Elevated CO(2) induces biochemical and ultrastructural changes in leaves of the C(4) cereal sorghum

Mulched Drip Fertigation with Growth Inhibitors Reduces Bundle-Sheath Cell Leakage and Improves Photosynthesis Capacity and Barley Production in Semi-Arid Regions

A better understanding of the factors that reduce bundle-sheath cell leakage to CO2 (Փ), enhance 13C carbon isotope discrimination, and enhance the photosynthetic capacity of barley leaves will be useful to develop a nutrient- and water-saving strategy for dry-land farming systems. Therefore, barley plants were exposed to a novel nitrification inhibitor (NI) (3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl succinic acid) (DMPSA) and a urease inhibitor (UI) (N-butyl thiophosphorictriamide (NBPT)) with mulched drip fertigation treatments, which included HF (high-drip fertigation (370 mm) under a ridge furrow system), MF (75% of HF, moderate-drip fertigation under a ridge furrow system), LF (50% of HF, low-drip fertigation under a ridge furrow system), and TP (traditional planting with no inhibitors or drip fertigation strategies). The results indicated that the nitrification inhibitor combined with mulched drip fertigation significantly reduced bundle-sheath cell leakage to CO2 (Փ) as a result of increased soil water content; this was demonstrated by the light and CO2 response curves of the photosynthesis capacity (An), the apparent quantum efficiency (α), and the 13C-photosynthate distribution. In the inhibitor-based strategy, the use of the urease and nitrification inhibitors reduced Փ by 35% and 39% compared with TP. In the NI-HF strategy, it was found that barley could retain the maximum photosynthesis capacity by increasing the leaf area index (LAI), An, rubisco content, soluble protein, dry matter per plant, and productivity. The CO2 and light response curves were considerably improved in the NI-HF and NI-MF treatments due to a higher 13C carbon isotope (Δ‱), respiration rate (Rd), and Ci/Ca, therefore obtaining the minimum Փ value. With both inhibitors, there was a significant difference between HF and LF drip fertigation. The NI-MF treatment significantly increased the grain yield, total chlorophyll content, WUE, and NUE by 52%, 47%, 57%, and 45%, respectively. Collectively, the results suggest that the new nitrification inhibitor (DMPSA) with HF or MF mulched drip fertigation could be promoted in semi-arid regions in order to mitigate bundle-sheath cell leakage to CO2 (Փ), without negatively affecting barley production and leading to the nutrient and water use efficiency of barley.

Cultivation model and deficit irrigation strategy for reducing leakage of bundle sheath cells to CO2, improve 13C carbon isotope, photosynthesis and soybean yield in semi-arid areas

A better understanding of the photosynthesis and soil water storage regulation of soybean production will be helpful to develop a water conservation strategy under a rain-fed farming system. Reducing the leakage of CO2 bundle sheath cells and improving the photosynthesis capacity and gas exchange characteristics of soybean leaves will contribute to increase yield under the dryland agricultural system and provide a scientific basis. Therefore, during 2019 and 2020, soybean exposed to different cultivation modes to analyze the response curves of photosynthesis and CO2 under different deficit irrigation strategies. In this study, we used two cultivation models: RB: ridge covered with biodegradable film and furrow area not covered; CF: conventional flat land planting under four deficit irrigation modes (R: rainwater irrigation; IB: branch stage irrigation (220 mm); IP: Irrigation during podding (220 mm); IBP: branch stage irrigation (110 mm), podding stage irrigation (110 mm). Compared with CF-IBP treatment, RB-IBP had significant effects on rainwater collection, SWS, and soybean yield. Photo-response curve analysis showed that RB-IBP treatment a significant increase in Pn, Gs, Ci, Tr, leaf WUE, and chlorophyll ab content. Under different irrigation strategies, maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pnmax), light saturation point (LSP), and apparent quantum efficiency under RB-IBP treatment (α), Pn under respiration rate and CO2 response curve were significantly higher than that under CF cultivation mode. Compared with RB culture mode under different irrigation strategies, CF cultivation mode significantly increases Δ13C and CO2 sheath cell leakage (Փ); it also led to a significant decline in the ratio of Ci/Ca concentration. This study shows that RB-IBP treatment is the best water-saving strategy because it means reducing the leakage of CO2 from the bundle sheath, thus significantly increasing soil water storage, photosynthetic capacity, and soybean yield.

Stem canker pathogen Botryosphaeria dothidea inhibits poplar leaf photosynthesis in the early stage of inoculation

Fungal pathogens can induce canker lesions, wilting, and even dieback in many species. Trees can suffer serious physiological effects from stem cankers. In this study, we investigated the effects of Botryosphaeria dothidea (B. dothidea) on Populus bolleana (P. bolleana) leaves photosynthesis and stomatal responses, when stems were inoculated with the pathogen. To provide experimental and theoretical basis for preventing poplar canker early. One-year-old poplar stems were inoculated with B. dothidea using an epidermal scraping method. In the early stage of B. dothidea inoculation (2-14 days post inoculation, dpi), the gas exchange, stomatal dynamics, hormone content, photosynthetic pigments content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) were evaluated to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanism of B. dothidea inhibiting photosynthesis. Compared with the control groups, B. dothidea noteworthily inhibited the net photosynthetic rate (P _n), stomatal conductance (G _s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C _i), transpiration rate (T _r), and other photosynthetic parameters of poplar leaves, but stomatal limit value (L _s) increased. Consistent with the above results, B. dothidea also reduced stomatal aperture and stomatal opening rate. In addition, B. dothidea not only remarkably reduced the content of photosynthetic pigments, but also decreased the maximum photochemical efficiency (F _v/F _m), actual photochemical efficiency (Φ _PSII), electron transfer efficiency (ETR), and photochemical quenching coefficient (q _P). Furthermore, both chlorophyll and Φ _PSII were positively correlated with P _n. In summary, the main reason for the abated P _n under stem canker pathogen was that B. dothidea not merely inhibited the stomatal opening, but hindered the conversion of light energy, electron transfer and light energy utilization of poplar leaves. In general, the lessened CO₂ and P _n would reduce the synthesis of photosynthetic products. Whereas, sucrose and starch accumulated in poplar leaves, which may be due to the local damage caused by B. dothidea inoculation in phloem, hindering downward transport of these products.

Interaction of elevated CO2 and form of nitrogen nutrition alters leaf abaxial and adaxial epidermal and stomatal anatomy of wheat seedlings

Plant's stomatal physiology and anatomical features are highly plastic and are influenced by diverse environmental signals including the concentration of atmospheric CO₂ and nutrient availability. Recent reports suggest that the form of nitrogen (N) is a determinant of plant growth and nutrient nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) under elevated CO₂ (EC). Previously, we found that high nitrate availability resulted in early senescence, enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production and also that mixed nutrition of nitrate and ammonium ions were beneficial than sole nitrate nutrition in wheat. In this study, the interactive effects of different N forms (nitrate, ammonium, mixed nutrition of nitrate, and ammonium) and EC on epidermal and stomatal morphology were analyzed. Wheat seedlings were grown at two different CO₂ levels and supplied with media devoid of N (N₀) or with nitrate-N (NN), mixed nutrition of ammonium and nitrate (MN), or only ammonium-N (AN). The stoma length increased significantly in nitrate nutrition with a consistent reduction in stoma width. Guard cell length was higher in EC treatment as compared to AC. The guard cell width was maximum in AN-grown plants at EC. Epidermal cell density and stomatal density were lower at EC. Nitrate nutrition increased the stomatal area at EC while the reverse was true for MN and AN. Wheat plants fertilized with AN showed a higher accumulation of superoxide radical (SOR) at EC, while in NN treatment, the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was higher at EC. Reactive oxygen species, particularly H₂O₂, can trigger mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) mediated signaling and its crosstalk with abscisic acid (ABA) signaling to regulate stomatal anatomy in nitrate-fed plants. The SOR accumulation in ammonium- and ammonium nitrate-fed plants and H₂O₂ in NN-fed plants might finely regulate the sensitivity of stomata to alter water/nutrient use efficiency and productivity under EC. The data reveals that the variation in anatomical attributes viz. cell length, number of cells, etc. affected the leaf growth responses to EC and forms of N nutrition. These attributes are fine targets for effective manipulation of growth responses to EC.

The induction of pyrenoid synthesis by hyperoxia and its implications for the natural diversity of photosynthetic responses in Chlamydomonas

In algae, it is well established that the pyrenoid, a component of the carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM), is essential for efficient photosynthesis at low CO₂. However, the signal that triggers the formation of the pyrenoid has remained elusive. Here, we show that, in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the pyrenoid is strongly induced by hyperoxia, even at high CO₂ or bicarbonate levels. These results suggest that the pyrenoid can be induced by a common product of photosynthesis specific to low CO₂ or hyperoxia. Consistent with this view, the photorespiratory by-product, H₂O₂, induced the pyrenoid, suggesting that it acts as a signal. Finally, we show evidence for linkages between genetic variations in hyperoxia tolerance, H₂O₂ signaling, and pyrenoid morphologies.

Plant and seed germination responses to global change, with a focus on CO2: A review

Earth atmospheric CO2 concentration has risen by over 35% since 1750 and is presently increasing by about 2 parts per million (ppm) every year. Due to contributions from human activity, CO2 is projected to keep rising in the predictable future and to double sometime during this century if fossil fuels burning remains. As a result, air temperature is projected to rise from 2 to 5 °C by 2100. Following this rise in CO2, some ecosystems will face challenges in the next few decades as plants will live in warmer temperatures, higher evaporating demand and widespread changes in drought lengths and severity. To yield healthy crops and forests in changing climate surroundings, it is vital to define whether elevated CO2 disturbs seed germination and plant formation, but even more, the physiological traits conferring drought tolerance. Here, we review the current understanding on the role that CO2 plays on plant growth and seed germination, as well as its impact during the exposure of abiotic stresses like drought and salinity.

Elevated CO2 concentration increases photosynthetic sensitivity to nitrogen supply of sorghum in a genotype-dependent manner

We hypothesized that elevated [CO₂] only increases sorghum photosynthesis under low nitrogen availability and evaluated whether cultivars BRS373 (grain), BRS511 (saccharine) and BRS655 (forage) differ in their sensitivity to nitrogen and [CO₂]. Plants were grown in growth chambers where air [CO₂] was 400 (a[CO₂]) or 800 (e[CO₂]) μmol CO₂ mol^-1 and supplied with nutrient solution containing 211 (HN) or 48 (LN) ppm N for 45 days. Photosynthetic traits were measured in fully expanded leaves as well as leaf nitrogen and biomass accumulation. e[CO₂] increased the sensitivity of photosynthesis to LN, with all sorghum cultivars having lower maximum Rubisco carboxylation rate, effective quantum efficiency of PSII and stomatal conductance at LN than at HN. As compared to HN, LN caused lower photosynthesis of BRS373 at a[CO₂] and lower maximum PEPC carboxylation rate at e[CO₂]. Actually, the metabolic limitation of photosynthesis by LN (L_m) was high in BRS373 at a[CO₂] and slightly reduced at e[CO₂]. On the other hand, L_m was increased in BRS511 and BRS655 at e[CO₂]. Based on photosynthesis, the grain cultivar BRS373 was the most sensitive to LN. Although the number of leaves and of tillers and the leaf area were lower at LN than at HN for BRS373 and BRS655 after 45 days of growth, shoot biomass was not significantly affected. We found significant variation in photosynthetic responses to LN and e[CO₂] among sorghum cultivars, likely associated with different patterns of nitrogen and carbon partitioning. Such findings must be considered when predicting crop performance in a changing environment.

Elevated Atmospheric CO2 Concentration Improved C4 Xero-Halophyte Kochia prostrata Physiological Performance under Saline Conditions

A significant increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration and associated climate aridization and soil salinity are factors affecting the growth, development, productivity, and stress responses of plants. In this study, the effect of ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (800 ppm) CO₂ concentrations were evaluated on the C₄ xero-halophyte Kochia prostrata treated with moderate salinity (200 mM NaCl) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress. Our results indicated that plants grown at elevated CO₂ concentration had different responses to osmotic stress and salinity. The synergistic effect of elevated CO₂ and osmotic stress increased proline accumulation, but elevated CO₂ did not mitigate the negative effects of osmotic stress on dark respiration intensity and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency. This indicates a stressful state, which is accompanied by a decrease in the efficiency of light reactions of photosynthesis and significant dissipative respiratory losses, thereby resulting in growth inhibition. Plants grown at elevated CO₂ concentration and salinity showed high Na⁺ and proline contents, high water-use efficiency and time required to reach the maximum P700 oxidation level (PSI), and low dark respiration. Maintaining stable water balance, the efficient functioning of cyclic transport of PSI, and the reduction of dissipation costs contributed to an increase in dry shoot biomass (2-fold, compared with salinity at 400 ppm CO₂). The obtained experimental data and PCA showed that elevated CO₂ concentration improved the physiological parameters of K. prostrata under salinity.

Planting models and mulching material strategies to reduce bundle sheath cell leakage and improve photosynthetic capacity and maize production in semi-arid climate

Better understanding of soil water storage and photosynthetic regulation of maize production will be useful to develop a water-saving strategy in rain-fed conditions. Therefore, maize crop was grown under the different cultivation practices for analyzed light and CO₂-response curves under various mulching strategies during 2017-2018 years. Six different treatments were used such as the following: PP, ridges and furrows zone covered with plastic film mulching; PS, ridges covered with plastic film and furrows zone with stalk mulching; PN, ridges covered with plastic film and furrows zone without mulching; TP, conventional flat planting with plastic film mulching; TS, conventional flat planting with stalk mulching; and TN, conventional flat planting without mulching. The PP treatment had considerable effects on rainwater collection, improved SWS, and maize productivity than that of TP treatment. Significantly increase of SWS was observed under the PP treatment as a result photosynthetic capacity (A_n) improved under light and CO₂-response curves, apparent quantum efficiency (α), respiration rate, total chlorophyll ab content, and ¹³C-photosynthates distribution in different organs. Under the PP and TP treatments, the maize might keep a great photosynthetic capacity at the post-flowering stage through improving A_n, LAI, soluble protein, Rubisco contents, and grain yield. The CO₂ and light-response curves were significantly enhanced at the PP treatment due to higher ¹³C carbon isotope (Δ‰) and Ci/Ca as a result lower bundle sheath to leakiness of CO₂ (ɸ) compared with the rest of all treatments. The results suggested that PP cultivation practice was the best water-saving strategy because it reduced bundle sheath leakiness to CO₂ (ɸ); as a result there's a significant improvement in soil water storage, LAI, ¹³C-photosynthates distribution, photosynthetic capacity parameters, and maize production.

Responses of Leaf Anatomy and CO2 Concentrating Mechanisms of the Aquatic Plant Ottelia cordata to Variable CO2

Acclimation to variable CO₂ was studied in floating leaves of the freshwater monocot Ottelia cordata grown in either low or high CO₂. The most striking anatomical variations responding to high CO₂ included the enlarged upper epidermal cells and the decreased area of epidermal chloroplasts. Stomata that distributed on the upper surface, and the stomatic chamber area, showed no significant response to high CO₂. pH-drift experiments indicated that floating leaves of O. cordata were able to use bicarbonate regardless of CO₂ concentrations. Photosynthetic enzyme activities and patterns of organic acids fluctuation confirmed that floating leaves of O. cordata can operate CAM only at low CO₂, and perform C₄-like metabolism at both high and low CO₂. Overall, the present results imply that the floating leaves of O. cordata does not just rely on the atmospheric CO₂ for its inorganic carbon, but is also dependent on CO₂ and bicarbonate in the water. By showing these effects of CO₂ variation, we highlight the need for further experimental studies on the regulatory mechanisms in O. cordata floating leaves, that prevent futile cycling among the three CO₂ concentrating mechanisms (bicarbonate use, C₄, and CAM metabolism) and the strategy for exploiting atmospheric CO₂, as well as studies on the detailed biochemical pathway for C₄ and CAM metabolism in this species.

The sucrose-to-malate ratio correlates with the faster CO2 and light stomatal responses of angiosperms compared to ferns

Stomatal responses to environmental signals differ substantially between ferns and angiosperms. However, the mechanisms that lead to such different responses remain unclear. Here we investigated the extent to which leaf metabolism contributes to coordinate the differential stomatal behaviour among ferns and angiosperms. Stomata from all species were responsive to light and CO₂ transitions. However, fern stomatal responses were slower and minor in both absolute and relative terms. Angiosperms have higher stomatal density, but this is not correlated with speed of stomatal closure. The metabolic responses throughout the diel course and under different CO₂ conditions differ substantially among ferns and angiosperms. Higher sucrose content and an increased sucrose-to-malate ratio during high CO₂ -induced stomatal closure was observed in angiosperms compared to ferns. Furthermore, the speed of stomatal closure was positively and negatively correlated with sugars and organic acids, respectively, suggesting that the balance between sugars and organic acids aids in explaining the faster stomatal responses of angiosperms. Our results suggest that mesophyll-derived metabolic signals, especially those associated with sucrose and malate, may also be important to modulate the differential stomatal behaviour between ferns and angiosperms, providing important new information that helps in understanding the metabolism-mediated mechanisms regulating stomatal movements across land plant evolution.

Mitigation of drought-induced oxidative damage by enhanced carbon assimilation and an efficient antioxidative metabolism under high CO2 environment in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)

In the current study, pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.), a promising legume food crop was assessed for its photosynthetic physiology, antioxidative system as well as C and N metabolism under elevated CO₂ and combined drought stress (DS). Pigeonpea was grown in open top chambers under elevated CO₂ (600 µmol mol^-1) and ambient CO₂ (390 ± 20 µmol mol^-1) concentrations, later subjected to DS by complete water withholding. The DS plants were re-watered and recovered (R) to gain normal physiological growth and assessed the recoverable capacity in both elevated and ambient CO₂ concentrations. The elevated CO₂ grown pigeonpea showed greater gas exchange physiology, nodule mass and total dry biomass over ambient CO₂ grown plants under well-watered (WW) and DS conditions albeit a decrease in leaf relative water content (LRWC). Glucose, fructose and sucrose levels were measured to understand the role of hexose to sucrose ratios (H:S) in mediating the drought responses. Free amino acid levels as indicative of N assimilation provided insights into C and N balance under DS and CO₂ interactions. The enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants showed significant upregulation in elevated CO₂ grown plants under DS thereby protecting the plant from oxidative damage caused by the reactive oxygen species. Our results clearly demonstrated the protective role of elevated CO₂ under DS at lower LRWC and gained comparative advantage of mitigating the DS-induced damage over ambient CO₂ grown pigeonpea.

Effects of water deficit stress on agronomic and physiological responses of rice and greenhouse gas emission from rice soil under elevated atmospheric CO2

Rice is the foremost staple food in the world, safeguarding the global food and nutritional security. Rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water deficits are threatening global rice productivity and sustainability. Under real field conditions these climatic factors often interact with each other resulting in impacts that are remarkably different compared to individual factor exposure. Rice soils exposed to drought and elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) alters the biomass, diversity and activity of soil microorganisms affecting greenhouse gas (GHG) emission dynamics. In this review we have discussed the impacts of eCO₂ and water deficit on agronomic, biochemical and physiological responses of rice and GHGs emissions from rice soils. Drought usually results in oxidative stress due to stomatal closure, dry weight reduction, formation of reactive oxygen species, decrease in relative water content and increase in electrolyte leakage at almost all growth and developmental phases of rice. Elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration reduces the negative effects of drought by improving plant water relations, reducing stomatal opening, decreasing transpiration, increasing canopy photosynthesis, shortening crop growth period and increasing the antioxidant metabolite activities in rice. Increased scientific understanding of the effects of drought and eCO₂ on rice agronomy, physiology and GHG emission dynamics of rice soil is essential for devising adaptation options. Integration of novel agronomic practices viz., crop establishment methods and alternate cropping systems with improved water and nutrient management are important steps to help rice farmers cope with drought and eCO₂. The review summarizes future research needs for ensuring sustained global food security under future warmer, drier and high CO₂ conditions.

The imbalance between C and N metabolism during high nitrate supply inhibits photosynthesis and overall growth in maize (Zea mays L.)

Nitrogen (N) is an important regulator of photosynthetic carbon (C) flow in plants, and an adequate balance between N and C metabolism is needed for correct plant development. However, an excessive N supply can alter this balance and cause changes in specific organic compounds associated with primary and secondary metabolism, including plant growth regulators. In previous work, we observed that high nitrate supply (15 mM) to maize plants led to a decrease in leaf expansion and overall biomass production, when compared with low nitrate supply (5 mM). Thus, the aim of this work is to study how overdoses of nitrate can affect photosynthesis and plant development. The results show that high nitrate doses greatly increased amino acid production, which led to a decrease in the concentration of 2-oxoglutarate, the main source of C skeletons for N assimilation. The concentration of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (and possibly its product, ethylene) also rose in high nitrate plants, leading to a decrease in leaf expansion, reducing the demand for photoassimilates by the growing tissues and causing the accumulation of sugars in source leaves. This accumulation of sugars, together with the decrease in 2-oxoglutarate levels and the reduction in chlorophyll concentration, decreased plant photosynthetic rates. This work provides new insights into how high nitrate concentration alters the balance between C and N metabolism, reducing photosynthetic rates and disrupting whole plant development. These findings are particularly relevant since negative effects of nitrate in contexts other than root growth have rarely been studied.

Molecular insights into photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in Jatropha curcas grown under elevated CO2 using transcriptome sequencing and assembly

Jatropha curcas L. (Family - Euphorbiaceae) is a perennial tree of special interest due to its potential as a biofuel plant with high carbon sequestration. In this study, physiological investigations coupled with transcriptomics in relation to photosynthesis were evaluated in Jatropha grown under ambient (395 ppm) and elevated (550 ppm) CO2 atmosphere. Morphophysiological analysis revealed that Jatropha sustained enhanced photosynthesis during its growth under elevated CO2 for one year which might be linked to improved CO2 assimilation physiology and enhanced sink activity. We sequenced and analyzed the leaf transcriptome of Jatropha after one year of growth in both conditions using Illumina HiSeq platform. After optimized assembly, a total of 69,581 unigenes were generated. The differential gene expression (DGE) analysis revealed 3013 transcripts differentially regulated in elevated CO2 conditions. The photosynthesis regulatory genes were analysed for temporal expression patterns at four different growth phases which highlighted probable events contributing to enhanced growth and photosynthetic capacity including increased reducing power, starch synthesis and sucrose mobilization under elevated CO2. Overall, our data on physiological and transcriptomic analyses suggest an optimal resource allocation to the available and developing sink organs thereby sustaining improved photosynthetic rates during long-term growth of Jatropha under CO2 enriched environment.

Bundle-sheath leakiness and intrinsic water use efficiency of a perennial C4 grass are increased at high vapour pressure deficit during growth

Bundle-sheath leakiness (ϕ) is a key parameter of the CO2-concentrating mechanism of C4 photosynthesis and is related to leaf-level intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi). This work studied short-term dynamic responses of ϕ to alterations of atmospheric CO2 concentration in Cleistogenes squarrosa, a perennial grass, grown at high (1.6 kPa) or low (0.6 kPa) vapour pressure deficit (VPD) combined with high or low N supply in controlled environment experiments. ϕ was determined by concurrent measurements of photosynthetic gas exchange and on-line carbon isotope discrimination, using a new protocol. Growth at high VPD led to an increase of ϕ by 0.13 and a concurrent increase of WUEi by 14%, with similar effects at both N levels. ϕ responded dynamically to intercellular CO2 concentration (C i), increasing with C i Across treatments, ϕ was negatively correlated to the ratio of CO2 saturated assimilation rate to carboxylation efficiency (a proxy of the relative activities of Rubisco and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase) indicating that the long-term environmental effect on ϕ was related to the balance between C3 and C4 cycles. Our study revealed considerable dynamic and long-term variation in ϕ of C. squarrosa, suggesting that ϕ should be determined when carbon isotope discrimination is used to assess WUEi Also, the data indicate a trade-off between WUEi and energetic efficiency in C. squarrosa.

Impact of anatomical traits of maize (Zea mays L.) leaf as affected by nitrogen supply and leaf age on bundle sheath conductance

The mechanism of photosynthesis in C₄ crops depends on the archetypal Kranz-anatomy. To examine how the leaf anatomy, as altered by nitrogen supply and leaf age, affects the bundle sheath conductance (g_bs), maize (Zea mays L.) plants were grown under three contrasting nitrogen levels. Combined gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were done on fully grown leaves at two leaf ages. The measured data were analysed using a biochemical model of C₄ photosynthesis to estimate g_bs. The leaf microstructure and ultrastructure were quantified using images obtained from micro-computed tomography and microscopy. There was a strong positive correlation between g_bs and leaf nitrogen content (LNC) while old leaves had lower g_bs than young leaves. Leaf thickness, bundle sheath cell wall thickness and surface area of bundle sheath cells per unit leaf area (S_b) correlated well with g_bs although they were not significantly affected by LNC. As a result, the increase of g_bs with LNC was little explained by the alteration of leaf anatomy. In contrast, the combined effect of LNC and leaf age on S_b was responsible for differences in g_bs between young leaves and old leaves. Future investigations should consider changes at the level of plasmodesmata and membranes along the CO₂ leakage pathway to unravel LNC and age effects further.

Growth Properties and Biomass Production in the Hybrid C4 Crop Sorghum bicolor

Hybrid vigor (heterosis) has been used as a breeding technique for crop improvement to achieve enhanced biomass production, but the physiological mechanisms underlying heterosis remain poorly understood. In this study, to find a clue to the enhancement of biomass production by heterosis, we systemically evaluated the effect of heterosis on the growth rate and photosynthetic efficiency in sorghum hybrid [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench cv. Tentaka] and its parental lines (restorer line and maintainer line). The final biomass of Tentaka was 10-14 times greater than that of the parental lines grown in an experimental field, but the relative growth rate during the vegetative growth stage did not differ. Tentaka exhibited a relatively enlarged leaf area with lower leaf nitrogen content per leaf area (Narea). When the plants were grown hydroponically at different N levels, daily CO2 assimilation per leaf area (A) increased with Narea, and the ratio of A to Narea (N-use efficiency) was higher in the plants grown at low N levels but not different between Tentaka and the parental lines. The relationships between the CO2 assimilation rate, the amounts of photosynthetic enzymes, including ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and pyruvate phosphate dikinase, Chl and Narea did not differ between Tentaka and the parental lines. Thus, Tentaka tended to exhibit enlargement of leaf area with lower N content, leading to a higher N-use efficiency for CO2 assimilation, but the photosynthetic properties did not differ. The greater biomass in Tentaka was mainly due to the prolonged vegetative growth period.

Leaf Dynamics of Panicum maximum under Future Climatic Changes

Panicum maximum Jacq. ‘Mombaça’ (C4) was grown in field conditions with sufficient water and nutrients to examine the effects of warming and elevated CO₂ concentrations during the winter. Plants were exposed to either the ambient temperature and regular atmospheric CO₂ (Control); elevated CO₂ (600 ppm, eC); canopy warming (+2°C above regular canopy temperature, eT); or elevated CO₂ and canopy warming (eC+eT). The temperatures and CO₂ in the field were controlled by temperature free-air controlled enhancement (T-FACE) and mini free-air CO₂ enrichment (miniFACE) facilities. The most green, expanding, and expanded leaves and the highest leaf appearance rate (LAR, leaves day^-1) and leaf elongation rate (LER, cm day^-1) were observed under eT. Leaf area and leaf biomass were higher in the eT and eC+eT treatments. The higher LER and LAR without significant differences in the number of senescent leaves could explain why tillers had higher foliage area and leaf biomass in the eT treatment. The eC treatment had the lowest LER and the fewest expanded and green leaves, similar to Control. The inhibitory effect of eC on foliage development in winter was indicated by the fewer green, expanded, and expanding leaves under eC+eT than eT. The stimulatory and inhibitory effects of the eT and eC treatments, respectively, on foliage raised and lowered, respectively, the foliar nitrogen concentration. The inhibition of foliage by eC was confirmed by the eC treatment having the lowest leaf/stem biomass ratio and by the change in leaf biomass-area relationships from linear or exponential growth to rectangular hyperbolic growth under eC. Besides, eC+eT had a synergist effect, speeding up leaf maturation. Therefore, with sufficient water and nutrients in winter, the inhibitory effect of elevated CO₂ on foliage could be partially offset by elevated temperatures and relatively high P. maximum foliage production could be achieved under future climatic change.

A field experiment with elevated atmospheric CO2-mediated changes to C4 crop-herbivore interactions

The effects of elevated CO₂ (E-CO₂) on maize and Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis, in open-top chambers were studied. The plants were infested with ACB and exposed to ambient and elevated (550 and 750 μl/l) CO₂. E-CO₂ increased the plant height and kernel number per ear. The plants had lower nitrogen contents and higher TNC: N ratios under E-CO₂ than at ambient CO₂. The response of plant height to E-CO₂ was significantly dampened in plants with ACB infestation. However, the weight gain of the survivors declined in plants grown under E-CO₂. Moreover, the plant damage caused by ACB was not different among the treatments. Overwintering larvae developed under E-CO₂ had a lower supercooling point than those developed under ambient CO₂. The results indicated that there was a positive effect of E-CO₂ on the accumulation of maize biomass, i.e., the “air-fertilizer” effect, which led to a nutritional deficiency in the plants. The fitness-related parameters of ACB were adversely affected by the CO₂-mediated decreased in plant nutritional quality, and ACB might alter its food consumption to compensate for these changes. Larval damage to maize under E-CO₂ appears to be offset by this “air-fertilizer” effect, with reductions in larval fitness.

Interactive effects of elevated CO2 and precipitation change on leaf nitrogen of dominant Stipa L. species

Nitrogen (N) serves as an important mineral element affecting plant productivity and nutritional quality. However, few studies have addressed the interactive effects of elevated CO2 and precipitation change on leaf N of dominant grassland genera such as Stipa L. This has restricted our understanding of the responses of grassland to climate change. We simulated the interactive effects of elevated CO2 concentration and varied precipitation on leaf N concentration (Nmass) of four Stipa species (Stipa baicalensis, Stipa bungeana, Stipa grandis, and Stipa breviflora; the most dominant species in arid and semiarid grassland) using open-top chambers (OTCs). The relationship between the Nmass of these four Stipa species and precipitation well fits a logarithmic function. The sensitivity of these four species to precipitation change was ranked as follows: S. bungeana > S. breviflora > S. baicalensis > S. grandis. The Nmass of S. bungeana was the most sensitive to precipitation change, while S. grandis was the least sensitive among these Stipa species. Elevated CO2 exacerbated the effect of precipitation on Nmass. Nmass decreased under elevated CO2 due to growth dilution and a direct negative effect on N assimilation. Elevated CO2 reduced Nmass only in a certain precipitation range for S. baicalensis (163-343 mm), S. bungeana (164-355 mm), S. grandis (148-286 mm), and S. breviflora (130-316 mm); severe drought or excessive rainfall would be expected to result in a reduced impact of elevated CO2. Elevated CO2 affected the Nmass of S. grandis only in a narrow precipitation range. The effect of elevated CO2 reached a maximum when the amount of precipitation was 253, 260, 217, and 222 mm for S. baicalensis, S. bungeana, S. grandis, and S. breviflora, respectively. The Nmass of S. grandis was the least sensitive to elevated CO2. The Nmass of S. breviflora was more sensitive to elevated CO2 under a drought condition compared with the other Stipa species.

Large-scale plant growth chamber design for elevated pCO2 and δ13C studies

RATIONALE

Throughout at least the next century, CO(2) fertilization and environmental stresses (e.g. nutrient, moisture, insect herbivory) are predicted to affect yields of economically important crop species. Stable isotopes of carbon are used to study plant stresses, which affect yields, but a growth chamber design that can be used to isolate the effects of environmental stresses on crop-sized species through precise maintenance of pCO(2) levels and the δ(13)C values of atmospheric CO(2) (δ(13) C(CO2)) is lacking.

METHODS

We designed and built low-cost plant growth chambers for growing staple crop species under precise pCO(2) and δ(13) C(CO2) conditions. Over the course of 14 hours, we assessed for pCO(2) stability at two targeted levels (ambient, ~400 ppm; and 2×, ~800 ppm) and measured the δ(13) C(CO2) value within the two chambers using a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer. We also compared the temperature and relative humidity conditions within the two growth chambers, and in the ambient, outside air.

RESULTS

Across our experimental period, we achieved δ(13) C(CO2) stability (ambient: -8.05 ± 0.17‰; elevated: -12.99 ± 0.29‰) that showed nearly half the variability of any previously reported values for other chamber designs. The stability of the pCO(2) conditions (ambient: 406 ± 3 ppm; elevated: 793 ± 54 ppm) was comparable with that in previous studies, but our design provided ~8 times more growing space than previous chamber designs. We also measured nearly identical temperature and relative humidity conditions for the two chambers throughout the experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our growth chamber design marks a significant improvement in our ability to test for plant stress across a range of future pCO(2) scenarios. Through significant improvement in δ(13) C(CO2) stability and increased chamber size, small changes in carbon isotope fractionation can be used to assess stress in crop species under specific environmental (temperature, relative humidity, pCO(2)) conditions.

A photorespiratory bypass increases plant growth and seed yield in biofuel crop Camelina sativa

BACKGROUND

Camelina sativa is an oilseed crop with great potential for biofuel production on marginal land. The seed oil from camelina has been converted to jet fuel and improved fuel efficiency in commercial and military test flights. Hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel from camelina is environmentally superior to that from canola due to lower agricultural inputs, and the seed meal is FDA approved for animal consumption. However, relatively low yield makes its farming less profitable. Our study is aimed at increasing camelina seed yield by reducing carbon loss from photorespiration via a photorespiratory bypass. Genes encoding three enzymes of the Escherichia coli glycolate catabolic pathway were introduced: glycolate dehydrogenase (GDH), glyoxylate carboxyligase (GCL) and tartronic semialdehyde reductase (TSR). These enzymes compete for the photorespiratory substrate, glycolate, convert it to glycerate within the chloroplasts, and reduce photorespiration. As a by-product of the reaction, CO2 is released in the chloroplast, which increases photosynthesis. Camelina plants were transformed with either partial bypass (GDH), or full bypass (GDH, GCL and TSR) genes. Transgenic plants were evaluated for physiological and metabolic traits.

RESULTS

Expressing the photorespiratory bypass genes in camelina reduced photorespiration and increased photosynthesis in both partial and full bypass expressing lines. Expression of partial bypass increased seed yield by 50-57 %, while expression of full bypass increased seed yield by 57-73 %, with no loss in seed quality. The transgenic plants also showed increased vegetative biomass and faster development; they flowered, set seed and reached seed maturity about 1 week earlier than WT. At the transcriptional level, transgenic plants showed differential expression in categories such as respiration, amino acid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism. The increased growth of the bypass transgenics compared to WT was only observed in ambient or low CO2 conditions, but not in elevated CO2 conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The photorespiratory bypass is an effective approach to increase photosynthetic productivity in camelina. By reducing photorespiratory losses and increasing photosynthetic CO2 fixation rates, transgenic plants show dramatic increases in seed yield. Because photorespiration causes losses in productivity of most C3 plants, the bypass approach may have significant impact on increasing agricultural productivity for C3 crops.

A photorespiratory bypass increases plant growth and seed yield in biofuel crop Camelina sativa

BACKGROUND

Camelina sativa is an oilseed crop with great potential for biofuel production on marginal land. The seed oil from camelina has been converted to jet fuel and improved fuel efficiency in commercial and military test flights. Hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel from camelina is environmentally superior to that from canola due to lower agricultural inputs, and the seed meal is FDA approved for animal consumption. However, relatively low yield makes its farming less profitable. Our study is aimed at increasing camelina seed yield by reducing carbon loss from photorespiration via a photorespiratory bypass. Genes encoding three enzymes of the Escherichia coli glycolate catabolic pathway were introduced: glycolate dehydrogenase (GDH), glyoxylate carboxyligase (GCL) and tartronic semialdehyde reductase (TSR). These enzymes compete for the photorespiratory substrate, glycolate, convert it to glycerate within the chloroplasts, and reduce photorespiration. As a by-product of the reaction, CO2 is released in the chloroplast, which increases photosynthesis. Camelina plants were transformed with either partial bypass (GDH), or full bypass (GDH, GCL and TSR) genes. Transgenic plants were evaluated for physiological and metabolic traits.

RESULTS

Expressing the photorespiratory bypass genes in camelina reduced photorespiration and increased photosynthesis in both partial and full bypass expressing lines. Expression of partial bypass increased seed yield by 50-57 %, while expression of full bypass increased seed yield by 57-73 %, with no loss in seed quality. The transgenic plants also showed increased vegetative biomass and faster development; they flowered, set seed and reached seed maturity about 1 week earlier than WT. At the transcriptional level, transgenic plants showed differential expression in categories such as respiration, amino acid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism. The increased growth of the bypass transgenics compared to WT was only observed in ambient or low CO2 conditions, but not in elevated CO2 conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The photorespiratory bypass is an effective approach to increase photosynthetic productivity in camelina. By reducing photorespiratory losses and increasing photosynthetic CO2 fixation rates, transgenic plants show dramatic increases in seed yield. Because photorespiration causes losses in productivity of most C3 plants, the bypass approach may have significant impact on increasing agricultural productivity for C3 crops.

How do leaf anatomies and photosynthesis of three Rhododendron species relate to their natural environments?

BACKGROUND

Rhododendron is one of the most well-known alpine flowers. In order to identify performances relating to Rhododendron's natural habitats we investigated the leaf anatomical structures and photosynthetic characteristics of R. yunnanense, R. irroratum and R. delavayi, which showed different responses after being transplanted into a common environment.

RESULTS

When compared with R. irroratum and R. delavayi, R. yunnanense had lower leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA) and larger stomata, but smaller stomatal density (SD) and total stomata apparatus area percent (At), lower stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), light compensation point (LCP), light saturation point (LSP), light-saturated photosynthetic rate (Amax) and leaf nitrogen content per unit area (Na). LMA was positively correlated with Amax and maximum rates of carboxylation (Vcmax). However, leaf N content was not significantly correlated with Amax. Thus, the variation in leaf photosynthesis among species was regulated largely by changes in LMA, rather than the concent of nitrogen in leaf tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

R. yunnanense plants are vulnerable to moisture and light stress, while R. irroratum and R. delavayi are better suited to dry and high radiation environments. The present results contribute to our understanding physiological trait divergence in Rhododendron, as well benefit introduction and domestication efforts for the three species of Rhododendron studied in this work.

Morphological and photosynthetic response to high and low irradiance of Aeschynanthus longicaulis

Aeschynanthus longicaulis plants are understory plants in the forest, adapting to low light conditions in their native habitats. To observe the effects of the high irradiance on growth and physiology, plants were grown under two different light levels, PPFD 650 μmol·m(-2) ·s(-1) and 150 μmol·m(-2) ·s(-1) for 6 months. Plants under high irradiance had significantly thicker leaves with smaller leaf area, length, width, and perimeter compared to the plants grown under low irradiance. Under high irradiance, the leaf color turned yellowish and the total chlorophyll decreased from 5.081 mg·dm(-2) to 3.367 mg·dm(-2). The anthocyanin content of high irradiance leaves was double that of those under low irradiance. The plants under high irradiance had significantly lower Amax (5.69 μmol·m(-2) ·s(-1)) and LSP (367 μmol·m(-2) ·s(-1)) and higher LCP (21.9 μmol·m(-2) ·s(-1)). The chlorophyll fluorescence parameter F v /F m was significantly lower and NPQ was significantly higher in high irradiance plants. RLCs showed significantly lower ETRmax and E k in plants under high irradiance. It can be concluded that the maximum PPFD of 650 μmol·m(-2) ·s(-1) led to significant light stress and photoinhibition of A. longicaulis.

Trade-offs between light interception and leaf water shedding: a comparison of shade- and sun-adapted species in a subtropical rainforest

Species in high-rainfall regions have two major alternative approaches to quickly drain off water, i.e., increasing leaf inclination angles relative to the horizontal plane, or developing long leaf drip tips. We hypothesized that shade-adapted species will have more pronounced leaf drip tips but not greater inclination angles (which can reduce the ability to intercept light) compared to sun-adapted species and that length of leaf drip tips will be negatively correlated with photosynthetic capacity [characterized by light-saturated net photosynthetic rates (Amax), associated light compensation points (LCP), and light saturation points (LSP)]. We tested this hypothesis by measuring morphological and physiological traits that are associated with light-interception and water shedding for seven shade-adapted shrub species, ten sun-adapted understory shrub species, and 15 sun-adapted tree species in a subtropical Chinese rainforest, where mean annual precipitation is around 1,600 mm. Shade-adapted understory species had lower LMA, Amax, LSP, and LCP compared to understory or canopy sun-adapted species; their leaf and twig inclination angles were significantly smaller and leaf drip tips were significantly longer than those in sun-adapted species. This suggests that shade-adapted understory species tend to develop pronounced leaf drip tips but not large leaf inclination angles to shed water. The length of leaf drip tips was negatively correlated with leaf inclination angles and photosynthetic capacity. These relationships were consistent between ordinary regression and phylogenetic generalized least squares analyses. Our study illustrates the trade-offs between light interception and leaf water shedding and indicates that length of leaf drip tips can be used as an indicator of adaptation to shady conditions and overall photosynthetic performance of shrub species in subtropical rainforests.

Within-twig leaf distribution patterns differ among plant life-forms in a subtropical Chinese forest

In theory, plants can alter the distribution of leaves along the lengths of their twigs (i.e., within-twig leaf distribution patterns) to optimize light interception in the context of the architectures of their leaves, branches and canopies. We hypothesized that (i) among canopy tree species sharing similar light environments, deciduous trees will have more evenly spaced within-twig leaf distribution patterns compared with evergreen trees (because deciduous species tend to higher metabolic demands than evergreen species and hence require more light), and that (ii) shade-adapted evergreen species will have more evenly spaced patterns compared with sun-adapted evergreen ones (because shade-adapted species are generally light-limited). We tested these hypotheses by measuring morphological traits (i.e., internode length, leaf area, lamina mass per area, LMA; and leaf and twig inclination angles to the horizontal) and physiological traits (i.e., light-saturated net photosynthetic rates, Amax; light saturation points, LSP; and light compensation points, LCP), and calculated the 'evenness' of within-twig leaf distribution patterns as the coefficient of variation (CV; the higher the CV, the less evenly spaced leaves) of within-twig internode length for 9 deciduous canopy tree species, 15 evergreen canopy tree species, 8 shade-adapted evergreen shrub species and 12 sun-adapted evergreen shrub species in a subtropical broad-leaved rainforest in eastern China. Coefficient of variation was positively correlated with large LMA and large leaf and twig inclination angles, which collectively specify a typical trait combination adaptive to low light interception, as indicated by both ordinary regression and phylogenetic generalized least squares analyses. These relationships were also valid within the evergreen tree species group (which had the largest sample size). Consistent with our hypothesis, in the canopy layer, deciduous species (which were characterized by high LCP, LSP and Amax) had more even leaf distribution patterns than evergreen species (which had low LCP, LSP and Amax); shade-adapted evergreen species had more even leaf distribution patterns than sun-adapted evergreen species. We propose that the leaf distribution pattern (i.e., 'evenness' CV, which is an easily measured functional trait) can be used to distinguish among life-forms in communities similar to the one examined in this study.

Alternate partial root-zone irrigation reduces bundle-sheath cell leakage to CO2 and enhances photosynthetic capacity in maize leaves

The physiological basis for the advantage of alternate partial root-zone irrigation (PRI) over common deficit irrigation (DI) in improving crop water use efficiency (WUE) remains largely elusive. Here leaf gas exchange characteristics and photosynthetic CO(2)-response and light-response curves for maize (Zea mays L.) leaves exposed to PRI and DI were analysed under three N-fertilization rates, namely 75, 150, and 300 mg N kg(-1) soil. Measurements of net photosynthetic rate (A(n)) and stomatal conductance (g(s)) showed that, across the three N-fertilization rates, the intrinsic WUE was significantly higher in PRI than in DI leaves. Analysis of the CO(2)-response curve revealed that both carboxylation efficiency (CE) and the CO(2)-saturated photosynthetic rate (A(sat)) were significantly higher in PRI than in DI leaves across the three N-fertilization rates; whereas the N-fertilization rates did not influence the shape of the curves. The enhanced CE and A(sat) in the PRI leaves was accompanied by significant decreases in carbon isotope discrimination (Δ(13)C) and bundle-sheath cell leakiness to CO(2) (Φ). Analysis of the light-response curve indicated that, across the three N-fertilization rates, the quantum yield (α) and light-saturated gross photosynthetic rate (A(max)) were identical for the two irrigation treatments; whilst the convexity (κ) of the curve was significantly greater in PRI than in DI leaves, which coincided with the greater CE and A(sat) derived from the CO(2)-response curve at a photosynthetic photon flux density of 1500 μmol m(-2) s(-1). Collectively, the results suggest that, in comparison with the DI treatment, PRI improves photosynthetic capacity parameters CE, A(sat), and κ of maize leaves and that contributes to the greater intrinsic WUE in those plants.

Impairment of C(4) photosynthesis by drought is exacerbated by limiting nitrogen and ameliorated by elevated [CO(2)] in maize

Predictions of future ecosystem function and food supply from staple C(4) crops, such as maize, depend on elucidation of the mechanisms by which environmental change and growing conditions interact to determine future plant performance. To test the interactive effects of elevated [CO(2)], drought, and nitrogen (N) supply on net photosynthetic CO(2) uptake (A) in the world's most important C(4) crop, maize (Zea mays) was grown at ambient [CO(2)] (∼385 ppm) and elevated [CO(2)] (550 ppm) with either high N supply (168 kg N ha(-1) fertilizer) or limiting N (no fertilizer) at a site in the US Corn Belt. A mid-season drought was not sufficiently severe to reduce yields, but caused significant physiological stress, with reductions in stomatal conductance (up to 57%), A (up to 44%), and the in vivo capacity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (up to 58%). There was no stimulation of A by elevated [CO(2)] when water availability was high, irrespective of N availability. Elevated [CO(2)] delayed and relieved both stomatal and non-stomatal limitations to A during the drought. Limiting N supply exacerbated stomatal and non-stomatal limitation to A during drought. However, the effects of limiting N and elevated [CO(2)] were additive, so amelioration of stress by elevated [CO(2)] did not differ in magnitude between high N and limiting N supply. These findings provide new understanding of the limitations to C(4) photosynthesis that will occur under future field conditions of the primary region of maize production in the world.

[Permissive and non-permissive hypercapnia: mechanisms of action and consequences of high carbon dioxide levels]

Acute lung injury is a disease with high incidence of mortality and its treatment is still controversial. Increasing the levels of CO2 beyond the physiological range has been proposed as a potential protective strategy for patients on mechanical ventilation, as it could moderate the inflammatory response. In this article we review the published evidence on the role of CO2 during acute lung injury. We conclude that although there are reports suggesting benefits from hypercapnia, more recent evidence suggests that hypercapnia could be deleterious, contributing to worsening of the lung injury.

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and the future of C4 crops for food and fuel

Crops with the C(4) photosynthetic pathway are vital to global food supply, particularly in the tropical regions where human well-being and agricultural productivity are most closely linked. While rising atmospheric [CO(2)] is the driving force behind the greater temperatures and water stress, which threaten to reduce future crop yields, it also has the potential to directly benefit crop physiology. The nature of C(4) plant responses to elevated [CO(2)] has been controversial. Recent evidence from free-air CO(2) enrichment (FACE) experiments suggests that elevated [CO(2)] does not directly stimulate C(4) photosynthesis. Nonetheless, drought stress can be ameliorated at elevated [CO(2)] as a result of lower stomatal conductance and greater intercellular [CO(2)]. Therefore, unlike C(3) crops for which there is a direct enhancement of photosynthesis by elevated [CO(2)], C(4) crops will only benefit from elevated [CO(2)] in times and places of drought stress. Current projections of future crop yields have assumed that rising [CO(2)] will directly enhance photosynthesis in all situations and, therefore, are likely to be overly optimistic. Additional experiments are needed to evaluate the extent to which amelioration of drought stress by elevated [CO(2)] will improve C(4) crop yields for food and fuel over the range of C(4) crop growing conditions and genotypes.

Growth at elevated CO(2) delays the adverse effects of drought stress on leaf photosynthesis of the C(4) sugarcane

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L. cv. CP72-2086) was grown in sunlit greenhouses at daytime [CO(2)] of 360 (ambient) and 720 (elevated)mumolmol(-1). Drought stress was imposed for 13d when plants were 4 months old, and various photosynthetic parameters and levels of nonstructural carbohydrates were determined for uppermost fully expanded leaves of well-watered (control) and drought stress plants. Control plants at elevated [CO(2)] were 34% and 25% lower in leaf stomatal conductance (g(s)) and transpiration rate (E) and 35% greater in leaf water-use efficiency (WUE) than their counterparts at ambient [CO(2)]. Leaf CO(2) exchange rate (CER) and activities of Rubisco, NADP-malate dehydrogenase, NADP-malic enzyme and pyruvate P(i) dikinase were marginally affected by elevated [CO(2)], but were reduced by drought, whereas activity of PEP carboxylase was reduced by elevated [CO(2)], but not by drought. At severe drought developed at day 12, leaf g(s) and WUE of ambient-[CO(2)] stress plants declined to 5% and 7%, while elevated-[CO(2)] stress plants still maintained g(s) and WUE at 20% and 74% of their controls. In control plants, elevated [CO(2)] did not enhance the midday levels of starch, sucrose, or reducing sugars. For both ambient- and elevated-[CO(2)] stress plants, severe drought did not affect the midday level of sucrose but substantially reduced that of starch. Nighttime starch decomposition in control plants was 55% for ambient [CO(2)] and 59% for elevated [CO(2)], but was negligible for stress plants of both [CO(2)] treatments. For both ambient-[CO(2)] control and stress plants, midday sucrose level at day 12 was similar to the predawn value at day 13. In contrast, sucrose levels of elevated-[CO(2)] control and stress plants at predawn of day 13 were 61-65% of the midday values of day 12. Levels of reducing sugars were much greater for both ambient- and elevated-[CO(2)] stress plants, implying an adaptation to drought stress. Sugarcane grown at elevated [CO(2)] had lower leaf g(s) and E and greater leaf WUE, which helped to delay the adverse effects of drought and, thus, allowed the stress plants to continue photosynthesis for at least an extra day during episodic drought cycles.

Photorespiratory metabolism: genes, mutants, energetics, and redox signaling

Photorespiration is a high-flux pathway that operates alongside carbon assimilation in C(3) plants. Because most higher plant species photosynthesize using only the C(3) pathway, photorespiration has a major impact on cellular metabolism, particularly under high light, high temperatures, and CO(2) or water deficits. Although the functions of photorespiration remain controversial, it is widely accepted that this pathway influences a wide range of processes from bioenergetics, photosystem II function, and carbon metabolism to nitrogen assimilation and respiration. Crucially, the photorespiratory pathway is a major source of H(2)O(2) in photosynthetic cells. Through H(2)O(2) production and pyridine nucleotide interactions, photorespiration makes a key contribution to cellular redox homeostasis. In so doing, it influences multiple signaling pathways, particularly those that govern plant hormonal responses controlling growth, environmental and defense responses, and programmed cell death. The potential influence of photorespiration on cell physiology and fate is thus complex and wide ranging. The genes, pathways, and signaling functions of photorespiration are considered here in the context of whole plant biology, with reference to future challenges and human interventions to diminish photorespiratory flux.

Response of bahiagrass carbon assimilation and photosystem activity to below optimum temperatures

Photosynthesis and growth of tropical grasses are sensitive to cool season temperatures but information on the responsive mechanisms is limited in many species including bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flueggé). Therefore, an experiment was conducted in sunlit, controlled environment chambers to determine the effect of below optimum temperatures on leaf net photosynthesis (A) and chlorophyll fluorescence (F) and response to internal [CO₂] (C_i) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of A and F of bahiagrass. Five day/night temperatures of 14/6, 18/10, 22/14, 26/18 and 30/22°C were imposed from 55 to 100 days after transplanting for plants grown initially for 55 days at 30/22°C. Leaf A and F were measured from 1000 to 1400 hours between -1 to 35 days after imposing temperature treatments. Leaf A-F/C_i and A-F/PPFD response curves were measured between 11 and 20 days after start of temperature treatments. After 35 days of treatment, the cold acclimation response of leaf A was assessed by lowering temperature in all treatments to 6°C and measuring A and F for a 3-day period. Repeated-measures analysis showed significant effects of time, temperature and time × temperature. The reduction of A on the first day of cold shock was 64, 37, 61, 64 and 81% in plants previously grown at 14, 18, 22, 26 and 30°C, respectively, which indicates acclimation at 18°C. Below optimum temperature significantly lowered CO₂-saturated net photosynthesis (A_sat), carboxylation efficiency (CE) and electron transport rate (ETR) derived from A-F/C_i curves. Below optimum temperature also lowered light-saturated photosynthesis (A_max), Rd and ETR derived from A-F/PPFD curves. The relationship between φ_CO2 and φ_PSII showed that bahiagrass A was more sensitive than electron transport at below optimum temperatures, which may be associated with increased CO₂ leakage and over-cycling of C₄ acid cycle. The leaf-level photosynthesis parameters and their response functions will also help to improve algorithms for simulating forage growth under variable temperature conditions.

Elevated CO2 increases photosynthesis, biomass and productivity, and modifies gene expression in sugarcane

Because of the economical relevance of sugarcane and its high potential as a source of biofuel, it is important to understand how this crop will respond to the foreseen increase in atmospheric [CO(2)]. The effects of increased [CO(2)] on photosynthesis, development and carbohydrate metabolism were studied in sugarcane (Saccharum ssp.). Plants were grown at ambient (approximately 370 ppm) and elevated (approximately 720 ppm) [CO(2)] during 50 weeks in open-top chambers. The plants grown under elevated CO(2) showed, at the end of such period, an increase of about 30% in photosynthesis and 17% in height, and accumulated 40% more biomass in comparison with the plants grown at ambient [CO(2)]. These plants also had lower stomatal conductance and transpiration rates (-37 and -32%, respectively), and higher water-use efficiency (c.a. 62%). cDNA microarray analyses revealed a differential expression of 35 genes on the leaves (14 repressed and 22 induced) by elevated CO(2). The latter are mainly related to photosynthesis and development. Industrial productivity analysis showed an increase of about 29% in sucrose content. These data suggest that sugarcane crops increase productivity in higher [CO(2)], and that this might be related, as previously observed for maize and sorghum, to transient drought stress.

Impact of atmospheric CO2 on growth, photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants

Expression and activity of nitrate reductase (NR; EC 1.6.6.1) and glutamine synthetase (GS; EC 6.3.1.2) were analysed in relation to the rate of CO(2) assimilation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) leaves. Intact plants were exposed to different atmospheric CO(2) concentrations (100, 400 and 1200microLL(-1)) for 14 days. A correlation between the in vivo rates of net CO(2) assimilation and the atmospheric CO(2) concentrations was observed. Transpiration rate and stomatal conductance remained unaffected by CO(2) levels. The exposure of the cucumber plants to rising CO(2) concentrations led to a concomitant increase in the contents of starch and soluble sugars, and a decrease in the nitrate content in leaves. At very low CO(2), NR and GS expression decreased, in spite of high nitrate contents, whereas at normal and elevated CO(2) expression and activity were high although the nitrate content was very low. Thus, in cucumber, NR and GS expression appear to be dominated by sugar levels, rather than by nitrate contents.

Carbonic anhydrase and its influence on carbon isotope discrimination during C4 photosynthesis. Insights from antisense RNA in Flaveria bidentis

In C4 plants, carbonic anhydrase (CA) facilitates both the chemical and isotopic equilibration of atmospheric CO2 and bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the mesophyll cytoplasm. The CA-catalyzed reaction is essential for C4 photosynthesis, and the model of carbon isotope discrimination (Delta13C) in C4 plants predicts that changes in CA activity will influence Delta13C. However, experimentally, the influence of CA on Delta13C has not been demonstrated in C4 plants. Here, we compared measurements of Delta13C during C4 photosynthesis in Flaveria bidentis wild-type plants with F. bidentis plants with reduced levels of CA due to the expression of antisense constructs targeted to a putative mesophyll cytosolic CA. Plants with reduced CA activity had greater Delta13C, which was also evident in the leaf dry matter carbon isotope composition (delta13C). Contrary to the isotope measurements, photosynthetic rates were not affected until CA activity was less than 20% of wild type. Measurements of Delta13C, delta13C of leaf dry matter, and rates of net CO2 assimilation were all dramatically altered when CA activity was less than 5% of wild type. CA activity in wild-type F. bidentis is sufficient to maintain net CO2 assimilation; however, reducing leaf CA activity has a relatively large influence on Delta13C, often without changes in net CO2 assimilation. Our data indicate that the extent of CA activity in C4 leaves needs to be taken into account when using Delta13C and/or delta13C to model the response of C4 photosynthesis to changing environmental conditions.

Impact of elevated CO2 concentration under three soil water levels on growth of Cinnamomum camphora

Forest plays very important roles in global system with about 35% land area producing about 70% of total land net production. It is important to consider both elevated CO(2) concentrations and different soil moisture when the possible effects of elevated CO(2) concentration on trees are assessed. In this study, we grew Cinnamomum camphora seedlings under two CO(2) concentrations (350 micromol/mol and 500 micromol/mol) and three soil moisture levels [80%, 60% and 40% FWC (field water capacity)] to focus on the effects of exposure of trees to elevated CO(2) on underground and aboveground plant growth, and its dependence on soil moisture. The results indicated that high CO(2) concentration has no significant effects on shoot height but significantly impacts shoot weight and ratio of shoot weight to height under three soil moisture levels. The response of root growth to CO(2) enrichment is just reversed, there are obvious effects on root length growth, but no effects on root weight growth and ratio of root weight to length. The CO(2) enrichment decreased 20.42%, 32.78%, 20.59% of weight ratio of root to shoot under 40%, 60% and 80% FWC soil water conditions, respectively. And elevated CO(2) concentration significantly increased the water content in aboveground and underground parts. Then we concluded that high CO(2) concentration favours more tree aboveground biomass growth than underground biomass growth under favorable soil water conditions. And CO(2) enrichment enhanced lateral growth of shoot and vertical growth of root. The responses of plants to elevated CO(2) depend on soil water availability, and plants may benefit more from CO(2) enrichment with sufficient water supply.

Photosynthetic light and CO2 utilization and C4 traits of two novel super-rice hybrids

Characteristics of photosynthetic light and CO2 use efficiency from seedling to heading stage, and C4 pathway enzyme activities in both flag leaves and lemma were compared between two newly developed super-rice hybrids (Oryza sativa L.), Liangyoupeijiu and Hua-an 3, and a traditional rice hybrid, Shanyou 63. At seedling and tillering stages, Liangyoupeijiu and Hua-an 3 had higher net photosynthetic rates (Pn) and light saturated assimilation rates (Asat) than did Shanyou 63, at both normal (360 micromol mol(-1)) and doubled (720 micromol mol(-1)) CO2 concentrations. At the heading stage, the flag leaves of all three rice hybrids had similar Pn and Asat. However, the two super-rice hybrids had higher apparent quantum yield (AQY) and carboxylation efficiency (CE) during all three typical developmental stages, and higher quantum yield of CO2 fixation (PhiCO2) at the tillering and heading stages. In addition, Liangyoupeijiu showed significantly higher activities of the C(4) pathway enzymes in both flag leaves and lemmas than did Shanyou 63. As a result, flag leaves of the two super-rice hybrids had higher Pn at morning, noontime and late afternoon during the daily cycle. Since most of the grain yield of rice comes from the photosynthesis of flag leaves, the similar Asat and much higher AQY, CE and PhiCO2 at heading stage of the two super-rice hybrids indicates that higher photosynthetic efficiency rather than higher photosynthetic capacity may be the primary factor contributing to their higher grain yields.

Photosynthesis, productivity, and yield of maize are not affected by open-air elevation of CO2 concentration in the absence of drought

While increasing temperatures and altered soil moisture arising from climate change in the next 50 years are projected to decrease yield of food crops, elevated CO2 concentration ([CO2]) is predicted to enhance yield and offset these detrimental factors. However, C4 photosynthesis is usually saturated at current [CO2] and theoretically should not be stimulated under elevated [CO2]. Nevertheless, some controlled environment studies have reported direct stimulation of C4 photosynthesis and productivity, as well as physiological acclimation, under elevated [CO2]. To test if these effects occur in the open air and within the Corn Belt, maize (Zea mays) was grown in ambient [CO2] (376 micromol mol(-1)) and elevated [CO2] (550 micromol mol(-1)) using Free-Air Concentration Enrichment technology. The 2004 season had ideal growing conditions in which the crop did not experience water stress. In the absence of water stress, growth at elevated [CO2] did not stimulate photosynthesis, biomass, or yield. Nor was there any CO2 effect on the activity of key photosynthetic enzymes, or metabolic markers of carbon and nitrogen status. Stomatal conductance was lower (-34%) and soil moisture was higher (up to 31%), consistent with reduced crop water use. The results provide unique field evidence that photosynthesis and production of maize may be unaffected by rising [CO2] in the absence of drought. This suggests that rising [CO2] may not provide the full dividend to North American maize production anticipated in projections of future global food supply.

Is C4 photosynthesis less phenotypically plastic than C3 photosynthesis?

C4 photosynthesis is a complex specialization that enhances carbon gain in hot, often arid habitats where photorespiration rates can be high. Certain features unique to C4 photosynthesis may reduce the potential for phenotypic plasticity and photosynthetic acclimation to environmental change relative to what is possible with C3 photosynthesis. During acclimation, the structural and physiological integrity of the mesophyll-bundle sheath (M-BS) complex has to be maintained if C4 photosynthesis is to function efficiently in the new environment. Disruption of the M-BS structure could interfere with metabolic co-ordination between the C3 and C4 cycles, decrease metabolite flow rate between the tissues, increase CO2 leakage from the bundle sheath, and slow enzyme activity. C4 plants have substantial acclimation potential, but in most cases lag behind the acclimation responses in C3 plants. For example, some C4 species are unable to maintain high quantum yields when grown in low-light conditions. Others fail to reduce carboxylase content in shade, leaving substantial over-capacity of Rubisco and PEP carboxylase in place. Shade-tolerant C4 grasses lack the capacity for maintaining a high state of photosynthetic induction following sunflecks, and thus may be poorly suited to exploit subsequent sunflecks compared with C3 species. In total, the evidence indicates that C4 photosynthesis is less phenotypically plastic than C3 photosynthesis, and this may contribute to the more restricted ecological and geographical distribution of C4 plants across the Earth.

Specification of adaxial and abaxial stomata, epidermal structure and photosynthesis to CO2 enrichment in maize leaves

Acclimation to CO2 enrichment was studied in maize plants grown to maturity in either 350 or 700 microl l-1 CO2. Plants grown with CO2 enrichment were significantly taller than those grown at 350 microl l-1 CO2 but they had the same number of leaves. High CO2 concentration led to a marked decrease in whole leaf chlorophyll and protein. The ratio of stomata on the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces was similar in all growth conditions, but the stomatal index was considerably increased in plants grown at 700 microl l-1 CO2. Doubling the atmospheric CO2 content altered epidermal cell size leading to fewer, much larger cells on both leaf surfaces. The photosynthesis and transpiration rates were always higher on the abaxial surface than the adaxial surface. CO2 uptake rates increased as atmospheric CO2 was increased up to the growth concentrations on both leaf surfaces. Above these values, CO2 uptake on the abaxial surface was either stable or increased as CO2 concentration increased. In marked contrast, CO2 uptake rates on the adaxial surface were progressively inhibited at concentrations above the growth CO2 value, whether light was supplied directly to this or the abaxial surface. These results show that maize leaves adjust their stomatal densities through changes in epidermal cell numbers rather than stomatal numbers. Moreover, the CO2-response curve of photosynthesis on the adaxial surface is specifically determined by growth CO2 abundance and tracks transpiration. Conversely, photosynthesis on the abaxial surface is largely independent of CO2 concentration and rather independent of stomatal function.

Elevated CO2 induces physiological, biochemical and structural changes in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana

Leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana grown under elevated or ambient CO2 (700 or 370 micromol mol(-1), respectively) were examined for physiological, biochemical and structural changes. Stomatal characters, carbohydrate and mineral nutrient concentrations, leaf ultrastructure and plant hormone content were investigated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Elevated CO2 reduced the stomatal density and stomatal index of leaves, and also reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. Elevated CO2 increased chloroplast number, width and profile area, and starch grain size and number, but reduced the number of grana thylakoid membranes. Under elevated CO2, the concentrations of carbohydrates and plant hormones, with the exception of abscisic acid, increased whereas mineral nutrient concentrations declined. These results suggest that the changes in chloroplast ultrastructure may primarily be a consequence of increased starch accumulation. Accelerated A. thaliana growth and development in elevated CO2 could in part be attributed to increased foliar concentrations of plant hormones. The reductions in mineral nutrient concentrations may be a result of dilution by increased concentrations of carbohydrates and also of decreases in stomatal conductance and transpiration rate.

Photosynthesis in relation to reproductive success of Cypripedium flavum

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cypripedium flavum is a rare, endemic alpine slipper orchid of China, which is under threat from excessive collection and habitat changes. Conservation and re-introduction of C. flavum is restricted by lack of knowledge of the plant's photosynthesis and how that affects reproductive success. The hypothesis is tested that reproductive success is determined by photosynthetic production. *

METHODS

To understand the photosynthetic characteristics and adaptation of C. flavum to alpine environments, and the relation to reproductive success, measurements were made at four field sites with varying degrees of forest cover in the Hengduan Mountains, south-west China. *

KEY RESULTS

Both photosynthetic capacity and reproductive traits of C. flavum are affected by light availability. Photosynthetic rate (A) is greatest around noon, following the pattern of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at all sites. Cypripedium flavum has highest daily mean photosynthetic rate (A(daily)) and light-saturated photosynthetic rate (A(max)) under a half to a third of full sunlight. High radiation decreased A. However, the optimum temperature for photosynthesis was similar (18-20 degrees C) at all sites. *

CONCLUSIONS

The quotient of daily mean photosynthetic rate to light saturated photosynthesis (A(daily)/A(max)) is positively correlated with the ramet number m(-2) and percentage of fruiting of C. flavum. The A(daily)/A(max) ratio is a useful proxy for evaluating reproductive success of C. flavum.