Photooxidation Of Chlorophyll Research Articles

Light induces peridinin and docosahexaenoic acid accumulation in the dinoflagellate Durusdinium glynnii.

Peridinin is a light-harvesting carotenoid present in phototrophic dinoflagellates and has great potential for new drug applications and cosmetics development. Herein, the effects of irradiance mediated by light-emitting diodes on growth performance, carotenoid and fatty acid profiles, and antioxidant activity of the endosymbiotic dinoflagellate Durusdinium glynnii were investigated. The results demonstrate that D. glynnii is particularly well adapted to low-light conditions; however, it can be high-light-tolerant. In contrast to other light-harvesting carotenoids, the peridinin accumulation in D. glynnii occurred during high-light exposure. The peridinin to chlorophyll-a ratio varied as a function of irradiance, while the peridinin to total carotenoids ratio remained stable. Under optimal irradiance for growth, there was a peak in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) bioaccumulation. This study contributes to the understanding of the photoprotective role of peridinin in endosymbiont dinoflagellates and highlights the antioxidant activity of peridinin-rich extracts. KEY POINTS: • Peridinin has a protective role against chlorophyll photo-oxidation • High light conditions induce cellular peridinin accumulation • D. glynnii accumulates high amounts of DHA under optimal light supply.

A simple cold tolerance test for banana cultivars

ISHS XXX International Horticultural Congress IHC2018: XI International Symposium on Banana: ISHS-ProMusa Symposium onGrowing and Marketing Banana under Subtropical Conditions A simple cold tolerance test for banana cultivars

Relationship of photosynthetic efficiency and seed-setting rate in two contrasting rice cultivars under chilling stress

Low temperature during the vegetative stage affects rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed-setting rate in Heilongjiang province at Northeast China. However, little is known about changes of the photosynthetic rate and physiological response in contrasting rice cultivars during chilling periods. In this study, two rice cultivars with different chilling tolerance were treated with 15°C from June 27 to July 7. The chilling-susceptive cultivar, Longjing11 (LJ11), showed a significant decrease in a ripening rate and seed-setting rate after being treated for four days, whilst chilling-tolerant cultivar, Kongyu131 (KY131), was only slightly affected after 4-d treatment. The photosynthetic activities, chlorophyll contents, and antioxidative enzyme activities in LJ11 decreased significantly along with the chilling treatment. The decrease in s-carotene contents might play a role as it could cause direct photooxidation of chlorophylls and lead to the inhibition of the photosynthetic apparatus. In the meantime, no significant damage was found in leaves of KY131 from June 27 to July 11. In conclusion, the chilling-tolerance mechanism of rice is tightly related to the photosynthetic rate, metabolism of reactive oxygen species, and scavenging system in the vegetative stage.

Temperature Dependence of Light-Induced Absorbance Changes Associated with Chlorophyll Photooxidation in Manganese-Depleted Core Complexes of Photosystem II.

Mid-infrared (4500-1150 cm(-1)) absorbance changes induced by continuous illumination of Mn-depleted core complexes of photosystem II (PSII) from spinach in the presence of exogenous electron acceptors (potassium ferricyanide and silicomolybdate) were studied by FTIR difference spectroscopy in the temperature range 100-265 K. The FTIR difference spectrum for photooxidation of the chlorophyll dimer P680 was determined from the set of signals associated with oxidation of secondary electron donors (β-carotene, chlorophyll) and reduction of the primary quinone QA. On the basis of analysis of the temperature dependence of the P680(+)/P680 FTIR spectrum, it was concluded that frequencies of 13(1)-keto-C=O stretching modes of neutral chlorophyll molecules PD1 and PD2, which constitute P680, are similar to each other, being located at ~1700 cm(-1). This together with considerable difference between the stretching mode frequencies of keto groups of PD1(+) and PD2(+) cations (1724 and 1709 cm(-1), respectively) is in agreement with a literature model (Okubo et al. (2007) Biochemistry, 46, 4390-4397) suggesting that the positive charge in the P680(+) dimer is mainly localized on one of the two chlorophyll molecules. A partial delocalization of the charge between the PD1 and PD2 molecules in P680(+) is supported by the presence of a characteristic electronic intervalence band at ~3000 cm(-1). It is shown that a bleaching band at 1680 cm(-1) in the P680(+)/P680 FTIR spectrum does not belong to P680. A possible origin of this band is discussed, taking into account the temperature dependence (100-265 K) of light-induced absorbance changes of PSII core complexes in the visible spectral region from 620 to 720 nm.

Ectopic expression of GroEL from Xenorhabdus nematophila in tomato enhances resistance against Helicoverpa armigera and salt and thermal stress.

The GroEL homolog XnGroEL protein of Xenorhabdus nematophila belongs to a highly conserved family of molecular chaperones/heat shock proteins (Hsps). XnGroEL was shown to possess oral insecticidal activity against a major crop pest Helicoverpa armigera. Under normal conditions, the Hsps/chaperones facilitate folding, assembly, and translocation of cellular proteins, while in stress conditions they protect proteins from denaturation. In this study, we describe generation of transgenic tomato plants overexpressing insecticidal XnGroEL protein and their tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Presence of XnGroEL in the transgenic tomato lines conferred resistance against H. armigera showing 100% (p ≤ 0.001) mortality of neonates. In addition, XnGroEL provided thermotolerance and protection against high salt concentration to the tomato plants. Expression of XnGroEL minimized photo-oxidation of chlorophyll and reduced oxidative damage of cell membrane system of the plants under heat and salt stress. The enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses correlated with increase in the anti-oxidative enzyme activity and reduced H2O2 accumulation in transgenic tomato plants. The variety of beneficial properties displayed by XnGroEL protein provides an opportunity for value addition and improvement of crop productivity.

Ectopic expression of Arabidopsis glutaredoxin AtGRXS17 enhances thermotolerance in tomato

While various signalling networks regulate plant responses to heat stress, the mechanisms regulating and unifying these diverse biological processes are largely unknown. Our previous studies indicate that the Arabidopsis monothiol glutaredoxin, AtGRXS17, is crucial for temperature-dependent postembryonic growth in Arabidopsis. In the present study, we further demonstrate that AtGRXS17 has conserved functions in anti-oxidative stress and thermotolerance in both yeast and plants. In yeast, AtGRXS17 co-localized with yeast ScGrx3 in the nucleus and suppressed the sensitivity of yeast grx3grx4 double-mutant cells to oxidative stress and heat shock. In plants, GFP-AtGRXS17 fusion proteins initially localized in the cytoplasm and the nuclear envelope but migrated to the nucleus during heat stress. Ectopic expression of AtGRXS17 in tomato plants minimized photo-oxidation of chlorophyll and reduced oxidative damage of cell membrane systems under heat stress. This enhanced thermotolerance correlated with increased catalase (CAT) enzyme activity and reduced H₂O₂ accumulation in AtGRXS17-expressing tomatoes. Furthermore, during heat stress, expression of the heat shock transcription factor (HSF) and heat shock protein (HSP) genes was up-regulated in AtGRXS17-expressing transgenic plants compared with wild-type controls. Thus, these findings suggest a specific protective role of a redox protein against temperature stress and provide a genetic engineering strategy to improve crop thermotolerance.

Inhibition of photosynthesis and modification of the wheat leaf proteome by Ptr ToxB: A host‐specific toxin from the fungal pathogen Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis

Tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is an important foliar disease of wheat. The fungus produces the host-specific, chlorosis-inducing toxin Ptr ToxB. To better understand toxin action, we examined the effects of Ptr ToxB on sensitive wheat. Photosynthesis, as measured by infrared gas analysis, declined significantly within 12 h of toxin treatment, prior to the development of chlorosis at 48-72 h. Analysis by 2-DE revealed a total of 102 protein spots with significantly altered intensities 12-36 h after toxin treatment, of which 66 were more abundant and 36 were less abundant than in the buffer-treated control. The identities of 47 of these spots were established by MS/MS, and included proteins involved in the light reactions of photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle, and the stress/defense response. Based on the declines in photosynthesis and the identities of the differentially abundant proteins, we hypothesize that Ptr ToxB causes a rapid disruption in the photosynthetic processes of sensitive wheat, leading to the generation of ROS and oxidative stress. Although the photoprotective and repair mechanisms of the host appear to initially still be functional, they are probably overwhelmed by the continued production of ROS, leading to chlorophyll photooxidation and the development of chlorosis.

Distribution of dimethylsulfide and dimethylsulfoniopropionate and its relation with phytoneuston in the surface microlayer of the western North Atlantic during summer

One of the key steps towards predicting dimethylsulfide (DMS) emission to the atmosphere is to understand the distribution and cycling of biogenic sulfur in the microlayer. In this study, we examined the distribution of DMS and dissolved and particulate fractions of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSPd and DMSPp) in the surface microlayer and bulk water of the western North Atlantic during July 2003. DMS concentrations in the bulk water varied from 0.71 to 7.65 nM. In contrast, DMS concentrations in the surface microlayer were fairly low (0.17-1.33 nM). Average concentrations of DMSPd and DMSPp in the bulk water were 2.09 (1.87-6.25) and 44.1 (8.06-119.8) nM, respectively, and those in the surface microlayer were 15.4 (4.06-54.3) and 29.9 (7.32-97.0) nM. In general, DMS was depleted in the microlayer (mean concentration: 0.60 nM) relative to the bulk water (mean concentration: 2.38 nM) with enrichment factors (the ratio of the microlayer concentration to bulk water concentration) ranging from 0.13 to 0.54. There was no consistent enrichment of DMSPp and chlorophyll a in the microlayer. On the contrary, DMSPd appeared to be highly enriched in the microlayer with an average EF of 4.89. The concentration of phaeopigments was also generally greater in the microlayer than in the bulk water, presumably due to enhanced photo-oxidation of chlorophyll a under high surface light intensities in the microlayer. In the study area, the concentration of DMSPp was significantly correlated with the abundance of dinoflagellates in the microlayer. Moreover, a significant correlation between the distributions of DMS, DMSPp, chlorophyll a and phaeopigment concentrations in the microlayer and the bulk water demonstrated that the biogenic materials in the microlayer come primarily from the bulk water below.

Isolation and Identification of Antialgal Compounds from the Leaves of Vallisneria spiralis L. by Activity-Guided Fractionation (5 pp)

Vallisneria spiralis Linn., a common submerged macrophyte, is widely available in quiet waters of lakes, ponds, marshes and streams in Southeast Asia. V. spiralis plays a significant role not only in decreasing eutrophication of water body for its productivity, but also in inhibiting the growth of blue-green algae? The aim of the paper involves the isolation and identification of allelochemicals from extracts of V. spiralis by activity-guided fractionation and column chromatography. Leaves of V. spiralis was washed free of debris, air-dried and refluxed in 95% EtOH. The extract was isolated using column chromatography and fractionation with antialgal activity. Potential allelochemicals were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS). Two fractions with strong antialgal activity were isolated using column chromatography and activity-guided fractionation from the extract of V. spiralis. 2-Ethyl-3-methylmaleimide, dihydroactinidiolide and 4-oxo-beta-Ionone were identified in the first fraction, and 3-hydroxy-5,6-epoxy-beta-ionone, loliolide, 6-hydroxy-3-oxo-alpha-ionone and an unknown compound in the second fraction. They had strong inhibitory effects on Microcystis aeruginosa Kütz. 2-Ethyl-3-methylmaleimide is a byproduct of photooxidation of chlorophyll, and five other compounds identified were derivatives of beta-carotene. HRGC-MS and derivatization technology were used to identify and confirm their molecular structures. The formula of the unknown compound was C16H19NO4. Metabolites of plant pigments had strong inhibitory activities on growth of algae. Six compounds had been identified in V. spiralis, among them, 2-ethyl-3-methylmaleimide was the main allelochemical, and derivatives of ionone were also potential allelochemicals. The results of our research could help us to study further mechanisms of inhibitory effect on algae and develop new potential antialgal substances.

Changes in photosynthetic parameters and antioxidant activities following heat-shock treatment in tomato plants

Seedlings of two tomato genotypes, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. var. Amalia and the wild thermotolerant type Nagcarlang, were grown under a photoperiod of 16 h light at 25°C and 8 h dark at 20°C. At the fourth true leaf stage, a group of plants were exposed to a heat-shock temperature of 45°C for 3 h, and measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence, gas-exchange characteristics, dark respiration and oxidative and antioxidative parameters were made after releasing the stress. The heat shock induced severe alterations in the photosynthesis of Amalia that seem to mitigate the damaging impact of high temperatures by lowering the leaf temperature and maintaining stomatal conductance and more efficient maintenance of antioxidant capacity, including ascorbate and glutathione levels. These effects were not evident in Nagcarlang. In Amalia plants, a larger increase in dark respiration also occurred in response to heat shock and the rates of the oxidative processes were higher than in Nagcarlang. This suggests that heat injury in Amalia may involve chlorophyll photooxidation mediated by activated oxygen species (AOS) and more severe alterations in the photosynthetic apparatus. All these changes could be related to the more dramatic effect of heat shock seen in Amalia than in Nagcarlang plants.

Spectral analysis of pigment photobleaching in photosynthetic antenna complex LHCIIb

Light-induced photooxidation of chlorophyll (Chl) a, b and xanthophylls was investigated in LHCIIb, the antenna pigment–protein complex of photosystem II. Absorption difference spectra at normal and low temperatures show initially (at less than 25% Chl a decay) a selective bleaching of a red-shifted Chl b with absorption bands at 487 and 655 nm, Chl b (460/650 nm) and Chl a (433/670 nm), which changes to a less selective photooxidation pattern at deeper bleaching stages. Difference absorption spectra and HPLC analyses indicate different photooxidation rates of pigments in the order neoxanthin>Chl a>lutein≈Chl b. Despite significant pigment loss as monitored with absorption spectra, CD spectra indicate an essentially complete persistence of the protein secondary structure. Fluorescence excitation spectra suggest the conversion of a small fraction of Chl a into pheophytin a which acts as a fluorescence quencher, possibly through temporary charge separation process. The strong features in the electroabsorption (Stark effect) spectra due to chlorophyll b at 655 nm and a xanthophyll at 510 nm, and the spectral changes mentioned above are assigned to Chl molecules located at several binding sites in LHCIIb protein and are discussed in the context of spatial configuration and interactions of pigment molecules.

Characterization of carotenoid and chlorophyll photooxidation in photosystem II.

Photosystem II (PSII) contains two accessory chlorophylls (Chl(Z), ligated to D1-His118, and Chl(D), ligated to D2-His117), carotenoid (Car), and heme (cytochrome b(559)) cofactors that function as alternate electron donors under conditions in which the primary electron-donation pathway from the O(2)-evolving complex to P680(+) is inhibited. The photooxidation of the redox-active accessory chlorophylls and Car has been characterized by near-infrared (near-IR) absorbance, shifted-excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy over a range of cryogenic temperatures from 6 to 120 K in both Synechocystis PSII core complexes and spinach PSII membranes. The following key observations were made: (1) only one Chl(+) near-IR band is observed at 814 nm in Synechocystis PSII core complexes, which is assigned to Chl(Z)(+) based on previous spectroscopic studies of the D1-H118Q and D2-H117Q mutants [Stewart, D. H., Cua, A., Chisholm, D. A., Diner, B. A., Bocian, D. F., and Brudvig, G. W. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 10040-10046]; (2) two Chl(+) near-IR bands are observed at 817 and 850 nm in spinach PSII membranes which are formed with variable relative yields depending on the illumination temperature and are assigned to Chl(Z)(+), and Chl(D)(+), respectively; (3) the Chl and Car cation radicals have significantly different stabilities at reduced temperatures with Car(+) decaying much faster; (4) in Synechocystis PSII core complexes, Car(+) decays by recombination with Q(A)(-) and not by Chl(Z)/Chl(D) oxidation, with multiphasic kinetics that are attributed to an ensemble of protein conformers that are trapped as the protein is frozen; and (5) in spinach PSII membranes, Car(+) decays mainly by recombination with Q(A)(-), but also partly by formation of the 850 nm Chl cation radical. The greater stability of Chl(Z)(+) at low temperatures enabled us to confirm that resonance Raman bands previously assigned to Chl(Z)(+) are correctly assigned. In addition, the formation and decay of these cations provide insight into the alternate electron-donation pathways to P680(+).

Can a high chlorophyllase activity bias the use of the phytyldiol versus phytol ratio (CPPI) for the monitoring of chlorophyll photooxidation in seawater?

The photodegradation rates of chlorophyll-a and phytol in both its esterified and free forms were followed in killed cells of Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin, a diatom possessing a strong chlorophyllase activity. The Chlorophyll Phytyl side chain Photodegradation Index (CPPI), defined as the molar ratio of phytyldiol (a specific photoproduct of the phytyl chain) versus phytol, was used to estimate the chlorophyll-a photodegradation rate. Despite the strong chlorophyllase activity of this alga and the high photoreactivity of free phytol, the CPPI gave a good estimation of the chlorophyll-a photodegradation state. These estimates were good for the axenic and non-axenic incubations, since aerobic bacterial degradation processes act upon free phytyldiol and phytol without high selectivity.

Comparison of the photodegradation rates of chlorophyll chlorin ring and phytol side chain in phytodetritus: is the phytyldiol versus phytol ratio (CPPI) a new biogeochemical index?

Abstract Rates of photodegradation of chlorophylls in their entirety and of chlorophyll phytyl chains, and time evolution of the Chlorophyll Phytyl side-Chain Photodegradation Index (CPPI) under visible light exposure were determined and compared in laboratory experiments. Killed phytoplanktonic cells of two widespread Bacillariophyceae (Thalassiosira rotula Meun. and Skeletonema costatum (Grev.) Cleve), one widespread Prymnesiophyceae (Emiliania huxleyi (Lohm.) May and Mohler) and one Chlorophyceae (Dunaliella tertiolecta Butch) were used as source of pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and phaeophytin a). Chlorophyll and chlorophyll phytyl chain photodegradation and CPPI evolution showed apparent first-order kinetics with respect to light exposure. The in vitro determined degradation rates were approximately 3.5 times higher for the chlorophyll tetrapyrrolic structure than for the phytyl chain. Few variations of the relative photodegradation constant rates were observed between strains: less than 34% for chlorophyll a and 25% for chlorophyll phytyl chain at 20°C. Nonetheless, the photo-oxidation process of the phytyl chain (Q10=2.0) seems more affected by temperature than does chlorophyll a (Q10=1.4). Phytol loss in the dark controls have been attributed to bacterial degradation, and, in the case of S. costatum, chlorophyllase dephytylation seems to have enhanced the potential for bacterial biodegradation. From these results, it clearly appears that in small detrital particles not only chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and phaeophytin but also their phytyl chains may be rapidly photodegraded in the upper portion of the euphotic zone. The use of the CPPI for monitoring the chlorophyll photo-oxidation process in the aquatic environment is discussed.

Analysis of some optical properties of a native and reconstituted photosystem II antenna complex, CP29: pigment binding sites can be occupied by chlorophyll a or chlorophyll b and determine spectral forms.

The minor photosystem II antenna complex CP29(Lhcb-4) has been reconstituted in vitro with the Lhcb-4 apoprotein, overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the native pigments. Modulation of the pigment composition during reconstitution yields binding products with markedly different chlorophyll a/b binding ratios even though the total number of bound chlorophylls (a plus b) remains constant at eight. A thermodynamic analysis of steady state absorption and fluorescence spectra demonstrates that all chlorophylls are energetically coupled, while the kinetics of chlorophyll photooxidation indicate that triplet chlorophyll-carotenoid coupling is also conserved during pigment binding in vitro. The influence of the chlorophyll a/b binding ratio on the absorption spectra measured at 72 and 300 K is analyzed for the Qy absorption region. Increased chlorophyll b binding leads to large increases in absorption in the 640-660 nm region, while absorption in the 675-690 nm interval decreases markedly. These changes are analyzed in terms of a Gaussian decomposition description in which the eight subbands display a temperature-dependent broadening in agreement with the weak electron-phonon coupling demonstrated for other antenna chlorophyll spectral forms. In this way, we demonstrate that increased chlorophyll b binding leads to increased absorption intensity associated with the subbands at 640, 648, 655, and 660 nm and decreased intensity for the long wavelength subbands at 678 and 684 nm. The wavelength position of all subbands is unchanged. The above data are interpreted to indicate that CP29 has eight chlorophyll binding sites, many or all of which can be occupied by either chlorophyll a or chlorophyll b according to the conditions in which pigment binding occurs. Chlorophyll b absorption is primarily associated with four subbands located at 640, 648, 655, and 660 nm. The invariance of the wavelength position of the absorption bands in recombinant products with different chlorophyll a/b binding stoichiometries is discussed in terms of the mechanism involved in the formation of spectral bands. We conclude that pigment-protein interactions dominate in the determination of spectral heterogeneity with probably only minor effects on absorption associated with pigment-pigment interactions.

Light‐dependent Proton Excretion of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.) Roots

AbstractWe investigated the change of root net proton excretion of seedlings of Triticum aestivum L. and Zea mays L. with daily variation of illumination using a multi‐channel pH‐stat system. We found an increase of net proton excretion during darkness and a drop after the beginning of illumination. Inhibition of carotenoid biosynthesis by norflurazone and photooxidation of chlorophylls did not change the periodicity or its induction. The induction of diurnal periodicity was possible with blue, green and red light. After induction the oscillation of net proton excretion continued for at least two cycles under constant light. We conclude that net H+ excretion of wheat and maize roots may be regulated by an endogenous clock or by a signal from the leaves. The nature of such a hypothetical signal remains unknown.

Photoinhibition during acclimatization of micropropagatedSpathiphyllum “Petite” plantlets

MicropropagatedSpathiphyllum “Petite” plantlets were acclimatized at low- or high-light intensities [photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) 100 or 300 µmol·m−2·s−1]. During the first days chlorophyll fluorescence measurements show a partial photoinhibition of the photosynthetic apparatus, expressed by a decrease of the variable over maximal fluorescence ratio (Fv/Fm). This inhibition of Fv/Fm was significantly higher for plants grown at high-light intensity, leading to a photooxidation of chlorophyll. Newly formed leaves were better adapted to the ex vitro climatic condition (as shown by the increase of the Fv/Fm ratio) and had a higher net photosynthesis compared with in vitro formed leaves. Nevertheless, plants grown at 300 µmol·m−2·s−1 were photoinhibited, compared with those at 100 µmol·m−2·s−1. A sudden exposure to high-light intensity of 1-, 10- or 25-d-old transplanted plants (shift in PPFD from 100 to 300 µmol·m−2·s−1) gave a linear decrease of Fv/Fm over a 12-h period, which was reflected in a 50% reduction of net photosynthesis. No significant interaction between day and hour was found, indicating high-light exposure causes the same photoinhibitory effect on in vitro and ex vitro formed leaves.

Thylakoid-bound proteolytic activity against LHC II apoprotein in bean

Triton X-100 solubilized thylakoids, isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris chloroplasts, degrade endogenous or exogenously added LHC II. The degradation, as monitored by immunodetection of the remaining LHC II after incubation at 37°C, is activated by Mg(++) and inhibited by pCMB, EDTA, PMSF and benzamidine; the activity under high light conditions parallels chlorophyll photooxidation. The thylakoid-bound proteolytic activity is under phytochrome control. Etiolated plants pretreated by a white light pulse, and kept in the dark thereafter, show enhanced proteolytic activity, which follows rhythmical oscillations. On the other hand, chloramphenicol pretreatment of etiolated plants, prior to their transfer to continuous light, reduces the proteolytic activity against LHC II. The results suggest that the degradation involves a serine type protease, which depends on SH group(s), coded by the plastid genome; the protease action on LHC II is regulated by Mg(++), phytochrome, the biological clock and chlorophyll accumulation in the thylakoid. The stroma lamellar fraction, separated from French press disrupted chloroplasts, exhibits higher activity towards exogenous LHC II than the grana fraction. The stroma of intact chloroplasts exhibits also high proteolytic activity, which is drastically reduced when the lysis medium is supplemented with cations. This suggests that the protease is bound mainly on stroma lamellae and peripheral granal membranes, its association to the membranes being possibly under cation control.

Diagnosis of the Earliest Strain-Specific Interactions between Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Chloroplasts of Tobacco Leaves in Vivo by Means of Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imaging.

Fluorescence imaging was used to diagnose early stages of the strain-specific interactions between tobacco mosaic virus (strain PV230) and chloroplasts following infection of tobacco leaves (Nicotiana tabacum cv Xanthi). The earliest indication of interaction in tissues that ultimately become chlorotic was a reduction in chlorophyll fluorescence, and there was little fluorescence quenching compared with adjacent healthy tissues. Subsequently, fluorescence increased but remained unquenched. In the late stages fluorescence declined again in chlorotic regions as the chloroticmosaic symptoms developed. These in vivo data showing altered fluorescence yields confirm strain-specific interaction of virus coat protein with photosystem II (PSII) components in vitro, leading to photoinhibition and photooxidation of chlorophyll in infected cells and the development of visible chlorotic-mosaic symptoms. Although mechanisms leading to the low, unquenched fluorescence condition are not known, the intermediate high, unquenched fluorescence condition is consistent with impaired PSII electron transport as measured in vitro. Fluorescence lesions appear more rapidly and develop more extensively in high light, consistent with the faster and larger extent of symptom formation in high-light-grown leaves than in low-light-grown leaves.

Effects of air pollution on Pinus halepensis (Mill.): pollution levels in Attica, Greece

Abstract Air quality in the Athens basin is well known to be poor, damaging building materials and human health, but there is no information available on concentrations or the impact of oxidants on ecosystems in rural areas outside the basin. A short-term monitoring campaign, coupled with a survey using the O3 bioindicator Bel-W3 tobacco demonstrated that phytotoxic concentrations of O3 occurred throughout Attica, within a 75 km radius of the city. There was relatively little injury produced in the industrial centre of the city and maximum injury was found about 40 km to the SE. Visible lesions identical to those of O3 injury were found on Aleppo pine at all sites in the cooler months. In the summer the needles were very chlorotic, possibly due to photo-oxidation of chlorophylls mediated by heat or drought. This chlorosis may mask oxidant symptoms in the summer. NO2 diffusion tube data and needle analysis suggested that the effects of sulphur and NO2 are probably confined to the Athens basin.