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Journal of Integrative Agriculture  2015, Vol. 14 Issue (4): 681-690    DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(14)60871-6
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Effects of progressive drought on photosynthesis and partitioning of absorbed light in apple trees
 MA Ping, BAI Tuan-hui and MA Feng-wang
College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University/State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Yangling 712100,
P.R.China
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摘要  To understand how drought stress affects CO2 assimilation and energy partitioning in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), we investigated photosynthesis and photo-protective mechanisms when irrigation was withheld from potted Fuji trees. As the drought progressing, soil relative water content (SRWC) decreased from 87 to 24% in 15 d; this combined the decreasing in leaf relative water content (LRWC), net photosynthesis rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs). However, the concentrations of chlorophylls (Chl) remained unchanged while Pn values were declining. Photochemistry reactions were slightly down-regulated only under severe drought. Rubisco activity was significantly decreased as drought conditions became more severe. The actual efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSII) was diminished as drought became more intense. Consequently, xanthophyll-regulated dissipation of thermal energy was greatly enhanced. Simultaneously, the ratio of ΦPSII to the quantum yield of carbon metabolism, which is measured under non-photorespiratory conditions, increased in parallel with drought severity. Our results indicate that, under progressive drought stress, the reduction in photosynthesis in apple leaves can be attributed primarily to stomatal limitations and the inhibited capacity for CO2 fixation. Xanthophyll cycle-dependent thermal dissipation and the Mehler reaction are the most important pathways for dispersing excess energy from apple leaves during periods of drought stress.

Abstract  To understand how drought stress affects CO2 assimilation and energy partitioning in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), we investigated photosynthesis and photo-protective mechanisms when irrigation was withheld from potted Fuji trees. As the drought progressing, soil relative water content (SRWC) decreased from 87 to 24% in 15 d; this combined the decreasing in leaf relative water content (LRWC), net photosynthesis rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs). However, the concentrations of chlorophylls (Chl) remained unchanged while Pn values were declining. Photochemistry reactions were slightly down-regulated only under severe drought. Rubisco activity was significantly decreased as drought conditions became more severe. The actual efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSII) was diminished as drought became more intense. Consequently, xanthophyll-regulated dissipation of thermal energy was greatly enhanced. Simultaneously, the ratio of ΦPSII to the quantum yield of carbon metabolism, which is measured under non-photorespiratory conditions, increased in parallel with drought severity. Our results indicate that, under progressive drought stress, the reduction in photosynthesis in apple leaves can be attributed primarily to stomatal limitations and the inhibited capacity for CO2 fixation. Xanthophyll cycle-dependent thermal dissipation and the Mehler reaction are the most important pathways for dispersing excess energy from apple leaves during periods of drought stress.
Keywords:  apple       drought stress       energy dissipation       photosynthesis  
Received: 23 April 2014   Accepted:
Fund: 

This work was supported by the Earmarked Fund for the China Agriculture Research System (CARS-28).

Corresponding Authors:  MA Feng-wang, Tel/Fax: +86-29-87082648,E-mail: fwm64@sina.com, fwm64@nwsuaf.edu.cn     E-mail:  fwm64@sina.com, fwm64@nwsuaf.edu.cn

Cite this article: 

MA Ping, BAI Tuan-hui and MA Feng-wang. 2015. Effects of progressive drought on photosynthesis and partitioning of absorbed light in apple trees. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 14(4): 681-690.

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