Photosystem II Efficiency Research Articles

Changes in Light Energy Utilization in Photosystem II and Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Potato Leaves by the Pinworm Tuta absoluta.

We evaluated photosystem II (PSII) functionality in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) before and after a 15 min feeding by the leaf miner Tuta absoluta using chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging analysis combined with reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection. Fifteen minutes after feeding, we observed at the feeding zone and at the whole leaf a decrease in the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (ΦPSII). While at the feeding zone the quantum yield of regulated non-photochemical energy loss in PSII (ΦNPQ) did not change, at the whole leaf level there was a significant increase. As a result, at the feeding zone a significant increase in the quantum yield of non-regulated energy loss in PSII (ΦNO) occurred, but there was no change at the whole leaf level compared to that before feeding, indicating no change in singlet oxygen (1O2) formation. The decreased ΦPSII after feeding was due to a decreased fraction of open reaction centers (qp), since the efficiency of open PSII reaction centers to utilize the light energy (Fv′/Fm′) did not differ before and after feeding. The decreased fraction of open reaction centers resulted in increased excess excitation energy (EXC) at the feeding zone and at the whole leaf level, while hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production was detected only at the feeding zone. Although the whole leaf PSII efficiency decreased compared to that before feeding, the maximum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and the efficiency of the water-splitting complex on the donor side of PSII (Fv/Fo), did not differ to that before feeding, thus they cannot be considered as sensitive parameters to monitor biotic stress effects. Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging analysis proved to be a good indicator to monitor even short-term impacts of insect herbivory on photosynthetic function, and among the studied parameters, the reduction status of the plastoquinone pool (qp) was the most sensitive and suitable indicator to probe photosynthetic function under biotic stress.

Analysis of the changes of electron transfer and heterogeneity of photosystem II in Deg1-reduced Arabidopsis plants.

Deg1 protease functions in protease and chaperone of PSII complex components, but few works were performed to study the effects of Deg1 on electron transport activities on the donor and acceptor side of PSII and its correlation with the photoprotection of PSII during photoinhibition. Therefore, we performed systematic and comprehensive investigations of electron transfers on the donor and acceptor sides of photosystem II (PSII) in the Deg1-reduced transgenic lines deg1-2 and deg1-4. Both the maximal quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm) and the actual PSII efficiency (ΦPSII) decreased significantly in the transgenic plants. Increases in nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) and the dissipated energy flux per reaction center (DI0/RC) were also shown in the transgenic plants. Along with the decreased D1, CP47, and CP43 content, these results suggested photoinhibition under growth light conditions in transgenic plants. Decreased Deg1 caused inhibition of electron transfer on the PSII reducing side, leading to a decline in the number of QB-reducing centers and accumulation of QB-nonreducing centers. The Tm of the Q band shifted from 5.7 °C in the wild-type plant to 10.4 °C and 14.2 °C in the deg1-2 and deg1-4 plants, respectively, indicating an increase in the stability of S2QA¯ in transgenic plants. PSIIα in the transgenic plants largely reduced, while PSIIβ and PSIIγ increased with the decline in the Deg1 levels in transgenic plants suggesting PSIIα centers gradually converted into PSIIβ and PSIIγ centers in the transgenic plants. Besides, the connectivity of PSIIα and PSIIβ was downregulated in transgenic plants. Our results reveal that downregulation of Deg1 protein levels induced photoinhibition in transgenic plants, leading to loss of PSII activities on both the donor and acceptor sides in transgenic plants. These results give a new insight into the regulation role of Deg1 in PSII electron transport.

EFFECT OF SALT (NaCl) ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND CARBOHYDRATES IN LEAVES OF TWO RAGI (ELEUSINE CORACANA (L.) GAERTN) VARIETIES

Salinity is one of the most widespread environmental threats to global crop production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Photosynthesis and carbohydrates were determined in two ragi (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) varieties (CO13 and PAIYUR-1), subjected to salt stress of different concentrations (0, 40, 80 and 120mM). Salinity was given as a basal dose and sampling was done in leaves on 30th Days. After Treatment (DAT). There was a marked variation in the photosynthetic rates and ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase activity between the two ragi varieties subjected to salt stress. Photosystem II (PSII) and sucrose phosphate synthase activities were also significantly reduced as measured by salt stressed conditions. The quantity of glucose and sucrose decreased with increasing salt stress while starch showed a reverse trend under salt-stressed conditions. The results revealed that CO-13 exhibits higher photosynthetic rates and activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, sucrose phosphate synthase with photochemical efficiency of PSII compared to PAIYUR-1

Melatonin-assisted phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated soil using bermudagrass.

Exogenous application of melatonin to plants is a promising approach for assisted phytoremediation of soil lead (Pb). In this study, we investigated the effects of foliar applications of melatonin to mature bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.), a fast-growing perennial with potential as a non-hyperaccumulator plant for Pb phytoremediation. Following exposure to Pb (3000 mg kg-1) for 30 days, decreases in biomass and chlorophyll production, degradation of thylakoid membranes, reduced photosynthesis and PSII (reaction center of photosystem II) efficiency, and elevated oxidative stress were found. Foliar applications of melatonin to Pb-stressed bermudagrass mitigated these negative effects, restoring photosynthetic pigments and chloroplast ultrastructure, subsequently improving photosynthesis and photochemistry efficiency of PSII. Exogenous melatonin also eliminated the excessive accumulations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and methylglyoxal (MG) which associated with cellular redox homeostasis by improving ascorbic acid (AsA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents, redox status of GSH/GSSG (oxidative glutathione), and key enzymes activities in both AsA-GSH and glyoxalase systems. Ultimately, treating bermudagrass plants with exogenous melatonin elevated biomass production and disproportionally greater Pb translocation to roots and senescent leaves. This collectively resulted in 21% greater recovery of Pb compared to Pb-stressed bermudagrass lacking melatonin application. Overall, results from this study demonstrated the beneficial roles of melatonin for improving the effectiveness of bermudagrass as a non-hyperaccumulator plant for soil Pb phytoremediation.

The toxicological mechanism of two typical imidazole ionic liquids in textile industry on Isatis tinctoria

Ionic liquids (ILs1) which are called “green solvents”, are used widely in the textile industry as adjuvants due to their many advantages. However, their persistent residues may cause ecotoxicity. The aim of the study is to explore the toxicity of different anions on imidazole ILs and their toxicological mechanism. For the experiments 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole tetrafloroborate ([C4mim]BF4) and 1- butyl -3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl) were selected to study their toxic effects on Isatis tinctoria. ILs may affect the germination rate. Fresh weight, dry weight and Hill reaction activity decreased continuously with increasing of IL concentrations, showing an effect-dose relationship. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that cell walls were fuzzy, starch granules had accumulated and the chloroplast structure was damaged. These changes will affected the function and electron transport efficiency of photosystemⅡ. Superoxide anion accumulation stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) and caused lipid peroxidation as well as an increased malondialdehyde content. ILs also reduced indirubin and total flavonoids contents, which reduced the pharmacological efficacy of Isatis tinctoria. This is demonstrated by three-dimensional fluorescence chromatogram. [C4mim]Cl was more toxic than [C4mim]BF4. ILs caused toxic effects to Isatis tinctoria. The ecological toxicity of ILs should be considered when using them as additives in the textile industry.

Chlororespiration protects the photosynthetic apparatus against photoinhibition by alleviating inhibition of photodamaged-PSII repair in Haematococcus pluvialis at the green motile stage

During outdoor mass cultivation, Haematococcus pluvialis cells, especially at the green motile stage, are frequently exposed to high light. However, the photoprotective mechanisms in H. pluvialis have not been well characterized. This study aimed to confirm the photoprotection of chlororespiration in H. pluvialis at the green motile stage. Under high light, inhibition of plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX), a key enzyme of chlororespiration, increased the relative variable fluorescence at the I-step (VI), causing a decrease in the plastoquinone (PQ) pool, which further led to photosystem II (PSII) acceptor side over-reduction. This condition disturbed the balance between light absorption and energy utilization, causing the over-excitation of PSII reaction centers, which was indicated by the fact that the inhibition of PTOX increased the relative variable fluorescence at the J-step (VJ) and the light absorption flux per active reaction center (ABS/RC), but decreased the electron transport flux per active reaction center (ETo/RC) in H. pluvialis. The over-reduction of the PSII acceptor side and the over-excitation of PSII reaction centers inevitably caused more severe photoinhibition as shown by a decrease in Fv/Fm (maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII). Furthermore, the level of photoinhibition was not changed when the PTOX was inhibited in the presence of the photodamaged-PSII repair inhibitor chloramphenicol, indicating that the inhibition of PTOX did not accelerate the photodamage to PSII directly. The above results suggest that the chlororespiration pathway protects H. pluvialis at the green motile stage against photoinhibition by decreasing the inhibition of the photodamaged-PSII repair mechanism.

Thiourea and hydrogen peroxide priming improved K+ retention and source-sink relationship for mitigating salt stress in rice

Plant bioregulators (PBRs) represent low-cost chemicals for boosting plant defense, especially under stress conditions. In the present study, redox based PBRs such as thiourea (TU; a non-physiological thiol-based ROS scavenger) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; a prevalent biological ROS) were assessed for their ability to mitigate NaCl stress in rice variety IR 64. Despite their contrasting redox chemistry, TU or H2O2 supplementation under NaCl [NaCl + TU (NT) or NaCl + H2O2 (NH)] generated a reducing redox environment in planta, which improved the plant growth compared with those of NaCl alone treatment. This was concomitant with better K+ retention and upregulated expression of NaCl defense related genes including HAK21, LEA1, TSPO and EN20 in both NT and NH treated seedlings. Under field conditions, foliar applications of TU and H2O2, at vegetative growth, pre-flowering and grain filling stages, increased growth and yield attributes under both control and NaCl stress conditions. Principal component analysis revealed glutathione reductase dependent reduced ROS accumulation in source (flag leaves) and sucrose synthase mediated sucrose catabolism in sink (developing inflorescence), as the key variables associated with NT and NH mediated effects, respectively. In addition, photosystem-II efficiency, K+ retention and source-sink relationship were also improved in TU and H2O2 treated plants. Taken together, our study highlights that reducing redox environment acts as a central regulator of plant’s tolerance responses to salt stress. In addition, TU and H2O2 are proposed as potential redox-based PBRs for boosting rice productivity under the realistic field conditions.

Effect of irrigation level on plant growth, physiology and fruit yield and quality in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of drip irrigation level on plant growth, physiology, and fruit yield and quality in bell pepper. Bell pepper (‘Aristotle’) was grown on plastic film mulch in a sandy-loam soil in the spring of 2017 and 2018 in Tifton, GA. Four treatments with varying irrigation levels were applied: 33 %, 67 %, 100 % and 133 % - the rate of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Irrigation level differentially affected plant growth, physiology and fruit yield and quality. Leaf water potential increased as the irrigation level increased. Leaf net photosynthesis (Pn), internal CO2 (Ci), electron transport rate (ETR), photosystem II efficiency (PSII), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration displayed a positive quadratic relationship with irrigation level. Plant height, stem diameter, leaf number per plant, shoot dry weight and stem fresh and dry weight also showed a positive quadratic relationship with irrigation level. Irrigation at 67 % ETc was associated with reduced plant water status, leaf gas exchange and plant growth, although marketable fruit yield at 67 % ETc was similar to that at 100 % ETc and 133 % ETc in both growing seasons. Fruit sunscald incidence decreased as the irrigation level increased while blossom-end rot incidence remained unaffected. After harvest, rates of fruit water loss, fruit transpiration and fruit skin permeance decreased at increased irrigation level. Elemental analyses indicated an increase in fruit mineral content with increased irrigation level. Overall, the present study showed that, compared to irrigation at 100 % ETc, deficit irrigation level at 67 % ETc had no impact on fruit yield and quality despite the reductions in plant water status, plant growth and leaf gas exchange. Irrigation above 100 % ETc did not result in increased plant growth and fruit yield, thus irrigating beyond this level may not be sustainable.

Increasing Temperature Counteracts the Negative Effect of UV Radiation on Growth and Photosynthetic Efficiency of Microcystis aeruginosa and Raphidiopsis raciborskii.

High temperature can promote cyanobacterial blooms, whereas ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can potentially depress cyanobacterial growth by damaging their photosynthetic apparatus. Although the damaging effect of UVR has been well documented, reports on the interactive effects of UV radiation exposure and warming on cyanobacteria remain scarce. To better understand the combined effects of temperature and UVR on cyanobacteria, two strains of nuisance species, Microcystis aeruginosa (MIRF) and Raphidiopsis raciborskii (formerly Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, CYRF), were grown at 24°C and 28°C and were daily exposed to UVA+UVB (PAR+UVA+UVB) or only UVA (PAR+UVA) radiation. MIRF and CYRF growth rates were most affected by PAR+UVA+UVB treatment and to a lesser extent by the PAR+UVA treatment. Negative UVR effects on growth, Photosystem II (PSII) efficiency and photosynthesis were pronounced at 24°C when compared to that at 28°C. Our results showed a cumulative negative effect on PSII efficiency in MIRF, but not in CYRF. Hence, although higher temperature ameliorates UVR damage, interspecific differences may lead to deviating impacts on different species, and combined elevated temperature and UVR stress could influence species competition.

Photosynthetic and physiological responses to acetochlor in paired near-isogenic lines of waxy maize (Zea mays L.).

Acetochlor is always used in maize (Zea mays L.) fields as a common pre-emergence herbicide. In this field study, we investigated the effects of acetochlor on the photosynthetic characteristics, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activities in acetochlor-resistant (BWC95) and acetochlor-sensitive (BWC12) near-isogenic lines. We sprayed acetochlor after sowing, using water treatment as the control. After spraying acetochlor, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and the function of chloroplasts were significantly lower in BWC12 than BWC95, whereas the intercellular CO2 concentrations and stomatal limitation values were higher. In addition to nonphotochemical quenching, chlorophyll fluorescence measurements obtained using leaves showed that the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII), actual photochemical efficiency of PSII, photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence, and electron transport rate were higher in BWC95 than BWC12 after acetochlor treatment. H2O2 and O2˙- levels were higher in BWC12 than BWC95, which resulted in severe membrane lipid peroxidation due to sustained oxidative stress. Thus, the malondialdehyde content increased significantly with the exposure time in BWC12, and the antioxidant enzyme activities were lower in BWC12 than BWC95. The results show that acetochlor resistance is directly related to a high photosynthetic rate and a protective antioxidant enzyme system.

Differential responses in the photosynthetic efficiency of Oryza sativa and Zea mays on exposure to Cd and Zn toxicity

Alterations in the photochemical responses of Zea mays L. and Oryza sativa L. were analyzed to compare the tolerance level of these two crops towards Cd and Zn toxicity. To achieve this, photosynthetic efficiency of maize and rice plants was probed on the 8 days of CdCl2 and ZnSO4 exposure using chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics, a noninvasive method suitable to examine the impact of different toxic compounds on photochemistrys. Analysis of induction curves and phenomenological energy pipeline models showed that both Cd and Zn reduced the efficiency of electron transport and associated photosystem II (PSII) functionality. A strong negative correlation was found between the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and ascorbate with the photosynthetic efficiency in both crops, but rice was more tolerant than maize towards Cd and Zn toxicity. Further, we found that Cd strongly affected the early photochemical reactions of maize, which can be considered as the reason for the higher vulnerability of this crop towards Cd. Our study suggests that the non-specific toxic effects of Cd and Zn resulted in chlorophyll degradation, reduction in efficiency of PSII and the disturbance in the electron transport process.

Unraveling the roles of brassinosteroids in alleviating drought stress in young Eucalyptus urophylla plants: Implications on redox homeostasis and photosynthetic apparatus.

Water deficit is the most limiting abiotic stress to plants because it affects several physiological and biochemical processes. Brassinosteroids, including 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), are steroids that regulate growth and positively act on gas exchange. This research aims to determine whether EBR can attenuate the negative effects of water deficit, revealing possible contributions of this steroid on photosynthetic machinery of young Eucalyptus urophylla plants under water deficit. The experiment had a completely randomized factorial design with two water conditions (control and water deficit) and three levels of EBR (0, 50, and 100 nM EBR). Water deficit caused a decrease in the levels of total chlorophyll and carotenoids, but these photosynthetic pigments increased by 135 and 226%, respectively, in plants sprayed with EBR when compared to the water deficit + 0nM EBR treatment. Regarding the antioxidant system, 100 nM EBR induced significant increments in superoxide dismutase (42%), catalase (52%), ascorbate peroxidase (147%), and peroxidase (204%). Steroid application in E. urophylla plants exposed to water deficit increased the effective quantum yield of the photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry and electron transport rate. However, interestingly, it decreased the nonphotochemical quenching and relative energy excess at the PSII level, indicating improvements related to PSII efficiency. This research revealed that application of 100 nM EBR attenuated the negative effects caused by water deficit, being explained by the positive repercussions on antioxidant enzyme activities, chloroplastic pigments, PSII efficiency, electron flux, and net photosynthetic rate.

Contrasting photosynthesis, photoinhibition and oxidative damage in honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) under iso-osmotic salt and drought stresses

Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) is a traditional Chinese medicinal crop and belongs to the glycophyte with certain salt tolerance. This study aimed to deeply dissect its salt adaptability by contrasting photosynthesis, photoinhibition and oxidative damage under moderate and severe iso-osmotic salt (150 and 300 mM NaCl) and drought (19.3 % and 28 % PEG-6000) stresses with hydroponic protocol. Photosynthesis was more susceptible to drought stress than iso-osmotic salt stress in honeysuckle according to drought-induced greater decrease in photosynthetic rate. In contrast to salt-induced mild PSⅡ and PSI photoinhibition, severe photosystem II (PSⅡ) and photosystem I (PSI) photoinhibition arose upon iso-osmotic drought stress, indicated by greater decreased the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ and PSI and remarkable loss of their reaction center proteins. However, PSⅡ and PSI interaction hardly contributed to salt stability of photosynthetic apparatus because of salt-induced finite restriction on electron flow from PSⅡ to PSI. Consistent with photosystems photoinhibition, leaf lipid peroxidation, H2O2 production and electrolyte leakage were elevated much greater by drought stress than iso-osmotic salt stress, confirming drought-induced severe oxidative stress in honeysuckle. Furthermore, the principal components analysis comprehensively showed higher salt adaptability in honeysuckle due to larger cluster separation upon drought stress than iso-osmotic salt stress. As an apparent reason, honeysuckle could prevent drought-induced tremendous leaf water loss upon iso-osmotic salt stress, and had a capacity to dispose accumulated Na+. Therefore, honeysuckle resembles halophytes in this respect and seems appropriate for planting in coastal saline land.

Foliar-applied glycine betaine minimizes drought stress-related impact to gas exchange and the photochemical efficiency of PSII in sugarcane

Sugarcane is one of the most important crops in the world, but subject to yield losses caused by sporadic droughts during the growing season. To mitigate the effects of drought stress, different strategies have already been used, including the foliar application of glycine betaine (GB). Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of GB spraying via leaf on gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and on the sugarcane water status subjected to drought stress and rewatering. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using the RB92579 sugarcane variety. A randomized block design was used, in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, composed of three GB applications (G0—without GB, G1—one application and G2—two applications) and two water treatments: irrigated (Control) and non-irrigated (Drought Stress), with subsequent rewatering. The foliar application of GB minimized the impact of drought stress on gas exchange, on the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) and leaf tissue water status in stressed plants. In addition, it favored the energy use in the PSII and reduced photoinhibition, a fact not observed in the G0 stressed plants. Thus, it can be inferred that the GB foliar application mitigates the negative effects of drought stress on gas exchange and photochemical apparatus of PSII in young sugarcane plants.

24‐epibrassionlide improves photosynthetic response of Rhododendron delavayi to drought

Rhododendron delavayi is an alpine evergreen ornamental plant with strong tolerance to drought stress. Brassinosteroids are promising agents for alleviating the negative effects of drought on plants, but the mechanism by which BRs induce plant resistance to drought is not well understood. The present study investigated the effects of exogenous spray of 24‐epibrassionlide (EBR) at different concentrations (0~1 mg l−1) on the physiological response of R. delavayi to drought caused by no watering for 10 days. With the increase in EBR concentration, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transportation rate, light saturated photosynthetic rate, light compensation point, light saturation point, excitation energy capture efficiency of reaction center, actual photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII), photochemical quenching and electron transport rate significantly increased, but there were no significant effects on photosynthetic pigment content. These results suggested that the EBR‐induced improvement in CO2 assimilation under drought was mainly related to stomatal and non‐stomatal factors, and partially attributed to the increased photochemical efficiency of PSII. In addition, the leaf water potential increased with the increase in EBR concentration, while the malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, proline and soluble protein decreased. The results suggested EBR application partially alleviated the negative effect of drought on R. delavayi by improving water relations and decreasing lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species production. We concluded that exogenous application of EBR improved photosynthesis and alleviated the negative effects of drought‐induced membrane peroxidation and severe oxidative stress.

Physiological and Metabolite Reconfiguration of Olea europaea to Cope and Recover from a Heat or High UV-B Shock.

To understand how olives reconfigure their metabolism to face stress shock episodes, plants from the economically relevant olive (Olea europaea cv. Cobrançosa) were exposed to high UV-B radiation (UV-B, 12 kJ m-2 d-1) or heat shock (HS, 40 °C) for two consecutive days. The physiological responses and some important lipophilic compounds were evaluated immediately (day 0) and 30 days after UV-B or HS episodes. Both treatments induced a reduction of the olive physiological performance, particularly increasing cell membrane damages and proline pool and at the same time reducing chlorophyll levels, the quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), and the efficiency of excitation energy capture by open photosystem II (PSII) reaction centers (F'v/F'm). Nevertheless, the HS episode caused more adverse effects, additionally reducing the pool of protective pigments (carotenoids) and the maximum efficiency of PSII (with F0 increase). In the UV-B treatment, despite the higher lipid peroxidation, the activation of some stress protective mechanisms (e.g., increase of NPQ and carotenoids and remobilization of some metabolites, such as phytol and proline) might have contributed to avoiding photoinhibition. Thirty days after stress relief, the performance of olives from both treatments recovered similarly, in part due to the metabolites' adjustments that contributed to strengthened stress protection (an increase of long-chain alkanes) and provided energy (through the use of soluble sugars, mannitol, and myo-inositol) for re-establishment. Other metabolites, like anthocyanins and squalene, also have an important role in responding specifically to HS or UV-B recovery for helping in the oxidative damage control. These data contribute to understanding how young olive plants may deal with climatic episodes when being transferred from nurseries to field orchards, under the actual context of climate change.

Melatonin-mediated regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis and antioxidant defense confer tolerance to arsenic stress in Camellia sinensis L

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid for both animals and plants. The signaling molecule melatonin can enhance abiotic stress tolerance, but the effects of As and melatonin on tea plants and the mechanisms of resilience remain unclear. Here we report that excess As causes severe oxidative stress in tea leaves as revealed by significantly reduced maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem-II, and increased reactive oxygen species accumulation and lipid peroxidation. However, exogenous melatonin application alleviated the As phytotoxicity and increased the anthocyanin content upto 69.4 % by selectively upregulating the expression of its biosynthetic genes such as CsCHS and CsANS. Comparison of As tolerance between two tea genotypes differing in basal levels of anthocyanin revealed that a tea cultivar with increased anthocyanin content, Zijuan (ZJ), showed enhanced tolerance to As stress compared with Longjing 43 (LJ43) that contained relatively low levels of anthocyanin. Interestingly, exogenous anthocyanin also enhanced As tolerance in LJ43, but exogenous melatonin did not improve As tolerance in ZJ genotype. Analysis of As content in tea leaves revealed that melatonin significantly reduced As content in LJ43 but not in ZJ, suggesting that melatonin-enhanced tolerance to As stress is largely dependent on the basal levels of anthocyanin in tea plants.

Ultra- and Mesostructural Response to Salinization in Two Populations of С3–С4 Intermediate Species Sedobassia sedoides

The plants from two populations (P1 and P2) of xero-halophyte Sedobassia sedoides (Pall.) Freitag & G. Kadereit (Chenopodiaceae) with С3–С4 intermediate type of photosynthesis were examined. Morphophysiological parameters were determined: dry biomass of the above-ground organs, maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII), ultra- and mesostructure of the leaf, carbon isotope discrimination (δ13С) in plants grown under normal conditions and exposed to moderate salinization (0 and 200 mM NaCl). By the values of δ13С and efficiency of PSII, we did not detect significant differences between the populations. Under control conditions, the chloroplasts and mitochondria were located in Kranz-like cells of the bundle sheath of both populations in the region adjacent to vascular bundle, which is characteristic of С2 type of photosynthesis (with photorespiratory СО2 concentrating mechanism). P2 plants were notable for a greater volume of Kranz-like cells of the bundle sheath and more numerous, larger chloroplasts and mitochondria than in P1 plants. By structural leaf parameters, P1 plants may be attributed to a proto-Kranz type of photosynthesis (intermediate between С3 and С2 types) and P2 plants to С2 photosynthesis. Under salinization, the accumulation of dry biomass was reduced in both populations but more considerably in P1. The ultrastructure of organelles in both populations showed different responses to salinization, which was especially pronounced in Kranz-like cells of the bundle sheath. In P1 plants, the area of chloroplasts and mitochondria rose, whereas the area and number of chloroplasts under stress did not change in P2 plants but the area and number of mitochondria decreased. In the cells of plants from both populations, signs of degradation were observed (more pronounced in P1 plants); they were shown in chloroplasts twisting and a disturbance of their granal stacking. In P2 plants, Kranz-like cells of the bundle sheath preserved safer organelles but there occurred the cells with complete degradation of a vacuolar type. Thus, intraspecific ultra- and mesostructural differences were detected in plants from two populations of С3–С4 intermediate species S. sedoides, which reflect different stages of development of photorespiratory СО2 concentrating mechanism. Under salinization, the plants from two different populations showed unlike strategies of adaptation on the level of leaf ultra- and mesostructure.

Photorespiration Coupled With CO2 Assimilation Protects Photosystem I From Photoinhibition Under Moderate Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Induced Osmotic Stress in Rice.

Photorespiration coupled with CO2 assimilation is thought to act as a defense system against photoinhibition caused by osmotic stress. In the present study, we examined whether such a mechanism is operative for the protection of photosystem I (PSI) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) including transgenic plants with decreased and increased Rubisco content (RBCS-antisense and RBCS-sense plants, respectively). All plants were hydroponically grown and moderate osmotic stress was imposed using hydroponic culture solutions containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) at 16% or 20% (w/v) for 2 d. In wild-type plants, the rates of CO2 assimilation (A) were significantly decreased by the PEG treatment, whereas the photorespiration activity estimated from the rates of electron transport in photosystem II (PSII) and A were not affected. The maximal quantum efficiency of PSII (F v/F m) and the maximal activity of PSI (P m) were also not affected. In RBCS-antisense plants, A and the estimated photorespiration activity were considerably lower than those in wild-type plants in the presence or absence of the PEG treatment. P m and both F v/F m and P m decreased in the 16% PEG-treated and 20% PEG-treated RBCS-antisense plants, respectively. Thus, the decrease in Rubisco content led to the photoinhibition of PSI and PSII, indicating the importance of photorespiration coupled with CO2 assimilation for the protection of PSI from moderate PEG-induced osmotic stress. It was also shown that PSI was more sensitive to osmotic stress than PSII. In the PEG-treated wild-type and RBCS-antisense plants, osmotic-stress responses of the photosynthetic electron transport reactions upstream of PSI led to the oxidation of P700, which is thought to prevent PSI from over-reduction. Although such a defense system operated, it was not sufficient for the protection of PSI in RBCS-antisense plants. In addition, there were no large differences in the parameters measured between wild-type and RBCS-sense plants, as overproduction of Rubisco did not increase photorespiration activity.

Role of sucrose in modulating the low-nitrogen-induced accumulation of phenolic compounds in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).

Phenolic compounds are phytochemicals present in vegetables which contribute to human health. Although nitrogen deficiency and sucrose (Suc) are linked to phenolic production in vegetables, the relationship between them in the regulation of phenolic biosynthesis remains unknown. This study investigated the potential role of Suc in regulating phenolic biosynthesis of lettuce under low-nitrogen (LN) conditions. Our results showed that LN treatment significantly increased Suc content in lettuce by inducing rapid increases in activities of sucrose synthesis-related enzymes. Exogenous Suc further stimulated LN-induced phenolic accumulation in lettuce by upregulating the expression of genes (PAL, CHS, F3H, DFR, F35H and UFGT) involved in phenolic biosynthesis. The opposite effects were true for exogenous 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) application. No changes were observed in chlorophyll content in LN-treated lettuce, in either the presence or absence of Suc application. Notably, exogenous DCMU resulted in decreases of maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry, actual efficiency of PSII and electron transport rate in PSII and increase of quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation in PSII in lettuce under LN conditions, whereas these effects were reversed on Suc application. Exogenous Suc also increased glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase activities in LN-treated lettuce. These results suggest that Suc is involved in LN-induced phenolic production in lettuce by enhancing photosynthetic and nitrogen assimilation efficiency to increase the supply of carbon resources and precursors for phenolic biosynthesis. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.