Maximum Chlorophyll Fluorescence Yield Research Articles

How Kentucky bluegrass tolerate stress caused by sodium chloride used for road de-icing?

Salts used in road de-icing during winter season inhibit the growth and development of lawn grass species. The mechanism of plant tolerance/sensitivity to such treatments is still not clear. Moreover, there is a lack of fast and non-invasive tool to detect the effect of these salts on plants growth. This study was designed to understand the tolerance mechanism of Kentucky bluegrass plants on salinity, based on some biometric and physiological parameters. In this experiment, we simulated the urban conditions where salts are used intensively for roads de-icing. Germination capacity was evaluated at five salt solutions of NaCl (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM), and physiological parameters were measured during the tillering phase at salinity levels of 0, 150 and 300 mM of NaCl. Seeds of Kentucky bluegrass did not germinate under salinity. During tillering phase, salinity affected length, area and dry mass of roots as well as the relative water content of plants, negatively. Moreover, it influenced the maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield, quantum yield of photosystem II and electron transport rate at early period of stress. This allows us to recommend these parameters for early detection of soil salinity effects on Kentucky bluegrass plants. It seems to be that the tolerance of this plant towards salinity is based on retaining water content in leaves that allow more efficient functioning of photosynthetic apparatus.

Effects of flash scheme on maximum chlorophyll fluorescence under illumination and its derived parameters

The maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield under illumination (Fm') is one of the most important parameters in plant eco-physiological research, and usually was estimated with rectangular flush scheme (RF). However, the estimation accuracy of RF for Fm' was affected by the rapid turnover of photosystem 2 (PS2). In order to eliminate the effect of the rapid turnover of photosystem 2 (PS2), the multiphase flush scheme (MPF) based on the linear relationship between the flush (Q') and chlorophyll fluorescence (F') is proposed to estimate Fm' at infinite irradiance. Leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence of three woody species (Castanopsis sclerophylla, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and Sapium sebiferum) were respectively measured with RF and MPF, Fm' and the derived parameters [the quantum efficiency of PS2 (ΦPSII), the electron flux through PS2 (J), the maximum electron transfer rate (Jmax), mesophyll conductance (gm) and chloroplast CO2 concentration (Cc)] were compared between the two different schemes, and the effects of RF and MPF on these parameters were analyzed. The results showed that no significant difference was found in the parameters for the three species between RF and MPF at the light intensity lower than 200 μmol·m-2·s-1. Fm' estimated with MPF for the three species were 3.5%-5.2%, 11.7%-18.0%, and 3.2%-7.1% higher than those with RF, respectively, at the light intensity higher than 200 μmol·m-2·s-1. The derived parameters (ΦPSII, J and Jmax) estimated with MPF for the three species were higher than those with RF, while the derived parameters(gm and Cc) estimated with MPF were lower at the light intensity higher than 200 μmol·m-2·s-1. In conclusion, estimates of parameters (Fm', ΦPSII, and J) were not significantly affected by the two different schemes at the light intensity lower than 200 μmol·m-2·s-1. The estimates of parameters (Fm', ΦPSII, J, Jmax, gm, and Cc) were significantly affected by the two different schemes at the light intensity higher than 200 μmol·m-2·s-1. Compared with MPF, parameters of Fm', ΦPSII, J and Jmax estimated with RF were underestimated, while parameters of gm and Cc were overestimated.

Closing in on maximum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence using a single multiphase flash of sub‐saturating intensity

Estimation of the maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield under illumination, or Fm', by traditional single saturation pulse (SP) methodology is prone to underestimation error because of rapid turnover within photosystem (PS) II. However, measurements of fluorescence yield during several single pulses of variable intensity describes the irradiance dependence of apparent Fm', from which estimates of Fm' at infinite irradiance can be derived. While such estimates have been shown to result in valid approximations of Fm', the need to apply several single pulses limits its applicability. We introduce a novel approach that determines the relationship between apparent Fm' and variable irradiance within a single ∼1 s multiphase flash (MPF). Through experiments and simulations, we demonstrate that the rate of variation in irradiance during an MPF is critical for achieving quasi-steady-state changes in the proportions of PSII acceptor side redox intermediates and the corresponding fluorescence yields, which are prerequisites for accurately estimating Fm' at infinite irradiance. The MPF methodology is discussed in the context of improving the accuracy of various parameters derived from chlorophyll fluorescence measurements, such as photochemical and non-photochemical quenchings and efficiencies. The importance of using MPF methodology for interpreting chlorophyll fluorescence, in particular for integrating fluorescence and gas exchange measurements, is emphasized.

Improving the accuracy of chlorophyll fluorescence measurements

This article comments on: Closing in on maximum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence using a single multiphase flash of sub‐saturating intensity

Influence of rootstock on drought response in young ‘Gale Gala’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees

Drought is a major environmental stress limiting plant growth, productivity, and survival worldwide. Rootstocks are widely used to enhance plants resistance to drought stresses. This study determined influence of rootstock on drought responses in 1-year-old 'Gale Gala' apple trees grafted onto Malus sieversii or M. hupehensis. Choice of rootstock resulted in differential response to drought stress. Specifically, M. sieversii caused less drought-induced reduction in relative growth rate, biomass accumulation, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content, relative water content, photosynthesis rate and maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield but greater increase in whole-plant water use efficiency compared to M. hupehensis. Secondly, compared with M. hupehensis, M. sieversii caused less drought-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species but more increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, xylem sap abscisic acid concentration was greater in trees grafted onto M. hupehensis than in those grafted onto M. sieversii under drought stress. 'Gale Gala' trees' response to drought stress was associated with the rootstock's genotype onto which it was grafted. Trees with M. sieversii as rootstock are more drought resistant than trees with M. hupehensis as rootstock, which suggests that M. sieversii can be widely used as rootstock in arid and semi-arid regions.

Correlation between Chloroplast Ultrastructure and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Characteristics in the Leaves of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grown under Salinity

The seedlings of Oryza sativa L. cv. Nipponbare grown by hydroponic culture for 3 wks were treated with 75, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl for 14, 14, 6 and 3 days, respectively, and examined for chloroplast ultrastructure in the region where chlorophyll fluorescence had been recorded. NaCl treatment decreased the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield (Fv/Fm) and caused swelling of thylakoids. The swelling of thylakoids was quantified by the percentage of the length of swollen thylakoids to the total length of thylakoids. This value was increased with increasing NaCl concentration. Although Fv/Fm decreased at all concentrations of NaCl, the minimal fluorescence yield F0 was not increased by the treatment with 75 or 100 mM NaCl. The percentage of the length of swelling was low at 75 and 100 mM NaCl. On the other hand, F0 increased and the swelling of thylakoids was prominent with 150 and 200 mM NaCl treatment. These results suggest that the decrease in Fv/Fm due to the increase in F0 under salt stress correlates with the ultrastructural damage. The decrease in Fv/Fm due to the increase in F0 is expected to be useful as an indicator to evaluate the damage in chloroplasts, especially in thylakoid membranes, under salinity.

Effect of a Single Excitation Stimulus on Photosynthetic Activity and Light-dependent pH Banding in Chara Cells

Using pH microelectrodes and a Microscopy PAM (pulse-amplitude modulated) chlorophyll fluorometer, it is shown that a propagation of an action potential in Chara corallina leads to transient suppression of spatially periodic pH profiles along the illuminated cell. The suppression was manifested as a large pH decrease in the alkaline zones and a slight pH increase in the acid zones. The propagating action potential diminished the maximum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence (F(m)') in the alkaline cell regions, as well as the quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry, without affecting F(m)' in the acid cell regions. The results indicate an interference of membrane excitation in the mechanisms responsible for pH banding patterns in Characean algae. Apparently, the electrical excitation of the plasma membrane in the alkaline cell regions initiates a pathway that can modulate membrane events at the thylakoid membrane.

Assessment of photoprotection mechanisms of grapevines at low temperature.

The photosynthetic response of grapevine leaves (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Riesling) to low temperature was studied in the field and laboratory. Light-saturated rates of photosynthetic electron transport were lower and non-photochemical energy dissipation was higher when leaves were subject to low morning temperatures than to high afternoon temperatures under field conditions. These responses to low temperatures occurred without sustained reduction of quantum efficiency of PSII as measured by the variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield ratio, Fv/Fm, after dark adaptation. The temperature dependence of light-saturated apparent electron transport rate, gas exchange and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was also examined in laboratory experiments with glasshouse-grown material. NPQ reached saturation at lower light intensity with decreasing temperature. The relationship between the quantum efficiency of PSII and CO2 fixation at 25°C (2-21% O2) and 10°C (2-21% O2) indicated a decreased dependence of electron transport on both photorespiration and the Mehler reaction at the lower temperature. The calculated percentage of electron flow to the Mehler reaction declined faster than photorespiration at low temperature. Warm- and cold-treated leaf discs under saturating light showed very little photoinhibition as measured by sustained reduction in Fv/Fm, which was linearly related to the percentage of functional PSII reaction centres. However, the addition of dithiothreitol greatly enhanced the rate of photoinhibition, indicating a potentially strong dependence on xanthophyll de-epoxidation for photoprotection at low temperature.

Loss of the precise control of photosynthesis and increased yield of non‐radiative dissipation of excitation energy after mild heat treatment of barley leaves

The after effects of a short exposure of intact barley leaves to moderately elevated temperature (40°C, 5 min) on the induction transients and the irradiance dependencies of photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence are presented. This mild heat treatment strongly reduced the oscillations in the rate of photosynthesis and in the yield of chlorophyll fluorescence. However, only a 25% irreversible inhibition of maximum photosynthetic capacity of photosystem II (PSII) measured by oxygen evolution was produced and the intrinsic quantum yield of PSII measured by the chlorophyll fluorescence ratio (Fm‐ Fo)/Fm decreased by only 15%. In contrast, the above treatment increased radiationless dissipation processes in PSII by a factor of two. In heat‐treated leaves, photosynthesis was not saturated even by strong light. Both ΔpH‐dependent quenching of excitons in PSII (including formation of zeaxanthin) and state 1/state 2 transition were found to be stimulated. Heat exposure enhanced the control of PSII activity by PSI, as evidenced by a significant increase in the quenching effect of far‐red light on the maximum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence. It was deduced that after mild heat treatment, the photosynthetic apparatus in leaves lacks the precise coordinating control of electron transport and carbon metabolism owing to the inability of PSII to support electron transport at a level adequate for carbon metabolism. This effect was not related to the small irreversible thermal damage to PSII, but was rather due to a significant increase in non‐photochemical quenching of excitation energy.

Light-dependent modification of Photosystem II in spinach leaves

In dark-adapted spinach leaves approximately one third of the Photosystem II (PS II) reaction centers are impaired in their ability to transfer electrons to Photosystem I. Although these 'inactive' PS II centers are capable of reducing the primary quinone acceptor, QA, oxidation of QA (-) occurs approximately 1000 times more slowly than at 'active' centers. Previous studies based on dark-adapted leaves show that minimal energy transfer occurs from inactive centers to active centers, indicating that the quantum yield of photosynthesis could be significantly impaired by the presence of inactive centers. The objective of the work described here was to determine the performance of inactive PS II centers in light-adapted leaves. Measurements of PS II activity within leaves did not indicate any increase in the concentration of active PS II centers during light treatments between 10 s and 5 min, showing that inactive centers are not converted to active centers during light treatment. Light-induced modification of inactive PS II centers did occur, however, such that 75% of these centers were unable to sustain stable charge separation. In addition, the maximum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence associated with inactive PS II centers decreased substantially, despite the lack of any overall quenching of the maximum fluorescence yield. The effect of light treatment on inactive centers was reversed in the dark within 10-20 mins. These results indicate that illumination changes inactive PS II centers into a form that quenches fluorescence, but does not allow stable charge separation across the photosynthetic membrane. One possibility is that inactive centers are converted into centers that quench fluorescence by formation of a radical, such as reduced pheophytin or oxidized P680. Alternatively, it is possible that inactive PS II centers are modified such that absorbed excitation energy is dissipated thermally, through electron cycling at the reaction center.

Relationship between quenching of maximum and dark-level chlorophyll fluorescence in vivo: dependence on Photosystem II antenna size

The effects of nonphotochemical quenching were quantified separately applying the Stem-Volmer formalism for dark level (SV 0) and maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield (SV N) in barley leaves comprising a step-wise altered Photosystem II (PS II) antenna size. Proportions of overall SV N can be attributed to distinct sites of the photosynthetic apparatus: (i) the bulk light-harvesting complex of PS II (LHC II), (ii) the inner LHC II antenna, and (iii) the reaction center/core complex of PS II. The fraction of SV N which exerts an effect on SV 0 appeared to arise almost exclusively from the inner LHC II antenna. A strong linear correlation between SV 0 and violaxanthin de-epoxidation points to an intrinsic relationship of both. The results are in line with the notion of a regulatory function of the inner LHC II antenna, thus controlling excitation energy delivery from the bulk LHCII to the PS II-core complex.

Role of ΔpH in the mechanism of zeaxanthin-dependent amplification of qE

The influence of zeaxanthin on the high-energy-state fluorescence quenching ( q E) and the pH dependence of the maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield ( F m) was examined in spinach thylakoids. High contents of zeaxanthin were achieved using different pretreatments. A pronounced, zeaxanthin-dependent amplification of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was exclusively found in thylakoids containing zeaxanthin, synthesized in the dark via the buildup of an artificial ΔpH. These thylakoids also showed a significant quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence in the range pH 5.5–6.3, where no or only slight quenching was visible in zeaxanthin-free thylakoids. Thylakoids containing high amounts of zeaxanthin from a dark pretreatment at pH 5.5 (in the absence of ΔpH) showed no pronounced amplification of NPQ and were insensitive to incubation at lower pH values. Therefore we propose that it is the ΔpH during the synthesis of zeaxanthin that activates the mechanism of zeaxanthin-dependent amplification of q E.

Effects of Supplementary Ultraviolet-B Radiation on Rice and Pea Plants

To compare the effects of supplementary ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on a tropical/subtropical and a temperate plant, two indica rice cultivars (Er Bai Ai and Lemont) and peas were exposed to supplementary UV-B radiation for 8 days (biologically effective irradiance of 0.68 W m-2, 12 h per day). Marked decreases occurred in the ratios of variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield and in the quantum yield of photosynthetic oxygen evolution over the 8 day treatment period. The greatest decline always occurred in pea leaves, while in rice, cv. Er Bai Ai was more susceptible to UV-B radiation than cv. Lemont. Compared with control plants, the content of soluble protein and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) protein decreased significantly after the UV-B treatment; the greatest decrease occurred in pea leaves, while the rate of decrease in rice was greater in cv. Er Bai Ai than cv. Lemont. Over the 8 day UV-B treatment period, the increase of UV-B-absorbing compounds was greater in rice leaves than in pea leaves, and greater in cv. Er Bai Ai than in cv. Lemont, although cv. Lemont was more UV-B tolerant. We suggest that the increase in these compounds is not the only indicator of resistance to UV-B damage; other factors, yet to be identified, may also confer UV-B tolerance. While leaf orientation may be related to the severity of UV-B damage, naturally near-horizontal pea leaves were still much more susceptible to UV-B damage compared with rice leaves which were held horizontally over the 8 day treatment period. Brown spots appeared on the upper surface of leaves of cv. Er Bai Ai after 2 days of UV-B treatment and showed a cumulative increase with the duration of exposure. Our study confirms the multiplicity of photosynthetic responses and of different protective strategies that may account for the differential sensitivity of plants to supplementary UV-B radiation.

PH dependent chlorophyll fluorescence quenching in spinach thylakoids from light treated or dark adapted leaves

The pH dependence of maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield (Fm) was examined in spinach thylakoids in the presence of nigericin to dissipate the transthylakoid pH gradient. 3-(3',4'-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) was present to eliminate photochemical quenching. Thylakoids were prepared from dark adapted leaves ('dark' thylakoids) or preilluminated leaves ('light' thylakoids). In the latter there had been approximately 50% conversion of the xanthophyll violaxanthin to zeaxanthin, while no conversion had occurred in the former. In the presence of a reductant such as ascorbate, antimycin A sensitive quenching was observed (half maximal quenching at 5 μM), whose pH dependence differed between the two types of thylakoid. Preillumination of leaves resulted in more quenching at pH values where very little quenching was observed in 'dark' thylakoids (pH 5-7.6). This was similar to activation of high-energy-state quenching (qE) observed previously (Rees D, Young A, Noctor G, Britton G and Horton P (1989) FEBS Lett 256: 85-90). Thylakoids isolated from preilluminated DTT treated leaves, that contained no zeaxanthin, behaved like dark thylakoids. A second form of quenching was observed in the presence of ferricyanide, that could be reversed by the addition of ascorbate. This was not antimycin A sensitive and showed the same pH dependence in both types of thylakoid. The former type of quenching, but not the latter, showed similar low temperature fluorescence emission spectra to qE, and was considered to occur by the same mechanism.