Time-resolved spectral studies of blue-green fluorescence of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. Var. Scolymus) leaves: identification of chlorogenic acid as one of the major fluorophores and age-mediated changes

Synchrotron radiation and the time-correlated single-photon counting technique were used to investigate the spectral and time-resolved characteristics of blue-green fluorescence (BGF) of artichoke leaves. Leaves emitted BGF under ultraviolet (UV) excitation; the abaxial side was much more fluorescent than the adaxial side, and in both cases, the youngest leaves were much more fluorescent than the oldest ones. The BGF of artichoke leaves was dominated by the presence of hydroxycinnamic acids. A decrease in the percentage of BGF attributable to the very short kinetic component (from 42 to 20%), in the shape of the BGF excitation spectra, and chlorogenic acid concentrations indicate that there is a loss of hydroxycinnamic acid with leaf age. Studies on excitation, emission, and synchronized fluorescence spectra of leaves and trichomes and chlorogenic acid contents indicate that chlorogenic acid is one of the main blue-green fluorophores in artichoke leaves. Results of the present study indicate that 20-42% (i.e., the very short kinetic component) of the overall BGF is emitted by chlorogenic acid. Time-resolved BGF measurements could be a means to extract information on chlorogenic acid fluorescence from the overall leaf BGF.     

缺磷胁迫加重柑橘叶片光合作用的光抑制及叶黄素循环的作用

用营养液培养的方法 ,研究了不同光强和磷水平对温州蜜柑叶片光合作用光抑制的影响。结果表明 ,在缺磷强光条件下 ,叶片的初始荧光Fo、最大荧光Fm、PSⅡ光化学效率 (Fv/Fm)及表观电子传递速率 (ETR)下降 ,叶片非光化学猝灭的慢相 (qNs)和叶温升高。用叶黄素循环的抑制剂DTT处理叶片后 ,Fo升高。这些结果说明 ,缺磷胁迫加重了温州蜜柑叶片光合作用的光抑制 ,叶黄素循环的非辐射能量耗散在保护光合机构免受强光破坏方面起着重要作用。     

有机肥和化肥对烟叶气体交换、叶绿素荧光特性及叶绿体超微结构的影响

【目的】本文以烤烟K326为材料,探讨了在不同叶龄时期有机肥与化肥在烟叶气体交换参数、叶绿素荧光特性、叶绿素含量及叶绿体超微结构等方面的差异,以期从光能利用(宏观)及叶绿体超微结构(微观)方面,揭示两种肥料配比对烟叶光合作用的影响机制,同时为探索烟叶高产优质栽培模式提供理论依据。【方法】以蛭石为栽培基质进行盆栽试验。设施用烤烟专用有机肥(N∶P2O5∶K2O为9∶9∶10,有机质≥70%,中、微量元素≥12%)和施用普通尿素两个处理。烟草为工厂化无毒育秧苗,叶龄(叶龄从叶片长约2 cm时算起)15天、30天、45天、60天和75天取样或测定自上而下第6~8片叶。用Li-6400(美国)便携式光合仪测定烟叶的净光合速率,蒸腾作用与气孔导度。使用M系列调制叶绿素荧光成像系统Maxi-Imaging-PAM(德国)测定叶绿素荧光参数。用C-7000透射电子显微镜观测叶绿体超微结构并拍照,用软件Auto CAD 2004计算淀粉颗粒在叶绿体中所占的相对面积比Ra,叶绿体基粒片层的统计方法据Goodenough等改进的Teichler-Zallen法。【结果】有机肥对烟叶叶绿素含量及光合速率的影响显著,在叶龄60天时,其叶绿素含量比普通化肥高136.1%;在叶龄75天时,其烟叶净光合速率、气孔导度及蒸腾速率分别比普通化肥处理高135.3%、84.5%和51.3%,叶绿素荧光参数Y[Ⅱ]和q L分别比普通化肥处理高22.2%和39.5%,Fv/Fm在叶龄60天时比普通化肥处理高18.7%,而NPQ值在叶龄45天时普通化肥比有机肥处理高23.3%。叶绿体内孕育的淀粉粒随叶龄的增加而逐渐膨大,期间伴随着淀粉粒在叶绿体中所占的面积比例(Ra值)越来越大,两处理Ra值差异明显,尤其是在叶龄45天时,化肥栽培下的烟叶Ra值比有机肥栽培高31.8%。有机肥处理的叶绿体呈梭形,长宽比大,而普通化肥种植的叶绿体形态近圆形,长宽比小。【结论】施用有机肥可显著提高烟叶叶绿素含量及光合速率,且随叶龄的增加,有机肥的作用效果日趋明显。叶绿素荧光参数的差异表明,增施生物有机肥可延缓烟株衰老、提高烟叶光能利用效率。两种施肥方式下,淀粉颗粒Ra值的差异不能说明施用化肥可提高烟叶合成淀粉的能力。与普通化肥处理下的烟叶相比,有机肥可显著提高叶绿体基粒垛叠数大于10的片层占基粒垛叠片层总数的百分比。     

INFLUENCE OF POTASSIUM DEFICIENCY ON FLOWER YIELD AND FLAVONOID METABOLISM IN LEAVES OF CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM RAMAT.

The effects of potassium (K) deficiency on primary and secondary metabolism in leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. were investigated in five different stages throughout the growing season of the plant to understand the relationship between potassium and the metabolism of C. morifolium. The results suggested that flavonoids content of K-deficient was related to 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase (4CL) activity closely through the growth stage. Flavonoid and chlorogenic acid concentrations of K-deficient were lower than that of full K supply control (except flower bud differentiation period and budding stage in upper leaves), and the concentration in upper leaves was higher than that in bottom. The mechanism might be that the net photosynthetic rate was decreased in leaves of K₁, which reduced the carbohydrate synthesized in leaves so that the coumarin concentration, which was the substrate of 4CL activity, decreased and consequently lead to the flavonoid and chlorogenic acid concentration decrease.     

Magnesium deficiency–induced impairment of photosynthesis in leaves of fruiting Citrus reticulata trees accompanied by up‐regulation of antioxidant metabolism to avoid photo‐oxidative damage

Limited data are available on the physiological responses of leaves from fruiting trees to magnesium (Mg) deficiency. Magnesium deficiency–induced effects on photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry in leaves of fruiting (Citrus reticulate cv. Ponkan) trees were assessed by the chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transient. Magnesium deficiency decreased leaf CO₂ assimilation and carbohydrates, but had no effect on intercellular CO₂ concentration. Activity of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and concentrations of Chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids (Car) decreased to a lesser extent than CO₂ assimilation. Chlorophyll a fluorescence transient from Mg‐deficient leaves had increased O step and decreased P step, accompanied by positive ΔL, ΔK, ΔJ, and ΔI bands. Magnesium deficiency decreased maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (F_v/F_m), quantum yield of electron transport from Q<$>_A^‐<$> to the photosystem I (PSI) end electron acceptors (φ_R0), maximum amplitude of IP phase and total performance index (PI_{tot, abs}), but increased deactiviation of oxygen‐evolving complex (OEC) and energy dissipation. Magnesium‐deficient leaves had higher or similar activities of antioxidant enzymes except for lower catalase (CAT) activity, higher or similar concentrations of antioxidant metabolites, and a higher ratio of Car : Chl. Magnesium‐deficiency did not affect concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and ratios of ascorbate (ASC) to ASC + dehydroascorbate (DHA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) to GSH + oxidized glutathione (GSSG). In conclusion, Mg deficiency–induced impairment of the whole photosynthetic electron transport chain may be the main factor contributing to decreased CO₂ assimilation. Enhanced energy dissipation and antioxidant metabolism provide sufficient protection to Mg‐deficient leaves against photo‐oxidative damage.     

Purple versus green‐leafed Ocimum basilicum: Which differences occur with regard to photosynthesis under boron toxicity?

This study was undertaken to investigate how different cultivars of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) responded to boron (B) excess. Two purple‐leafed and eight green‐leafed cultivars were hydroponically grown for 20 d with 0.2 or 20 mg L^–1 B in the nutrient solution. Leaf B concentration, gas exchanges, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and oxidative stress were determined at the end of the treatment along with the severity of leaf necrosis. A range of tolerance to B toxicity was found: the green cultivars were more susceptible than the purple‐leafed ones characterized by a higher constitutive anthocyanin concentration. In all the genotypes B excess resulted in oxidative stress as determined by accumulation of malondialdehyde by‐products (MDA), reduced photosynthesis, and the occurrence of leaf burn. A close correlation was found between leaf B accumulation and oxidative stress, as well as between oxidative stress and the severity of leaf burn. Net photosynthesis (P_n) was reduced due to both stomatal and nonstomatal limitations in the green cultivars whereas the reduction of P_n in the purple leaves was only attributable to stomatal factors. Chlorophyll a fluorescence revealed a decrease in the maximum quantum yield of PSII (F_v/F_m) and in the electron transport rate (ETR) in plants grown with B excess although less reduction was observed in the purple genotypes. The quantum yield of PSII (Φ_PSII) decreased as a result of B toxicity only in the green cultivars. It is concluded that anthocyanins are involved in attenuation of the negative effects of B toxicity.     

Effects of boron excess in nutrient solution on growth,mineral nutrition,and physiological parameters of Jatropha curcas seedlings

Jatropha curcas L. has recently attracted the attention of the international research community due to its potential as a biodiesel crop. In addition, its high resistance to drought and salinity is well known. Under arid and semiarid conditions, boron (B) concentrations in irrigation water can be higher than desired when water from industry, urban areas, or desalination is used. However, the growth and physiological responses of J. curcas plants to B excess in the irrigation water are unknown. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effects of B excess in the nutrient solution (0.25, 2, 4.5, and 7 mg L^–1 B, applied as H₃BO₃) on plant growth, mineral concentration in the different plant tissues, photosynthesis, water relations, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll concentration (as SPAD values), and composition of carbohydrates. Plant growth decreased with increasing B concentration in the nutrient solution; growth reduction was higher for roots than for leaves or stems. The B concentration increased in all plant tissues, in the following order: leaf > root > stem. These data indicate that the roots of J. curcas are more sensitive to B toxicity than the leaves and that B has restricted mobility inside these plants, accumulating mainly in the basal and middle leaves via the transpiration stream. Increasing B concentration in leaves decreased the A_CO2 and the stomatal conductance, but the leaf water parameters were not affected. The data for chlorophyll concentration and chlorophyll fluorescence indicated that nonstomatal factors were involved in the A_CO2 decline, whereas decreases in the parameters of PSII photochemistry due to B toxicity suggest that there was structural damage in chloroplasts. There was also a general tendency for a decrease in nonstructural carbohydrates in all plant tissues, possibly due to the decline in A_CO2. With excess B, the concentrations of K and Mg increased in leaves due to a decrease in the growth, while a typical antagonistic effect between B and P was evident from the P concentration decrease in leaves. In summary, J. curcas should be considered a B‐sensitive plant, as a leaf B concentration of 1.2 mg (g dw)^–1 caused a growth decline of approximately 30%.     

INFLUENCE OF CHEMICAL FORM AND CONCENTRATION OF NITROGEN ON APOPLASTIC pH OF LEAVES

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of various forms of nitrogen (NO^? ₃, NH⁺ ₄) supplied to the roots via a nutrient solution on the apoplastic pH in intact leaves determined by fluorescence ratio imaging. In contrast to NH⁺ ₄, higher apoplastic pH values in leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris and Helianthus annuus were measured with NO^? ₃ nutrition. In this context no significant differences were found in leaves of Vicia faba and Zea mays supplied with the various forms of N. Comparative studies on apoplastic pH in leaves of Vicia faba, Zea mays and Helianthus annuus demonstrated that NO^? ₃ reductase activity in roots was responsible for the differences in NO^? ₃ concentration and pH in the leaf apoplast. Light-induced pH changes in the leaf apoplast also occur and may overlap the effects of various forms of N. Increasing concentrations of NO^? ₃ supply to the roots did not significantly affect apoplastic pH in leaves of Helianthus annuus. Depletion of NO^? ₃ in the nutrient solution led to lower apoplastic pH in leaves of Zea mays. Leaf fertilization with NH⁺ ₄ led to a decline in apoplastic pH of leaves whereas NH₃ gas exposure caused a biphasic response in apoplastic pH.     

氯和钾营养对烤烟产量和品质的影响

在四川中性紫色土上研究烤烟的氯钾营养及其与产量品质的关系。结果表明,施氯量80-240mgCl/kg土,可提高烟叶的光合强度,增强POD、PPO、SOD、NR等抗逆酶的活性,增大叶面积。烟叶含氯量随施氯量的增加而增加,烤烟烟叶产量比对照提高5.5-21.5％。以烟叶含氯1％,K2O/Cl比4为标准确定的该地区烤烟耐氯临界值为139-165mgCl/kg土(土壤水溶性氯),可使烟叶中糖和烟碱含量和比例协调。从烤烟营养和品质看,植烟土壤含氯(水溶性氯)以不超过160mg/kg土为宜。试验还表明施氯促进了烤烟对氯、钾的吸收,提高烟叶水溶性总糖含量,但不利于烟株对磷的吸收。因此合理配置烤烟氮、磷、钾、氯的比例对烤烟品质至关重要。本试验结果初步表明在中性紫色土植烟区,以部分氯化钾代替硫酸钾是可能的。     

EXOGENOUS APPLICATION OF POTASSIUM NITRATE TO ALLEVIATE SALT STRESS IN RICE SEEDLINGS

□ Overall growth characteristics of many plant species cultivated in soil affected by salinity could be alleviated by the application of potassium nitrate (KNO₃) to the soil. The aim of this research was to investigate salt-tolerance in a salt-sensitive rice cultivar, ‘Pathumthani 1’ (PT1), in response to the exogenous application of 11.8 mM KNO₃, in comparison to ‘Homjan’ (HJ), a salt tolerant cultivar. Water potential (ψ_w) in both the roots and leaves of PT1 seedlings under salt stress dropped significantly, while it was maintained in PT1 pretreated with KNO₃, and similarly in HJ. The reduction of leaf water potential was positively related to total chlorophyll degradation, leading to diminished chlorophyll fluorescence, directly affecting growth in plants exposed to salt stress. In salt-sensitive PT1, the application of 11.8 mM KNO₃ improved salt-tolerance via the conservation of water use efficiency, the maintenance of photosynthetic pigments, enhancement of chlorophyll a fluorescence, and stimulation of growth characters.     

American beech leaf‐litter leachate chemistry: Effects of geography and phenophase

The decomposition of broadleaved tree leaves can contribute a substantial amount of energy to forested watersheds via dissolved organic matter (DOM), nutrients, and biological activity. Less is known about how these inputs may vary within a single tree species that is known to have two genetically distinct and geographically separate populations, or how these inputs may change throughout autumn senescence and abscission. It is often implicitly assumed that intraspecific differences in leaf‐litter leachate chemistry do not significantly differ geographically. We analyzed the morphological and chemical leaf traits and leachates from Fagus grandifolia (American beech) leaves (n = 360) during three phenophases: fresh green leaves, senescing leaves, and fallen leaves. During each phenophase, leaves were collected from four sites along a geographic transect stretching from Vermont to North Carolina (over 1400 km), with two sites representing each genetic population and differing climatic conditions. Leachates were analyzed for routine solutes and nutrients, as well as fluorescent and UV‐visible absorbance indices. Amounts of macro‐ and micronutrients were highly variable among sites and phenophases but tended to be lowest during the fallen‐leaf phase, while measured fluorescence and absorbance indices tended to increase during the senescing‐leaf phase and plateau. Results suggest significant differences in leached nutrients among sites, and optical properties and nutrients among phenophases. Aromaticity and molecular weight of DOM in leachates was generally low, and aromaticity and humification of leachates both increased over time with leaf age. These results also suggest that geographically (or genetically) separate populations of the same species do not experience senescence in the same way and that implicit assumptions of intraspecific uniformity of leaf‐litter leachate chemistry for a given tree species may be invalid.     

施水对本氏针茅光合作用和叶绿素荧光特征的影响

 通过利用短期施水代替降雨的方法,研究长期干旱条件下突然施水对本氏针茅光合特性的影响。结果表明:施水后,本氏针茅的叶水势得到恢复,RuBP羧化酶活性提高,表观量子效率、羧化速率和最大光合能力明显增加,限制光合作用的气孔因素和非气孔因素得到缓解。同时,本氏针茅的光化学活性在施水后部分恢复,光量子产量和热耗散能力明显提高。不同水分条件下,本氏针茅叶片的叶绿素荧光光诱导过程存在较大的差异,施水条件下,叶片的光合速率、气孔导度、实际光化学效率和非光化学淬灭上升速率较快,而持续干旱条件下叶片的光诱导速率较慢。     

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ROOTSTOCKS ON GROWTH,CHLOROPHYLL A FLUORESCENCE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF TWO GRAFTED SCIONS OF TOMATO

Two tomato scions (cvs. ‘Raf’ and ‘Gorety’) were grafted on three different rootstocks: S. torvum, ‘Beaufort’ (Lycopersicum esculentum × Lycopersicum hirsutum) and intermediate grafting of eggplant ‘Cristal’ between tomato and S. torvum (double graft). Plants were grown in Mediterranean greenhouse conditions. The response to grafting was measured through growth parameters, F_v/F_m and leaf macronutrients analysis, and it was compared with non-grafted plants. The scions grafted on S. torvum in simple and double graft showed lower fresh and dry weight of leaves, number of commercial fruits, plant height, F_v/F_m and decreased their capacity to absorb several nutrients resulting in a lower mineral concentration in scions leaves, as a result of a thickened graft union. On the other hand, both scions showed a good response when grafted on the rootstock ‘Beaufort’, with which growth parameters, yield and photosynthetic capacity were similar to non-grafted plants.     

Leaf Potassium Accumulation in Olive Plants Related to Nutritional K Status,Leaf Age,and Foliar Application of Potassium Salts

Four separate experiments were carried out in greenhouse conditions from spring of 2001 to summer of 2003. The aim of this research was to study the effect of factors such as leaf age, salt type and concentration, number of foliar applications, and the nutritional status on the efficiency of foliar applications of potassium (K) in olive plants. In all experiments, mist-rooted ‘Picual’ olive plants growing in 2 L pots containing perlite were fertigated with a complete nutrient solution containing 0.05 mM or 2.5 mM potassium chloride (KCl). In one experiment, plants received two foliar applications with five concentrations of KCl (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8%) at 63 and 84 days after transplanting. Foliar KCl applications at 2% or 4% increased shoot lengths and the K content of plants fertigated with 0.05 mM KCl (poor K nourished), while foliar KCl application did not have any influence on the growth or K content of plants fertigated with 2.5 mM KCl (normal K nourished). When the number of foliar applications was increased, the results showed that two foliar applications were enough to increase leaf K concentration in olive plants above the sufficiency level. Leaf age could influence the efficiency of foliar K application. Leaf K concentration were higher in young leaves than in mature ones. All K-salts studied as foliar sprays [KCl, potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), potassium nitrate (KNO₃), potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), and potassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄)] were effective in increasing leaf K concentration. The results obtained in the present study indicate that foliar applications of K effectively increase K content in K-deficient olive plants, and that foliar applications might be more effective on young leaves. Two foliar applications of 4% KCl or the equivalent for other salts are enough to increase leaf K concentration.     

Relationship between leaf apoplast pH and iron chlorosis of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

A hypothesis has been presented and tested that bicarbonate (HCO₃) and nitrate (NO₃) are the most important anions inducing iron (Fe) chlorosis because these anions increase the pH of leaf apoplast which in turn depresses ferric‐iron [Fe(III]) reduction, and hence, the uptake of Fe into the symplasm. Experiments with young sunflower (Helianthus annuus) plants showed that nutrition with NO₃ as the sole nitrogen (N) source induced chlorosis whereas ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) did not. Monohydrogen carbonate (bicarbonate) also favoured the development of chlorosis. The degree of chlorosis was not related to the Fe concentration in the leaves. Both anion species, NO₃ and HCO₃, increased the pH of the leaf apoplast which was measured by means of the fluorescence dye 5‐carboxyfluorescein. A highly significant negative correlation between leaf apoplast pH and chlorophyll concentration in the leaves (r = ‐0.97) was found. Ferric‐Fe reduction in the apoplast—measured by means of ferrocene—provided evidence that a low leaf apoplast pH, obtained with ammonium (NH₄) supply, favoured the reduction of Fe(III) as compared with a higher leaf apoplast pH obtained with NO₃ supply. These results support the hypothesis tested.     

CONTRIBUTION OF PROLINE AND INORGANIC SOLUTES TO OSMOTIC ADJUSTMENT IN COTTON UNDER SALT STRESS

Physiological responses to salt stress were investigated in two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars (Pora and Guazuncho) grown hydroponically under various concentrations of NaCl. Dry matter partitioning, plant water relations, mineral composition and proline content were studied. Proline and inorganic solutes were measured to determine their relative contribution to osmotic adjustment. Both leaf water potential (Ψ_w) and osmotic potential (Ψ_s)decreased in response to NaCl levels. Although Ψ_wand Ψ_s decreased during salt stress, pressure potential Ψ_p remained between 0.5 to 0.7 MPa in control and all NaCl treatments, even under 200 mol m^?3 NaCl. Increased NaCl levels resulted in a significant decrease in root, shoot and leaf growth biomass. Root / shoot ratio increased in response to salt stress. The responses of both cultivars to NaCl stress were similar. Increasing salinity levels increased plant Na⁺ and Cl^?. Potassium level remained stable in the leaves and decreased in the roots with increasing salinity. Salinity decreased Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ concentrations in leaves but did not affect the root levels of these nutrients. The K/Na selectivity ratio was much greater in the saline treated plants than in the control plants. Osmotic adjustment of roots and leaves was predominantly due to Na⁺ and Cl^? accumulation; the contribution of proline to the osmotic adjustment seemed to be less important in these cotton cultivars.     

EFFECTS OF LIGHT LEVEL,CO2 ENRICHMENT,AND CONCENTRATION OF NUTRIENT SOLUTION ON GROWTH,LEAF NUTRIENT CONTENT,AND CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE OF BOSTON FERN MICROCUTTINGS

ABSTRACT

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata Schott. “Rooseveltii”) is often propagated in vitro. Microcuttings grow slowly after transfer from in vitro to ex vitro conditions. The aim of this study was to accelerate growth and to improve quality of plantlets by optimization of mineral nutrition, irradiance and CO₂ concentration. Two irradiance levels (50 and 150 μmol m^?2 s^?1), two concentrations of CO₂ (350 and 1200 μmol mol^?1), and five concentrations of nutrient solution (electrical conductivity: EC 0.3, 0.7, 1.4, 2.1, and 2.8 mS cm^?1) were tested. Microcuttings grown at higher irradiance accumulated more leaf fresh and dry weights than microcuttings grown at low irradiance. The higher irradiance level enhanced leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content. Carbon dioxide enrichment enhanced dry weight accumulation and plant height, decreased N and increased K content of leaves. The highest fresh and dry weight of leaves was measured at EC 2.1–2.8 mS cm^?1. Leaf N, P, and K content increased with increasing concentration of nutrient solution, leaf calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations decreased with increasing concentration of nutrient solution. Microcuttings grown under high level of irradiance and high EC had higher chlorophyll fluorescence (F _m , F _v /F _m , S _c ) values than those grown under low light and low EC. Quality of propagation material of Boston fern can be significantly enhanced with the best combination of PPFD, mineral nutrition and CO₂ enrichment.     

EFFECT OF NITROGEN APPLICATION ON GROWTH PARAMETERS,YIELD AND LEAF NITRATE CONTENT OF GREENHOUSE LETTUCE CULTIVATED DURING THREE SEASONS

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., cv. ‘Parris Island’) was grown hydroponically in autumn, winter and spring under five levels of nitrogen (N) fertilization. Plant biomass was highest in spring and lowest in autumn at N rates of 200 and 260 mg L^?1, respectively. Increasing N application correlated positively with rates of photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal carbon dioxide (CO₂) conductance and leaf chlorophyll concentration. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal CO₂ conductance, and chlorophyll a/b ratio were higher in spring than in autumn or winter. Nitrate concentrations within the leaves increased with increasing N application in all seasons. It is concluded that lettuce growth and yield is higher in spring than in winter or autumn due to enhanced photosynthesis thanks to increasingly favorable photoperiod. Regardless of season, high N rates promote yield but increase leaf nitrate concentrations. Therefore, for the production of healthy produce the recommended N rate should be based not just on yield but also on the nitrate content.     

不同光强和缺镁胁迫对黄瓜叶片叶绿素荧光特性和活性氧产生的影响

不同光强和镁离子浓度对黄瓜叶片叶绿素荧光特性和活性氧产生的影响研究发现 ,在强光和缺镁胁迫下 ,黄瓜叶片发生了明显的光抑制 ,主要表现为Pn下降 ,叶绿素荧光参数Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo、qP和 qN降低 ;活性氧超氧阴离子产生速率和H2O2以及膜脂过氧化产物MDA增加。这些结果表明 ,缺镁黄瓜叶片在强光下qP和 qN的降低使叶片吸收的过剩光能通过光化学反应途径和非辐射能量途径耗散受阻 ,从而增加了过剩光能所激发的电子用来生成活性氧的比例 ,这在一定程度上可缓解光抑制 ;但其不能被及时清除掉时 ,会加剧光抑制 ,甚至引起光氧化对光合机构造成破坏 ,最终导致叶片的失绿坏死。适当遮荫有利于提高PSII的光化学效率 ,减轻光抑制。     

GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF HYDROPONICALLY-GROWN SUNFLOWER AS AFFECTED BY SALINITY AND MAGNESIUM LEVELS

The effects of NaCl and magnesium levels (Mg²⁺) on the physiological response of sunflower were investigated. Plants were grown for 54 days in hydroponic culture with NaCl (100 mM) or without NaCl and four concentrations of Mg²⁺: 0, 0.4, 1.0 and 5.0 mM. At the end of the vegetative growing cycle of sunflower, salt stress reduced leaf area development by 51% and dry matter accumulation by 37% as compared to non saline-treated plants; at this stage, considering the percent reduction of partitioned plant dry matter, roots (42%) and leaves (35%) showed to be more salt-sensitive than stem. Growth reduction was related to the drop in net CO₂ assimilation rate and stomatal conductance, which started declining later during the vegetative growth period when leaf ion concentration started increasing. The investigated genotype was unable to exclude ions and significant amounts of Cl^? (about 1700 μmol g^?1 DW) and lesser Na⁺ (700 μmol g^?1 DW) accumulated in the leaves. The decline in net CO₂ assimilation was well correlated to the increase in leaf Cl^? concentration (r² = 0.71) and not to leaf Na⁺ concentration (r² = 0.33). The results suggest that, though sunflower develops an endogenous protection system by which it redistributes this ions in the whole plant, with more ions accumulating in roots and older leaves, growth reduction may be attributed to specific toxic effects of Cl^? on photosynthetic functionality. In both saline and non saline conditions, little or no significant differences in growth parameters of plants exposed to a range from 0.4 to 5 mM of Mg²⁺ were observed. Whereas, its deficiency caused a drastic reduction of dry matter accumulation up to 90%, due to progressive decline in CO₂ assimilation rate and chlorophyll content, with imbalances in Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺.