《Effects of progressive drought on photosynthesis and partitioning of absorbed light in apple trees》.pdfVIP

Journal of Integrative Agriculture 2015, 14(4): 681–690 Available online at ScienceDirect RESEARCH ARTICLE 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 AF University/State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Yangling 712100, P.R.China 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 (P ) and stomatal conductance (G ). However, the concen- n s trations 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 ther-