Grain Yield,Biomass Accumulation,and Leaf Photosynthetic Characteristics of Rice under Combined Salinity-Drought Stress

Simultaneous stresses of salinity and drought often coincide during rice-growing seasons in saline lands,primarily due to insufficient water resources and inadequate irrigation facilities.Consequently,combined salinity-drought stress poses a major threat to rice production.In this study,two salinity levels(NS,non-salinity;HS,high salinity)along with three drought treatments(CC,control condition;DJ,drought stress imposed at jointing;DH,drought stress imposed at heading)were performed to investigate their combined influences on leaf photosynthetic characteristics,biomass accumulation,and rice yield formation.Salinity,drought,and their combination led to a shortened growth period from heading to maturity,resulting in a reduced overall growth duration.Grain yield was reduced under both salinity and drought stress,with a more substantial reduction under the combined salinity-drought stress.The combined stress imposed at heading caused greater yield losses in rice compared with the stress imposed at jointing.Additionally,the combined salinity-drought stress induced greater decreases in shoot biomass accumulation from heading to maturity,as well as in shoot biomass and nonstructural carbohydrate(NSC)content in the stem at heading and maturity.However,it increased the harvest index and NSC remobilization reserve.Salinity and drought reduced the leaf area index and SPAD value of flag leaves and weakened the leaf photosynthetic characteristics as indicated by lower photosynthetic rates,transpiration rates,and stomatal conductance.These reductions were more pronounced under the combined stress.Salinity,drought,and especially their combination,decreased the activities of ascorbate peroxidase,catalase,and superoxide dismutase,while increasing the contents of malondialdehyde,hydrogen peroxide,and superoxide radical.Our results indicated a more significant yield loss in rice when subjected to combined salinity-drought stress.The individual and combined stresses of salinity and drought diminished antioxidant enzyme activities,inhibited leaf photosynthetic functions,accelerated leaf senescence,and subsequently lowered assimilate accumulation and grain yield.

Effects of paclobutrazol application on plant architecture,lodging resistance,photosynthetic characteristics,and peanut yield at different single-seed precise sowing densities

The key to high-yielding peanut cultivation is the optimization of agricultural production practices.Regulating single-seed precise sowing(SSPS)density and paclobutrazol(Pbz)application concentration are effective practices that increase peanut yield by improving plant architecture,lodging resistance,and photosynthetic characteristics.Therefore,we conducted a two-factor field optimization experiment for the sowing density(D1:1.95×10^(5)plants ha^(-1),D52:2.40×10plants ha^(-1),D3:2.85×10^(5)plants ha^(-1),and D4:3.30×10^(5)plants ha^(-1))and Pbzapplication concentration(P0:0 mg L^(-1)and P1:100 mg L^(-1)).The objective was to optimize agricultural production practices and provide a theoretical basis for highyielding peanut cultivation by evaluating the effects of sowing density and Pbzapplication on plant architecture,lodging resistance,photosynthetic characteristics,and yield.The results showed that at the same Pbzapplication concentration,increasing sowing density increased lodging percentage and reduced leaf photosynthetic capacity.At the same sowing density,Pbzapplication reduced lodging percentage by decreasing plant height(PH),improving lignin biosynthesis-related enzyme activities,and enhancing stem puncture strength(SPS)and breaking strength(SBS).The paclobutrazol-induced alterations in plant architecture and lodging resistance improved light transmission at the middle and bottom leaf strata,resulting in the increase in relative chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate(Pn)of leaves.Furthermore,D3P1treatment had the highest peanut yield among all treatments.In summary,the production strategy combining the sowing density of 2.85×10^(5)plants ha^(-1)with the application of100 mg L^(-1)Pbzwas found to be the optimal agricultural production practice for giving full play to production potential and achieving higher peanut yield.

Osmotic Regulation,Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Tree Peony(Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.)in Response to High-Temperature Stress

Tree peony(Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.)is a traditional Chinese flower,which prefers cool weather.However,high temperature in summer in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River restricts its growth and development.In this study,osmotic regulation,antioxidant enzyme activities,and photosynthetic characteristics of tree peony in response to high-temperature stress were investigated.The results showed that high-temperature stress had destroyed the cell membrane,manifested as the increased relative electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde content.Moreover,high-temperature stress led to excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species,thereby,activating antioxidant enzyme activities.Also,photosynthetic parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters directly reflected the damage to the photosystem II reflection center under high-temperature stress.In addition,high-temperature stress led to stomatal closure and chloroplast damage.This study revealed the physiological responses of tree peony to high-temperature stress,laying a foundation for the promotion of tree peony in high-temperature areas and the improvement of high-temperature resistance.

Effects of ABA on Photosynthetic Characteristics of Pods and Yield of Brassica napus

[Objective] The aim was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of ABA on photosynthetic characteristics of pods and yield of Brassica napus and analyze the relationships between ABA concentration and yield components, to provide theoretical basis for cultivation of high-yield rapeseed. [Method] At the end of flowering stage, the rape plants were separately sprayed with 1, 2, 100 and 200μmol/L of ABA; photosynthetic parameters, water use efficiency （WUE）, yield and yield components of the rape plants were investigated 0, 5, 10 and 15 d later, respectively. [Result] ABA treatment with different concentrations significantly changed pod photosynthetic parameters and yield components of rapeseed. Low concentra- tions of ABA could improve pod＇s net photosynthetic rate and yield components while high concentrations had the contrary effect. [Conclusion] Whether ABA func- tioned in inhibiting or promoting role might depend on the interaction between endogenous hormone levels and exogenous ABA concentration. Improvement of WUE would be the main reason for yield increasing.

Differences of Photosynthetic Characteristics of the Grape Cultivated in Greenhouse and Open Field in Turpan

[Objective] This study compared the leaf photosynthetic characteristics of Turpan grape cultivated in greenhouses and open field to provide a scientific basis for the high-quality and high-yield cultivation of grape. [Method] Two precocious grape varieties as experimental materials were cultivated in greenhouses and open field, and their net photosynthetic rates （Pn）, photo-response curves and CO2 response curves were determined using Li-400XT portable photosynthesis system. [Result] The leaf Pn of the two varieties cultivated in open field was higher than that in greenhouse. The Pn of Hongqitezao cultivated in open field was the highest, up to 19.79 μmol/（m^2·s）; in the photo-response curves, Hongqitezao cultivated in greenhouse had the largest Pnmax and apparent quantum yield （AQY）, while the Flame Seedless in greenhouse had the smallest light compensation point （LCP）. The light saturation point （LSP） value of greenhouse cultivation was higher than that of open field cultivation. In the CO2 response test, the dark respiration rate （Rd） and Pnmax of greenhouse cultivation were higher than those of open field cultivation, and the carboxylation efficiency （CE） of greenhouse cultivation was lower than that of open field cultivation; the CO2 compensation point （CCP） and CO2 saturation point （CSP） of greenhouse cultivation were lower than those of open field cultivation. [Conclusion] The utilization of elevated light in greenhouse cultivation was more efficient than in open field cultivation; however, the utilization of elevated CO2 in greenhouse cultivation was weaker than tin open field cultivation.

Effects of N,P and K Fertilizers on Photosynthetic Characteristics of Mulberry

[Objective] The aim was to research the effects of N, P and K fertilizers on photosynthetic characteristics of mulberry. [Method] In the test, Chuan 826, a va- riety of mulberry, was taken as an example to explore the relationships of chloro- phyll content, leaf area index, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance of leaf, CO2 concentration of cells in leaves and transpiration rate with N, P and K fertilizers at different quantities. [Result] N, P and K fertilizers at different quantities have ef- fects on photosynthetic indices. In detail, N, P and K fertilizer at appropriate quanti- ties enhanced LAI, Chla＋b, Pn, Cond and Tr, Ci of mulberry leaves in control group without fertilizers was significantly higher than that in treatment groups. N, P and K at proper quantities （N at 600 kg/hm2, P at 210 kg/hm2 and K at 300 kg/hm2） would keep functional leaves well and higher photosynthetic period for a long term. [Conclusion] The research explored adjustment of photosynthetic characteristics and differ- ent treatments on photosynthesis of mulberry, providing reference for construction of excellent and highly-qualified mulberry garden.

Effects of Antimony Stress on Photosynthetic Characteristics of Vegetable Leaves

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of different concen- trations of antimony and modifier calcium magnesium phosphate on photosynthetic characteristics of edible amaranth, flowering Chinese cabbage, spinach and flowering Chinese cabbage. [Method] By outdoor potting simulation experiment, soil matrixes containing 10.00, 20.00, 50.00, 70.00 and 100.00 mg/kg antimony （Sb3＋） were pre- pared; soil without antimony was used as control （CK）. Each pot was loaded with 0.10 kg/kg vegetable special fertilizer, mixed evenly, and divided into two shares： one share was supplemented with 1.75 g/kg modifier calcium magnesium phosphate and mixed evenly; the other share contained no calcium magnesium phosphate. Af- ter the generation of three true leaves, seedlings with uniform growth were trans- planted into the prepared soil matrixes, eights seedlings per pot. Vegetable seedlings were watered regularly to maintain 70% of field capacity. After 45 d, veg- etable plants were harvested and washed clean with distilled water for measurement of indicators of photosynthetic characteristics. [Result] With the increase of antimony concentration, relative chlorophyll content （SPAD value） and net photosynthetic rate of four vegetable species increased first and then declined, while stomatal conduc- tance of vegetable leaves was linearly reduced. [Conclusion] Appropriately adding modifier calcium magnesium phosphate can effectively improve the photosynthetic characteristics of four vegetable species and reduce the toxic effects of heavy metal antimony on vegetables.

Comparative Study on Photosynthetic Characteristics of Different Catalpa bungei Clones

[Objective] This study aimed to provide scientific basis for the early selec-tion and breeding of excellent Catalpa bungei clones. [Method] The Li-6400 portable photosynthesis system was used to analyze the photosynthetic characteristics of five Catalpa bungei clones （1-3, 1-4, 004-1, 015-1 and 7080）. [Result] Al five Catalpa bungei clones had similar change trends of light response curves, but their maxi-mum net photosynthetic rates （Pmax） were in the order of 1-3＆gt;7080＆gt;015-1＆gt;004-1＆gt;1-4, showing that clone 1-3 and clone 7080 had strong light environmental adapt-ability with the light saturation points （LSP） of 1 147.97 μmol/m2＆#183;s and 1 196.31μmol/m2＆#183;s, respectively, while clone 1-4 had the narrowest range of adaptation to light. There were differences in the total photosynthetic amount per area among the five clones that clone 1-4 was the best of 433 974.24 μmol/m2, fol owed by clone 1-3 of 401 290.20 μmol/m2. The transpiration rates （Tr） and stomatal conductances （Cond） of the five clones presented the same change trend. And the diurnal varia-tion curves of net photosynthetic rate （Pn） of clone 1-3, 1-4 and 015-1 showed two typical peaks with obvious midday depression, while clone 004-1 and 7080 didn’t. [Concluson] Considering a variety of photosynthetic characteristics of indica-tors, photosynthetic capacity of clone 1-3 was the best among the five Catalpa bungei clones.

The Effects of Simulated Acid Rain on Photosynthetic Characteristics of Spring Wheat Leaves at the Jointing Stage

In order to investigate the effect of acid rain on photosynthetic characteristics of spring wheat,spring wheat at the jointing stage was sprayed with simulated acid rain at different pH levels of 1.5,2.5,3.5,4.5 and 5.6,and then,the photosynthetic parameters of spring wheat leaf was monitored.The results indicated that the pH value of simulated acid rain was positively and very significantly correlated with the net photosynthetic rate,stomata conductance,transpiration rate,water use efficiency and the chlorophyll relative content,whereas very significantly and negatively correlated with intercellular CO2 concentration.Due to acid rain,the net photosynthetic rate,stomata conductance,transpiration rate and the chlorophyll relative content decreased by 4.08%-67.04%,17.44%-58.44%,12.08%-48.08% and 12.16%-37.23% respectively,while intercellular CO2 concentration increased by 9.01%-14.29%.After simulated treatment with acid rain,the net photosynthetic rate had high significant positive correlation with stomata conductance,transpiration rate,water use efficiency,and the chlorophyll relative content,but high significant negative correlation with intercellular CO2 concentration.At the same time,transpiration rate was observed to be very significantly and positively correlated to stomata conductance and chlorophyll relative content,being significantly and positively correlated with water use efficiency,and very significantly and negatively correlated with intercellular CO2 concentration.In a word,the influence of simulated acid rain on photosynthetic characteristics of spring wheat leaf became more and more obvious with the increase of hydrogen ion concentration.

Photosynthetic Characteristic Variation of Different Provenances of Liriodendron chinense Sarg. at Seedling Stage

[Objective]The aim was to study photosynthetic characteristic variation of different provenances of Liriodendron chinense Sarg. at seedling stage and provide the theoretical basis for work of provenance selection,parent selection of hybridizing breeding,genetic resource conservation of L.chinense Sarg.. [Method]With 13 provenances 1-year-old L.chinense Sarg. seedlings as tested materials,the photosynthetic characteristic variation of different provenances were studied. [Result]The L.chinense Sarg. seedlings of different provenances had the significant difference on net photosynthetic rate （Pn）,stomata conductivity （Gs） and water use efficiency （WUE）. The Pn of the highest provenance was 2.36 times the lowest. Majority seed sources light saturation point （LSP） were in 800-1 200 μmol photons/（m2·s）. Gs,transpiration rate （Tr） and Pn were significantly positively correlated,and the three had a significant positive correlation with the light compensation point （LCP）. Pn,LSP and WUE were negatively correlated. [Conclusion]The photosynthetic characteristics of L.chinense Sarg. had significant variation among provenances. Maybe Gs is the important factor leading to difference in Pn of L.chinense Sarg. seedlings. L.chinense Sarg. seedlings still need higher light intensity and more water.

Preliminary Study on Leaf Color Development and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Golden-leaf Ginkgo

[Objective]The aim of this study is to research leaf color development and photosynthetic characteristics of golden-leaf ginkgo.[Method]With one-year-old grafted seedlings of golden-leaf ginkgo as the materials,the changes of leaf color,chlorophyll content（Chl）,carotenoid（x.c）content and rate of chlorophyll and carotenoid content,as well as photosynthetic characteristics under full sunlight and overshadowing were all investigated in this study.[Result]Sprouts of golden-leaf ginkgo were pale-yellow,and changed from orange to golden in April,to light yellow-green in May,to yellow-green from June to October,to yellow in November.The chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and the rates of chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of yellow-leaf were significantly lower than that of green-leaf,while the rate of Chla/x.c and Chlb/x.c was obviously lower than the corresponding pigment content of green-leaf.During the leaf color development,Chla,Chlb and x.c content as well as the rate of Chla/x.c and Chlb/x.c of yellow-leaf ginkgo all increased.The saturation light intensity of ginkgo leaf under natural light was higher than that under overshadowing.Maximum net photosynthetic rate,light compensation point and dark respiration rate of yellow leaf were all significantly higher than that of green leaf.Chla/x.c,Chlb/x.c and Chla＋b/x.c of yellow-leaf ginkgo under overshadowing were higher than the corresponding pigment rate of leaf under natural light.[Conclusion]The best ornamental duration of golden-leaf ginkgo is April and May.The major reason for showing yellow leaf is that Chla/x.c and Chlb/x.c of yellow-leaf is obviously lower than that of green-leaf.During the leaf color development,the major reason for yellow-leaf turning to yellow-green is that the rate of Chla/x.c and Chlb/x.c increases.Chlb content of yellow-leaf under overshadowing is higher than that under natural light,which is an adaptive response to overshadowing.Chla/x.c,Chlb/x.c and Chla＋b/x.c of yellow-leaf under overshadowing are relatively higher,which is one of the reasons why yellow-leaf under overshadowing becomes yellow-green or green.

Study on Effects of Calcium on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Its Subcellular Distribution in Rice at Seeding Stage

Using the cultivars with high and low calcium in brown rice as tested ma- terials, the effects of calcium on photosynthetic characteristics and its subcellular dis- tribution in different rice cultivars at seedling stage were investigated with hydrocul- ture method. The results showed that the photosynthetic rate in leaves of high cal- cium cultivar was higher than that low calcium cultivar. The calcium content in leaves of rice was higher than that in roots. Among various tissues and organs, the calcium contents ranked as cell wall〉ribosome and intracellular soluble components〉 plastid （or chloroplasts）〉mitochondria〉nucleus. Cell wall is the most important distri- bution place for calcium, while calcium is rarely distributed in nuclei or mitochon- drias. In all the organelles, the calcium concentrations were all increased with the increased treatment concentration of calcium, especially in high calcium cultivar. The high calcium treatment showed more significant effects on calcium contents in im- portant organelles of high calcium cultivar, so it is speculated that the high calcium cultivar had higher calcium accumulation and tolerance capacities.

Photosynthetic Characteristics of a Super High Yield Cultivar of Winter Wheat During Late Growth Period

The mechanism of high yield of winter wheat in the field at late growth period was investigated by measuring the photosynthetic characteristics of photosystem Ⅱ （PSⅡ） and xanthophylls cycle, which could provide physiological reference for breeding. Weimai 8 （W8）, a super high yield cultivar, and Lumai 14 （L14）, a control cultivar were object. The photosynthetic rate （Pn）, parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll content were measured. The Pn, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII （Fv/Fm）, quantum yield of PSII electron transport （ΦPSⅡ）, efficiency of excitation energy capture by open PSII reaction centers （Fv＇/Fm＇）, and photochemical quenching coefficient （qP） were higher in Weimai 8 compared to that in Lumai 14, a commercial high yield cultivar. Furthermore, Weirnai 8 showed a lower non- photochemical quenching coefficient and a lower de-epoxidized ratio of the xanthophyll cycle pigments than of Lumai 14 at late growth period. At mature stage, chlorophyll content of different leaves decreased both in Weimai 8 and Lumai 14. Chlorophyll content in flag, second and third leaf from the top of plant decreased more in Lumai 14 than in Weimai 8. These results suggested that Weimai 8 had more antenna pigments to absorb light energy, and had higher photosynthetic capability and photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ. The yield of Weimai 8 was also higher than that of Lumai 14.

Effects of Formulated Fertilizer Synergist on Abscisic Acid Accumulation, Proline Content and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Rice under Drought

To investigate the effects of formulated fertilizer synergist on the drought tolerance in rice, pot experiment was conducted to analyze the photosynthetic characteristics and the accumulation of abscisic acid （ABA） and proline in middle-season rice variety Peiliangyou 93. The synergist could improve the net photosynthetic rate, and coordination between the water loss and the CO2 absorption as well as reduce the harmful effect on photosynthetic process under drought conditions. Under drought, the ABA accumulated massively both in roots and leaves, while the ABA content in roots was far higher than that in leaves. The results indicate that synergist could increase the ABA accumulation, but reduce the proline accumulation in rice plant under drought.

Photosynthetic Characteristics and Antioxidative Metabolism of Flag Leaves in Responses to Nitrogen Application During Grain Filling of Field-Grown Wheat

A two-factorial experiment was conducted with two wheat cultivars, SN1391 （large spike and large grain） and GC8901 （multiple spike and medium grain）, and two nitrogen （N） application rates （12 and 24 g N m^-2）, to investigate the responses of photosynthetic characteristics and antioxidative metabolism to nitrogen rates in flag leaves of field-grown wheat during grain filling. The results showed that the content of N and chlorophyll （Chl） in wheat flag leaves decreased after anthesis and the net photosynthetic rate （Pn）, effective quantum yield of PS Ⅱ （Фps n）, efficiency of excitation capture by open PS Ⅱ reaction centers （Fv′/Fm′）, and photochemical quenching coefficient （qp） began to decrease at 14 days after anthesis. However, the maximal efficiency of PS Ⅱ photochemistry （Fv/Fm） decreased slightly until the late period of senescence and the nonphotochemical quenching coefficient （NPQ） increased during flag leaves＇ senescence, As a result, a conflict came into being between absorption and utilization to light energy in flag leaves during senescence, which might accelerate the senescence of flag leaves. Compared with GC8901, the lower plant population of SN1391 during grain filling was helpful to maintain the higher content of photosynthetic pigment, activity of PS II, and Pn in flag leaves during senescence, The delayed decrease in antioxidative enzyme activity and the lower degree of membrane lipid peroxidation in the senescing leaves of SN1391 were beneficial to protect the photosynthetic apparatus, which lead to the prolonged duration of CO2 assimilation. With the increase of N application, the Chl content of SN1391 flag leaves and the efficiency of excitation captured by open PS Ⅱ centers increased. At the same time, the thermal dissipation in SN1391 flag leaves at high N （HN） treatment decreased and Фps Ⅱ improved greatly, which were favorable to the increase of Pn. The SOD, POD, CAT and APX activities in the flag leaves of SN1391 increased markedly at HN treatment, indicating that these enzymes could clean more active oxygen and decrease the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation. In this way, the ability of SN1391 to protect photosynthetic apparatus was improved with the increase of N. In the HN treatment, the decreased activity of PS Ⅱ and increased thermal dissipation resulted in the decline of Pn in flag leaves of GC8901. Meanwhile, the decreased antioxidative enzyme activities and the increased degree of membrane lipid peroxidation had indirect and unfavorable influences on CO2 assimilation. This implied that the conflict between absorption and utilization to energy in senescing leaves was an important reason which induced and accelerated the senescence of wheat leaves in the field. The photosynthetic characteristics and antioxidative metabolism of flag leaves during grain filling were markedly different among wheat cultivars. The effects of nitrogen rate on the photosynthetic and senescent characteristics of flag leaves also varied with wheat cultivars.

Photosynthetic Characteristics and Ultrastructure of Chloroplast of Cucumber Under Low Light Density in Solar-Greenhouse

The photosynthetic characteristics and ultrastructure of chloroplast of cucumber in solar-greenhouse were studied. The result showed that the photosynthetic rate (Pn), photosyntheticability (A350), carboxylation efficiency, light saturation point and light compensation pointall declined remarkably under low light density, indicating that the photosynthetic characteristicsof cucumber were closely related to light environment. Under low light density, the minimalfluorescence (Fo), alterable fluorescence (Fv), photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ(Fv/Fm), steadyfluorescence in light (Fs), maximal fluorescence (Fm) and actual efficiency of PSⅡ(φPSⅡ)etcincreased, indicating that the photochemical activity and efficiency for solar energy transformationenhanced, thus the light proportion used to electron transport also increased. The chlorophylla, b, a/b and carotenoid of shading leaves decreased. However, the depressed extent of Chl a andChl a/b were obviously larger than that of Chl b. The number of chloroplast and starch grainin cucumber leaves descended, but that of grana and lamella increased as a shaded result. Thesize of chloroplast and starch grain of shading leaves minished.

Studies on the Photosynthetic Characteristics andAssimilate's Accumulation and Transformation inHeavy Panicle Type of Rice

Using 18 indica rice varieties with different panicle weight, the photosynthetic characteristics and assimilate's accumulation and transformation in heavy panicle type of rice(HPT)were studied. The results showed that the net photosynthetic rate of the flag leaf in HPT after heading was obviously higher than that in medium panicle type(MPT)and light panicle type(LPT). The reason for the high net photosynthetic rate in HPT was the increase of Rubisco activities and chlorophyll content, and keeping high assimilate ability to CO2 under high and low light intensity, high temperature and low CO2 content, and light midday depression and wide adaptability to environmental conditions. The high net photosynthetic rate of HPT might be also the results of its excellent stomatal characteristics and higher total quantity of stomatal opening degrees(stomatal density X stomatal opening degrees). There was a large amount of dry matter production after heading and obvious high assimilate's transformation to panicle in HPT.

Effects of drought and heat on the productivity and photosynthetic characteristics of alpine meadow plants on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Alpine meadow plants,adapted to humid and cold environments,are highly sensitive to environmental factors such as drought and heat.However,the physiological responses of individual alpine meadow species to drought and heat stress remain unclear.In this study,four representative species of typical functional groups in an alpine meadow of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were selected as experimental materials.Heat(H1,H2),drought(D1,D2),and combined stress(D1H1,D2H2)treatments were implemented to reveal the biomass and physiological characteristics’response to a constant drought and heat environment.Our results showed that the leaf water content(LWC)of Kobresia humilis and Poa annua increased significantly under heat stress and the compound stress(P<0.05).The effect of a single factor on LWC was greater than that of multiple factors.The aboveground biomass(AGB)of Oxytropis ochrocephala and Saussurea pulchra decreased significantly under compound stress(P<0.05).The response patterns of the net photosynthetic rate(Pn)and transpiration rate(Tr)of K.humilis and P.annua under various stress treatments were similar;as were those of O.ochrocephala and S.pulchra.The stomatal conductance(Gs)variation in K.humilis,P.annua,O.ochrocephala,and S.pulchra were the same under three kinds of stress treatments.The photosynthetic characteristics were more sensitive to the effects of composite than those of single factors.The drought×heat×species treatment had a significant influence on various indexes except on height(Ht)and the belowground biomass(BGB)(P<0.01).Within a certain range,daytime temperature(DT)promoted the Ht and increased the LWC of the plants,while it inhibited their AGB and intercellular CO2 concentration(Ci).The Pn,Tr,and Gs were more sensitive to soil moisture than to DT.The results help improve understanding of the physiological response regularity of representative alpine meadow plant species to continuous drought and high temperature conditions at the species level,and provided experimental data and theoretical basis to identify the decisive factors of stress response.

Comparisons of Photosynthetic Characteristics in Relation to Lint Yield Among F_1 Hybrids, Their F_2 Descendants and Parental Lines of Cotton

We compared the photosynthetic characteristics in relation to yield of two F1 cotton hybrids（Shiza 2-F1 and Xinluzao 43-F1）, their parental lines（NT2, H2 and 4-14） and their F2 descendants at different growth and development stages. The two F1 exhibited heterobeltiosis in net photosynthetic rate（Pn） by 8.1-52.1%, canopy apparent photosynthetic rate（CAP） by 8.2-57.6% and canopy respiration rate（CR） by 3.0-78.7% during the growing season. They also exhibited mid-parent heterosis by 2.0-5.2% in leaf chlorophyll content（SPAD） during the late growth and development stages. Regression analysis showed that both parents contributed to increase in Pn, SPAD and CAP in the F1. A low CR in the F1 matched a low CR of the parental line. Photosynthetic characteristics in the F2 were mainly dependent upon the magnitude and degeneration rate of the F1. Mid-parent heterosis in CAP and in CR during the late growth and development stage reduced the degeneration of the F2. Average dry matter accumulation was 10.7-34.7% higher in the parental lines of Xinluzao 43-F1 than in the parental lines of Shiza 2-F1. Heterobeltiosis in dry matter accumulation was 7.0-23.1% greater for Xinluzao 43-F1 than for Shiza 2-F1. Dry matter accumulation in the F1 was affected by either the dry matter accumulation of parents or heterobeltiosis. Dry matter accumulation in the F2 was mainly influenced by dry matter accumulation in the F1. The yields of the two F1 were 39.1-46.3% higher than their respective parents and 26.4-45.9% higher than that of the conventional cultivar Xinluzao 33. The yields of the two F2 were 9.2-12.8% higher than the parents and 14.9-27.4% higher than that of Xinluzao 33. The photosynthetic production and yield of the F1 and F2 were higher than that of their parents. The increases in Pn and CAP of the F1 and F2 were dependent on the photosynthetic characteristics of their parents. It is thus concluded that the photosynthetic performance, light use efficiency and yield of the F1 can be improved by using at least one parent with low CR, but high CAP, Pn and SPAD. This strategy might also improve the value of the F2.

Effect of Light Intensity on Leaf Photosynthetic Characteristics and Accumulation of Flavonoids in Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun. (Fagaceae)

The active compounds in herb drugs are mainly secondary metabolites, which are greatly influenced by external conditions. Particularly, light intensity has a great influence on the photosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites. In this study, the light intensity was changed, and the influence of the light intensity on leaf photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activity and flavone contents of Lithocarpus litseifoliusp (Hance) Chun. was discussed. The results showed that (1) L. litseifolius is a typical heliophyte. As the light intensity decreased, the contents of chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b) and total chlorophyll (Chl a + b) all increased. However, the Chl a/b ratio gradually decreased. The daily variation of net photosynthetic rate changed from a double-peak curve under natural light to single-peak curve under 20% full light two shading nets. (2) As the light intensity decreased, the SOD and POD activities and the soluble proteins content decreased in the leaves. In contrast, the malondialdehyde content increased. (3) The flavone content was the highest in leaves at one shading nets 60% of full light, and the lowest occurred in leaves at two shading nets 20% of full light. A comprehensive analysis indicated that an appropriate shading could induce shade tolerance in the leaves of L. litseifolius, which promoted the accumulation of flavonoids. L. litseifolius should be planted in the lower position of sunny slope or the upper position of shady slope to increase the content of flavone in the leaves.