LETTER TO THE EDITOR

U. SCHREIBER

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(3):314-317 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.036  

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

G. GARAB

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(3):289-291 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.032  

Contributions of David Mauzerall to photosynthesis research - celebrating his 95^th birthday

G. GOVINDJEE, O. CANAANI, R.A. CELLARIUS, B. DINER, E. GREENBAUM, H.J.M. HOU, N.Y. KIANG, J.S. LINDSEY, D.L. MAUZERALL, M.E. MAUZERALL, M. SEIBERT, A. STIRBET

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(3):271-288 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.029  

We honor here Professor David Mauzerall, a pioneer in the fields of photochemistry and photobiology of porphyrins and chlorophylls in vitro and in vivo, on the occasion of his 95^th birthday. Throughout his career at The Rockefeller University, he refined our understanding of how chlorophyll converts light energy into chemical energy. He exploited top-of-the-line laser technology in developing photoacoustics and a variety of other innovative experimental approaches. His experimental work and conceptual insights contributed greatly to our understanding of photosynthesis and the possible role of photosynthesis in the origin of...

Vapor-pressure-deficit-controlled temperature response of photosynthesis in tropical trees

C.E. EZE, K. WINTER, M. SLOT

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(3):318-325 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.034  

Rising temperatures can affect stomatal and nonstomatal control over photosynthesis, through stomatal closure in response to increasing vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and biochemical limitations, respectively. To explore the independent effects of temperature and VPD, we conducted leaf-level temperature-response measurements while controlling VPD on three tropical tree species. Photosynthesis and stomatal conductance consistently decreased with increasing VPD, whereas photosynthesis typically responded weakly to changes in temperature when a stable VPD was maintained during measurements, resulting in wide parabolic temperature-response curves. We have...

Relationship between photosynthetic performance and yield loss in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) under frost conditions

P. DĄBROWSKI, Ł. JEŁOWICKI, Z.M. JASZCZUK, S. MAIHOUB, J. WRÓBEL, H.M. KALAJI

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(3):240-251 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.025  

Winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), the principal oilseed crop in Europe, is notably vulnerable to spring frosts that can drastically reduce yields in ways that are challenging to predict with standard techniques. Our research focused on evaluating the efficacy of photosynthetic efficiency analysis in this crop and identifying specific chlorophyll fluorescence parameters severely impacted by frost, which could serve as noninvasive biomarkers for yield decline. The experiments were carried out in semi-controlled conditions with several treatments: a control, one day at -3°C, three days at -3°C, one day at -6°C, and three days at -6°C. We...

Physiological response to low-nitrogen stress and comprehensive evaluation in four rice varieties

Y.F. ZHANG, H. CAI, E.T. YOU, X.Q. QIAO, Z.P. GAO, G.X. CHEN

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(3):252-262 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.028  

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) research has rarely focused on the response to low-nitrogen stress in different subtypes previously and lacked a low-nitrogen tolerance evaluation system. Here, we investigated the physiological characteristics under moderate and low-nitrogen stress conditions in two japonica cultivars (NG46 and NG9108) and two indica cultivars (LYP9 and 9311). Using subordinate function analysis and principal component analysis, the low-nitrogen tolerance of four rice varieties was comprehensively evaluated; stomatal conductance, total carotenoid content, and nitrate reductase NR activity were taken as the low-nitrogen tolerance...

Light curve parametrization of three rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars based on mechanistic models

Z.P. YE, S.X. ZHOU, X.L. YANG, H.J. KANG, S.H. DUAN, F.B. WANG

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(3):305-313 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.033  

This study aimed to assess variations in leaf gas-exchange characteristics, leaf pigment contents, and some intrinsic traits of photosynthetic pigment molecules in three rice cultivars (cv. JR3015, Wufengyou3015, and Jifengyou3015) using mechanistic models. The findings revealed that chlorophyll content varied significantly among the three cultivars, but not maximum electron transport rate. JR3015 had lower chlorophyll content but the highest eigen-absorption cross-section (σ_ik) and the lowest minimum average life-time of photosynthetic pigment molecules in the excited state (τ_min). Our results suggested that the highest...

Morphophysiological responses of black pepper to recurrent water deficit

T.R. FERREIRA, V.P. SALLIN, B. CERRI NETO, J. CRASQUE, A. PIRES, P.S. RODRIGUES, H. CHISTÉ, A.B.P. LIMA, J.A. MACHADO FILHO, L.O. ARANTES, J.M.S. LIRA, A.R. FALQUETO, S. DOUSSEAU-ARANTES

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(3):292-301 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.030  

This study investigated the effects of recurrent water deficit on drought tolerance traits in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) ʻBragantinaʼ. Plants were subjected to three cycles of water deficit followed by recovery periods. Water deficit reduced stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, transpiration, and water potential while increasing water-use efficiency. In addition, intercellular CO₂ concentration, leaf temperature, root starch, and adaptive morphological characteristics in leaves and roots increased. Despite these adaptations, plants did not recover vegetative growth after rehydration. The primary tolerance mechanisms...

Selenium improves wheat antioxidant capacity, photosynthetic capacity, and growth under cadmium stress

L.M. WU, N.H. LU

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(3):232-239 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.027  

Cadmium stress (CS) induced the peroxide damage and inhibited wheat photosynthetic capacity and growth. Compared to CS, selenium (Se) application plus CS bolstered chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, photosynthetic rate, the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, the quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, and photochemical quenching, superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase activities, ascorbic acid and glutathione contents, AsA/dehydroascorbic acid and GSH/oxidized glutathione, and decreased nonphotochemical quenching (q_N),...

High photosynthetic thermal tolerance in the Mediterranean halophyte Limoniastrum monopetalum

E. FIGUEROA-LUQUE, M.E. FIGUEROA, J.M. CASTILLO, A. DE CIRES, R. ÁLVAREZ, J. CAMBROLLÉ, B. GALLEGO-TÉVAR

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(3):263-270 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.026  

The general increase in temperature, together with sudden episodes of extreme temperatures, are increasingly impacting plant species in the present climate change scenario. Limoniastrum monopetalum is a halophyte from the Mediterranean Basin, exposed to broad daily and seasonal changes in temperature and extreme high temperatures. We studied the photosynthetic responses (chlorophyll fluorescence dynamics and gas exchange) of L. monopetalum leaves exposed to temperatures from -7.5°C to +57.5°C under darkness in controlled laboratory conditions. L. monopetalum presented its optimum temperature for photosynthesis around +30°C. The...

Biochar alleviates single and combined effects of salinity and drought stress in faba bean plants

I. RAJHI, R. NEFISSI OUERTANI, N. FERCHICHI, B. KHIARI, L. EL-BASSI, H. MHADHBI

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):221-231 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.019  

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of four biochar concentrations (0, 2, 5, and 8%) on single and interactive effects of salinity and drought stresses on the morphological, physiological, and photosynthetic parameters of faba bean plants. PCA analysis showed that plants displayed different behavior under non-stressed and stressed conditions. The most discriminating quantitative characters were related to plant biomass production and photosynthesis, especially shoot dry mass, root dry mass, plant fresh mass, internal CO₂ concentration, net CO₂ assimilation rate, and relative water content. The obtained results confirm the...

Chlorophyll and growth performance of biological sand-fixing materials inoculated on sandy desert surface

H.R. REN, L. TAO, J. REN, X.C. REN

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):213-220 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.020  

Desert biocrusts play an important role in the control of desertification and artificial inoculation can promote the formation and development of biocrusts. Physiological and growth responses of biocrusts inoculated on desert surfaces were investigated to assess the effect of mixture ratio, inoculation times, and water supply under laboratory conditions. The application of biological sand-fixing material prepared by cultivated algae crust and polymeric composites in a 1:1 ratio accelerated the most accumulation of chlorophyll a in 0.55 mg kg^-1, thickness in 3.06 mm, and fresh mass in 0.69 g cm^-1, was the most beneficial...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

H.M. KALAJI

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):212 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.024  

Response to the article by Gyözö Garab in Photosynthetica (DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.022) with the title: Revisiting the nonregulatory, constitutive nonphotochemical quenching of the absorbed light energy in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

U. SCHREIBER

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):209-211 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.023  

Response to the article by Gyözö Garab in Photosynthetica (DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.022) with the title: Revisiting the nonregulatory, constitutive nonphotochemical quenching of the absorbed light energy in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms

Revisiting the nonregulatory, constitutive nonphotochemical quenching of the absorbed light energy in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms

G. GARAB

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):204-208 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.022  

The present paper aims to open discussion on the information content, physical mechanism(s), and measuring protocols to determine the partitioning of the absorbed light energy in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. Revisiting these questions is incited by recent findings discovering that PSII, in addition to its open and closed state, assumes a light-adapted charge-separated state and that chlorophyll a fluorescence induction (ChlF), besides the photochemical activity of PSII, reflects the structural dynamics of its reaction center complex. Thus, the photochemical quantum yield of PSII cannot be determined from the conventional ChlF-based protocol....

Changes of Cd content in chloroplasts are mirrored by the activity of photosystem I, but not by photosystem II

E.A. LYSENKO, V.V. KUSNETSOV

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):187-203 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.018  

We searched for a direct Cd action on the photosynthetic electron transport chain using induced chlorophyll fluorescence and P₇₀₀ light absorption. Young barley and maize plants were treated with Cd in concentrations of toxic (80 μM) and nearly lethal (250 μM). The maximal and relative photochemical activities of PSI, its major limitation at the donor side, and partially acceptor-side limitation of PSII changed in agreement with Cd accumulation in the corresponding chloroplasts. Acceptor-side limitation of PSII increased with a direct Cd action at 80 μM that was overcome with an indirect Cd action at 250 μM. These alterations...

Influence of additional far-red light on the photosynthetic and growth parameters of lettuce plants and the resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus to high irradiance

A. SHMAREV, M. VERESHAGIN, P. PASHKOVSKIY, V.D. KRESLAVSKI, S.I. ALLAKHVERDIEV

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):180-186 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.016  

The effects of additional far-red light (FRL) on the photosynthetic and growth parameters of Lactuca sativa plants grown for 30 d and on the photosynthetic activity of the plants under high irradiance [4 h; 1,500 μmol(photon) m^-2 s^-1] were studied. The plants were grown under coloured light-emitting diodes at a ratio of red light (RL): blue light (BL): green light (GL): far-red light (FRL) = 0.7:1:0.3:0.4 or RL:BL:GL:FRL = 0.7:1:0.3:0.8 (test, T). Additional FRL led to an increase in plant biomass, height, and leaf area but to a decrease in photosynthesis and respiration rates. However, PSII activity was greater in plants...

Selenite foliar application increased the accumulation of medicinal components in Paeonia ostii by promoting antioxidant capacity, reducing oxidative stress, and improving photosynthetic capacity

L.X. ZHANG, Q.S. CHANG, Y.L. HE, X.L. ZHAO, W. LIU, Q. GUO, K. CHEN, X.G. HOU

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):168-179 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.012  

The effects of selenite (0, 15, 30, 45 mg L^-1) on physiological characteristics and medicinal components of Paeonia ostii were analyzed. The results showed that selenite application promoted the activity of superoxide dismutase and the contents of soluble sugar, proline, carotenoids, total flavonoids, and total polyphenols, and decreased the contents of reactive oxygen species, relative electrical conductivity, and malondialdehyde. In addition, selenite also increased chlorophyll content, improved electron transfer ability, PSI and PSII performance, and the coordination between PSI and PSII, which significantly improved photosynthetic...

Gas exchange and time to reach maximum rate of photosynthetic rateand their relationship with whole-plant traits in sugarcane in water abundant Louisiana, USA

P.Z. ELLSWORTH, P.M. WHITE Jr., J. TODD

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):158-167 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.015  

Variety development of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) is necessary to continue improving sugar yields and selecting photosynthetic traits can improve sugar production through increased carbon inputs. In this study, gas exchange and whole-plant measurements were made on 55 sugarcane genotypes in Louisiana. Variation in the relationship between photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance suggests that sugarcane exhibits variation in both photosynthetic capacity and CO₂ substrate availability. Genotypes that reached maximum photosynthetic rate (TRMPR) in the gas-exchange cuvette more quickly had greater CO₂ assimilation...

Using chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and antioxidant enzyme activity to assess drought tolerance of spring wheat

S.V. ОSIPOVA, А.V. RUDIKOVSKII, А.V. PERMYAKOV, Е.G. RUDIKOVSKAYA, А.V. POMORTSEV, О.V. МUZALEVSKAYA, Т.А. PSHENICHNIKOVA

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):147-157 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.014  

The improvement of phenotyping methods is necessary for large-scale screening studies of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) drought tolerance. The objective of our research was to find out whether it is possible to use chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters instead of biochemical indicators of drought tolerance when screening wheat. We measured shoot biomass, gas exchange, as well as biochemical and Chl fluorescence indicators in 11 wheat genotypes grown under contrasting water supplies and differing in drought tolerance. The effect of drought on the traits was evaluated using the effect of size index. We made two independent rankings: one based...

Photosynthesis and hydrogen energy for sustainability: harnessing the sun for a greener future

B.D. KOSSALBAYEV, G. YILMAZ, H.G. OZCAN, G. SOYKAN, S. YALCIN, S.I. ALLAKHVERDIEV

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(2):138-146 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.013  

At the dawn of the 21^st century, the rapid expansion of manufacturing plants and the widespread destruction of natural habitats significantly contributed to accelerating global warming. This phenomenon has led to severe droughts, irreversible agricultural damage, and substantial challenges in securing food supplies for the burgeoning global population. The alarming surge in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations underscores the urgent need to embrace clean energy technologies. To date, the primary goal of mankind is to develop innovative approaches to return Earth's ecology to its pre-industrial condition, as a century ago. The special...

Cold plasma treatment influences the physiological parameters of millet

J. PERNER, J. MATOUŠEK, H. AUER MALINSKÁ

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(1):126-137 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.010  

In recent years, cold plasma treatment has emerged as a promising method to positively impact early seed growth. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cold plasma treatment on millet seeds with ambient air plasma discharge at pressures of 100 Pa and power ranging from 40 to 250 W. Results indicated that cold plasma treatment significantly increased radicle length by up to 112.5% (250 W) after 48 h and up to 57% (120 W) after 72 h compared to nontreated plants. The study also found that cold plasma treatment influenced electron transport during the primary phase of photosynthesis, with the effect varying with the power of discharge. However,...

Photosystem II efficiency in response to diurnal and seasonal variations in photon flux density and air temperature for green, yellow-green, and purple-leaved cultivars of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam]

J.Y. JIANG, C.W. WANG, C.I. CHEN, C.W. CHEN, S.L. WONG, S.P. CHEN, M.Y. HUANG, J.H. WENG

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(1):116-125 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.007  

This study aimed to investigate the impact of diurnal and seasonal variations in photon flux density (PPFD) and air temperature on PSII efficiency in three sweet potato leaf-color cultivars: green (G), yellow-green (Y), and purple (P). The cultivars were exposed to full sunlight and measurements were taken from November to March. The maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry for the dark-adapted state (F_v/F_m) indicated Y's increased sensitivity to low temperatures at predawn, followed by G and P. Both quantum yield of PSII photochemistry for the dark and light-adapted state (ΔF/F_m') depressions were correlated...

Photosynthetic acclimation to temperature is affected by night temperature in Zea mays

J.A. BUNCE

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(1):112-115 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.008  

In this study, Zea mays L. was grown in indoor controlled environment chambers with a uniform daytime temperature of 30°C, and night-time temperatures of 30, 25, 20, or 15°C. Responses of net photosynthesis (P_N) of mature leaves at high PPFD to intercellular CO₂ concentrations (C_i) were measured at 20, 25, and 30°C using a new method that generates a complete P_N vs. C_i curve in less than four minutes. Results indicated that photosynthesis measured at both C_i values of 25 and 150 μmol mol^-1 increased strongly with measurement...

Physiological and molecular characteristics associated with the anti-senescence in Camellia oleifera Abel.

Z. ZHANG, Y.M. XU, Z.L. HE, C.X. LIU, R. WANG, X.N. WANG, Y.H. PENG, L.S. CHEN, S.F. PENG, L. MA, Z.G. LI, W. TANG, Y.Z. CHEN, J. CHEN, X.H. YANG

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(1):102-111 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.003  

This study analyzed physiological and molecular characteristics associated with the resistance to aging or anti-senescence in Camellia oleifera Abel. Trees over 100 years old (ancient trees) were compared with those about 30 years old (mature trees). Total chlorophylls, chlorophyll a/b ratio, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations in ancient tree leaves were significantly higher than in their counterparts. Significantly higher activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase were detected in ancient tree leaves. Nine Chl a/b-binding protein genes, 15 antioxidant enzyme genes, 21 hormone-related genes, and...

Isolation, cloning, and gene expression analysis of phosphoglycolate phosphatase from green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

T. MAMEDOV, G. ZAKIYEVA, F. DEMIREL, G. MAMMADOVA, G. HASANOVA

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(1):90-101 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.002  

Phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGPase), a key enzyme in photosynthetic organisms, catalyzes the dephosphorylation of phosphoglycolate, which is largely produced by the oxygenase activity of Rubisco, and is a potent inhibitor of several Calvin cycle enzymes. PGPase (CrPGPase 1) was previously cloned, purified, and characterized from unicellular green Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In silico analysis revealed two more candidates encoding PGPase enzymes in the C. reinhardtii genome. In this study, we isolated, cloned, and overexpressed three PGPase genes (pgp1, pgp2, pgp3) from C. reinhardtii and performed...

Photosynthetic responses of heat-stressed apple leaves to foliar application of salicylic and ascorbic acid

I. MIHALJEVIĆ, M. VILJEVAC VULETIĆ, V. TOMAŠ, Z. ZDUNIĆ, D. VUKOVIĆ

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(1):79-89 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.006  

High temperatures have significant impacts on fruit tree production. Foliar spraying application of promoting agents can be a sustainable approach to managing high-temperature stress in orchards. The mechanism of certain improving agents on photosynthesis is not yet well understood, particularly in fruit trees. Photosynthesis, as a vital and very sensitive process in plants, is a pivotal component in fruit production. Therefore, in this study, we explored the potential of two different promoting agents, salicylic acid (SA) and ascorbic acid (AsA), to alleviate oxidative stress caused by high temperature in controlled conditions (37°C for 1 h) at the...

Effect of cryptochrome 1 deficiency and spectral composition of light on photosynthetic processes in A. thaliana under high-intensity light exposure

A. KHUDYAKOVA, V. KRESLAVSKI, A. KOSOBRYUKHOV, M. VERESHAGIN, S.I. ALLAKHVERDIEV

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(1):71-78 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.009  

The role of cryptochrome 1 in photosynthetic processes and pro-/antioxidant balance in the Arabidopsis thaliana plants was studied. Wild type (WT) and hy4 mutant deficient in cryptochrome 1 grown for 20 d under red (RL, 660 nm) and blue (BL, 460 nm) light at an RL:BL = 4:1 ratio were kept for 3 d in different lights: RL:BL = 4:1, RL:BL:GL = 4:1:0.3 (GL - green light, 550 nm), and BL, then were exposed to high irradiance (4 h). Activity of PSII and the rate of photosynthesis in WT and hy4 decreased under the high irradiance in all spectral variants but under BL stronger decrease in the activity was found in the hy4 mutant...

Exogenous melatonin alleviates nicosulfuron toxicity by regulating the growth, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidative defense of sweet corn seedlings

J.X. HUANG, Y.B. LIU, R. XIAO, T. YU, T. GUO, H.W. WANG, X.L. LV, X.N. LI, M. ZHU, F.H. LI

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(1):58-70 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.004  

Improper use of nicosulfuron (NSF) may induce harmful effects on plants during weed control. Melatonin (MT) regulates photosynthetic and physiological processes in plants. This study aimed to explore the effects of MT on alleviating NSF toxicity by measuring the growth parameters, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidative responses in sweet corn seedlings. Compared to NSF alone, exogenous MT increased chlorophyll content, transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and maximum efficiency of PSⅡ photochemistry, while reduced malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion radical, and proline contents. Moreover, MT...

Phosphorus-deficiency stress in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants: early detection based on chosen physiological parameters and statistical analyses

L. SIECZKO, K. KOWALCZYK, J. GAJC-WOLSKA, W. KOWALCZYK, P. DĄBROWSKI, W. BORUCKI, M. JANASZEK-MAŃKOWSKA, J.L. PRZYBYŁ, J. MOJSKI, H.M. KALAJI

Photosynthetica 2024, 62(1):44-57 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2024.005  

Enhancing plant productivity and mitigating the impact of environmental stressors require a thorough understanding of phytomonitoring and physiological features indicative of plant health. This study delves into the response of cucumber plants to phosphorus deficiency employing diverse tools to identify key indicators and unravel the underlying mechanisms. Under phosphorus deficiency, a rapid response in older leaves was observed through the analysis of chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Molecular-level changes in photosynthetic performance were found to be age-dependent, as revealed by multidimensional statistical methods, highlighting the interconnectedness...