干旱胁迫对不同抗旱类型芜菁苗期生理特性的影响

以干旱敏感型芜菁(WJC106)和抗旱型芜菁(WJC129)为试验材料,采用盆栽自然干旱方法,研究干旱胁迫对不同抗旱类型芜菁苗期丙二醛含量、相对电导率、抗氧化酶活性、渗透调节物质、光合荧光以及叶片气孔形态特征的影响。结果表明：干旱胁迫显著增加芜菁苗期丙二醛含量和相对电导率,WJC106的增幅分别为59.71%和27.05%,WJC129分别为54.52%和20.06%,其细胞膜受损程度较大。WJC129有较强的调节能力,在干旱胁迫下其抗氧化酶活性和渗透调节物质的含量显著高于WJC106。干旱胁迫下WJC106和WJC129脯氨酸增幅分别为85.22%和88.97%,可溶性蛋白增幅分别为32.51%和58.26%,脯氨酸和可溶性蛋白起主要渗透调节作用。干旱胁迫除对芜菁有效光量子产量影响不明显之外,对叶绿素含量、光合及荧光参数均造成负面影响,其中WJC106受影响较大,WUE下降了71.5%,而WJC129光合及荧光各项指标相对比较稳定,WUE反而增加了18.2%。干旱胁迫使两个不同抗旱类型的芜菁苗期叶片气孔变小,保卫细胞变薄,气孔开度和气孔张开率显著减小。在干旱胁迫下,抗旱型芜菁的气孔开...     

The role of photoprotection in defence of two wheat genotypes against Zymoseptoria tritici

This study provides new insights into the role of photoprotection in preformed and induced defence of two wheat genotypes with contrasting phenotypes to infection by Zymoseptoria tritici. We investigated the mechanisms of the photoprotective response during early infection, including nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), β-carotene-derived xanthophylls, reactive oxygen species, and the phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA). Furthermore, we quantified the effects of pathogenesis on photosynthesis, stomatal control, and expression of plant defence molecular markers. The photoprotective mechanism of successful defence involved the qI component of NPQ leading to rapid down-regulation of photosystem II quantum yield and chlorophyll a:b, increased biosynthesis of the xanthophyll neoxanthin and ABA, and the expression of chloroplast-specific enzymes to engage in scavenging of O₂^●−. Elevated ABA in the resistant genotype correlated with preformed leaf defence traits including low stomatal density, increased expression of wax biosynthesis, and lignification. Z. tritici exhibited reduced germination and branching on the resistant host genotype and hijacked stomatal control in both genotypes by enhancing stomatal sensitivity to light. Increased biosynthesis of JA and anthocyanins, in contrast to SA, were quantified in the incompatible interaction. Our results indicate that ABA and JA in antagonistic action to SA were associated with defence in the resistant genotype, Cougar, against Z. tritici.     

干旱和复水对两种葡萄砧木叶片光合和叶绿素荧光特性的影响

采用盆栽称重控水法,干旱胁迫处理1103P和101-14M两种砧木,处理21 d后复水,分别测定干旱处理0、7、14、21 d及复水第7、14 天,葡萄砧木叶片光合和叶绿素荧光参数。结果显示：干旱胁迫后,1103P和101-14M的净光合速率(Pn)均逐渐降低,101-14M的Pn降幅大于1103P,短时间干旱胁迫引起两种砧木Pn降低的主要因素是气孔限制,而长时间干旱胁迫后Pn降低主要是非气孔限制。随着干旱胁迫的持续,1103P和101-14M的初始荧光产量(Fo)呈增加趋势,但101-14M的增幅大于1103P,说明干旱胁迫后101-14M的光反应中心受损害程度大于1103P;复水后1103P和101-14M两种砧木的Pn值逐渐增加,复水第7天,二者分别为对照的83.20%和66.31%,复水第14天,分别为对照的107.30%和88.43%; 复水后1103P和101-14M两种砧木的Fo值呈现逐渐降低趋势,复水后第7天,1103P和101-14M 的Fo值为对照的102.95%和109.60%,复水后第14天,1103P和101-14M Fo为对照的101.56%和101.81%,说明复水后1103P和101-14M两种砧木受损的光合反应中心得到了修复,光合速率也逐渐恢复,1103P复水后恢复生长的能力高于101-14M。     

Regeneration capacity of the small clonal fragments of the invasive Mikania micrantha H.B.K.: effects of the stolon thickness,internode length and presence of leaves

Mikania micrantha H.B.K., one of the top 10 worst weeds in the world, is now spreading quickly in southern China. Disturbance can fragment and spread the stolons of M. micrantha. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to assess the regeneration capacity of single‐node fragments with varying stolon thickness (diameters of 3.01, 2.49 and 1.96 mm), internode lengths (2 and 8 cm) and leaf presence status (with and without leaves). The results indicated that an increasing stolon thickness, internode length and the presence of leaves all increased the survival rate of the clonal fragments. An increasing stolon thickness, internode length and the presence of leaves also increased the growth of the clonal fragments and the presence of leaves exhibited the strongest effect. An increasing internode length and the presence of leaves also reduced the amount of time that was needed for emergence, while the effect of the stolon thickness was not significant. None of the effects of the interactions was significant, although the interaction between the stolon thickness and the internode length was nearly significant for fragment survival. These results suggest that M. micrantha has developed a strategy to cope with disturbance by storing reserves in the stolons and leaves, which could increase its regeneration capacity after fragmentation. Currently, the management of M. micrantha (such as manual or mechanical control) should avoid the generation of the small clonal fragments of M. micrantha, while repeated control with short time intervals is necessary in order to prevent reinvasion from the stolon fragments.     

Responses of leaf water potential and gas exchange to the precipitation manipulation in two shrubs on the Chinese Loess Plateau

Regulation of leaf gas exchange plays an important role in the survival of trees and shrubs under future climate change. However, the responses of leaf water potential and gas exchange of shrubs in semi-arid areas to the precipitation alteration are not clear. Here, we conducted a manipulated experiment with three levels of precipitation, i.e., a control with ambient precipitation, 50% above ambient precipitation(irrigation treatment), and 50% below ambient precipitation(drought treatment), with two common shrubs, Salix psammophila C. Wang & C. Y. Yang(isohydric plant, maintaining a constant leaf water potential by stomatal regulation) and Caragana korshinskii Kom.(anisohydric plant, having more variable leaf water potential), on the Chinese Loess Plateau in 2014 and 2015. We measured the seasonal variations of predawn and midday leaf water potential(Ψpd and Ψmd), two parameters of gas exchange, i.e., light-saturated assimilation(An) and stomatal conductance(gs), and other foliar and canopy traits. The isohydric S. psammophila had a similar An and a higher gs than the anisohydric C. korshinskii under drought treatment in 2015, inconsistent with the view that photosynthetic capacity of anisohydric plants is higher than isohydric plants under severe drought. The two shrubs differently responded to precipitation manipulation. Ψpd, An and gs were higher under irrigation treatment than control for S. psammophila, and these three variables and Ψmd were significantly higher under irrigation treatment and lower under drought treatment than control for C. korshinskii. Leaf water potential and gas exchange responded to manipulated precipitation more strongly for C. korshinskii than for S. psammophila. However, precipitation manipulation did not alter the sensitivity of leaf gas exchange to vapor-pressure deficit and soil moisture in these two shrubs. Acclimation to long-term changes in soil moisture in these two shrubs was primarily attributed to the changes in leaf or canopy structure rather than leaf gas exchange. These findings will be useful for modeling canopy water-carbon exchange and elucidating the adaptive strategies of these two shrubs to future changes in precipitation.     

Ecophysiological attributes of Mikania micrantha,an exotic invasive weed,at two different elevations in the tropical forest regions of the Western Ghats,South India

Mikania micrantha H.B.K. is a fast‐growing, perennial vine and one of the world's worst alien invasive weeds. It is a major threat to agro‐ecosystems, plantation crops and agro‐forestry systems. An attempt was made to understand the physiological adaptation and ecological amplitude of M. micrantha at two different altitudes and seasons in the Western Ghats of south India. The relationships between the net photosynthetic rate (P_N) and other physiological parameters, like stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration rate, intercellular CO₂ concentration, vapor pressure deficit and water use efficiency, and environmental factors, like photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), leaf temperature and air temperature, were analyzed in order to understand their physiological adaptabilities. The P_N exhibited a peak at 10.00 hours and declined gradually at both elevations; however, the populations at the lower elevation had a significantly greater P_N than the populations at the higher elevation in November. The P_N and g_s were positively correlated with the PAR. Under significantly different PAR levels, the difference in the average P_N was not significant for summer but was significant for winter between the two elevations. It suggested that the photosynthetic ability of M. micrantha is not affected by a difference in altitude (451 m and 912 m), as the differences in the environmental parameters were inconspicuous between the two elevations. These results indicated that this weed possesses great phenotypic plasticity and thrives better at lower elevations.     

叶片气孔分布及生理特征对环境胁迫的响应

从干旱、遮荫、盐胁迫、重金属以及CO2浓度5个方面综述了植物叶片的气孔分布及其特性在不同胁迫环境下出现的形态和生理差异。结果表明:(1)干旱胁迫导致大多数植物叶片的气孔密度增大,气孔开度减少,而气孔的分布则随物种和胁迫程度不同而出现差异。(2)遮荫环境导致多数植物的气孔数量和气孔密度减小,气孔的形状发生改变,植物的气孔导度和净光合速率均明显降低。(3)盐胁迫将减少植物的叶片面积,改变叶片的组织结构,增加叶片的气孔密度,降低植物的气孔导度和净光合速率。(4)重金属胁迫则导致植物的气孔导度和胞间CO2浓度均呈现降低趋势。(5)大多数研究都表明叶片的外部形态及其气体交换等特征在提升CO2浓度后将受到显著影响。     

氮素水平和形态对小麦幼苗叶最小导度的影响

叶最小导度反映了叶片气孔关闭后残余蒸腾的大小,因而是植物抗旱性的一个重要方面。采用水培试验,研究了不同氮素浓度(低氮:2 mmol/L;高氮:15 mmol/L)和形态(硝态氮、铵态氮和硝酸铵)对小麦叶最小导度的影响,试图揭示氮素营养影响植物抗旱性的生理机制。结果表明:铵态氮和硝态氮处理高氮的叶最小导度低于低氮,但硝酸铵处理两个氮水平下的叶最小导度无差异;氮素形态对叶最小导度无显著影响。氮浓度对与叶最小导度有关的形态和生理特征无影响,氮素形态对比叶片重、绒毛密度、蜡质含量和蜡质晶体形态结构和气孔特性亦无显著影响,对叶含水量有显著影响,铵态氮处理叶含水量低于硝态氮和硝酸铵处理。相关分析表明,叶最小导度与比叶片重呈显著正相关。本研究结果说明比叶片重的差异是导致不同处理最小导度不同的重要原因,氮素形态并未通过影响叶最小导度而对植物的抗旱性产生影响。     

不同种子大小籽瓜品种叶片光合能力对源库调节的响应

为了探讨籽瓜叶片光合能力对源库调节的响应,以种子大小显著不同的3个籽瓜品种为材料,于开花坐果期通过整枝、摘叶、疏果将叶果比分别调整为10、20、30、40、50,并分别于幼果期、果实膨大期、果实成熟期测定叶片叶绿素含量及气体交换速率,收获后测定果实产量。结果表明,籽瓜功能叶叶绿素含量（SPAD值）、净光合速率（P_n）、气孔导度（G_s）和蒸腾速率（T_r）随果实生育期演进逐渐降低,胞间CO₂2浓度（C_i）逐渐增大。3个供试品种间SPAD、P_n、G_s、T_r和C_i差异显著,大种子品种H26的气体交换参数（P_n、G_s、C_i、T_i）显著低于中等种子品种H14,H14显著低于小种子品种H3,但SPAD和C_i变化规律相反。叶片SPAD、P_n、G_s、T_r均值及其果实生育期降幅均随叶果比增大而显著降低（叶果比50除外）,但叶片SPAD值和气体交换参数变化幅度无显著的品种间差异,说明一定范围内降低叶果比能提高叶片光合能力,但摘叶处理或叶果比过高均会加速叶绿素降解,诱发叶片衰老。3个品种单株果实产量随叶果比增大而提高,50（1.18 kg）>40（1.17 kg）和30（1.17 kg）>20（1.16 kg）>10（0.87 kg）,H3单株果实产量（0.88 kg）显著低于H26（1.20 kg）和H14（1.25 kg）。以上结果表明,适宜范围的源库比能够提高籽瓜叶片光合能力,延缓叶片衰老,有利于籽瓜果实高产。     

Effects of Verticillium dahliae on tomato root morphology considering plant growth response and defence

The soilborne pathogen Verticillium dahliae invades its host via the root, and spreads systemically throughout the plant. Although a functional root system of appropriate size is essential for water and nutrient uptake, to date, effects of pathogens on root morphology have not been frequently investigated. Therefore, this study aims to improve knowledge of how V. dahliae infection impairs root morphological characteristics of tomato, considering plant growth and physiological responses, particularly those involved in defence in roots and leaves over a growing period of up to 28 days post‐inoculation. Verticillium dahliae infection suppressed the growth of both shoot and root. Diseased plants developed a smaller leaf area, and exhibited a reduction in the rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance. An early response to pathogen invasion in the host root was the up‐regulation of several defence‐related genes, such as proteinase inhibitor II (Pin2), β‐1,3‐glucanase A (GluA) and two pathogenesis‐related genes (PR‐1a, PR‐1b). However, this response did not prevent colonization of the roots by the pathogen. Although a high variability in pathogen density was found within the root system, a significant increase of both the specific root length and surface area was observed in response to pathogen invasion; these traits correlated with water use efficiency. Morphological changes of the root may represent an adaptive response evolved to sustain the supply of both water and nutrients in the presence of the pathogen.     

Photosynthetic performance of Hevea brasiliensis affected by South American Leaf Blight under field conditions

South American Leaf Blight (SALB), caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora ulei, is the principal rubber crop disease in Latin America. Several studies have focused on the genetics of resistance and the epidemiology of this disease, but few have analyzed the physiological alterations caused by SALB in Hevea brasiliensis. In addition, changes under field conditions are poorly understood. The present study aimed to analyze changes in gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence traits in leaflets with different leaf stages and SALB severity levels from two H. brasiliensis clones with distinct susceptibility to disease in juvenile plants grown under field conditions (clonal garden). The photosynthetic performance was strongly limited in the high susceptibility clone (FX 3864), mainly in the young leaflets with maximum SALB severity (‘3’ and ‘4’), as compared to the low susceptibility clone (FX 4098). The principal alterations included a reduction in the photosynthetic rate (>?79%), stomatal conductance (>?85%), extrinsic water use efficiency (>?85%), and ability to capture, use and dissipate light energy in photosystem II, as compared to healthy leaflets. The damage was less intense in mature leaflets from both rubber tree clones. The favorable performance observed in clone FX 4098 means it is a potential candidate for commercial scale use under non-SALB escape conditions in the Amazon region.

     

利用叶绿素含量及荧光动力学参数评价青贮玉米耐旱关键指标研究

利用叶绿素荧光仪测定了26份青贮玉米自交系和105个组合的叶绿素含量及荧光动力学参数,对其生理性状关键耐旱指标进行主成分及相关分析,并进行配合力及遗传参数分析。青贮玉米Fv/Fm的影响因素大 小依次为：叶片Fv>叶片Fm>叶片Fo>叶片Area>叶片SPAD>苞叶Fv/Fm>苞叶SPAD。筛选出了5个关键指 标(叶片Fm、叶片Fv、叶片Area、叶片Fv/Fm、叶片SPAD)及一般配合力(GCA)较高的9份自交系和特殊配合力(SCA)较高的19个组合。在F₁吐丝期,叶片Fo、叶片Area主要受基因加性效应支配;叶片Fm、叶片Fv的加性与 非加性效应相当;叶片Fv/Fm、叶片SPAD主要受基因非加性效应支配。狭义遗传力(h²N,)大小依次为：叶片SPAD>叶片Area>叶片Fo>叶片Fv>叶片Fm>叶片Fv/Fm。通过对叶片Fv的早代正向直接选择、叶片Fo的早代 负向直接选择,以及对叶片Fv/Fm的杂种优势利用,可提高旱区青贮玉米单位面积生物产量。叶绿素含量及荧光 动力学参数可用于青贮玉米的耐旱性筛选。     

Effect of host plants on fitness traits and detoxifying enzymes activity of Helopeltis theivora, a major sucking insect pest of tea

Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse (Heteroptera: Miridae) is a major sucking insect pest of tea (Camellia sinensis) which feeds on a wide variety of alternative host plants. Feeding biology and fitness traits of H. theivora, on two alternative host plants, viz., Mikania micrantha (Asteraceae) and Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae), besides C. sinensis (Theaceae), were studied along with corresponding levels of xenobiotic defense enzymes. C. sinensis is the preferred host of H. theivora. The development time of H. theivora is significantly shorter on C. sinensis (13.3?±?0.16?days) than on the two other hosts, M. micrantha (14.2?±?0.22?days) and P. guajava (14.7?±?0.23?days). Similarly, the fecundity (C. sinensis: 172.6?±?4.5 eggs/female, M. micrantha: 128.6?±?4.4 eggs/female, P. guajava: 118.7?±?3.3 eggs/female), oviposition period (C. sinensis: 24.1?±?0.7?days, M. micrantha: 22.5?±?0.6?days, P. guajava: 21.7?±?0.8?days) and hatchability (C. sinensis: 80.9?±?1.9%, M. micrantha: 69.4?±?1.6%, P. guajava: 64.1?±?1.7%) are recorded to be significantly higher on C. sinensis. The age at reproductive maturity and egg incubation periods were lower on C. sinensis than on the two other host plants. Host-based variation in H. theivora fitness traits is interpreted in light of differential activity of three principal xenobiotic detoxifying enzymes, the general esterases (GEs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs). The activities of these enzymes in H. theivora were significantly enhanced when the insect fed on M. micrantha and P. guajava as compared with on C. sinensis.     

Synergism of Pratylenchus penetrans and Verticillium dahliae Manifested by Reduced Gas Exchange in Potato

ABSTRACT The effects of solitary and concurrent infection by Pratylenchus pene-trans and Verticillium dahliae on gas exchange of Russet Burbank potato (Solanum tuberosum) were studied in growth chamber experiments. Treatments were P. penetrans at low, medium, and high density; V. dahliae alone at one initial density; the combination of the nematode at these three densities and V. dahliae; and a noninfested control. Gas exchange parameters of leaf cohorts of different ages in the different treatments were repeatedly measured with a Li-Cor LI-6200 portable photosynthesis system. At 45 days after planting, joint infection significantly reduced net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration of 1- to 25-day-old leaf cohorts. Intercellular CO(2) levels were significantly increased by co-infection, especially in older leaves. The synergistic effect of co-infection on gas exchange parameters was greater in the oldest cohort than in the youngest cohort. No consistent effects on leaf gas exchange parameters were observed in plants infected by the nematode or the fungus alone. The relationship between the assimilation rate and stomatal conductance remained linear regardless of solitary or concomitant infection, indicating that stomatal factors are primarily responsible for regulating photosynthesis. The significant reduction of gas exchange in leaves of co-infected plants without reduction in intercellular CO(2) concentrations suggests that nonstomatal factors also play a role when both organisms are present.     

Potential allelopathic effects of Mikania micrantha on the seed germination and seedling growth of Coix lacryma‐jobi

The allelopathic potential of Mikania micrantha H.B.K. to affect the seed germination and seedling growth of Coix lacryma‐jobi L. was investigated. Water‐soluble allelopathic substances were found in the water extracts of M. micrantha. The effect of the water extracts on the seed germination and seedling growth of C. lacryma‐jobi was concentration‐dependent. The water extracts from the different plant parts (leaf, stem, and root) of M. micrantha differed in their effect on the germination and seedling growth of C. lacryma‐jobi, with the effect of the leaf extract being the least inhibitory. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the C. lacryma‐jobi seedlings increased by 64%, 45%, and 52% of the control with increasing concentrations of the extracts of the root, stem, and leaf (80, 400, and 400 g L^?1, respectively). The extract from the M. micrantha roots significantly increased the catalase (CAT) activity of the C. lacryma‐jobi seedlings (48% and 54% of the control at the concentrations of 20 g L^?1 and 80 g L^?1, respectively). The extracts from the leaves and stems at low concentrations increased the CAT activity, but at high concentrations, the extracts decreased the CAT activity. The extracts from the roots, stems, and leaves at concentrations of 80, 400, and 400 g L^?1 also significantly decreased the peroxidase (POD) activity of the C. lacryma‐jobi seedlings to 27%, 52%, and 34% of the control, respectively. These results indicate that the water extracts of M. micrantha could inhibit the seed germination and seedling growth of C. lacryma‐jobi through the regulation of anti‐oxidase activity, such as POD and CAT in the cells. The growth inhibition of the C. lacryma‐jobi seedlings is probably related to injury after oxidization of the cell membranes with the increase of MDA content.     

转CarNAC1基因可提高棉花的抗旱性

以15份稳定遗传的转CarNAC1基因棉花及受体材料K62进行田间和室内试验,通过加权隶属函数法、主成分分析法及聚类分析等方法比较棉花光合指标、农艺性状、产量性状、纤维品质和生理指标的变化情况。结果表明:干旱胁迫后,转基因棉花品系气孔导度下降趋势及净光合速率显著高于受体材料K62;转基因棉花品系平均单铃重高于受体材料0.363~0.657 g;除丙二醛含量为转基因棉花品系低于受体材料K62外,转基因棉花品系的脯氨酸、可溶性糖含量及过氧化氢酶、过氧化物酶、超氧化物歧化酶活力均高于受体材料。基于农艺性状和产量性状指标主成分分析结果,将16个品系的9个指标综合为2个相互独立的综合指标,结合D值及聚类分析结果筛选出干旱胁迫后仍能保持相对较高产量的品系:ZK62-10、ZK62-6、ZK62-1。基于纤维品质指标主成分分析结果,将16个品系的7个指标综合为3个相互独立的综合指标,结合D值及聚类分析结果筛选出干旱胁迫后仍能保持相对较高纤维品质水平的品系:ZK62-6、ZK62-12、ZK62-15。可以得出以下结论:干旱胁迫下,转CarNAC1基因棉花品系的产量及品质均优于受体材料K62;转CarNAC1基因棉花品系可能通过降低气孔导度、增强渗透条件等方法提高棉花抗旱能力;筛选出综合抗旱能力最优的棉花品系ZK62-6。     

干旱复水对棉花苗期抗氧化系统及光合荧光参数的影响

为研究水分胁迫对棉花光合作用及相关生理指标的影响,揭示水分胁迫与棉花生理指标及光合作用之间的关系,采用盆栽称重控水法对新陆早19号进行干旱胁迫0、2、4、6、8 d及复水2 d处理,测定棉花叶片MDA、H_2O_2含量,SOD、POD、CAT等指标以及光合参数和叶绿素荧光参数的变化。结果显示:随着干旱胁迫的加强,棉花叶片活性氧含量、电导率和MDA含量增加,复水后除H_2O_2含量外,其它均降到对照值;在活性氧含量最高时,抗氧化酶CAT和SOD的活性最高,以清除棉花叶片内过量的活性氧;棉花功能叶片的光合作用、气孔导度、蒸腾速率随着干旱胁迫强度的增加逐渐下降,在干旱第8天达到最低,复水后恢复;光化学猝灭系数(qP)和光量子产量(Yield)随着干旱胁迫的加强而降低,复水后不能恢复。说明水分胁迫下棉花可通过提高抗氧化酶活性清除过量活性氧,通过调节气孔导度抑制棉花的光合作用,降低蒸腾速率。     

Impact of drought stress on yield,photosynthesis rate,and sugar alcohols contents in wheat after anthesis in semiarid region of Iran

Owing to the importance of after anthesis water deficit in Mediterranean regions (such as Iran), this study has focused on harmful impact of after anthesis drought stress on grain yield (GY), photosynthesis, and some physiological characteristics of wheat. To this aim, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was used in greenhouse conditions in Razi University in Kermanshah city of Iran, during 2010–2011 growing season. Two bread wheat genotypes, “Zagros” (tolerant to drought) and “Marvdasht” (sensitive to drought) were grown in normal water supply condition (100% of field capacity) and drought stress from anthesis until maturity (50% of field capacity). The results indicated that after anthesis water deficit considerably reduced grain and biological yields, thousand grain weight (TGW) and a number of grains per spike (NGS) among different traits in genotypes. Under well-watered and drought-treated conditions, genotypes in terms of all evaluated traits had considerable variations. Water deficit caused more reduction of net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), relative water content (RWC) of leaf, chlorophyll a, b (Chl), and soluble proteins content in sensitive genotype; values were respectively 66.3, 73.2, 14.6, 32.1, 46.2, and 25.6%. Better performance of tolerant genotype under water deficit was associated with a great ability in production of some osmoprotectants as inositol, glycerol, and erythritol sugars. Rather adaptation of tolerant genotype to water deficit may be attributable to having maximum soluble protein, sugar alcohols, Chl content, RWC, gs and Pn in drought stress, and with respect to the results, wheat might not be able to synthesize mannitol. Transfer of gene(s) producing mannitol may cause more improvement of growth performance of wheat under stresses.     

Impact of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Erysiphe alphitoides</Emphasis> on transpiration and photosynthesis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus robur</Emphasis> leaves

Oak powdery mildew, (Erysiphe alphitoides) causes one of the most common diseases of oaks. We assessed the impact of this pathogen on photosynthesis and water relations of infected leaves using greenhouse-grown oak seedlings. Transpiration of seedlings infected by oak powdery mildew was also investigated. Altogether, E. alphitoides had a low impact on host gas exchange whether at the leaf or whole plant scale. Maximal stomatal conductance of infected leaves was reduced by 20–30% compared to healthy controls. Severely infected seedlings did not experience any detectable change of whole plant transpiration. The reduction in net CO₂ assimilation, A_n, was less than proportional to the fraction of leaf area infected. Powdery mildew reduced both the maximal light-driven electron flux (J_max) and the apparent maximal carboxylation velocity (Vc_max) although Vc_max was slightly more impacted than J_max. No compensation for the infection occurred in healthy leaves of partly infected seedlings as the reduced photosynthesis in the infected leaves was not paralleled by increased A_n levels in the healthy leaves of the seedlings. However, E. alphitoides had a strong impact on the leaf life-span of infected leaves. It is concluded that the moderate effect of E. alphitoides on oak might be related to the small impact on net CO₂ assimilation rates and on tree transpiration; nevertheless, the severe reduction in leaf life-span of heavily infected leaves may lead to decreased carbon uptake over the growth season.