Photosynthesis In Soybean Research Articles

Physiological and Proteomics Analyses Reveal Low-Phosphorus Stress Affected the Regulation of Photosynthesis in Soybean.

Previous studies have revealed a significant genetic relationship between phosphorus (P)-efficiency and photosynthesis-related traits in soybean. In this study, we used proteome profiling in combination with expression analysis, biochemical investigations, and leaf ultrastructural analysis to identify the underlying physiological and molecular responses. The expression analysis and ultrastructural analysis showed that the photosynthesis key genes were decreased at transcript levels and the leaf mesophyll and chloroplast were severely damaged after low-P stress. Approximately 55 protein spots showed changes under low-P condition by mass spectrometry, of which 17 were involved in various photosynthetic processes. Further analysis revealed the depression of photosynthesis caused by low-P stress mainly involves the regulation of leaf structure, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, absorption and transportation of CO2, photosynthetic electron transport, production of assimilatory power, and levels of enzymes related to the Calvin cycle. In summary, our findings indicated that the existence of a stringent relationship between P supply and the genomic control of photosynthesis in soybean. As an important strategy to protect soybean photosynthesis, P could maintain the stability of cell structure, up-regulate the enzymes’ activities, recover the process of photosystem II (PSII), and induce the expression of low-P responsive genes and proteins.

Effect of interactions between light intensity and red-to- far-red ratio on the photosynthesis of soybean leaves under shade condition

Photosynthesis is dependent on the density and quality of light that reaches chloroplasts. Shade conditions are characterized by changes in light density and quality. These changes, which are represented by the red to far-red (R/Fr) ratio of light, directly affect the photosynthetic capacity of soybean in close-planting and intercropping systems. We postulated that high far-red light under shade conditions would improve crop photosynthesis. Herein, we conducted a quantitative proteomic analysis through the isobaric tagging for relative and absolute quantification approach to investigate the response of photosynthetic proteins to the interaction between light intensity and quality. We identified 7834 proteins (P value < 0.05, FC > 1.3) from soybean leaves. Among these proteins, 98 are associated with differential chloroplast accumulation under shade (S, low light intensity and low R/Fr ratio) and normal light (N, normal light intensity and normal R/Fr ratio) conditions. Additionally, 134 are associated with differential chloroplast accumulation under low light (L, low light intensity and normal R/Fr ratio) and N conditions. Eight representative proteins that are involved in photosynthesis were differentially regulated under L and S treatments. These proteins included one protein involved in porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, three proteins involved in light-harvesting chlorophyll protein complex, and four proteins involved in photosynthesis. Among the eight differentially regulated proteins under L and S treatments, five up-regulated proteins (protochlorophyllide reductase; light-harvesting complex II chlorophyll a/b binding protein [Lhcb1]; Lhcb2; photosystem I subunit II; and plastocyanin [PetE]) and three down-regulated proteins (Lhcb4; Ferredoxin-1; and NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase [NQO]) were validated through quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot methods L and S treatments decreased net photosynthesis rate (Pn) but increased chlorophyll content; thylakoid stacking; and photosystem II (PSII), PSI, and electron transport associated protein levels. Likewise, N and S treatments decreased PetE and NQO protein expression levels. This effect, in turn, decreased P700 oxidation. In addition, the higher far-red light of the S treatment than that of the L treatment increased Pn by up-regulating the gene expressions of differential proteins. We conclude that light intensity directly affects photosynthesis by regulating the expression of photosynthetic proteins. High far-red light, however, can improve the photosynthetic capacity of plants under shade conditions.

Photosynthetic physio-ecological characteristics in soybean leaves at different CO2 concentrations.

The availability of CO2, a substrate for photosynthesis, affects the photosynthesis process and photosynthate production. Using the Li-6400-40B, we measured the photosynthetic electron transport rate and the photosynthetic light-response curves of soybean (Glycine max) leaves at different CO2 concentrations (300, 400, 500 and 600 μmol·mol-1). By fitting these parameters with a mechanistic model characterizing the light response of photosynthesis, we obtained aseries of photosynthetic parameters, eco-physiological parameters, as well as the physical parameters of photosynthetic pigments. The results showed that the electronic use efficiency, maximum electron transport rate, and maximum net photosynthetic rate increased with the increase of CO2 concentration. The light compensation point and dark respiration rate decreased with the increase of CO2 concentration. In addition, the light-use efficiency and intrinsic (instantaneous) water-use efficiency increased with the increase of CO2 concentration, and their values differed significantly among different CO2 concentrations. There was no significant difference on the maximum carboxylation efficiency among different CO2 concentrations. Those results suggested that CO2 concentration could affect the primary light reaction of photosynthesis in soybean leaves, and thus higher CO2 concentration could decrease the minimum average lifespan of excitons at the lowest excited state, which would enhance the velocity of light energy transport and the use efficiency of photosynthetic electron flow.

Growth responses of soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings as affected by monochromic or mixture radiation provided by light-emitting diode

The light emitting diodes (LEDs), as a source of monochromic light, has been widely used in the field of agriculture and horticulture. We conducted a pot experiment to investigate the effect of LEDs (W, B, R1:B1:W1, R3:B1, R5:B1, R6:B1 and R) on growth and photosynthesis of soybean (Glycine max L. viz. Huachun 6 (HC6), Huaxia 3 (HX3) and Guixiadou 2 (GXD2)) seedlings. The agronomic traits, physiological characteristics and photosynthetic capacity of soybean seedlings were determined. The result showed that root growth, photosynthetic pigment, plant height, stem diameter, hypocotyl length, epicotyl length, root dry weight and shoot dry weight were significantly affected with light treatment. Pn was much higher and the root growth was much better under red/blue mixed light (R5:B1) than the other treatment. Photosynthetic pigment of each cultivar was different under various treatments. This study demonstrates that the root growth and photosynthetic capacity of soybean seedling could be regulated by light treatments. Therefore, it is important the effectiveness of light quality for growth and morphogenesis of soybean seedling.

Varietal Differences in Flowering, Pod Setting and Photosynthesis in Soybean Under High Temperature Conditions

Varietal Differences in Flowering, Pod Setting and Photosynthesis in Soybean Under High Temperature Conditions

Effects of drought stress on photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence images of soybean (Glycine max) seedlings

Effects of drought stress on photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence images of soybean (Glycine max) seedlings

Potassium Starvation Limits Soybean Growth More than the Photosynthetic Processes across CO2 Levels.

Elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2) often enhances plant photosynthesis, growth, and productivity. However, under nutrient-limited conditions the beneficial effects of high CO2 are often diminished. To evaluate the combined effects of potassium (K) deficiency and eCO2 on soybean photosynthesis, growth, biomass partitioning, and yields, plants were grown under controlled environment conditions with an adequate (control, 5.0 mM) and two deficient (0.50 and 0.02 mM) levels of K under ambient CO2 (aCO2; 400 μmol mol−1) and eCO2 (800 μmol mol−1). Results showed that K deficiency limited soybean growth traits more than photosynthetic processes. An ~54% reduction in leaf K concentration under 0.5 mM K vs. the control caused about 45% less leaf area, biomass, and yield without decreasing photosynthetic rate (Pnet). In fact, the steady photochemical quenching, efficiency, and quantum yield of photosystem II, chlorophyll concentration (TChl), and stomatal conductance under 0.5 mM K supported the stable Pnet. Biomass decline was primarily attributed to the reduced plant size and leaf area, and decreased pod numbers and seed yield in K-deficient plants. Under severe K deficiency (0.02 mM K), photosynthetic processes declined concomitantly with growth and productivity. Increased specific leaf weight, biomass partitioning to the leaves, decreased photochemical quenching and TChl, and smaller plant size to reduce the nutrient demands appeared to be the means by which plants adjusted to the severe K starvation. Increased K utilization efficiency indicated the ability of K-deficient plants to better utilize the tissue-available K for biomass accumulation, except under severe K starvation. The enhancement of soybean growth by eCO2 was dependent on the levels of K, leading to a K × CO2 interaction for traits such as leaf area, biomass, and yield. A lack of eCO2-mediated growth and photosynthesis stimulation under severe K deficiency underscored the importance of optimum K fertilization for maximum crop productivity under eCO2. Thus, eCO2 compensated, at least partially, for the reduced soybean growth and seed yield under 0.5 mM K supply, but severe K deficiency completely suppressed the eCO2-enhanced seed yield.

Wheat residue mulch and anti-transpirants improve productivity and quality of rainfed soybean in semi-arid north-Indian plains

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is largely grown in moisture-stressed conditions resulting in low yield. A 3-year field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2012–2014 to determine: (i) the effects of straw mulches and anti-transpirants on soil moisture retention, rainwater-use efficiency (RWUE), photosynthesis, growth, yield, and quality of soybean (cv. PS 1347), and (ii) the influence of climate (year) on responses of soybean to straw-mulch and anti-transpirant application. The treatments included two mulching treatments, no-mulch and wheat residue mulch (at 5Mgha−1), and the use of anti-transpirants, MgCO3 (5%), glycerol (5%), Na2CO3 (2%), KNO3 (1%) and no-anti-transpirant (control) sprayed 15days after flower initiation. Wheat straw mulching enhanced surface soil (0–30cm) moisture content by 20% over plots under no-mulch, improved leaf SPAD (soil plant analysis development) values, net-photosynthetic rates and boosted soybean grain yield by ∼16% over no-mulching. Plots with wheat straw mulching also had ∼18, 18 and 17% higher protein yield, oil yield and RWUE compared with no-mulch plots. Spraying MgCO3 and KNO3 along with wheat residue mulching (5Mgha−1) caused significant enhancement in grain-and protein-yield, and RWUE over control. However, Na2CO3 was not a suitable anti-transpirant as it reduced soybean growth, yield and quality. These results suggest that wheat residue mulch and anti-transpirants, MgCO3 and KNO3, can significantly improve the yield and quality of soybean in moisture-stressed rainfed environments.

Mycorrhizae enhance nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis in phosphorus-starved soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are nutrients that frequently limit plant performance and crop yield. Currently, awareness of the importance of plant-microbe interactions in plant nutrient acquisition and growth promotion persist, particularly under stressful conditions, such as those resulting from P scarcity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of P starvation on the influence of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis on N2-fixing capacities, plant growth, nutrient uptake and photosynthetic performance of soybean plants at flowering and grain filling stages. To this end, soybean (Glycine max) plants were nodulated with Bradyrhizobium elkanii and inoculated or not with the AM fungus Glomus macrocarpum. The +AM and −AM plants were grown under low P conditions (50μM), and a control treatment with −AM plants under sufficient P concentration (500μM) was also performed (−AM+P). Plants were grown until the beginning of the flowering and another set till the grain filling stage. The results showed that mycorrhization improved soybean plant performance under P scarcity compared with non-AM associated plants under the same conditions. AM positively influenced growth and plant nodulation at both flowering and grain-filling stages, without significant changes in plant P content. AM symbiosis increased nitrogenase activity, P content in nodules and leaf N content, the maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco and reduced the metabolic limitation of photosynthesis under P starvation, which indicated the AM stimulus to symbiotic N2 fixation (SNF) and photosynthesis. Under these conditions, mycorrhizal symbiosis could not completely meet soybean P demand compared with well-nourished soybean plants, which produced higher plant and nodules biomass. In conclusion, AM association in nodulated soybean plants is likely an important strategy for maintaining SNF functioning, conferring increased plant growth and better N status under P scarcity conditions and significantly attenuating the negative effects of low Pi in nodulated-soybean plants.

Photosynthesis and Growth Responses of Soybean (Glycine max Merr.) under Elevated CO2 Conditions

Photosynthesis and Growth Responses of Soybean (Glycine max Merr.) under Elevated CO2 Conditions

The residual effects of bensulfuron-methyl on growth and photosynthesis of soybean and peanut

The effects of various concentrations of bensulfuron-methyl residues (BSM, 0-500 &mu;g kg-1) on the growth and photosynthesis of soybean and peanut were studied. Shoot length, root length, root-to-shoot ratio, and biomass of soybean and peanut seedlings declined with the increase of BSM residue concentrations. As the concentration of BSM increased, SPAD value, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal limitation, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate also declined with varying extent, but dark respiration rate and intercellular CO2 concentration increased gradually. PSII maximum quantum yield, actual quantum yield, and electron transport rate were significantly reduced by the BSM residues in soil, and the reduction was mostly attributed to the decrease in photochemical quenching coefficient. The results showed that photosynthesis in both crops was limited by nonstomatal factors. The residues of BSM caused reversible damage in PSII reaction centers and decrease the proportion of available excitation energy used for photochemistry.

Physiological effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on the photosynthesis and water use efficiency of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

CeO2NPs displayed concentration and coating property dependent effects on soybean photosynthesis and water use efficiency.

Impact of elevated temperatures on specific leaf weight, stomatal density, photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence in soybean.

High-temperature stress is a major environmental stress and there are limited studies elucidating its impact on soybean (Glycine max L. Merril.). The objectives of present study were to quantify the effect of high temperature on changes in leaf thickness, number of stomata on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and seed yield in soybean. Twelve soybean genotypes were grown at day/night temperatures of 30/22, 34/24, 38/26 and 42/28 °C with an average temperature of 26, 29, 32 and 35 °C, respectively, under greenhouse conditions. One set was also grown under ambient temperature conditions where crop season average maximum, minimum and mean temperatures were 28.0, 22.4 and 25.2 °C, respectively. Significant negative effect of temperature was observed on specific leaf weight (SLW) and leaf thickness. Rate of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency declined as the growing temperatures increased; whereas, intercellular CO2 and transpiration rate were increased. With the increase in temperature chlorophyll fluorescence parameters such as Fv/Fm, qP and PhiPSII declined while there was increase in qN. Number of stomata on both abaxial and adaxial surface of leaf increased significantly with increase in temperatures. The rate of photosynthesis, PhiPSII, qP and SPAD values were positively associated with leaf thickness and SLW. This indicated that reduction in photosynthesis and associated parameters appears to be due to structural changes observed at higher temperatures. The average seed yield was maximum (13.2g/pl) in plants grown under ambient temperature condition and declined by 8, 14, 51 and 65% as the temperature was increased to 30/22, 34/24, 38/26 and 42/28 °C, respectively.

Photosynthesis of soybean cultivars released in different decades after grafting onto record-yield cultivars as rootstocks

While photosynthesis of soybean has been enhanced by breeding, it remains to be clarified whether the improvement of root function could bring a further increase of photosynthetic capacity for the development of soybean cultivars. The objective of this grafting experiment was to determine the influence of record-yield soybean cultivars, Liaodou14 (L14) and Zhonghuang35 (Z35), as rootstocks on photosynthetic traits of cultivars released in different decades. Grafting of various soybean cultivars onto L14 or Z35 rootstocks showed a higher root physiological activity, which resulted in significant increases in some photosynthetic traits at the late grain-filling stage compared with the non-grafted and self-grafted plants. The genetic gain for some photosynthetic traits of cultivars released from 1966 to 2006 increased by using L14 and Z35 as rootstocks. It suggested that the photosynthetic traits of the recently released cultivars could increase more if their root functions are improved.

Benzoxazolin-2-(3H)-one reduces photosynthetic activity and chlorophyll fluorescence in soybean

Benzoxazolin-2-(3H)-one (BOA) has been tested in many plants species, but not in soybean (Glycine max). Thus, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to assess the effects of BOA on soybean photosynthesis. BOA reduced net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry without affecting intercellular CO2 concentration or maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry. Results revealed that the reduced stomatal conductance restricted entry of CO2 into substomatal spaces, thus limiting CO2 assimilation. No change found in intercellular CO2 concentration and reduced effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry revealed that CO2 was not efficiently consumed by the plants. Our data indicated that the effects of BOA on soybean photosynthesis occurred due to the reduced stomatal conductance and decreased efficiency of carbon assimilation. The accumulation of BOA in soybean leaves reinforced these findings.

Changes in leaf area, nitrogen content and canopy photosynthesis in soybean exposed to an ozone concentration gradient

Influences of ozone (O3) on light-saturated rates of photosynthesis in crop leaves have been well documented. To increase our understanding of O3 effects on individual- or stand level productivity, a mechanistic understanding of factors determining canopy photosynthesis is necessary. We used a canopy model to scale photosynthesis from leaf to canopy, and analyzed the importance of canopy structural and leaf ecophysiological characteristics in determining canopy photosynthesis in soybean stands exposed to 9 concentrations of [O3] (37–116 ppb; 9-h mean). Light intensity and N content peaked in upper canopy layers, and sharply decreased through the lower canopy. Plant leaf area decreased with increasing [O3] allowing for greater light intensity to reach lower canopy levels. At the leaf level, light-saturated photosynthesis decreased and dark respiration increased with increasing [O3]. These data were used to calculate daily net canopy photosynthesis (Pc). Pc decreased with increasing [O3] with an average decrease of 10% for an increase in [O3] of 10 ppb, and which was similar to changes in above-ground dry mass production of the stands. Absolute daily net photosynthesis of lower layers was very low and thus the decrease in photosynthesis in the lower canopy caused by elevated [O3] had only minor significance for total canopy photosynthesis. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the decrease in Pc was associated with changes in leaf ecophysiology but not with decrease in leaf area. The soybean stands were very crowded, the leaves were highly mutually shaded, and sufficient light for positive carbon balance did not penetrate to lower canopy leaves, even under elevated [O3].

Photosynthetic response of soybean to L-DOPA and aqueous extracts of velvet bean

L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is an allelochemical released by roots of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) that affects the growth of several plant species. However, its mechanism of action is inconclusive. In this work, we compared the effects of L-DOPA (0.01–1.0 mmol L−1) and of aqueous extracts (300, 1200, and 3000 mg L−1) of velvet bean on growth and photosynthesis (gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence) of soybean (Glycine max). Overall, the results showed that both L-DOPA and aqueous extracts of velvet bean reduced the growth, leaf area, photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), and quantum yield of electron flow through photosystem II (PSII) in vivo (ΦF). In addition, L-DOPA and aqueous extracts increased the internal CO2 concentration (Ci) and the leaf wax and trichome density on the leaf surface, while the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) was not changed. These results suggest that the reduction of A should not be related exclusively to the stomatal closure, but also to limitations of the carbon metabolism, as indicated by the increase of Ci and decrease of ΦF. Briefly, we concluded that soybean growth inhibition by L-DOPA and aqueous extracts of velvet bean is due to the combination of damage in the root meristem and reduction in A.

Interaction of Glyphosate with Zinc for the Yield, Photosynthesis, Soil Fertility and Nutritional Status of Soybean

ABSTRACTApplication of glyphosate herbicide in genetically modified (GM) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in soils with low zinc (Zn) concentration may interfere in the uptake of this and other nutrients, with negative impact on productivity. Thus, an experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions on Ustoxix Quatzipsamment soil to investigate the effects of the interaction of glyphosate with Zn for the yield, photosynthesis, soil fertility and nutritional status of soybean. The treatments consisted of two soybean varieties [BRS 133 (conventional—NGM) and its essentially derived transgenic line BRS 245RR (GM) with and without glyphosate application] and five Zn rates (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg−1, source zinc sulfate (ZnSO4)), with four replicates. Except for the copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) concentrations, the introduction of the herbicide-resistant gene is the predominant factor reducing nutrient uptake, photosynthetic (A) rate, stomatal conductance (Gs), leaf chlorophyll and ureide concentrations. The administration of Zn rates lowered the leaf phosphorus (P) concentration, and there was significant increase in Zn concentration in the soil and in the plant. Except for the 20 mg kg−1 of Zn rate, the use of the herbicide did not affect the shoot dry weight (SDW) and seed yield, and on average, the maximum seed yield was obtained with Zn concentrations of 26.4 and 18.7 mg kg−1 extracted by Mehlich 1 and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-triethanolamine (DTPA-TEA), respectively.

Exogenous 5-Aminolevulenic Acid Promotes Antioxidative Defence System, Photosynthesis and Growth in Soybean against Cold Stress

In the present study, the possibility of enhancing cold stress tolerance of young soybean plants (Glycine max [L.] Merr) by exogenous application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was investigated. ALA was applied at various concentrations (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mM) by seed priming and foliar application method. After ALA treatment, the plants were subjected to cold stress at 10 ± 0.5 °C for 72 h. Cold stress significantly decreased plant growth, relative water content, chlorophyll, photosynthesis and stomatal conductivity, while it increased electrolyte leakage and proline accumulation. ALA at low concentrations (0.3 mM) protected plants against cold stress, enhancing plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, stomatal conductivity as well as relative water content. Increase of electrolyte leakage was also prevented by 0.6 mM ALA. ALA also enhanced superoxide dismutase and catalase activities at 0.6 mM concentration especially under cold stress conditions. Proline increased with increasing in ALA concentration under both temperature conditions. In most cases, application of ALA by spraying method was better than seed priming method. Results showed that ALA, which is considered as an endogenous plant growth regulator, can be used effectively to protect soybean plants from the damaging effects of cold stress, by enhancing the activity of antioxidative enzymes, protecting cell membrane against reactive oxygen species and finally by promoting chlorophyll synthesis, leading to more intense photosynthesis and more carbon fixation, without any adverse effect on the plant growth.

Exogenous 5-Aminolevulenic Acid Promotes Antioxidative Defence System, Photosynthesis and Growth in Soybean against Cold Stress

Exogenous 5-Aminolevulenic Acid Promotes Antioxidative Defence System, Photosynthesis and Growth in Soybean against Cold Stress