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.10510 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 553-558

The importance of blue light for leaf area expansion, development of photosynthetic apparatus, and chloroplast ultrastructure of Cucumis sativus grown under weak light

The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of blue light (B) in the growth and photosynthetic capacity of cucumber. Gas exchange, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence kinetics, chloroplast ultrastructure, and leaf growth were investigated to explore the influence of three different light qualities of light emitting diodes (LEDs) on plant morphogenesis and the development of photosynthetic apparatus in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) leaves from emergence to full expansion under weak light [50 μmol(photon) m-2 s-1]. We found that B could significantly increase the leaf area (LA), shoot elongation, Chl a/b, net photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance (g s). In addition, the comparisons of maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry and the photosynthetic performance index between B-, W (white light)-, and R (red light)-grown leaves suggested that B was essential for the development of photosynthetic apparatus under weak light. B-grown leaves had the lowest Chl content under weak light, however, they had well-developed chloroplasts with the highest degree of stacked lamellae and the lowest starch accumulation. This could explain to a considerable extent the highest net photosynthetic rate per Chl unit. The results demonstrated that B optimized photosynthetic performance by improving the photosynthetic rate, increasing LA, and prolonging active photosynthesis duration under low irradiance. Therefore B is necessary to ensure healthy development of chloroplasts and highly efficient photosynthetic functions in cucumbers under a weak light environment. More importantly, our study also provided theoretical and technical support for the development of light environmental control technology.

Differential sensitivity to the potential bioherbicide tenuazonic acid probed by the JIP-test based on fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics

Tenuazonic acid (TeA) isolated from the pathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata is a potential photosyn system II (PSII) herbicide effective on many monocotyledonous dicotyledonous plants. Five plant species were selected to evaluate their sensitivity to TeA and to determine if differential binding to the target protein D1 in PSII is a tolerance mechanism. A model, based on both fluorescence parameters PSII performace index PIABS and the variable fluorescence of the J-step VJ, is suitable to assess TeA sensitivity in diffrent species. In this model, the K value was confirmed as an indicator of sensitivity to the PSII natural toxin. A high K value associates with higher sensitivity to TeA. The K of three susceptible plants, croftonweed (Ageratina adenophora), common crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) and Arabidopsis thaliana was two to three times greater than that of the tolerant plants, cotton (Gossypium barbadense) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Analysis of fast Chl a flurescence transients OJIP determined that in the two tolerant species TeA poorly bound to its QB site target site in the D1 protein thus it did not interrupt PSII electron flow beyond QA and did not inactivate PSII reaction centers (RCs). Isotope displacement experiments using [14C]atrazine and sequencing of D1 and D2 proteins, discarded target site differences and decreased TeA uptake as tolerance mechanisms in cotton and tobacco. Other potential mechanisms limiting TeA from reaching the D1 protein or decreasing its binding affinity to the D1 protein or both are probably involved in the tolerance of cotton and tobacco to the toxin.

Application of ethylene diurea (EDU) in assessing the response of a tropical soybean cultivar to ambient O3: Nitrogen metabolism, antioxidants, reproductive development and yield

The present study deals with assessment of response of a tropical soybean cultivar to O3 in relation to photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, antioxidative capacity, N assimilation enzymes, metabolites, growth and yield using ethylene diurea (EDU) given as a soil drench (400) ppm at an interval of 10 days after germination up to maturity. Mean O3 concentration was 42ppb and accumulated threshold above 40ppb (AOT 40) was 9.07ppmh. Lipid peroxidation and total phenolics reduced, while increases in activities of antioxidative and nitrogen assimilation enzymes, ascorbic acid, protein, photosynthetic pigments, Fv/Fm ratio, number of leaves, flowers, pods, branches and yield attributes were found in EDU treated plants. EDU alleviated the negative effects of O3 by enhancing the first line of defense against ROS and protecting N assimilation enzymes at flowering and maintaining adequate supply of photosynthates to developing pods during pod filling stage. EDU provided maximum protection between flowering to pod filling stage.

Mapping QTL for chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics parameters at seedling stage as indicators of heat tolerance in wheat

AbstractHigh temperature or heat stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses that affect wheat production in almost every part of the world. Parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics (PCFKs) are the most powerful and reliable characters available to understand the impact of various abiotic stresses on plant physiological processes and heat tolerance. The present research was aimed to identify genomic regions controlling PCFKs at early growth stages of wheat through quantitative trait loci analysis by applying heat stress for different duration of time. A doubled haploid population derived from the cross of two Chinese wheat cultivars Hanxuan 10 and Lumai 14 was exposed to 38 °C for 2, 4, 6 and 8 h of heat stress and PCFKs (initial fluorescence, maximum fluorescence, variable fluorescence and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II) were measured. A total of 37 QTLs were identified for the target traits, among which 13 were detected under normal temperature of 25 °C and the remaining 24 under the stressful temperature of 38 °C. Stable or consistently expressed QTLs for initial, maximum and variable fluorescence were detected on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2B, 4A and 7D. In addition, 24 QTLs were clustered in 9 clusters on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2B, 3B, 3D, 4A, 5A and 7D. These QTL hot spot regions along with stable QTLs should be targeted for better understanding the genetic basis of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics parameters in future mapping studies.

The response of cyclic electron flow around photosystem I to changes in photorespiration and nitrate assimilation.

Photosynthesis captures light energy to produce ATP and NADPH. These molecules are consumed in the conversion of CO2 to sugar, photorespiration, and NO3(-) assimilation. The production and consumption of ATP and NADPH must be balanced to prevent photoinhibition or photodamage. This balancing may occur via cyclic electron flow around photosystem I (CEF), which increases ATP/NADPH production during photosynthetic electron transport; however, it is not clear under what conditions CEF changes with ATP/NADPH demand. Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence and dark interval relaxation kinetics were used to determine the contribution of CEF in balancing ATP/NADPH in hydroponically grown Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) supplied different forms of nitrogen (nitrate versus ammonium) under changes in atmospheric CO2 and oxygen. Measurements of CEF were made under low and high light and compared with ATP/NADPH demand estimated from CO2 gas exchange. Under low light, contributions of CEF did not shift despite an up to 17% change in modeled ATP/NADPH demand. Under high light, CEF increased under photorespiratory conditions (high oxygen and low CO2), consistent with a primary role in energy balancing. However, nitrogen form had little impact on rates of CEF under high or low light. We conclude that, according to modeled ATP/NADPH demand, CEF responded to energy demand under high light but not low light. These findings suggest that other mechanisms, such as the malate valve and the Mehler reaction, were able to maintain energy balance when electron flow was low but that CEF was required under higher flow.

Photosynthetic proton and electron transport in wheat leaves under prolonged moderate drought stress

In conditions of long-lasting moderate drought stress, we have studied the photoprotective responses in leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Katya) related to the photosynthetic electron and proton transport. The dark-interval relaxation kinetics of electrochromic bandshift (ECS) indicated a decrease of electric and an increase of osmotic component of the proton motive force in drought stressed leaves, but neither the total proton motive force (pmf) nor the thylakoid proton conductance (gH+) were affected. We observed the enhanced protection against overreduction of PSI acceptor side in leaves of drought stressed plants. This was obviously achieved by the rapid buildup of transthylakoid pH gradient at relatively low light intensities, directly associated to the steep increase of NPQ and the down-regulation of linear electron transport. It was further accompanied by the steep increase of redox poise at PSII acceptor side and PSI donor side. The early responses related to thylakoid lumen acidification in drought-stressed leaves could be associated with the activity of an enhanced fraction of PSI not involved in linear electron flow, which may have led to enhanced cyclic electron pathway even in relatively low light intensities, as well as to the drought-induced decrease of IP-amplitude in fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics.

Chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, photosynthetic activity, and pigment composition of blue-shade and half-shade leaves as compared to sun and shade leaves of different trees

The chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence induction kinetics, net photosynthetic CO2 fixation rates P N, and composition of photosynthetic pigments of differently light exposed leaves of several trees were comparatively measured to determine the differences in photosynthetic activity and pigment adaptation of leaves. The functional measurements were carried out with sun, half-shade and shade leaves of seven different trees species. These were: Acer platanoides L., Ginkgo biloba L., Fagus sylvatica L., Platanus x acerifolia Willd., Populus nigra L., Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata Mill. In three cases (beech, ginkgo, and oak), we compared the Chl fluorescence kinetics and photosynthetic rates of blue-shade leaves of the north tree crown receiving only blue sky light but no direct sunlight with that of sun leaves. In these cases, we also determined in detail the pigment composition of all four leaf types. In addition, we determined the quantum irradiance and spectral irradiance of direct sunlight, blue skylight as well as the irradiance in half shade and full shade. The results indicate that sun leaves possess significantly higher mean values for the net CO2 fixation rates P N (7.8-10.7μmol CO2m(-2)s(-1) leaf area) and the Chl fluorescence ratio R Fd (3.85-4.46) as compared to shade leaves (mean P N of 2.6-3.8μmol CO2m(-2)s(-1) leaf area.; mean R Fd of 1.94-2.56). Sun leaves also exhibit higher mean values for the pigment ratio Chl a/b (3.14-3.31) and considerably lower values for the weight ratio total chlorophylls to total carotenoids, (a+b)/(x+c), (4.07-4.25) as compared to shade leaves (Chl a/b 2.62-2.72) and (a+b)/(x+c) of 5.18-5.54. Blue-shade and half-shade leaves have an intermediate position between sun and shade leaves in all investigated parameters including the ratio F v/F o (maximum quantum yield of PS2 photochemistry) and are significantly different from sun and shade leaves but could not be differentiated from each other. The mean values of the Chl fluorescence decrease ratio R Fd of blue-shade and half-shade leaves fit well into the strong linear correlation with the net photosynthetic rates P N of sun and shade leaves, thus unequivocally indicating that the determination of the Chl fluorescence decrease ratio R Fd is a fast and indirect measurement of the photosynthetic activity of leaves. The investigations clearly demonstrate that the photosynthetic capacity and pigment composition of leaves and chloroplasts strongly depend on the amounts and quality of light received by the leaves.

Excitation kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence during light-induced greening and establishment of photosynthetic activity of barley seedlings

Excitation kinetics based on feedback regulation of chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence of leaves measured with the chlorophyll fluorometer, FluoroMeter Modul (FMM), are presented. These kinetics showed the variation of excitation light (laser power, LP) regulated by the feedback mechanism of the FMM, an intelligent Chl fluorometer with embedded computer, which maintains the fluorescence response constant during the 300-s transient between the dark- and lightadapted state of photosynthesis. The excitation kinetics exhibited a rise of LP with different time constants and fluctuations leading to a type of steady state. The variation of excitation kinetics were demonstrated using the example of primary leaves of etiolated barley seedlings (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Barke) during 48 h of greening in the light with gradual accumulation of Chl and development of photosynthetic activity. The excitation kinetics showed a fast rise followed by a short plateau at ca. 30 s and finally a slow constant increase up to 300 s. Only in the case of 2 h of greening in the light, the curve reached a stable steady state after 75 s followed by a slight decline. The final LP value (at 300 s of illumination) increased up to 12 h of greening and decreased with longer greening times. The active feedback mechanism of the FMM adjusted the excitation light during the measurement to the actual photosynthetic capacity of the individual leaf sample. In this way, the illumination with excessive light was avoided. The novel excitation kinetics can be used to characterize health, stress, disease, and/or product quality of plant material.

Xanthophyll cycle induction by anaerobic conditions under low light in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The effect of anaerobiosis on the induction of the xanthophyll cycle was investigated in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The results showed that, anaerobiosis obtained by either sulfur starvation or by bubbling nitrogen in the culture grown in complete medium induced the xanthophyll cycle even when cultures were exposed to low light conditions. The zeaxanthin content reached 35 mmol mol−1 Chl a, after 110 h in anaerobic sulfur-starved cultures, and 30 mmol mol−1 Chl a within 24 h in sulfur replete cultures bubbled with nitrogen. Both starved and non-starved cultures grown under aerobic conditions, did not exhibit any sizeable increase in the zeaxanthin content. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements revealed a decrease in the maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) by more than 50 %. The chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics (OJIP) analysis showed a strong rise at the J-step indicating a strong reduction of QA. Our findings demonstrated that anaerobiosis in low light exposed cultures induced the xanthophyll cycle through a strong increase of the level of plastoquinone pool reduction, which was associated to the formation of a trans-thylakoid membranes proton gradient, while in dark anaerobic cultures, no appreciable induction of xanthophyll cycle could be observed, despite the sizeable increase in non–photochemical quenching.

Impact of Tropospheric Ozone on Crop Plants

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is the most important regional atmospheric pollutant causing risk to food production across the globe due to its phytotoxicity and prevalence over agricultural areas. Peak O3 concentrations have declined in Europe and North America due to reductions in precursors during the last decades, however, emissions of O3 precursors have increased in Asia. The current critical level of ozone is determined by the threshold for yield loss which is based on the seasonal sum of the external concentration above 40 ppb. In the present article, the impact of tropospheric O3 on crop photosynthesis, defense mechanism, growth, reproductive processes and yield of crop plants have been documented. O3 upon its entry into the leaf intercellular spaces rapidly forms reactive oxygen species and reacts with components of the leaf apoplast to initiate a complex set of responses that constitute variable countermeasures by antioxidative enzymes. Ozone affects photosynthetic process by influencing photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and electron transport as well as carbon fixation in terms of decreased Rubisco activity and quantity. Translocation and allocation pattern of photosynthate also get influenced under O3, which affect reproductive processes and yield of crops. Plant species and cultivars exhibit a range of sensitivity to O3, which is identifiable in terms of biochemical, physiological, molecular and yield responses. Hence, understanding of cultivar sensitivity in context to O3 would be helpful in development of potential O3 biomarkers and O3 tolerant variables.

Accumulation and toxic effects of chromium and zinc in Iris pseudacorus L.

The aim of the present study was to examine the ability of I. pseudacorus L., an ornamental macrophyte of great potential for phytoremediation, to tolerate and accumulate Cr and Zn. Plants were grown in nutritive solution with ZnCl2 or CrCl3·6H2O at 0, 10, 50, 100, and 200 μg ml−1 for 5 weeks; all survived and continued growing. The accumulation of Cr and Zn increased with increasing supply in all plant tissues, to reach 59.97 mg Cr and 25.64 mg Zn in roots. Leaves retained a remarkable amount of Zn (14.2 mg). Growth inhibition reached 65% and 31% (dry weight) in response to Cr and Zn, respectively. The root:shoot dry matter partitioning (R/S) increased 80% at 100 μg ml−1 CrCl3. The most marked alterations in mineral content were in roots, where both metals decreased Al, Ca, Mg, Mn and S, and increased P concentration. No effect was noted on either leaf chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics (F v /F m and ΦPSII), or photosynthetic pigment content, signifying that the light phase of photosynthesis was not impaired. Carbon isotope composition (δ13C) was only slightly heavier, indicating that the reduction of carbon fixation was not the main cause for growth decrease. This was attributed to the restricted mineral uptake and to the increased demand of carbohydrates of damaged roots. Biomass allocation to rhizomes (Cr) or roots (Zn) contributes to heavy metal tolerance by limiting transpiration and increasing metal–storing tissues and the surface for water and cation uptake. This species is a good candidate for Cr rhizofiltration and Zn phytoextraction.

Application of fast chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics to probe action target of 3-acetyl-5-isopropyltetramic acid

3-Acetyl-5-isopropyltetramic acid (3-AIPTA), an analogue of the phytotoxin tenuazonic acid, is a tetramic acid derivate. It is demonstrated here that 3-AIPTA is a multi-target inhibitor of root and shoot growth as well as photosynthesis. Based on fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, 3-AIPTA blocks electron transport beyond Q A on the acceptor side of PSII by competing with Q B for the Q B-binding site, but does not affect the donor side and the light harvesting function of the PSII antenna. Additionally, higher 3-AIPTA concentration also inhibits the reduction of end acceptors of PSI. Evidences from JIP-test and competitive replacement with [ 14C]atrazine showed that 3-AIPTA, like tenuazonic acid, does not share the same binding environment with the atrazine-like PSII inhibitors although they possess the common action target of the Q B-site. It is deduced that tetramic acid families of natural products, where 3-AIPTA and tenuazonic acid belong to, is a novel inhibitor type of the photosynthetic electron transport chain.

Fluorescence kinetics of different ecotypes of allelopathic wheat varieties at heading stage

以不同年代育成、具有一定化感作用的4 种生态型冬小麦品种为材料, 在对其农艺性状进行分析的基础上, 用荧光淬灭技术研究了4 种生态型冬小麦抽穗期的荧光动力学特性, 并以马铃薯为受体探讨了不同生态型小麦的化感潜力。结果表明: 随育成年代推移, 从“碧玛1 号”、“宁冬1 号”、“丰产3 号”到“小偃22号”, 除“宁冬1 号”外, 各品种单株小穗数、穗粒数、千粒重和产量增大, 植株化感潜力增强, <em>Fm</em>'分别为0.19、0.17、0.21、0.22, F 分别为0.12、0.10、0.13、0.14, 因此可推测“碧玛1 号”、“丰产3 号”和“小偃22 号”化感潜力增强的内在生理机制之一是<em>Fm'</em> 和<em>F</em> 逐渐递增, 光合器官PSⅡ对光能的吸收、转化增强, 能耗降低;而“宁冬1 号”表现出的特殊变化可能与其地域适应性较差及生态特性有关。研究发现4 种生态型小麦抽穗期农学性状如株高、穗长、旗叶面积、小穗、穗粒数、千粒重和产量, 荧光动力学参数如<em>Fm'、F、Y(NO)、qP、qL</em> 与化感潜力显著相关, 可作为冬小麦抽穗期化感潜力评价的参考指标。研究初步得出小麦的化感潜力由形态建成和内部生理生化基础所决定, 这可为作物化感潜力调控和化感遗传育种提供理论参考。

Application of fast chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics to probe action target of 3-acetyl-5-isopropyltetramic acid

3-Acetyl-5-isopropyltetramic acid (3-AIPTA), an analogue of the phytotoxin tenuazonic acid, is a tetramic acid derivate. It is demonstrated here that 3-AIPTA is a multi-target inhibitor of root and shoot growth as well as photosynthesis. Based on fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, 3-AIPTA blocks electron transport beyond QA on the acceptor side of PSII by competing with QB for the QB-binding site, but does not affect the donor side and the light harvesting function of the PSII antenna. Additionally, higher 3-AIPTA concentration also inhibits the reduction of end acceptors of PSI. Evidences from JIP-test and competitive replacement with [14C]atrazine showed that 3-AIPTA, like tenuazonic acid, does not share the same binding environment with the atrazine-like PSII inhibitors although they possess the common action target of the QB-site. It is deduced that tetramic acid families of natural products, where 3-AIPTA and tenuazonic acid belong to, is a novel inhibitor type of the photosynthetic electron transport chain.

Investigating the Impact of Elevated Levels of Ozone on Tropical Wheat Using Integrated Phenotypical, Physiological, Biochemical, and Proteomics Approaches

Ozone (O3), a potent air pollutant and a significant greenhouse gas, has been recognized as a major component of global climate change. However, current increasing trends in its background level are projecting a more severe threat to natural and cultivated plants in the near future. The present study has been designed to evaluate the impact of elevated concentrations of O3 on phenotypical, physiological, and biochemical traits in two high-yielding cultivars of wheat, followed by analysis of the leaf proteome using one/two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1-/2-DGE) coupled to immunoblotting and mass spectrometry analyses under near-natural conditions using open top chambers. Prominently, O3 exposure caused specific foliar injury in both the wheat cultivars. Results also showed that O3 stress significantly decreased photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics (Fv/Fm) in test cultivars. Biochemical evaluations further revealed a higher loss in photosynthetic pigments, whereas a significantly induced antioxidant system under elevated O3 concentrations pointed toward an ability of O3 to generate oxidative stress. 1-DGE analysis showed drastic reductions in the abundantly present ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) large and small subunits. Western blot analysis confirmed induced accumulation of antioxidative enzymes like superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase protein(s) and common defense/stress-related thaumatin-like protein(s). 2-DGE analysis revealed a total of 38 differentially expressed protein spots, common in both the wheat cultivars. Among those, some major leaf photosynthetic proteins (including RuBisCO and RuBisCO activase) and important energy metabolism proteins (including ATP synthase, aldolase, and phosphoglycerate kinase) were drastically reduced, whereas some stress/defense-related proteins (such as harpin-binding protein and germin-like protein) were induced. In all, the present study reveals an intimate molecular network provoked by O3 affecting photosynthesis and triggering antioxidative defense and stress-related proteins culminating in accelerated foliar injury in wheat plants.