Relative Electron Transport Research Articles

The regulations of varied carbon-nitrogen supplies to physiology and amino acid contents in Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)

Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) is an important economic alga in Southern China. In the present study, G. lemaneiformis thalli collected from Nan'ao Island, China, were cultured in six different treatments with three carbon supply levels (20, 400 and 1000 μatm) and two nitrogen supply levels (15 and 300 μmol L−1). The thalli were used in the examination of the effects of altered carbon supply and high nitrogen content in seawater on the growth, photosynthetic characteristics and amino acid (AA) content of this farmed algal species. Regardless of nitrogen levels, the relative growth rate of G. lemaneiformis increased with CO2 supply. Decrease and increase in the carbon supply of the culture both decreased the maximum quantum yield of photosystem PS II (Fv/Fm), initial slope of the rapid light curves (ɑ), non-photochemical quenching, maximum relative electron transport rate and AA content of G. lemaneiformis thalli. Moreover, under low and high CO2 supply conditions, the growth rates, Fv/Fm, antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT and POD) and AAs of G. lemaneiformis increases with higher nitrogen application (300 μmol L−1). Our results indicated that the inhibition of growth, photosynthesis, and AA accumulation of G. lemaneiformis can be alleviated by appropriately increasing the concentration of nitrogen in seawater. We suggest that during G. lemaneiformis mariculture, the appropriate application of nitrogen fertiliser may be an effective way to increase algal yield with improved nutrient quality, and seawater nitrogen enrichment may alleviate the physiological stress caused by high CO2 on G. lemaneiformis in the future.

Enhanced Relative Electron Transport Rate Contributes to Increased Photosynthetic Capacity in Autotetraploid Pak Choi.

Autopolyploids often show growth advantages over their diploid progenitors because of their increased photosynthetic activity; however, the underlying molecular basis of such mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to characterize autotetraploid pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) at the physiological, cellular and molecular levels. Autotetraploid pak choi has thicker leaves than its diploid counterparts, with relatively larger intercellular spaces and cell size and greater grana thylakoid height. Photosynthetic data showed that the relative electron transport rate (rETR) was markedly higher in autotetraploid than in diploid pak choi. Transcriptomic data revealed that the expressions of genes involved in 'photosynthesis' biological process and 'thylakoids' cellular component were mainly regulated in autotetraploids. Overall, our findings suggested that the increased rETR in the thylakoids contributed to the increased photosynthetic capacity of autotetraploid leaves. Furthermore, we found that the enhanced rETR is associated with increased BrPetC expression, which is likely altered by histone modification. The ectopic expression of BrPetC in Arabidopsis thaliana led to increased rETR and biomass, which were decreased in BrPetC-silenced pak choi. Autotetraploid pak choi also shows altered hormone levels, which was likely responsible for the increased drought resistance and the impaired powdery mildew resistance of this lineage. Our findings further our understanding on how autotetraploidy provides growth advantages to plants.

Comparative Paraquat Sensitivity of Newly Germinated and Mature Fronds of the Aquatic Macrophyte <i>Spirodela polyrhiza</i>

Here, we compared the intrinsic characteristics of 3-day-(newly germinated; “young”) and 8-week-old (“mature”) fronds of the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrhiza and their sensitivity to paraquat, a toxic herbicide. Endpoints measured were frond area and fresh weight, root length, chlorophyll a and b contents, and chlorophyll a fluorescence. Significant differences were detected in the intrinsic physiological traits between young and mature fronds. Young fronds showed higher root length, chlorophyll contents, maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), maximal relative electron transport rate (rETRmax) and saturating photon flux density (PFD), whereas mature fronds exhibited greater frond area and fresh weight. After a 72 h exposure to paraquat, root length and rETRmax were identified as the most sensitive endpoints of paraquat toxicity for both frond types, with EC50 values of 0.66 and 0.76 μg·L-1 for young fronds, respectively, and 5.53 and 2.28 μg·L-1 for mature fronds, respectively. Young fronds of S. polyrhiza showed significantly higher sensitivity to paraquat than mature fronds. A survey of other studies on paraquat toxicity to Lemna species revealed that EC50 values of paraquat-induced inhibition of root regrowth and rETRmax in both stages were the lowest, indicating that these two endpoints were the most sensitive to paraquat. In addition, EC50 values of both endpoints of mature fronds of S. polyrhiza appear to be similar to the current allowable concentrations in drinking water set by the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating that these values may have application for the assessment of toxicity risk of paraquat in aquatic ecosystems.

Effects of bloom-forming species dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi on the development and photosynthetic characteristics of the sexually propagated embryos of macroalga Sargassum fusiformis

The sexual reproduction period (May–June) of Sargassum fusiformis, an important aquaculture seaweed in China, coincides with a time of high frequency of algal blooms caused by dinoflagellates such as Karenia mikimotoi. We studied the effects of dense K. mikimotoi suspensions on the sexual reproduction and subsequent development of the fertilized eggs of S. fusiformis in the laboratory. The results showed that K. mikimotoi did not inhibit the egg fertilization, but significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the relative growth rate (RGR), chlorophyll (Chl) a content and maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax) of the embryos. On the fifth day of the culture period, the size of the embryos co-cultivated with K. mikimotoi at 1000 μmol Chl a L−1 began to decline significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the mono-cultured embryos and the difference increased with prolonged exposure. After 10 days, the RGR, Chl a content, and rETRmax of the embryos cultivated with K. mikimotoi decreased by 28.44%, 4.99%, and 63.99%, respectively, as compared with the ones cultivated without K. mikimotoi. These results indicated that the blooms formed by K. mikimotoi had little suppression on the fertilization of S. fusiforme eggs, but it did significantly inhibit the development and photosynthetic activities of the embryos, which would have adverse effects on the S. fusiforme farming industry.

Effect of elevated carbon dioxide and nitric oxide on the physiological responses of two green algae, Asterarcys quadricellulare and Chlorella sorokiniana

Algae have the potential to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitric oxide (NO) from flue gases. However, the effects of high concentrations of these gases on the photophysiology of algae are poorly understood. To that end, we used the techniques of chlorophyll fluorescence to study the effect of industrially relevant levels of CO2 and NO on the photophysiology of two green microalgae, Asterarcys quadricellulare and Chlorella sorokiniana, that are tolerant to these gases. Measurements of maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax) show an enhanced performance of photosystem II (PSII) under high CO2 levels. In C. sorokiniana, high CO2 stimulated non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), while the opposite effect was observed in A. quadricellulare. Light-saturated photosynthetic rates (Pmax) of both species were highest at 10% CO2. Further, the tested levels of NO did not show adverse effect on the performance of PSII. OJIP chlorophyll fluorescence transients suggest that in C. sorokiniana, the energetic communication between PSII units declined at 15% CO2. However, in A. quadricellulare, this decline was visible even at 10% CO2 with complete inhibition of cell growth at 15% v/v. Overall, our results suggest that although photosynthesis was regulated differently in the two microalga, both species exhibited enhanced PSII performance under reasonably high levels of CO2 and NO. Thus, the two species are potential candidates for bio-fixation of CO2 and NO from flue gases.

Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Summer Phytoplankton in Reservoirs of the Zvenigorod Biological Station of Moscow State University

The results of long-term observations and monitoring of three reservoirs of Zvenigorod Biological Station of Moscow State University using modern chlorophyll fluorescence methods are presented. A sharp increase in chlorophyll content (up to 431 μg/L) and photosynthesis activity (FV/FM up to 0.7) associated with the growth of a monoculture, Chlorella vulgaris, was found in 2017 Pozharnyi Pond pond constructed near University dormitory facilities. The high activity of light reactions of this phytoplankton was evident as changes in the following parameters: the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry in photosystem II (FV/FM), the maximum relative electron transport rate (ETRmax), maximal light utilization coefficient (α), the efficiency of electron transport (φEo) and the performance index of photosystem II (PIABS) increased. This was accompanied by a decrease in the density of QB-non-reducing centers (VJ) and dissipated energy flux per reaction center (DI0/RC). The most sensitive parameters of fluorescence induction curve (PIABS and φEo) and the coefficient of maximal light utilization coefficient (α) are proposed to monitor the state of phytoplankton in reservoirs.

Influence of Foliar Kaolin Application and Irrigation on Photosynthetic Activity of Grape Berries

Climate changes may cause severe impacts both on grapevine and berry development. Foliar application of kaolin has been suggested as a mitigation strategy to cope with stress caused by excessive heat/radiation absorbed by leaves and grape berry clusters. However, its effect on the light micro-environment inside the canopy and clusters, as well as on the acclimation status and physiological responses of the grape berries, is unclear. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of foliar kaolin application on the photosynthetic activity of the exocarp and seeds, which are the main photosynthetically active berry tissues. For this purpose, berries from high light (HL) and low light (LL) microclimates in the canopy, from kaolin-treated and non-treated, irrigated and non-irrigated plants, were collected at three developmental stages. Photochemical and non-photochemical efficiencies of both tissues were obtained by a pulse amplitude modulated chlorophyll fluorescence imaging analysis. The maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) data for green HL-grown berries suggest that kaolin application can protect the berry exocarp from light stress. At the mature stage, exocarps of LL grapes from irrigated plants treated with kaolin presented higher Fv/Fm and relative electron transport rates (rETR200) than those without kaolin. However, for the seeds, a negative interaction between kaolin and irrigation were observed especially in HL grapes. These results highlight the impact of foliar kaolin application on the photosynthetic performance of grape berries growing under different light microclimates and irrigation regimes, throughout the season. This provides insights for a more case-oriented application of this mitigation strategy on grapevines.

Influence of Photoperiods on Microalgae Biofilm: Photosynthetic Performance, Biomass Yield, and Cellular Composition

Microalgae have immense potential as biological sources to produce biofuels and high-value biomolecules. Biofilm-based microalgae cultivation has attracted much interest recently because of its high biomass productivity, reduced water use, and low cost of harvesting. This study aimed to understand the effect of photoperiod on three microalgae biofilms, including Nannochloris oculata, Chlorella sp., and Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The examined photoperiods were 3:3 s, 5:5 s, 30:30 min, 12:12 h (light-period-to-dark-period ratio), and continuous lighting. By determining the maximum quantum yield and relative electron transport rate of photosystem II, we found that photoperiods on the seconds scale improved photosynthetic performance of microalgae biofilm. Biomass yield and lipid content of these three microalgae cultured under the photoperiod with the seconds scale increased by 11%–24% and 7%–22%, respectively, compared with those cultured under continuous lighting. In addition, the photoperiods of 3:3 s, 5:5 s, 30:30 min, and 12:12 h were beneficial for protein synthesis. These results have important implications in establishing suitable light regimes for microalgae biofilm-based cultivation systems.

Chlorophyll α Fluorescence Parameters as an Indicator to Identify Drought Susceptibility in Common Bush Bean

The common bean is susceptible to drought conditions and the evaluation of plant responses to low water availability can be difficult. The quantification of chlorophyll fluorescence as a sensitive trait to environmental stresses is an important alternative in the characterization of drought-susceptible genotypes. The objective of this study was to evaluate mainly the use of chlorophyll α fluorescence (maximum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ)) and rapid light-response curves (RLCs) (initial slope of the curve (α), minimum saturation irradiance (Ik) and maximum relative electron transport rate (ETRmax)) parameters as tools for the identification of susceptible or tolerant bush bean cultivars to water deficit stress conditions in two different phenological stages. Using a randomized block design in a factorial arrangement, five bush bean cultivars (Cerinza, Bachue, NUA35, Bacata and Bianca) were evaluated under water deficit conditions by the suspension of irrigation for 15 days from 40 to 55 Days after Emergence (DAE) (vegetative stage) or 50 to 65 DAE (reproductive stage). The results showed that Fv/Fm and NPQ recorded the highest variation due to water deficit conditions, especially in the vegetative stage. The greatest reductions in Fv/Fm (0.67) and NPQ (0.71) were evidenced in cultivar NUA35 compared to its control plants (0.78 and 1.07, respectively). The parameters obtained from RLCs showed that cultivar Bacata registered the lowest α (0.17) and Ik (838.19 μmol∙m−2∙s−1) values compared to its control plants (α 0.23; Ik 769.99 μmol∙m−2∙s−1). Differences were only obtained in ETRmax in the reproductive stage (50–65 DAE) in which cultivar NUA35 reached values of 158.5 in stressed plants compared to control plants (251.22). In conclusion, the parameters derived from RLCs such as α and Ik can be used as tools to identify drought susceptibility in the vegetative stage, whereas ETRmax can be used in the reproductive stage. In addition, PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm and NPQ) can also help to understand the agronomic responses of common bush bean cultivars to drought conditions.

Enhanced biomass productivity of Arthrospira platensis using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 as carbon dioxide adsorbents

In order to improve CO2 diffusion in algae solution and conversion into dissolved HCO3–, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) with zinc cores as unsaturated metal sites was first used as CO2 adsorbents. Flue gas CO2 from coal-chemical industry can be adsorbed and can be made available throughout cultivation to promote biomass productivity of Arthrospira platensis. The ZIF-8 adsorbent with particle size of 719 nm performed the largest pore area of 351.8 m2/g, which promoted CO2 conversion into HCO3– by 72.9% compared to control condition without ZIF-8. The increased HCO3– concentration enhanced thylakoid membrane proportion in cell cross-sectional area by 1.3 times to 78.3%, which resulted in enhancement of photosynthesis in A. platensis cells. Relative electron transport rate increased by 9.4% accordingly, which was attributed to the improvement of chlorophyll a concentration by 110%. The biomass productivity using ZIF-8 adsorbent with particle size of 719 nm markedly increased by 64.0%.

Inhibition of harmful algae Phaeocystis globosa and Prorocentrum donghaiense by extracts of coastal invasive plant Spartina alterniflora

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) and the invasion of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) have become important environmental problems in intertidal zones of China, which caused serious damage on the coastal ecological systems. By using S. alterniflora as algaecide, this helps to utilize this invasive plant, in addition, is expected to help to control the expansion of S. alterniflora. The potential of S. alterniflora in HABs mitigation was investigated on controlling Phaeocystis globosa (haptophyceae) and Prorocentrum donghaiense (dinophyceae). The growth of both HABs species was significantly inhibited at high concentrations, and P. globosa was more sensitive than P. donghaiense. Furthermore, the extracts of S. alterniflora reduced the effective quantum yield, photosynthetic efficiency, and relative maximal electron transport rate of both algal species at high concentrations, which implies a disruption on their photosynthetic system. Flavonoids, which were previously known as antialgal chemicals, were found to be abundant in the extracts of S. alterniflora by UPLC-MS detection. Our results revealed that the potential of S. alterniflora as a novel antialgal agent for controlling HABs, simultaneously, resource utilization possibility for the invasive plant S. alterniflora.

Contrasting effects of monochromatic LED lighting on growth, pigments and photosynthesis in the commercially important cyanobacterium Arthrospira maxima

The aim of this study was to evaluatethe effects of different colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) on the growth, pigment yield, and photosynthetic performance of Arthrospira maxima, a commercially exploited species of cyanobacteria. The highest growth and chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration were obtained under red LED and white fluorescent light, while the lowest growth and Chlaconcentration were observed under blue LED. However, blue LED produced the highest levels of phycobiliproteins (3.20 mg·g−1phycocyanin [PC]; 0.19 mg·g−1 allophycocyanin [APC]; 0.97 mg·g−1for phycoerythrin [PE], effective quantum yield (ΦPSII) and maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax) inA. maxima. The results of this study suggest that red and blue LEDs increase the biomass yield and pigment content of cyanobacteria, respectively, and the combined use of red and blue light may significantly improve algal biomass and biopigment yield.

Future CO2-induced ocean acidification enhances resilience of a green tide alga to low-salinity stress

AbstractTo understand how Ulva species might respond to salinity stress during future ocean acidification we cultured a green tide alga Ulva linza at various salinities (control salinity, 30 PSU; medium salinity, 20 PSU; low salinity, 10 PSU) and CO2 concentrations (400 and 1000 ppmv) for over 30 days. The results showed that, under the low salinity conditions, the thalli could not complete its whole life cycle. The specific growth rate (SGR) of juvenile thalli decreased significantly with reduced salinity but increased with a rise in CO2. Compared to the control, medium salinity also decreased the SGR of adult thalli at low CO2 but did not affect it at high CO2. Similar patterns were also found in relative electron transport rate (rETR), non-photochemical quenching, saturating irradiance, and Chl b content. Although medium salinity reduced net photosynthetic rate and maximum rETR at each CO2 level, these negative effects were significantly alleviated at high CO2 levels. In addition, nitrate reductase activity was reduced by medium salinity but enhanced by high CO2. These findings indicate that future ocean acidification would enhance U. linza’s tolerance to low salinity stress and may thus facilitate the occurrence of green tides dominated by U. linza.

Continuous photoperiod of the Artic summer stimulates the photosynthetic response of some marine macrophytes

Subarctic macrophytes are predicted to expand in the Arctic as a result of on-going global climate change. This will expose them to 24 h of light during the Arctic summer while pCO2 levels are predicted to rise globally. Here, we tested the photosynthetic activity of two brown macroalgae (Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus) and one seagrass (Zostera marina) from subarctic Greenland, measuring their relative maximum electron transport rate (rETRmax), photosynthetic efficiency (α) and saturating irradiance (Ik) after 3 days of incubation at different photoperiods (12:12 h, 15:09 h, 18:06 h, 21:03 h and 24:00 h, light:dark) with ambient values of pCO2 (200 ppm, characteristic of current subarctic surface waters) and increased pCO2 (400 and 1000 ppm). The photosynthetic parameters rETRmax and Ik increased significantly with longer photoperiods and increased, however insignificantly, with increased pCO2. Responses differed between species. A. nodosum and Z. marina showed the highest increase of rETRmax and Ik from 12 h to 24 h while the increase of F. vesiculosus was smaller. Our results suggest that as subarctic macrophytes expand in the Arctic in response to retracting sea ice, the long summer days will stimulate the productivity of the species tested here, while the effect of high-CO2 environment needs further research.

Ecophysiological adaptations and anti-nutritive status of sustainable cattle feed Haloxylon stocksii under saline conditions

Haloxylon stocksii is a perennial halophytic shrub found in saline arid habitats. Ecophysiology of this xero-halophyte was studied to better understand its adaptations to survive under saline conditions (0–300 mM NaCl). Growth parameters remained unaffected at 100 mM NaCl compared to non-saline control and declined at 300 mM; root biomass however, increased in 100 mM NaCl. Shoot water potential, osmotic potential and turgor decreased under saline conditions. Gas exchange parameters such as rate of photosynthesis, rate of transpiration and stomatal conductance decreased in 300 mM NaCl with a decline in intercellular carbon dioxide concentration suggesting stomatal limitation of photosynthesis. Water use efficiency increased significantly in 300 mM NaCl compared to 0 and 100 mM NaCl. Chlorophyll content decreased progressively with increasing salinity while chlorophyll a/b ratio remained unaffected. Potential photochemical quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) and the effective quantum yield [Y (II)] were not affected by salinity; however, there was a constitutive increase in non-photochemical quenching under saline conditions (100 and 300 mM) and decrease in relative electron transport rate in 300 mM NaCl as a protective measure to reduce oxidative stress at cellular level. Total soluble sugars increased by ≈25% in 300 mM NaCl possibly indicating a lower energy demand for growth. Anti-nutritive secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and nitrates decreased under saline conditions except for some increase in oxalates in 100 mM NaCl. This study indicates that Haloxylon stocksii is a moderately salt tolerant plant with adaptations to down- regulate its photosynthetic machinery to avoid oxidative stress and could be a palatable animal feed.

Darkness and low nighttime temperature modulate the growth and photosynthetic performance of Ulva prolifera under lower salinity

In order to understand how darkness/irradiance and low nighttime temperature might alter physiology of Ulva prolifera under lower salinity conditions, we analyzed the growth rates, water content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total soluble proteins (SPs) and carbohydrates content at the end of dark and light period under three temperature levels (25–25 °C treatment: 25 °C for day and night; 15–15 °C treatment: 15 °C for day and night; 25–15 °C treatment: 25 °C for day with 15 °C for night) and two salinity conditions (15, 25), meanwhile, the pigment content (chlorophyll a and b), chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic oxygen evolution also were determined during light phase. We found that the U. prolifera showed higher growth rate and SOD activity during dark phase at 25 °C, but this dark-induced increase could not be observed at 15 °C. The reasons for this increase varied, however, maybe not included water content and SPs for no significant difference in water content observed under all the treatments, as well as lower SPs content for dark period aside that at 15 °C and salinity 15. Compared to other two temperature treatments, the thalli grown at 25–15 °C showed higher growth rate and the photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate in light phase under salinity 15 conditions, although the maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax) showed higher value under 25 °C treatment. These results indicate that the darkness and the lower nighttime temperature maybe responsible reason for the rapid growth of these green tide algae.

Photosynthesis ecophysiology of polar Vaucheria sp. – inter-annual comparison

The Vaucheria sp. microbial mats represent the most important primary producer in the tidal flat in Adventdalen, Svalbard. Its photosynthetic activity was monitored ex situ in a microcosm in late Arctic summer in 2016 and 2017 using variable chlorophyll fluorescence measurements with blue and red excitation lights. The effective quantum yield (FPSII) was measured, and the photosynthetic relative electron transport rate (rETR) was calculated. During the measurement period, the microclimate data, air temperature and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), were recorded as well. Year 2016 was slightly warmer than year 2017. Despite of higher maximum PAR values found in 2016, the mean irradiance reached higher values in 2017 than 2016. When using red light excitation, the rETR and effective quantum yield values were lower than those measured using blue excitation light in 2016. However, opposite results were recorded in 2017, indicating thus rather sample-specific differences. According to redundancy analysis, the PAR was confirmed as the main driver of photosynthesis in late Arctic summer in both years. No serious photoinhibition, expressed as serious systematic decline of the rETR, was observed in both years indicating rapid photoacclimation of Vaucheria sp. photosynthesis to changing light environment. The air temperature was found to be less important driver of the photosynthetic activity. The inter-annual comparisons showed increased photosynthetic activity in 2017, probably caused by higher PAR in 2017, by differences in microcosmos design and/or heterogeneity of samples.

Light intensity control as a strategy to improve lipid productivity in Chlorella sp. HS2 for biodiesel production

The light greatly affects the physiological properties of microalgae, but the outcome is species-specific. To improve the traits of microalgae suitable for biofuel production, we investigated the influence of the light on biomass and lipid productivity of Chlorella sp. HS2. Photosynthetic performance in terms of relative electron transport rate (rel. ETR) was maximized at 450 μmol photons m−2 s−1, which allowed cells to reach high biomass productivity of 1.10 g L−1 day−1. Although the stress was induced by excessive irradiance under 750 μmol photons m−2 s−1, Chlorella sp. HS2 was able to maintain a high growth rate and achieved higher biomass productivity (1.34 g L−1 day−1) compared to that of other Chlorella species. In an effort to understand the relationship between photosynthesis and biomass productivity, we found out that effective quantum yield [Y(II)] and rel. ETR of Chlorella sp. HS2 is relatively higher than that of Chlorella vulgaris. The total lipid content decreased as the light intensity increased at the exponential phase. Interestingly, however, this trend was reversed during the stationary phase. This implies that the high light may synergistically induce lipids when the cells undergo nutrient starvation. The lipid content and productivity continued to increase up to 0.25 g L−1 day−1 even after the light saturation point. The fraction of esterifiable lipid suitable for biodiesel production rapidly increased from 50% to 99% during the stationary phase. These results suggest that species-specific high light based cultivation can be an effective strategy to improve the lipid productivity in Chlorella sp. HS2.

Is phosphorus a limiting factor to regulate the growth of phytoplankton in Daya Bay, northern South China Sea: a mesocosm experiment.

Previous field investigations implied a potential phosphorus (P)-limitation on the growth of phytoplankton in Daya Bay, a mesotrophic bay in the northern South China Sea. Using a total of 15 mesocosms (3 × 3 × 1.5 m, with ~10.8 m3 natural seawater containing phytoplankton assemblages for each), we found P-enrichment caused no obvious effect on phytoplankton (Chl a) growth across 8-day's cultivation in neither winter nor summer, while nitrogen (N)-enrichment greatly increased Chl a in both seasons. N plus P-enrichment further increased Chl a content. The N- or N plus P-enrichments increased the allocation of nano-Chl a but decreased micro-Chl a in most cases, with no obvious effect by P-alone. Coincided with nutrients effect on Chl a content, N- or N plus P-enrichments significantly enhanced the maximum photochemical quantum yield of Photosystem II (FV/FM) and maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax), but declined the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), as well as the threshold for light saturation of electron transport (EK); again, P-enrichment had no significant effect. Moreover, the absorption cross section for PSII photochemistry (σPSII) and electron transport efficiency (α) increased due to N- or N plus P-enrichments, indicating the increased nutrients enhance the light utilization efficiency through promoting PSII light harvesting ability, and thus to enhance phytoplankton growth. Our findings indicate that N- or N plus P-enrichments rigorously fuel phytoplankton blooms regardless of N:P ratios, making a note of caution on the expected P-deficiency or P-limitation on the basis of Redfield N:P ratios in Daya Bay.

Effects of Different Shading Rates on the Photosynthesis and Corm Weight of Konjac Plant

To study the effects of shading level on the photosynthesis and corm weight of konjac plant, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, daily variation of relative electron transport rate (rETR), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), and corm weight of konjac plants under different treatments were measured and comparatively analyzed through covered cultivation of biennial seed corms with shade nets at different shading rates (0%, 50%, 70%, and 90%). The results showed that with the increase in shading rate, the maximum photochemical efficiency, potential activity, and non-photochemical quenching of photosystem Ⅱ (PSⅡ) of konjac leaves constantly increased, whereas the actual photosynthetic efficiency, rETR, and photochemical quenching of PSⅡ initially increased and then decreased. This result indicated that moderate shading could enhance the photosynthetic efficiency of konjac leaves. The daily variation of rETR in konjac plants under unshaded treatment showed a bimodal curve, whereas that under shaded treatment displayed a unimodal curve. The rETR of plants with 50% treatment and 70% treatment was gradually higher than that under unshaded treatment around noon. The moderate shading could increase the Pn of konjac leaves. The stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of the leaves under shaded treatment were significantly higher than those of the leaves under unshaded treatment. Shading could promote the growth of plants and increase corm weight. The comprehensive comparison shows that the konjac plants had strong photosynthetic capacity and high yield when the shading rate was 50%-70% for the area.&#x0D; &#x0D; *********&#x0D; In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 3, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue.&#x0D; *********