Effects of Heat Stress during Seed Filling Stage on Brassica napus Seed Oil Accumulation and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Characteristics

As global temperature rise,the threat of heat stress to rapeseed production is becoming more obvious.Exploring the response characteristics of two important biological pathways,oil accumulation and photosynthesis,to heat stress during B.napus seed filling is helpful in the genetic improvement of heat-tolerant rapeseed.The effects of heat stress on seed oil accumulation and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of 29 B.napus germplasms with different oil content and environmental sensitivity,including 6 rapeseed varieties which exhibited environmentsensitive/insensitive and with high,medium or low oil content,were tested by whole plant heat stress or the in vitro silique culture system.Both assay exhibited similar trend on oil content of the rapeseed germplasms.The heat effect on the chlorophyll fluorescence kinetic parameters F_(v)/F_(m),ETR and Y(Ⅱ)were also consistent.Heat stress significantly decreased oil content,although there was abundant genetic variation on heat tolerance among the genotypes.Correlation analysis showed that the decrease rate of F_(v)/F_(m) of silique heat-stressed B.napus developing seed was positive correlative to the decrease rate of mature seed oil content of the whole plant heat-stressed rapeseed(R=0.9214,P-value<0.01).Overall,the results indicated that heat stress inhibited oil accumulation and photosynthesis in B.napus developing seed.The decrease rate of chlorophyll fluorescence parameter F_(v)/F_(m) of heat-stressed developing seed could be used as the index of heat tolerant rapeseed identification.Further,two heat insensitive rapeseed varieties with high oil content were identified.

Chlorophyll Fluorescence Response of Persimmon Plants under Salt Stress

[Objectives]To study the photosynthetic response mechanism of persimmon seedlings to salt stress.[Methods]The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Diospyros virginiana and Diospyros lotus seedlings under 4%salt stress were studied by pot culture salt control method,including the minimal fluorescence(F_(0)),maximum fluorescence(F_(m)),potential activity of PS II(F_(v)/F_(0)),maximum photochemical efficiency of PS II(F_(v)/F_(m)),electron transport rate(ETR),actual photochemical efficiency of PS II(Y II),and photochemical quenching coefficient(q_(p)).[Results]Under 4%salt stress,the maximum fluorescence(F_(m)),maximum photochemical efficiency of PS II(F v/F m),and photochemical quenching coefficient(q_(p))of two persimmon plants decreased with time.The potential activity of PS II(F_(v)/F_(0)),actual photochemical efficiency of PS II(Y_(II)),and electron transport rate(ETR)decreased under salt stress.[Conclusions]This study indicates that the PS II reaction center in the persimmon leaves was damaged and the electron transport at the acceptor side was damaged under salt stress.It is expected to lay a foundation for the analysis of salt-tolerance mechanism of persimmon plants.

Characteristics of CO_2 Exchange and Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Transgenic Rice with C_4 Genes

The responses of photosynthesis of phosphoenopyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), pyrurate dikinase (PPDK), NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME) and PPDK+PEPC transgenic rice (Oryza saltiva L.) plant to light, temperature, CO 2 and the characteristics of chlorophyll fluorescence under photoinhibition conditions were studied. The results were as follows: 1. The light-saturated photosynthetic rates of transgenic rice plants were higher than that of wild type, in which the light-saturated point of PEPC and PPDK+PEPC transgenic rice plants was 200 μmol·m -2·s -1 higher than that of untransformed rice and the light-saturated photosynthetic rates were 51.6% and 58.5% respectively. The carboxylation efficiency of PEPC transgenic rice plant increased by 49.3% and the CO 2 compensation point decreased by 26.2% than that of untransformed rice. Under high temperature (35 ℃), the photosynthetic rate of PEPC transgenic rice plant was higher over 17.5% than that of untransformed rice. 2. On the 8th day after photoinhibition treatment, the PSⅡ photochemical efficiency (F v/F m) and photochemical quenching (qP) of PEPC and PPDK+PEPC transgenic rice plants decreased by about 20%-30% while the non-photochemical quenching (qN) increased by approximately 30%. But F v/F m and qP of untransformed rice decreased by over 50% while qN increased by less than 10%. The result suggested that transgenic rice plants were more tolerant to photoinhibition.

Characteristics of Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Membrane-lipid Peroxidation of Various High-yield Rices Under Photooxidation Conditions

Using various high-yield rices (Oryza sativa L.) such as japonica cultivar 9516, two parental line hybrid rice between subspecies with more japonica element Peiai 64/E32, Liangyoupeijiu (Peiai 64/9311), and indica hybrid rices X07S/Zihui 100, Gangyou 881, Shanyou 63 as the materials, the characteristics of chlorophyll fluorescence and membrane-lipid peroxidation of detached leaves at booting stage under photooxidation conditions were studied. In comparison with indica hybrid rice, after the photooxidation treatment, the primary photochemical efficiency of PS II (F-v/F-m), quantum yield of linear electron transport of PS II (Phi(PSII)) and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) in japonica cultivar and hybrid rice with japonica decreased less. This indicated that high-yield rice with japonica was able to maintain higher capability of light energy conversion, resulting in the alleviation of photoinhibition. Meanwhile, the higher activities of protective enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) led to the less accumulation of endogenous active oxygen (O-(2)(radical anion), H2O2) and less content of the malondialdehyde (MDA) and the less decline of chlorophyll and protein contents, indicating a stronger tolerance to photooxidation. The changes in contents of chlorophyll and protein among various nee cultivars during photooxidation treatment were consistent with the decline of chlorophyll content from heading stage to maturation stage under natural conditions. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between the indexes of tolerance to photooxidation and the rate of seed setting, implying that the cultivar tolerated to photooxidation had higher resistance to early aging of leaf. These results suggested that from a view of superhigh-yield breeding, considering both the utilization of heterosis and the resistance to early aging of leaf, introduction of japonica element tolerating to photooxidation into the rice sterile line (maternal plant) is a breeding strategy worthy to pay great attention to.

Three-stage Transformation of Chlorophyll Transient Fluorescence Pattern Under Sustained Dehydration and the Discovery of Critical Water Content in Seaweeds

The chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics of marine red alga Grateloupia turutunt Yamada, green alga Ulva pertusa Kjellm and brown alga Laminaria japonica Aresch during natural sustained dehydration were monitored and investigated. The pulse amplified modulation (PAM) system was used to analyze the distinct fluorescence parameters during thallus dehydration. Results proved that the fluorescence kinetics of different seaweed all showed three patterns of transformation with sustained water loss. These were: 1) peak kinetic pattern (at the early stage of dehydration fluorescence enhanced and quenched subsequently, representing a normal physiological state). 2) plateau kinetic pattern (with sustained water loss fluorescence enhanced continuously but quenching became slower, finally reaching its maximum). 3) Platform kinetic pattern (fluorescence fell and the shape of kinetic curve was similar to plateau kinetic pattern). A critical water content (CWC) could be found and defined as the percentage of water content just prior to the fluorescence drop and to be a significant physiological index for evaluation of plant drought tolerance. Once thallus water content became lower than this value the normal peak pattern can not be recovered even through rehydration, indicating an irreversible damage to the thylakoid membrane. The CWC value corresponding to different marine species were varied and negatively correlated with their desiccation tolerance, for example. Laminaria japonica had the highest CWC value (around 90%) and the lowest dehydration tolerance of the three. In addition, a fluorescence 'burst' was found only in red algae during rehydration. The different fluorescence parameters F-o, F-v and F-v, F-m were measured and compared during water loss. Both F-o and F-v increased in the first stage of dehydration but F-v/F-m. kept almost constant. So the immediate response of in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence to dehydration was an enhancement. Later with sustained dehydration F-o increased continuously while F-v decreased and tended to become smaller and smaller. The major changes in fluorescence (including fluorescence drop during dehydration and the burst during rehydration) were all attributed to the change in F-o instead of F-v This significance of F-o indicates that it is necessary to do more research on F-o as well as on its relationship with the state of thylakoid membrane.

Variable chlorophyll fluorescence in response to water plus heat stress treatments in three coniferous tree seedlings

Effects of water and heat stress treatments on chlorophyll fluorescence of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) and western redcedar (Thuja plicata D. Don)_seedlings were monitored during a three-cycle stress period. It was shown that ratio of variable to maximal chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) of these three species responded differently to water stress treatments. The Fv/Fm ratio of western redcedar decreased dramatically after water stress, while that of Chinese fir had only a slight reduction and that of Masson pine had no significant change. The experiment also showed that the Fv/Fm ratio of all three species differed significantly under heat stress treatments. Concerning three different water plus heat stress cycles, it was found that the Fv/Fm ratios of Chinese fir and Masson pine measured at the end of each water plus heat stress cycle were not significantly different. However, the Fv/Fm ratio of western redcedar was diminished significantly in response to an increase of stress time. Keywords Chinese fir - Chlorophyll fluorescence - Heat stress - Masson pine - Water stress - Western redcedar CLC number Q945.17 - S791.248 Document code A Biography: Yu Fang-yuan (1965-), male, Ph. Doctor. Associate professor in College of Forest Resources and Environment, Nanjing, Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China.Responsible editor: Zhu Hong

Effects of Salicylic Acid on Photosynthesis and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Characteristics of Fluecured Tobacco Leaf in Subdued Light

[Objective] This study aimed to test whether salicylic acid （SA） can im-prove the physiological functions of flue-cured tobacco under subdued light condition, and to determine the mechanism of its action. [Method] The tobacco plants under subdued light were foliar-sprayed with 100 mg/L of SA. Then, the physiological in-dices such as plant fresh weight and dry weight, chlorophyl content, photosynthetic parameters and chlorophyl fluorescence parameters were measured. SPSS17.0 and Excellwere adopted for variance analysis and significance test. [Result] The leaf photosynthetic rate （Pn）, stomatal conductance （Gs） and transpiration rate （Tr） of tobacco plants in subdued light were al decreased while the intercellular CO2 con-centration （Ci） was increased, suggesting that non-stomatal limitation led to the de-crease of Pn under weak light intensity stress. SA released the inhibition of tobacco plant growth in weak light, as it elevated the leaf photosynthetic rate, the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ, potential activity of PSⅡ, effective photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ and photochemical quenching coefficient in weak light significant-ly, and reduced the non-photochemical quenching coefficient. [Conclusion] SA has significant effects on the photosynthetic characteristics of flue-cured tobacco in weak light, and it can improve the synthesis or distribution of photosynthesis product, and the efficiency of light energy, conducive to plant growth and development.

Effects of NaCl Stress on Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters in Cinnamomum japonicum var. chenii

[ Objective ] Study on the changes of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in Cinnamomumjaponicum var. chenii under NaCl stress. [ Method ] The seedling growth increment, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in leaves of 1-year old Cinnamomum japonicum var. chenii were investigated in field experiment. [ Result] Under NaC1 stress, seedling growth increment reduced and the chlorophyll content decreased to a stable value ; changes of Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo showed identical increasing trend and double peak type. With the aggravation of salt stress, most variations were observed in Fo, correlations among chlorophyll fluorescence parameters presented ＂rise-drop＂ trend （in.the treatment of 7 g/L NaCl）. [ Conclusion] Cirmamomum japonicum vat. chenii is endowed with strong salt resistance and wide adaptability.

Dynamic Change Laws of Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters in Different Parts of Leaves of Ginkgo biloba

[Objective] The aim was to explore the dynamic change laws of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in different parts of leaves of Ginkgo biloba.[Method] The G.biloba cultivated in North China was used as materials in this study to explore the law of daily change and ten-day change of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of leaves in different parts of leaves.[Result] The daily change of Fm（maximal fluorescence）,Fv（variable fluorescence）,Fv/Fm,Fm/Fo（electron transfer rate）,Fv/Fo（potential activity of PSⅡ）in leaves of G.biloba obviously presented a descending-ascending trend,the lowest value was at 12：00 and the NPQ（non-photochemical quenching）of sunny leaves arrived at the maximum at noon.The values of Fm,Fv,Fv/Fm,Fm/Fo,Fv/Fo in shade leaves of G.biloba were obviously higher than those in sunny leaves,but the peak value of NPQ of shade leaves presented earlier and higher,suggesting that the shade leaves might have more sensitive hot dissipation mechanism.Comparing to sunny leaves,shade leaves had the higher PSⅡ potential activity and inner light energy translation efficiency.[Conclusion] This study had provided theoretical basis for the protection of G.biloba resources.

Response of Ficus microcarpa L.Foliage to Water Stress Determined by Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imaging Technique

[Objective] This study was to determine the response of Ficus microcarpa L. foliage to polyethylene glycol （PEG） simulated water stress using chlorophyll fluo- rescence imaging technique. [Method] The responses of detached leaves from Ficus microcarpa, Ficus benjamina and Nerium oleander to PEG-6000 simulated water stress were detected, and the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technique was used to detect and analyze the stress at different spots of a single leaf simultaneously. [Result] The responses of Ficus microcarpa, Ficus benjamina and Nerium oleander to dehydration showed that： ~1~） the maximal photochemical efficiency （Fv/Fm） and non- photo-chemical quenching （NPQ） values were small in the reaction center among different detected spots of leaves, and there were great differences between relative electron transport rate （ETR）, photochemical quenching （qP） and quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry （（φPSII）; （2） the differences of these parameters were more ob- vious among different spots of water-stressed leaves; （3） the discrete degrees of the species with strong resitances decreased significantly. [Conclusion] This study lays the foundation for the further research on the response of plants to drought stress using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technique.

Response of Chlorophyll Fluorescence Characteristic of Trifolium repens L. to Water Stress

[Objective] The aim was to study response of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in Trifolium repens L.leaves to water stress from perspective of physiology.[Method] With T.repens cultivar ＂Haifa＂ as tested material,three soil water content levels were set to culture plants,including 75% （no stress,CK）,50% （moderate stress,LD） and 25% （severe stress,HD）,the effects of water stress on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were determined.[Result] The results showed that the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters changed a little when the relative soil moisture content was 75% and 50%,while the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters such as conversion efficiency of primary light energy （Fv/Fm） of PS Ⅱ,the photochemical quenching coefficient （qP） and the quantum yield of PS Ⅱ electron transport （φPS Ⅱ） decreased respectively when the relative soil moisture content was 25%.[Conclusion] When T.repens in severe drought conditions,the physiological functions were damaged,showing symptoms of drought injury.

Effects of Nitrogen Application on Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters and Leaf Gas Exchange in Naked Oat

Naked oat（Avena nuda L.） was originated from China,where soil nitrogen（N） is low availability.The responses of chlorophyll（Chl.） fluorescence parameters and leaf gas exchange to N application were analysed in this study.After the N application rate ranged from 60 to 120 kg ha-1,variable fluorescence（F v）,the maximal fluorescence（F m）,the maximal photochemical efficiency（F v /F m）,quantum yield（Φ PS II） of the photosynthetic system II（PS II）,electron transport rate（ETR）,and photochemical quenching coefficient（qP） increased with N application level,however,non-photochemical quenching coefficient（qN） decreased.Moreover,there was no difference in initial fluorescence（F o） with further more N enhancement.The maximum net photosynthetic rate（P max）,apparent dark respiration rate（R d） and light saturation point（LSP） were improved with 40-56 kg N ha-1as basal fertilizer and 24-40 kg N ha-1as top dressing fertilizer applied at jointing stage.Initial quantum yield（α） was decreased with 24 kg N ha-1as basal fertilizer and 56 kg N ha-1as top dressing fertilizer.Flag-leaf net photosynthetic rate（P n） was significantly enhanced at the jointing and heading stages with 40-56 kg N ha-1as basal fertilizer; in addition,increased at grain filling stage of naked oat with 40-56 kg N ha-1as top dressing fertilizer.90 kg N ha-1（50-70% as basal fertilizer and 30-50% as top dressing fertilizer） application is recommended to alleviate photodamage of photosystem and improve the photosynthetic rate in naked oat.

Evaluation of Chlorophyll Content and Fluorescence Parameters as Indicators of Drought Tolerance in Barley

Drought is a major abiotic stress that severely affects food production worldwide. Agronomic and physiological traits associated with drought tolerance are suitable indicators for selection of drought tolerance genotypes to reduce the impact of water deficit on crop yield in breeding program. The objective of this study was to identify indicators related to drought tolerance through analysis of photosynthetic traits in barley （Hordeum vulgare L.）. These traits included chlorophyll content, initial fluorescence （Fo）, maximum primary yield of photochemistry of photosystem Ⅱ （Fv /Fo） and maximum quantum yield of photosystem Ⅱ （Fv/Fm）. Four genotypes （Tadmor, Arta, Morocco9-75 and WI2291） variable in drought tolerance were used to investigate the correlation between these traits and drought tolerance. The results reflected that all of these traits were affected negatively in the four genotypes at different levels of post-anthesis drought stress, but the decrease in drought tolerant genotypes was much less than that of drought sensitive genotypes. The results further revealed that the components of the photosynthetic apparatus could be damaged significantly in drought sensitive genotypes, while drought tolerant genotypes were relatively less affected. On the other hand, the values of chlorophyll content, Fo, Fv/Fo and Fv/Fm in drought tolerance genotypes were significantly higher than those in drought sensitive genotypes under drought stress. It was concluded that chlorophyll content, Fo, Fv/Fo and Fv/Fm could be considered as reliable indicators in screening barley germplasm for drought tolerance.

Effect of Low Light on the Characteristics of Photosynthesis and Chlorophyll a Fluorescence During Leaf Development of Sweet Pepper

Low light stress is one of the main limiting factors which influence the production of sweet pepper under protected cultivation in China. In this experiment, two genotypes of sweet pepper, ShY （low light-tolerant genotype） and 20078 （low light-sensitive genotype）, were used to study the effects of low light （photosynthetic photon flux density, PPFD was 75- 100 umol m-2 s-1, control 450-500 umol m-2 s-1） on photosynthesis during leaf development. The result indicated that under low light chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate （PN）, photosynthetic apparent quantum efficiency （Фi） and carboxylation efficiency （CE） of sweet pepper leaves increased gradually and decreased after reaching the maximum levels. The time to reach the peak values for all the above parameters was delayed, whereas the light compensation point （LCP） decreased gradually along with leaf expansion. The decrease in maximum quantum yield of PS II （Fv/Fm） was not observed at any stages of the leaf development under low light condition, but the actual PS II efficiency under irradiance （ФPS II） was lower accompanied by an increased non-photochemical quenching （NPQ） in young and/or old leaves compared with mature leaves. The antenna thermal dissipation （D） was a main way of heat dissipation when young leaves received excessive light energy, while the decline in photosynthetic function in senescence leaf was mostly owing to the decrease in carbon assimilation capacity, followed by a significantly increased allocation of excessive energy （Ex）. Compared with 20078, ShY could maintain higher PN, ФPS II and lower QA reduction state for a longer time during leaf development. Thus, in ShY photosynthetic efficiency and the activity of electron transport of PS II were not significantly affected due to low light stress.

Effect of Light Quality on Photosynthesis and Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Strawberry Leaves

The photosynthetic characteristics of strawberry (Fragariaananassa Duch. cv. Toyonoka)leaves under illumination of identical light intensity(55-57% natural light) withdifferent light quality were studied. It was showed that the chlorophyll content,maximal photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ(Fv/Fm), Fm/Fo, amount of inactive PSⅡreactioncenters (Fi-Fo) and rate of QA reduction were positively correlated with the red-light/blue-light ratios, but the chlorophyll (a/b) ratios were negatively correlated withthem. Carotenoid content of the leaves was maximum under the blue film, than under greenfilm, red film, white film and yellow film, and negatively correlated with the red/far-red ratios. The apparent quantum yield (AQY), photorespiratory rate (Pr) and carboxylationefficiency (CE) were also strongly affected by light quality. The photosynthetic rate(Pn) in strawberry leaves under green film was significantly lower than under all otherfilm. Our results suggested that light quality is an essential factor regulating thedevelopment of PSⅡ, and phytochrome and an independent blue light photoreceptor,possibly a cryptochrome, can regulate photosynthetic performance.

Effects of soil drought stress on photosynthetic gas exchange traits and chlorophyll fluorescence in Forsythia suspensa

To clarify the changes in plant photosynthesis and mechanisms underlying those responses to gradually increasing soil drought stress and reveal quantitative relationships between photosynthesis and soil moisture,soil water conditions were controlled in greenhouse pot experiments using 2-year-old seedlings of Forsythia suspensa（Thunb.） Vahl. Photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence variables were measured and analyzed under 13 gradients of soil water content. Net photosynthetic rate（PN）, stomatal conductance（gs）, and water-use efficiency（WUE） in the seedlings exhibited a clear threshold response to the relative soil water content（RSWC）. The highest PNand WUEoccurred at RSWCof51.84 and 64.10%, respectively. Both PNand WUEwere higher than the average levels at 39.79% B RSWCB 73.04%. When RSWCdecreased from 51.84 to 37.52%,PN, gs, and the intercellular CO2 concentration（Ci）markedly decreased with increasing drought stress; the corresponding stomatal limitation（Ls） substantially increased, and nonphotochemical quenching（NPQ） also tended to increase, indicating that within this range of soil water content, excessive excitation energy was dispersed from photosystem II（PSII） in the form of heat, and the reduction in PNwas primarily due to stomatal limitation.While RSWCdecreased below 37.52%, there were significant decreases in the maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry（Fv/Fm） and the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry（UPSII）, photochemical quenching（qP）, and NPQ; in contrast, minimal fluorescence yield of the dark-adapted state（F0） increased markedly. Thus,the major limiting factor for the PNreduction changed to a nonstomatal limitation due to PSII damage. Therefore, an RSWCof 37.52% is the maximum allowable water deficit for the normal growth of seedlings of F. suspensa, and a water content lower than this level should be avoided in field soil water management. Water contents should be maintained in the range of 39.79% B RSWCB 73.04% to ensure normal function of the photosynthetic apparatus and high levels of photosynthesis and efficiency in F.suspensa.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Level on Chlorophyll Fluorescence Characteristics in Flag Leaf of Super Hybrid Rice at Late Growth Stage

To compare the effects of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer at six different levels on the flag leaf chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of super hybrid rice, a field fertilization experiment was conducted with super hybrid rice Y Liangyou 1 as a test material. The photosynthetic electron transport rate （ETR）, effective quantum yield （EQY）, photochemical quenching coefficient （qp）, and non-photochemical quenching coefficient （NPQ） of flag leaves were measured at the initial heading, full heading, 10 d after full heading and 20 d after full heading stages. Results showed that the values of ETR, EQY and qp increased with rice development from initial heading to 20 d after full heading, whereas the NPQ decreased. During the measured stages, ETR, EQY and qp increased initially and then decreased as nitrogen application amount increased, but they peaked at different nitrogen fertilizer levels. The maximum ETR and EQY values appeared at the treatment of 135 kg/hm2 N. In conclusion, the optimum nitrogen amount for chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of super hybrid rice was 135-180 kg/hm2.

Early stage toxicity of excess copper to photosystem II of Chlorella pyrenoidosa–OJIP chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis

Acute toxicity of excess Cu on the photosynthetic performance of Chlorella pyrenoidosa was examined by using chlorophyll a fluorescence transients and JIP-test after exposure to elevated Cu concentrations for a short time period. High Cu concentration resulted in a significant suppression in photosynthesis and respiration. The absorption flux （ABS/RC） per PSII reaction center increased with increasing Cu concentration, but the electron transport flux （ET0/RC） decreased. Excess Cu had an insignificant effect on the trapping flux （TR0/RC）. The decline in the efficiency, with which a trapped exciton can move an electron into the electron transport chain further than QA-（Ψ0）, the maximal quantum yield of primary photochemistry （φP0）, and the quantum yield of electron transport （φE0） were also observed. The amount of active PSII reaction centers per excited cross section （RC/CS） was also in consistency with the change of photosynthesis when cells were exposed to excess Cu concentration. JIP-test parameters had a good linear relationship with photosynthetic O2 evolution. These results suggested that the decrease of photosynthesis in exposure to excess Cu may be a result of the inactivation of PSII reaction centers and the inhibition of electron transport in the acceptor side.

Effect of Methanol on Photosynthesis and Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Flag Leaves of Winter Wheat

Photosynthesis and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, photochemical efficiency of PS II （Fv/Fm）, photochemical quenching of PS II （qP）, nonphotochemical quenching of PS II （NPQ）, maximum activity of PS II （Fv/Fo） as well as electron transport rate （ETR）, and quantum yield of PS II （ФPS II） were measured on flag leaves of the winter wheat treated by methanol at different concentrations. The results revealed that photosynthesis was greatly improved by methanol, as indicated by higher photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance. The enhancement effect of methanol on photosynthesis was maintained for 3-4 days. Different methanol concentration treatments also increased intercellular CO2 concentration and transpiration rates. No significant decline was found in Fv/Fm, Fv/Fo, and ФPS II, which revealed no photoinhibition during methanol application in different methanol concentrations. Methanol showing no apparent inhibitory effects indicated higher potential photosynthetic capacity of flag leaves of winter wheat. However, the increase in photosynthesis was not followed by an increase in the photosynthetic activity （Fv/Fm）, and fluorescence parameters did not indicate an improvement in intercellular CO2 concentration and PS II photochemical efficiency compared with the control, thereby encouraging us to propose that lower leaf temperatures caused by applied methanol would reduce both dark respiration and photorespiration （most importantly）, thus, increasing net CO2 uptake and photosynthetic rates.

Effects of the Spatial Coupling of Water and Fertilizer on the Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters of Winter Wheat Leaves

Wheat is an important agricultural crop in the Loess region of China, where there is drought stress and low availability of soil nitrogen and phosphorus. Using a pulse modulation fluorometer, we studied the effects of water, nitrogen, and phosphorus on the kinetic parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence in winter wheat. The wheat was grown in layered columns of Eum-Orthic Anthrosol （Cinnamon soil）, with the water content and nutrient composition of each layer controlled. The results showed that the kinetic parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence were sensitive to water stress. The basic fluorescence （F0） of leaves was higher in the dry treatment （0-30 cm layer at 40-45% of field capacity, 30-90 cm at 75-80% of field capacity） compared to the wet treatment （entire soil column at 75-80% of field capacity）. The maximal fluorescence （Fm）, the variable fluorescence （Fv）, the photochemical efficiency （Fv/Fm） and potential activites （Fv/F0） of photosystem 2 （PS2） were significantly lower in the dry treatment. Although drought stress impaired PS2 function, this effect was significantly ameliorated by applying P or NP fertilizer, but not N alone. P application increased FJFm, both in well-watered and water stressed plants, especially when fertilizer was applied throughout the column or within the top 30 em of soil. A combined fertilizer improved photosynthesis in well watered plants, with Fm and F,fFm being the highest when fertilizer was applied throughout the columns. For drought stressed, plants FJFm was significantly greater when combined fertilizer was added within the top 30 cm of soil. We concluded that, when growing winter wheat in both arid and semi-arid parts of the Loess region of China, it is important to guarantee the nutrient supply in the top 30 cm of the soil.