Variations in chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis in Setaria EMS mutants

Chlorophyll (Chl) content,especially Chl b content,and stomatal conductance (G_s) are the key factors affecting the net photosynthetic rate (P_n).Setaria italica,a diploid C_4 panicoid species with a simple genome and high transformation efficiency,has been widely accepted as a model in photosynthesis and drought-tolerance research.The current study characterized Chl content,G_s,and P_n of 48 Setaria mutants induced by ethyl methanesulfonate.A total of 24,34,and 35 mutants had significant variations in Chl content,G_s,and P_n,respectively.Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between increased G_s and increased P_n,and a weak correlation between decreased Chl b content and decreased P_n was also found.Remarkably,two mutants behaved with significantly decreased Chl b content but increased P_n compared to Yugu 1.Seven mutants behaved with significantly decreased G_s but did not decrease P_(n )compared to Yugu 1.The current study thus identified various genetic lines,further exploration of which would be beneficial to elucidate the relationship between Chl content,G_s,and P_n and the mechanism underlying why C_4 species are efficient at photosynthesis and water saving.

SIMULATION OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF C 3 PLANT LEAVES TO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS BY A MODEL WHICH COMBINES STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE, PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND TRANSPIRATION

Transpiration element is included in the integrated stomatal conductance photosynthesis model by considering gaseous transfer processes, so the present model is capable to simulate the influence of boundary layer conductance. Leuning in his revised Ball's model replaced relative humidity with VPD s (the vapor pressure deficit from stomatal pore to leaf surface) and thereby made the relation with transpiration more straightforward, and made it possible for the regulation of transpiration and the influence of boundary layer conductance to be integrated into the combined model. If the differences in water vapor and CO 2 concentration between leaf and ambient air are considered, VPD s , the evaporative demand, is influenced by stomatal and boundary layer conductance. The physiological responses of photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal function, and the changes of intercellular CO 2 and water use efficiency to environmental factors, such as wind speed, photon flux density, leaf temperature and ambient CO 2, are analyzed. It is shown that if the boundary layer conductance drops to a level comparable with stomatal conductance, the results of simulation by the model presented here differ significantly from those by the previous model, and, in some cases, are more realistic than the latter.

Response of stomatal conductance of two tree species to vapor pressure deficit in three climate zones

Stomatal behavior is a central topic of plant ecophysiological research under global environmental change. However, the physiological mechanism controlling the response of stomata to vapor pressure deficit （VPD） or relative humidity （RH） has been inadequately understood till now. In this study, responses of stomatal conduc- tance （gs） to VPD in two species of trees （Fraxinus chinensis Roxb., Populus alba L. var. pyramidalis Bge.）in three different climate zones （Jinan with typical warm humid/semi-humid climate, Urumqi with temperate continental arid climate and Turpan with extreme arid desert climate） were measured. Levels of two phytohormones （abscisic acid, ABA; indole-3-acetic acid, IAA） in the leaves of the two tree species at these three sites were also measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the responses of gs to an increasing VPD in these two tree species at the three sites had peak curves which could be fitted with a Log Normal Model （gs=a.exp（-O.5（In（DIc）lb）2）. The VPD/RH values corresponding to the maximum g, can be calculated using the fitting models for the two tree species in the three sites. We found that the calculated g, -VPD correlated nega- tively with relative air humidity in the three sites during the plant growth period （April to October 2010）, which showed the values of g,-max-VPD were related to the climate conditions. The prevailing empirical stomatal model （Leuning model） and optimal stomatal behavior model could not properly simulate our measured data. The water use efficiency in the two tree species did not show obvious differences under three very different climatic conditions, but the highest gs, photosynthetic and transpiration rates occurred in P. alba var. of Turpan. The sensitivity in re- sponse of g~ to VPD in leaves of the two trees showed positive correlations with the concentration of ABA, which implied that ABA level could be used as an indicator of the sensitivity of stomatal response to VPD. Our results confirmed that the prediction of the response of gs to VPD might be incomplete in the two current popular models. Therefore, an improved g, model which is able to integrate the results is needed. Also, the stomatal response mechanism of single peak curves of g~ to VPD should be considered.

Drought-Induced Changes in Xylem Sap pH, ABA and Stomatal Conductance

Upstream signals potentially regulating evaporation and stomatal conductance wereinvestigated using 6-8-leaf-old maize (Zea may L.) seedlings which were grown in agreenhouse. Pressure chamber was used to measure leaf water potential and to collectxylem sap. The pH of xylem sap in stems was higher than that in root, and the abscisicacid (ABA) concentration in stems was the highest in well-watered seedlings. The ABAconcentration and pH of xylem sap in roots, stems and leaves increased, and the ABAconcentration in leaves reached the maximum during drought stress. The treatment ofroots with exogenous ABA solution (100molL-1) increased xylem sap ABA concentration inall organs measured, and induced stomatal closure, but did not change ABA distributionamong organs of maize seedlings. The combined effects of external pH buffer on pH, ABAof xylem sap and stomatal behavior indicated that pH, as a root-source signal to leavesunder drought stress, regulated stomatal closure through accumulating ABA in leaves orguard cells.

Study on Transpiration and Stomatal Conductance Characteristics of C3 and C4 Plant

The transpiration experiment was done under greenhouse conditions with a C3 plant sweet pepper （Capsicum annuum Linn.） and two C4 plants, sorghum （Sorghum bicolor L.Moench） and maize （Zea mays Linn.）. Three species were irrigated with three different water treatment levels of 100%, 66% and 33% which gave a comparison of tolerance and adaptation to irrigation and two different levels of water stress. The measurements of transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were done between 8.00 a.m. and 16.00 p.m. with measurements about each 1.5 h with an infrared gas analyzer. The results showed that Z. mays probably due to a higher leaf area had very low values and was significantly different （LSD pairwise comparison） from C. annuum and S. bicolor. The hypotheses that C4 plants and C3 plants have different transpiration rates and stomatal conductance could not be shown with the results. However, the hypotheses that for the same species, the highest values in transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were with the 100% irrigation treatment and the lowest values were with the 33% irrigation treatment could be accepted due to the results of this trial.

Responses of leaf stomatal and mesophyll conductance to abiotic stress factors

Plant photosynthesis assimilates CO_(2)from the atmosphere,and CO_(2)diffusion efficiency is mainly constrained by stomatal and mesophyll resistance.The stomatal and mesophyll conductance of plants are sensitive to abiotic stress factors,which affect the CO_(2)concentrations at carboxylation sites to control photosynthetic rates.Early studies conducted relevant reviews on the responses of stomatal conductance to the environment and the limitations of mesophyll conductance by internal structure and biochemical factors.However,reviews on the abiotic stress factors that systematically regulate plant CO_(2)diffusion are rare.Therefore,in this review,the rapid and long-term responses of stomatal and mesophyll conductance to abiotic stress factors(such as light intensity,drought,CO_(2)concentration and temperature)and their physiological mechanisms are summarized.Finally,future research trends are also investigated.

Comparison of the S-, N- or P-Deprivations’ Impacts on Stomatal Conductance, Transpiration and Photosynthetic Rate of Young Maize Leaves

Seven-day-old maize (Zea mays) plants were grown hydroponically for ten days in deprived nutrient solutions against the corresponding control grown under full nutrition;the effects of S-, N- or P-deprivation on laminas’ mean stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E) and photosynthetic rate (A) were monitored, along with the impact on the laminas’ total dry mass (DM), water amount (W), length and surface area (Sa). Furthermore, a time series analysis of each parameter’s response ratios (Rr), i.e. the treatment’s value divided by the corresponding control’s one, was performed. Under S-deprivation, the Rr of laminas’ mean gs, E, and A presented oscillations within a ±15% fluctuation zone, notably the “control” zone, whilst those of laminas’ total DM, water amount, surface area, and length included oscillation during the first days and deviation later on, presenting deviation during d10. Under the N-deprivation conditions all Rr time courses except the A one, included early deviations from the control zone without recovering. The deviation from the control zone appeared at d4. Under P-deprivation, all Rr time courses represented oscillations within the control zone. P-deprivation’s patterns resembled those of S-deprivation. Compared to the one of the S-deprivation, the P-one’s oscillations took place within a broader zone. Linear relationships among the various Rr patterns were found between gs-E, gs-A, E-A, DM-W and DM-Sa. In conclusion, the impact of P-deprivation appeared in an early stage and included an alleviation action, the one of N-deprivation appeared early with no alleviation action, whilst that of S-deprivation appeared later, being rather weaker when compared to the impact of the P-deprivation’s impact.

Distribution Profiles and Interrelations of Stomatal Conductance, Transpiration Rate and Water Dynamics in Young Maize Laminas under Nitrogen Deprivation

Seven-day-old maize (Zea mays) plants were grown hydroponically for ten days in N-deprived nutrient solution. The distribution profiles according to the position on the stem of the –N laminas stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate (1st-group) were monitored, along with the corresponding profiles of dry mass, water amount, water content, length, surface area, and specific surface area (2nd-group), relative to control. In the uppermost –N laminas, the changes within a parameter of the 1st-group were significantly higher and of the 2nd-group significantly lower than the control, respectively. Correlations of the corresponding values among the parameters of the 1st-or 2nd-group were linear. The parameters between groups correlated non-linearly. Transpiration rate was divided by the lamina’s dry mass correlated with surface area in a power-type function. The slopes of the response ratios linear relations between the various pairs of parameters could be used for simulation of a lamina’s response to the deprivation.

Verification of the stomatal conductance of Nebbiolo grapevine

Wine is one of the most important Italian export products,and Nebbiolo is one of the most respected Italian grapes. In the summer of 2007,a measurement campaign was carried out in a Nebbiolo vineyard located in Vezza d’Alba,near Cuneo,Italy. Using a gauge of trade gases and some other instruments,we recorded the stomatal conductance and also some physiological parameters useful for estimating the dependence of stomatal conductance on environmental variables. The goal of this experiment was improving the parameterization of grapevine evapotranspiration through the assessment of the stomatal conductance and,in particular,of the functional dependence of the stomatal conductance on the following variables:the photosynthetically active radiation,the atmospheric temperature,the atmospheric moisture deficit,and the carbon dioxide concentration. The observations allowed us to check and,in some cases,to adapt the existing general parameterizations found in literature. The results showed some significant differences with the existing parameterizations concerning the atmospheric temperature,the atmospheric moisture deficit,and the carbon dioxide concentration. The parameterizations obtained in this experiment,although referring to a specific plant and site(namely the Nebbiolo at Vezza d’Alba),could allow assessment of the best environmental conditions under which the Nebbiolo grapevine production is the best,and in future could be tested for other grapevines or climates.

Gas flaring cause shifts in mesophyll and stomatal functional traits of Betula pubescens Ehrh.

In petroleum-producing territories of West Siberia(Russia),oil well gas flares have a thermal effect on nearby plant communities.Such communities can be used as models for studying plant acclimation to global warming.In the present study on the effect of the hydrothermal regime at the flare sites on mesophyll and stomatal functional traits of Betula pubescens,leaves were collected from trees at250 m(control site[CS]),200,150 and 100 m(maximum impact site[MIS])from a flare.From the CS to MIS site,the average annual air temperature increased by 0.5℃and bog water level decreased by 17 cm.On plants from the MIS,stomata were 16%smaller and density was 20%lower compared to those at the CS,resulting in lower maximum stomatal conductance in plants from the MIS(mean±SE:MIS 0.84±0.05 mol·m^(-2)s^(-1),CS 1.24±0.06 mol·m^(-2)s^(-1);F=12.6,P<0.01).Mesophyll cell volume was 1.9 times lower at MIS than at CS.Chloroplast numbers per cell also declined with distance from the flares,from 21(MIS)to18(CS;F=15.6,P<0.001),and chloroplast volume was 24%higher at the CS,whereas the number of mesophyll cells and chloroplasts numbers per unit leaf area were 1.9 and 1.8 times higher at the MIS than at the CS,respectively.As a result,leaves from the MIS had a large total mesophyll cell(Ames/A)and chloroplast(Achl/A)surface area per unit leaf area,resulting in a 46%increase in mesophyll conductance in plants from the MIS.Thus,structural changes in leaf epidermis consisted of a decrease in stomatal size and number,could lower transpiration losses with higher temperatures and less water.To compensate for the reduction in leaf conductance due to a decrease in stomatal conductance under these conditions,an increase in the number of mesophyll cells and chloroplasts per unit area provides a greater gas-exchange area and mesophyll conductance.

Hydraulic role in differential stomatal behaviors at two contrasting elevations in three dominant tree species of a mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest in low subtropical China

Quantifying the variation in stomatal behavior and functional traits of trees with elevation can provide a better understanding of the adaptative strategies to a changing climate. In this study, six water-and carbon-related functional traits were examined for three dominant tree species, Schima superba, Pinus massoniana and Castanopsis chinensis, in a mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest at two elevations(70 and 360 m above sea level,respectively) in low subtropical China. We hypothesized that trees at higher elevations would develop more efficient strategies of stomatal regulations and greater water transport capacity to cope with more variable hydrothermal conditions than those at lower elevations. Results show that the hydraulic conductivity did not differ between trees at the two elevations, contrary to our expectation. The C. chinensis trees had greater values of leaf mass per unit area(LMA), and the S. superba and C. chinensis trees had greater values of wood density(WD),relative stem water content(RWC), and ratio of sapwood area to leaf area(Hv) at the 360-m elevation than at 70-m elevation. The mean canopy stomatal conductance was greater and more sensitive to vapor deficit pressure at360 m than at 70 m for both S. superba and C. chinensis, while stomatal sensitivity did not differ between the two contrasting elevations for P. massoniana. The midday leaf water potential(ψL) in P. massoniana was significantly more negative at 360 m than at 70 m, but did not vary with increasing elevation in both S. superba and C. chinensis.Variations in Hvcan be related to the differential stomatal behaviors between the two elevations. The variations of stomatal behavior and ψLwith elevation suggested the isohydric strategy for the two broad-leaved species and the anisohydric strategy for the conifer species. The species-specific differences in LMA, WD, RWC, and Hvbetween the two elevations may reflect conservative resource use strategies at the higher elevation. Our findings revealed a close relationship between hydraulic and stomatal behavior and may help better understand the functional responses of forests to changing environmental conditions.

Evidence of Hydropassive Movement in Stomatal Oscillations of Glycyrrhiza inflata under Desert Conditions

Stomatal conductance was found to change from steady-state to a slate of oscillations during daytime when vapour pressure deficit (VPD) increased to a value of 1 kPa in Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin grown under the conditions of arid desert in north-west China. The injected metabolic inhibitors (NaN3 or carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone (CCCP)) slightly reduced the stomatal conductance but did not significantly decrease the intensity of stomatal oscillations (amplitude/average). The oscillation intensity was found to he significantly correlated with VPD and root resistance, but not with the respiration rate. There might exist a minimum threshold of VPD (0.8 kPa) and root resistance (1/4 relative value) that induced stomatal oscillations. These results suggested that stomatal oscillations induced by atmospheric drought stress and root resistance were mainly a type of hydropassive movement.

Applicability of Some Stomatal Models to Natural Conditions

Under natural conditions, the use of vapor pressure deficit between mesophyll cell surface and ambient air ( VPD s ) instead of atmospheric humidity factors in some stomatal models may markedly promote the applicability of stomatal models. It has been pointed out from theoretical analysis that the expression of the responses of stomatal conductance to VPD s is equivalent to the expression of responses of stomatal conductance to water loss of transpiration in stomatal models.

CO_2, H_2O exchange and stomatal regulation of regenerated Camptotheca acuminata plantlets during ex vitro acclimatization

For finding the changes in CO2, H20 exchange and their stomatal regulation during ex vitro acclimatization of regenerated Camptotheca acuminata plantlets, the net photosynthesis rate （Pn）, respiration rate （Ro）, light compensation point （Lc） and light saturation point （Ls）, transpiration rate （Tr）, stomatal conductance （gs） and water use efficiency（WUE） were measured during 37 days of ex vitro acclimatization. The results showed that Pn sharply increased until 29 days, then slightly decreased. A substantial decrease in Lc and a substantial increase of Ls in the former two weeks were observed, indicating the light regime enlargement for effective leaf photosynthesis. Tr and gs abruptly decreased during the first week then linearly increased until 29days ex vitro acclimatization, reflecting the strong regulation effect of stomata on water changes of ex vitro acclimating plantlets. Stomatal regulation effect on CO2 exchange was different from that on water exchange, i.e. P, was almost independent of gs during the first week, while P. was significantly correlated with gs thereafter （i.e. dual patterns）. Different from dual patterns of gs-Pn relation, the Tr monotonously linearly increased with gs. Furthermore, WUE was almost independent on gs during the first week, while a marked decreasing tendency with gs was found thereafter. At the beginning of the acclimatization, WUE was mainly determined by photosynthetic capacity, while transpiration becomes a main determinant factor for WUE from 7 to 37 days＇ acclimatization.

Stomatal response of Pinus sylvestriformis to elevated CO2 concentrations during the four years of exposure

Four-year-old Pinus sylvestriformis were exposed for four growing seasons in open top chambers to ambient CO2 concentration (approx. 350 μmol·mol-1) and high CO2 concentrations (500 and 700 μmol·mol-1) at Research Station of Changbai Mountain Forest Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences at Antu Town, Jilin Province, China (42oN, 128oE). Stomatal response to elevated CO2 concentrations was examined by stomatal conductance (gs), ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 concentration (ci/ca) and stomatal number. Reciprocal transfer experiments of stomatal conductance showed that stomatal conductance in high-[CO2]-grown plants increased in comparison with ambient-[CO2]-grown plants when measured at their respective growth CO2 concentration and at the same measurement CO2 concentration (except a reduction in 700 μmol·mol-1 CO2 grown plants compared with plants on unchambered field when measured at growth CO2 concentration and 350 μmol·mol-1CO2). High-[CO2]-grown plants exhibited lower ci/ca ratios than ambient-[CO2]-grown plants when measured at their respective growth CO2 concentration. However, ci/ca ratios increased for plants grown in high CO2 concentrations compared with control plants when measured at the same CO2 concentration. There was no significant difference in stomatal number per unit long needle between elevated and ambient CO2. However, elevated CO2 concentrations reduced the total stomatal number of whole needle by the decline of stomatal line and changed the allocation pattern of stomata between upper and lower surface of needle.

The Relationship Between Stomatal Movement and Light Intensity Gradient in Three Dendrobium Species Compared with Typical CAM Plants

There is a close relationship between crassulacean acid metabolism and drought tolerance,and a great number of landscape plants which consume less water are necessary to build economic garden.In order to provide the basis for selecting drought-tolerant landscape plants,five species of plants were employed,including Dendrobium chrysotoxum,D.nobile,D.primulinum,Kalanchoblossfeldiana and K.daigremontiana.Exposed to different intensities of light,various samples were collected.The slices were prepared via different techniques.Stomatal movements and stomatal complex structures were observed by scanning electronic microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope.The results indicated that the slices made rapidly from fresh leaves were conductive to inspecting actual stomatal movements and stomatal complex structures as soon as possible.It was found that the stomatal movement of K.daigremontiana,K.blossfeldiana and D.primulinum displayed typical characteristics of crassulacean acid metabolism,while that of D.chrysotoxum and D.nobile did not exhibited obvious characteristics of crassulacean acid metabolism.

小麦叶片和冠层尺度气体交换模型关键参数的季节变化特征

本文从叶片和冠层尺度入手,采用手持式光合仪和涡动相关法,分析确定C3作物春小麦和冬小麦气体交换模型关键参数随季节变化的特征。结果表明:春小麦叶片尺度最大羧化速率和最大电子传递速率在生育末期快速减小,其他阶段差异不显著,但二者之比随发育期变化相对稳定,均值为2.2;春小麦生长季叶片气孔导度模型斜率在9~11间变动,均值为9.7。冬小麦冠层尺度最大羧化速率和最大电子传递速率随发育期呈抛物线变化,但二者之比相对稳定,均值为1.43;冬小麦冠层导度模型斜率在不同年份不同季节变化无明显规律,整个生育期围绕均值12波动。本研究论证了表征作物光合能力的参数随生育期变化以及气孔导度模型斜率相对稳定的特征。可为陆气相互作用过程分析以及生态系统碳—水循环模拟提供参数化依据。

利用电石渣替代水泥开发固碳胶凝材料

本研究利用电石渣替代部分水泥,制备新型固碳胶凝材料,研究了不同电石渣含量的胶凝材料对600 kg/m3等级泡沫混凝土的基础性能及固碳性能的影响。研究表明:电石渣的掺入导致泡沫混凝土气孔变大,28 d抗压强度先升高后降低,保温性能提高;当电石渣取代10%水泥,制备出的泡沫混凝土干密度为595 kg/m3,28 d抗压强度比未掺加电石渣的提高4.2%,达5.0 MPa;当电石渣取代50%水泥,制备出的泡沫混凝土导热系数比未掺加电石渣的降低17.1%,为1.131 W·m-1·K-1。电石渣掺加有利于改善泡沫混凝土收缩,当电石渣掺量增加,泡沫混凝土先呈现收缩减小后出现膨胀。碳化养护不仅能够固化封存CO_(2),还能提高泡沫混凝土的力学性能与保温性能。电石渣掺量越高,泡沫混凝土固碳能力越强,电石渣掺量为50%时,CO_(2)的捕获量达到46.02 wt%。

不同时间尺度BEPS模型模拟差异分析

生态过程模型已经被广泛用于模拟总初级生产力(Gross Primary Productivity,GPP)和蒸散发(Evapotranspiration,ET)。本研究使用BEPS(Biosphere-atmosphere Exchange Process Simulator)模型两个不同时间尺度的版本,即日步长(BEPS-Daily)和小时步长(BEPS-Hourly),比较两种模型模拟结果的差异,并分析误差来源。结果表明:1)叶面积指数(Leaf Area Index,LAI)是驱动陆地生态系统模型的重要植被结构参数。BEPS-Daily模拟的阳叶LAI会大于BEPS-Hourly,而模拟的阴叶LAI会更小;2)植被的气孔控制着CO 2和水汽的交换,气孔导度表征气孔对环境因子的响应程度。BEPS-Daily计算的气孔导度对环境因子的敏感度高于BEPS-Hourly。因此,当受到辐射、气温以及土壤水分等环境因子的限制时,BEPS-Daily模型计算得到的气孔导度会出现低估的情况,这会导致BEPS-Daily模拟的GPP和蒸腾也出现了低估的模拟值;3)总体来说,两模型的模拟精度差别不大,BEPS-Hourly的模拟精度略高,而BEPS-Daily则具备更高的运算效率,因此,在应用中可根据实际需求选择模型。

Effects of water stress on Haloxylon ammodendron seedlings in the desert region of Heihe inland river watershed, Gansu Province, China

The water relation and leaf gas exchange of saxoul (Haloxylon Ammodendron Bge, a C4 shrub) seedlings were studied under water stress in 2001. Saxoul seedlings maintained high transpiration when the soil moisture was above 11%. The seedlings were able to take up water from soil with above 6 % soil water content, which was the threshold level of soil moisture for seedlings. The relationship between transpiration and potential evaporation was linear for well-watered seedlings. The de-crease of soil water availability led to different degrees of down-regulation of stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration and net CO2 assimilation rate. The stomata played a relatively small part in determining the net CO2 assimilation rate for the same seedling. The relationship between net CO2 assimilation rate and transpiration was linear diurnally, and reduction scale of leaf transpiration was much bigger than that of net CO2 assimilation rate by waters tress treatments, therefore intrinsic wa-ter-use-efficiency increased. High evaporative demand increased the leaf transpiration but inhibited net CO2 assimilation rate. Because of the effect of VPD on transpiration in this region, the transpiration of well-watered and mild water stress seedlings becomes responsive to change in stomatal conductance over a wider range.