ALBERT

Notes: Abstract 1. The world consumption of energy is roughly 250 EJ. It increases with the level of technology and gross national product of a country. More than 83% of world energy consumption is used by the industrialized countries with one third of the world population; not quite 17% is used by the developing countries with two thirds of the world population. The world's resources of fossil fuels are estimated at 364,560 EJ; about 5–13% of this, and 31% in the case of natural gas, are considered reserves that are economically recoverable and utilizable with current technologies. 2. Agriculture's share of the economy's energy consumption in the Federal Republic of Germany is about 3.4%. It was five times higher per hectare of agricultural land in 1975 than in 1880, but the productivity of the energy was only half as high because of the enormous increase in productivity per unit of labor and area. In absolute terms, however, energy production per unit area increased tremendously, with gross agricultural production two and a half times its earlier size. 3. As a producer of plant material, agriculture qualifies as an energy producer, while as a producer of livestock it also is an energy consumer. In fact, through plant production agriculture becomes the only branch of our economic system that produces more energy than it consumes as fossil energy. Agriculture uses about 40% of its energy requirement for fuel, about 20% for machinery repair and replacement, 30% for mineral fertilizers, about 10% for electricity, and 1–2% for chemical crop protection. Forestry can be evaluated as particularly favorable from the energy viewpoint, while hothouse crops are very unfavorable. Agricultural chemicals support the energy output of green plants; agriculture as a whole is on balance energetically. 4. Solar energy and photosynthesis are the primary sources of energy to our plant. About 3 million EJ solar energy are radiated to the earth annually; 3000 EJ are fixed photosynthetically (2 ⋅ 1011 tons vegetable matter); the food requirement of 4 billion people is 15EJ. Another item of interest on the periphery of the energy balance is the enrichment of our atmosphere with oxygen, which has been accomplished for millions of years solely by the photosynthesis of green plants. 5. Through their additional yield effect, mineral fertilizers increase the energy output of plants more strongly than just the equivalent of the energy input. They cause the plant to produce more foliage and thereby promote more intensive assimilation, which means that mineral fertilizers enable the plant to utilize free solar energy better. A calculation of the energy involved in long-term field trials in cereals disclosed energy input: energy output ratios of 1:5.8 and 1:6.1. 6. Chemical crop protection has a similar effect since it protects against loss of plantproduced energy. Based on an average energy expenditure of 263 MJ ha−1 per kg ha−1 ‘typical’ active ingredient for a crop protection product, additional yields of only 4–4.5% — or considerably less in the case of high-energy crops such as cereals or sugar beets — would be sufficient to cover the energy expenditure; as a rule, however, the productivity of the chemical crop protectants is higher. The biological potential of our crops to utilize solar energy also has been improved considerably compared to earlier times — with cereals, for example, from 0.25% per unit area during the Middle Ages to 1.5% today; theoretically 4% is possible. The thesis that agrochemical aids in agriculture and horticulture are a waste of energy is unjustified. 7. Biomass also creates energy. Experts estimate the utilizable annual production of biomass in the Federal Republic of Germany to be 30 million tons mineral coal units (1 coal unit = 29.3 MJ), whereby undersized and refuse wood, straw and biogas are of special significance. Especially “fuel forests' of, for example, willows, poplars and alders could produce the equivalent of 486,000 MJ by way of 30 tha−1 biomass, contributing sizably to the fuel supply of the nation; at the moment, the conventional form of forestry produces only 30,240 MJ. It is considered feasible in Sweden to supply the entire energy requirement of the country from 93,000 km2 of ‘fuel forest’, and it must be remembered that mineral fertilization could be used to increase the productivity of land used for this purpose relatively quickly if the need were to become acute. The extraction of alcohol from crops offers other interesting aspects; the currently highest yield fuel crops (sugar beet, sugarcane and cassava) produce between 4,900 and 10,700 l ha−1 alcohol. 8. The energy problem of modern economies will not find its complete answer in the green plant. Prudent and well contemplated use of the green plant, however, may eventually do much to take the edge off today's energy dilemma.

Notes: Summary The growth and photosynethetic responses to atmospheric CO2 enrichment of 4 species of C4 grasses grown at two levels of irradiance were studied. We sought to determine whether CO2 enrichment would yield proportionally greater growth enhancement in the C4 grasses when they were grown at low irradiance than when grown at high irradiance. The species studied were Echinochloa crusgalli, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica, and Setaria faberi. Plants were grown in controlled environment chambers at 350, 675 and 1,000 μl 1-1 CO2 and 1,000 or 150 μmol m-2 s-1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). An increase in CO2 concentration and PPFD significantly affected net photosynthesis and total biomass production of all plants. Plants grown at low PPFD had significantly lower rates of photosynthesis, produced less biomass, and had reduced responses to increases in CO2. Plants grown in CO2-enriched atmosphere had lower photosynthetic capacity relative to the low CO2 grown plants when exposed to lower CO2 concentration at the time of measurement, but had greater rate of photosynthesis when exposed to increasing PPFD. The light level under which the plants were growing did not influence the CO2 compensation point for photosynthesis.

Notes: Summary The region of the chloroplast genome of Chlamydomonas reinhardii containing the gene of the thylakoid polypeptide D2 (psbD) has been sequenced. A unique open reading frame of 350 codons exists in this region. Because the first ATG is followed 11 codons downstream by a second one, the D2 polypeptide consists of either 339 or 350 amino acids. Comparison of the sequences of D2 and the 32K dalton polypeptides, both of which are associated with photosystem II, reveals partial homology. Although, the overall homology of these two polypeptides is only 27%, they contain several related regions and their hydropathic profiles are strikingly similar. These data suggest that the two polypeptides may have related functions and/or that their genes may have originated from a common ancestor. Alternatively, convergent evolution of these polypeptides may be due to structural constraints in the thylakoid membrane. Limited sequence homology is also observed between the D2 polypeptide and some of the subunits of the reaction centers of photosynthetic bacteria.

Notes: Summary The rate of inorganic carbon uptake and its steadystate accumulation ratio (intracellular/extracellular concentration) was determined in the cyanobacteriumAnabaena variabilis as a function of extracellular pH. The free energy of protons ( $$\Delta \overline \mu _{H^ - }$$ ) across the plasmalemma was calculated from determinations of membrane potential, and intracellular pH, as a function of the extracellular pH. While inward proton motive force decreased with increasing extracellular pH from 6.5 to 9.5, rate of HCO 3 − influx and its accumulation ration increased. The latter is several times larger than would be expected should HCO 3 − influx be driven by $$\Delta \overline \mu _{H^ + }$$ . It is concluded that HCO 3 − transport in cyanobacteria is not driven by the proton motive force.

Notes: Abstract Laboratory and field studies on aphid damage in wheat are described. Both direct and indirect effects of aphids on the behaviour of the crop were studied. In the laboratory a clear effect of honeydew and yeasts on photosynthesis was found. This effect could not be demonstrated under field conditions, since even at yield loss levels of 700 kg ha−1 the size of this effect may be undetectable with crop enclosures reaching an accuracy of 10%. The effect of honeydew on ageing, measured in the laboratory trials was also found in the field and may form a major cause of the yield losses found in the field. Yield losses under field conditions reached 700 kg ha−1 and were for 72% due to direct sucking damage of the 35 aphids, found maximally per culm, and direct and indirect honeydew effects. Saprophytic and possibly also some necrotrophic fungi caused 28% of the yield losses. The exact contribution of each of the damage factors was not revealed but it was demonstrated that direct and indirect effects contribute to the final yield losses.

Notes: Abstract The electron transport rates of photosystems II and I, amounts of electron carriers, coupling factor activity and photosynthetic rates were investigated in thylakoids isolated from pea plants grown under a wide range of light intensities (16 h light-8 h dark). The electron transport rates of PS II and PS I, as partial reactions or in whole chain, and coupling factor activity on a unit chlorophyll basis, all increased as the light intensity available for growth was altered from a very low intensity of 10 μE m-2s-1 to a high intensity of 840 μE m-2s-1. Similarly, there were increases in the amounts of atrazine binding sites, plastoquinine, cytochrome f and P700 per unit chlorophyll; significantly, the amounts of reaction centres of PS II and PS I were not equal at any light intensity. The rate of change of all parameters with respect to light intensity could be represented by two straight lines of different slopes which met at a transition point corresponding to approximately 200 μE m-2s-1 during growth. These photoadaptations were similar to those observed for both the relative distribution of chlorophyll in chlorophyll-protein complexes and the chl a/chl b ratios [Leong and Anderson, 1984, Photosynthesis Research 5:117–128]. Since these thylakoid components and functions were affected in the same direction by light intensity during growth and all show linear relationships with chl a/chl b ratios, it indicates that they are closely regulated and markedly well co-ordinated. Plants compensate for the limited amount of low light intensities by drastically increasing the light-harvesting antenna unit size of photosystem II and to a lesser extent that of photosystem I. Changes in the composition of the thylakoid membranes exert a regulatory effect on the overall photosynthetic rate up to approximately 450 μE m-2s-1.

Notes: Summary The responses of six wheat genotypes to water stress were analysed. Soil moisture (H), leaf water potential (Ψw), photosynthesis (PN), stomatal resistance (rs) and transpiration (T) were measured during a water stress. The genotypes investigated differed in their stress avoidance (Ψw-H relationship) and their stress tolerance (PN-Ψw and rs-Ψw relationships). The most important differences observed concern the mechanisms of tolerance at low leaf water potential: two varieties, Haurani 27 and Baalback, can then maintain a high photosynthetic activity. These observations are in agreement with the drought resistance characteristics already known for these genotypes. Possible applications to wheat breeding are considered

Notes: Abstract Two methods (whole-plant growth analysis and gas exchange) were used to measure the response of Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC cultivar ‘UPS 99’ to the environment. This plant had an optimal temperature for root growth of 25°C, its rate of acetylene reduction (when inoculated with Rhizobium, strain ‘RRIM 56’) was maximal at 30°C and it required an atmospheric temperature of about 35°C for optimal shoot growth. Maximum water-use efficiency was ca. 33 mg CO2·g H2O-1. The rate of photosynthesis reached a plateau at 900 vpm CO2-this condition also gave the lowest rate of transpiration. Under normal conditions, the light compensation point was at 1.7 klx, while that for CO2 was 60 vpm. Photorespiration diminished gross photosynthesis of P. tetragonolobus by forty percent. Water stress (as measured by sensitivity to slightly increased CO2 levels) caused rapid closure of stomata, and the response was ‘remembered’ for up to five days.

Notes: Abstract Mesophyll cells were isolated from sunflower leaves by an enzymic procedure. The cell suspensions possessed high photosynthesis rates. The products of cell photosynthesis were similar to the products of leaf disc photosynthesis. The relatively high radioactivity incorporated into malate after 14CO2 feeding suggests that PEP carboxylase might participate in CO2 fixation. Sunflower leaf extracts possessed a PEP carboxylase activity slightly higher than that of other C3 species. Inhibition of PEP carboxylase by maleate decreased cell photosynthesis by only 15% and the first products of cell photosynthesis were phosphorylated compounds. It is concluded that the high photosynthesis rates displayed by sunflower are not due to a parallel C4 pathway of photosynthesis but are rather dependent, at least in part, on the activity, or the amount, of RuBP carboxylase.

Notes: Abstract In this paper we compared the pigment composition, photochemical activity, chloroplast ultrastructure, thylakoid membrane polypeptide composition and ribosomal content of wild-type and seven light-sensitive mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardii. All the mutants had low chlorophyll and carotenoid content compared to wild-type. Mutants lts-30 and lts-135 were also characterized by a complete absence of visible carotenoids, while mutant lts-19 was fully deficient in chlorophylls. In most mutants, the chloroplast fragment could not carry out any DCIP photoreduction and O2 evolution was also blocked. The PSI/P700/activity was decreased in most cases. The mutant strains contained mostly single lamellae in their plastids, that is the stacking capacity of the thylakoid membranes was very decreased or fully absent. In most cases the number of lamellae was also very low. The relative amounts of 70 S ribosomes were decreased in all of the mutants. The thylakoid membranes showed anomalies in the region of 24 000–30 000 dalton polypeptides. The common characteristic for them was the relatively higher amount of the 30 000 dalton polypeptide and considerably decreased level of the 27 000 and 24 000 dalton polypeptides relative to the wild-type. These polypeptides were probably constituents of the chlorophyll-protein complex II which has been suggested to be the light harvesting pigment complex for PSII. The polypeptide of 30 000 daltons is the precursor for the LHCP apoprotein (24 000 dalton protein). It may be that the lighstimulated conversion of this precursor into LHCP apoprotein was blocked in our pigment-deficient mutants.

Notes: Abstract The effects of 3,5-disubstituted 4-hydroxy-benzonitriles — bromoxynil and compounds containing nitro group — on some photosynthetic parameters of spinach and wheat were investigated. There is considerable difference in the effectivity of the compounds even at the level of chloroplasts. On the basis of their effect on the development of CO2 fixation of greening wheat seedlings bromoxynil and 3,5-dinitro-4-hydroxy-derivative were ineffective, while the asymmetric — 3-nitro-5-halogenic-substituted — compounds showed a strong effectivity. The bromine and iodine containing asymmetric compounds reduced the intensity of the short wavelength fluorescence. All asymmetric compounds shifted the long wavelength fluorescence maximum with 5–8 nm to shorter wavelength. These results refer to inhibition of formation of chlorophyll forms absorbing at longer wavelengths and to the change in the conditions of energy migration. The ultrastructure of the chloroplasts in the treated seedlings became similar to the shade adapted chloroplasts.

Notes: Abstract The effect of a shift from a long to a short photoperiod on CO2 exchange of Chenopodium polyspermum was studied. Equal quantities of photosynthetic energy were given daily to the plants, long photoperiods being produced by low intensity red light extension. A change in the photoperiod was shown to affect the pattern of CO2 loss at the beginning of the night period and the onset of CO2 intake at the beginning of day time. These events seem to be under phytochrome control. The photoperiod had an effect on the slope of the CO2 curve of photosynthesis, efficiency of photosynthesis being increased after a short day. This effect was not due to a variation in the stomatal resistance. The action of O2 concentration on photosynthesis (Warburg effect) was affected by the photoperiodic treatment, being less important after a long day than after a short day. Involvement of phytochrome in photosynthetic efficiency and photorespiration is discussed.

Notes: Abstract A comprehensive developmental survey of leaf area, chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, leaf resistance, transpiration ratio, CO2 compensation point and photorespiration was conducted in apple. The largest changes in each of the photosynthetic characteristics studied took place during the earliest stages of leaf development, coinciding with the period of greatest leaf expansion and chlorophyll synthesis. During early development, photosynthesis increased 5-fold, reaching a maximum rate of 40 mg CO2 dm-2 hr-1 at a leaf plastochron index (LPI) of 10. During this same period, leaf resistance, transpiration ratio, CO2 compensation point and mesophyll resistance decreased, while carboxylation efficiency increased. Two especially interesting aspects of the data discussed are simultaneous changes that occur at a LPI of 10 and 12 in all of the photosynthetic characteristics examined and an apparent decrease in photorespiration as leaves age. From our results it is clear that stage of leaf development is an important factor affecting the rate of photosynthesis and photorespiration.

Notes: Abstract The chlorophyll a antenna of photosystems I and II were each isolated after detergent treatment by gel electrophoresis or sucrose gradient centrifugation from a b-less mutant of barley grown in daylight and from wildtype barley developed in intermittent light. We identified each fraction by both its electrophoretic position and PS I activity (P700 content) in the case of the mutant, and by both PS I and PS II activity (DCIP reduction from DPC) in the light-limited plants. The proportion of Chl a in each photosystem was estimated from the amount in each gel or sucrose gradient band, and from addition of the areas under the absorption spectra (650–710 nm) of each fraction to match the spectrum of the solubilized thylakoids. The latter method was possible because the spectrum (77 K) of each fraction was unique; in the mutant about 70% of chlorophyll is associated with PS I and 30% with PS II. In the light-limited plants, the reverse is true with nearly 70% associated with PS II. RESOL analyses of both absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of all isolated fractions indicated an abnormal arrangement of antenna chlorophyll molecules in the light-limited, developing membranes even though their reaction centers are fully functional.

Notes: Abstract Initial and steady state rates of proton transport at low light intensity have been measured and compared with steady state rates of electron transport in the pH range of 6.0–7.6 in envelope-free spinach chloroplasts. At pH 6–7, the H+/e- values computed using the initial rate of proton transport varied with light intensity, from a value of 2 at low light to almost 5 at high light. In contrast, the H+/e- values computed using the steady state rate of proton transport did not show a dependence on light intensity, having a constant value of 1.7±0.2. Likewise, at pH 7.6, the H+/e- ratio, computed using either the initial or steady state rates of proton transport did not vary with light intensity but was constant at H+/e-=1.7±0.1. Analysis of the light dependence of electron and proton transport allowed determination of (a) the quantam requirements of transport, (b) the rates of transport at light saturation, and (c) H+/e- ratios for initial and steady state proton transport. Extrapolating the initial proton transport to zero light, we found that both H+/photon and H+/e- values were not strongly dependent on pH, approaching a near constant value of 2.0. Using the initial rate of proton transport extrapolated to saturating light intensity we found the H+/e- ratio to be strongly pH-dependent. We suggest that internal pH controls electron transport at high light intensities. The true stoichiometry is reflected only in measurements taken at low light using the initial proton transport data. Our findings and interpretation reconcile some conflicting data in the literature regarding the pH-dependence of the H+/e- ratio and support the concept that internal pH controls noncyclic electron transport.

Notes: Abstract Photosynthetic characteristics at high measurement irradiance were analyzed for single leaves of two C3 and one C4 species grown under twenty one combinations of irradiance level, irradiance duration, and air temperature in order to test the idea that photosynthetic characteristics developed by leaves in different environments are controlled by the daily amount of photosynthesis. Photosynthetic rates per unit area and mesophyll conductances at 25°C and air levels of CO2 and O2, and parameters for two photosynthesis models were used to characterize the photosynthetic properties of the leaves. Leaves with highest values of the photosynthetic parameters for each species were often developed in environments with irradiance levels below saturation for photosynthesis, and with only 12 hours of iradiance per day. Lower air temperature during growth increased the photosynthetic characteristics for a given irradiance regime. Photosynthetic characteristics had higher correlation coefficients with daily photosynthesis of mature leaves divided by 24-hour leaf elongation rates of young leaves, than with daily photosynthesis alone, indicating that photosynthetic characteristics may be related to a balance between photosynthesis and leaf expansion.

Notes: Abstract The gas exchange characteristics are reported for Amaranthus tricolor, a C4 vegetable amaranth of southeastern Asia. Maximum photosynthetic capacity was 48.3±1.0μmol CO2 m−2s−1 and the temperature optimum was 35°C. The calculated intercellular CO2 concentration at this leaf temperature and an incident photon flux (400–700 mm) of 2 mmol m−2s−1 averaged 208±14 μl l−1, abnormally high for a C4 species. The photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, and leaf conductance all decreased with an increase in water vapor pressure deficit. However, the decrease in leaf conductance which resulted in a decrease in intercellular CO2 concentration accounted for only one fourth of the observed decrease in photosynthetic rate as water vapor pressure deficit was increased. Subsequent measurements indicated that the depence of net photosynthesis on intercellular CO2 concetration changed with water vapor pressure deficit.

Notes: Abstract The effects of electron acceptors, inhibitors of electron flow and uncouplers and inhibitors of photophosphorylation on a state II to I transition were studied. 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) did not inhibit the state II to I transition. By contrast, 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone (DBMIB), methyl viologen and antimycin A inhibited the transition indicating that the cyclic electron flow around photosystem I, but not the oxidation of electron carriers (such as plastoquinone), induced the state II to I transition. Uncouplers, but not inhibitors of photophosphorylation, inhibited the state transition suggesting that the proton transport through the cyclic electron flow was related to the transition.

Notes: Summary A comparative study of photosynthetic response to water stress was conducted with one genotype of wild einkorn (Triticum boeoticum, W) and one of domesticated einkorn (T. monococcum, C). Per unit leaf area, W showed a better performance for photosynthetic and transpiration activities, even under dry air and dry soil conditions. Its leaf water potential was always higher than that of C at any level of soil water potential. The difference in photosynthetic recovery from severe drought between W and C was also obvious. The photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and water status of the leaves observed at 20 h after rewatering was almost the same as non-stressed leaves in W, whereas in C the photosynthetic rate was about half that of the non-stressed leaves, which was accompanied with a low transpiration rate and a high gas diffusion resistance. The ability of W to maintain a proper water balance over a wide range of soil water potential and to recover rapidly from severe drought seems to be a result of adaptation to its hard habitats. However, under favourable water supply, the photosynthetic rate per unit leaf nitrogen was higher in C than in W. This may be advantageous to bring about a better plant growth than W on the arable land where the improved water supply is guaranteed.

Notes: Abstract A new theory and experimental method was developed to measure the diffusion resistance to CO2 in the gas phase of mesophyll leaf tissue. Excised leaves were placed in a chamber and their net evaporation and CO2 assimilation rates measured at two different ambient pressures. These data were used to calculate CO2 gas phase diffusion resistances. A variety of field grown leaves were tested and the effects of various experimental errors considered. Increasing the gas phase diffusion resistance decreased transpiration more than it decreased CO2 assimilation. It was concluded that gas phase diffusion resistance associated with CO2 assimilation may sometimes be 100 or 200 s·m-1 greater than the resistance implied by transpiration rates. This may be due to longer path lengths for the CO2 diffusion, constricted in places by the shape and arrangement of mesophyll cells.

Notes: Abstract Heterotic hybrids of sorghum produced more dry matter than their respective parents. Therefore, an analysis of leaf are development, rate of photosynthesis and activities of RuBP carboxylase and PEP carboxylase was made to determine whether the superior dry matter production in the hybrids could be attributed to any of these characteristics. Heterosis in leaf area was maintained at all stages in plant growth. Heterosis in photosynthesis was observed only during grain development in certain hybrids. At all other stages, the photosynthesis rate in hybrids were either intermediate or similar to one of the parents. No heterotic effect was observed in enzyme activity at any stage of growth. It is suggested that a multiplicative interaction between the heterotic leaf area and photosynthesis rate could possibly explain heterosis in dry matter production in heterotic hybrids.

Notes: Abstract Daytime rates of net photosynthesis of upper canopy leaflets of soybeans were compared on 17 days for leaflets exposed to air at the ambient humidity and at a higher humidity. Leaflets at the higher humidity had higher rates of net photosynthesis on 16 of the 17 days. The daily total of net photosynthesis of leaflets at the higher humidity was on average 1.32 times that for leaflets at ambient humidity. A strong limitation of net photosynthesis by ambient humidity was found throughout the growing season.

Notes: Abstract Photosynthetic characteristics at high measurement irradiance were analyzed for single leaves of two C3 and one C4 species grown under twenty one combinations of irradiance level, irradiance duration, and air temperature in order to test the idea that photosynthetic characteristies developed by leaves in different environments are controlled by the daily amount of photosynthesis. Photosynthetic rates per unit area and mesophyll conductances at 25°C and air levels of CO2 and O2, and parameters for two photosynthesis models were used to characterize the photosynthetic properties of the leaves. Leaves with highest values of the photosynthetic parameters for each species were often developed in environments with irradiance levels below saturation for photosynthesis, and with only 12 hours of irradiance per day. Lower air temperature during growth increased the photosynthetic characteristics for a given irradiance regime. Photosynthetic characteristics had higher correlation coefficients with daily photosynthesis of mature leaves divided by 24-hour leaf elongation rates of young leaves, than with daily photosynthesis alone, indicating that photosynthetic characteristics may be related to a balance between photosynthesis and leaf expansion.

Notes: Abstract The gas exchange characteristics are reported for Amaranthus tricolor, a C4 vegetable amaranth of southeastern Asia. Maximum photosynthetic capacity was 48.3±1.0 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 and the temperature optimum was 35°C. The calculated intercellular CO2 concentration at this leaf temperature and an incident photon flux (400–700 mm) of 2 mmol m-2 s-1 averaged 208±14 μl l-1, abnormally high for a C4 species. The photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, and leaf conductance all decreased with an increase in water vapor pressure deficit. However, the decrease in leaf conductance which resulted in a decrease in intercellular CO2 concentration accounted for only one fourth of the observed decrease in photosynthetic rate as water vapor pressure deficit was increased. Subsequent measurements indicated that the dependence of net photosynthesis on intercellular CO2 concentration changed with water vapor pressure deficit.

Notes: Abstract In the eutrophic Bautzen reservoir (German Democratic Republic) the compensation light intensities (photosynthesis = respiration of the phytoplankton) have been found to be extremely low if no free carbon dioxide is available. This result is interpreted as a minimization of the cell respiration under CO2-limitation of the photosynthesis.

Notes: Abstract An apparatus to measure the rates of respiration and photosynthesis of aquatic plants in water at velocities of up to 200 mm s−1 in a closed water-flow system with partial recirculation, is described. The temperature, the light regime and the concentration of dissolved oxygen are controlled automatically. Typical results are given for Ranunculus penicillatus var. calcareus which were repeatable between the same season in different years and compared with published data.

Notes: Abstract In green hydra strains that are bleached by glycerol, photosynthesis is arrested in both intact hydra and freshly extracted algae whereas photosynthesis is not affected by glycerol in ‘resistant’ hydra strains and their algae. Glycerol sensitivity is an inherent property of the algae and sensitivity can be transferred to ‘resistant’ aposymbiotic hydra by infecting them with ‘sensitive’ algae. It is suggested that the host hydra recognizes glycerol induced changes, other than photosynthetic incompetance, in the algae and either ejects or digests them.

Notes: Abstract Changes in relative contribution to total stream photosynthetic and respiratory rates by various community components of an open channel stream were estimated. Rates of photosynthetic production of plankton, benthos and macrophytes (with associated epiphytes) were followed through the growing season and compared with total estimates from a diurnal oxygen technique. Photosynthetic production by macrophytes was extremely high early in the growing season; but later declined and heterotrophic processes became predominant. In contrast, benthos production was initially low but became the primary source of photosynthesis later in the season. Plankton contributed little to stream photosynthesis and respiration.

Notes: Abstract Cyanobacteria are photolithotrophic organisms exhibiting oxygenic photosynthesis. In the dark they satisfy their need for energy with respiration. These reactions occur in the same compartment and probably on the same energy-transducing membranes. The characterization of the electron transport chain in the light and in the dark, photophosphorylation and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as possible common pathways in photosynthesis and respiration, are discussed.

Notes: Summary The intraspecific (Gossipium hirsutum) and interspecific (G. hirsutum x G. barbadense) F1 hybrids of cotton were found to exhibit a high degree of heterosis in the production of fruiting branches, number of bolls (fruits), yield of seed cotton and photosynthetic rates over the parent plants. The developing bolls of the hybrids had significantly higher weights than their parents until the 20th day after anthesis. The patterns of leaf area development among interspecific hybrids differed when compared with the parent plants. The photosynthetic rates of the hybrids were comparable with those of maize and sorghum and much higher than the average rate reported so far for the cotton plant.

Notes: Summary A comparative study of photosynthetic response to soil moisture was conducted with soybean varieties (Harosoy, Norin No. 1 and Hogyoku). When the plants were grown in May before the rainy season under a high radiation level, per unit leaf area the photosynthetic rate of Harosoy leaves was significantly higher throughout the entire range of soil water potentials and leaf water potentials than that of Norin No. 1 leaves. The high photosynthetic rate of Harosoy under non-stress conditionsaand mild water stress was associated with both the high specific leaf weight and the high leaf areal nitrogen content. The photosynthetic response of the Harosoy leaves developed during rainy season under a low radiation level, however, was similar to that of Norin No. 1; no significant difference was observed between these two varieties in the specific leaf weight and in the leaf areal nitrogen content. On the other hand, Hogyoku cultivated especially along the footpaths between the paddy field was very sensitive to water stress, closing the stomata at higher soil water potentials. Under non-stress conditions, as compared with per unit leaf nitrogen content, however, Hogyoku performed higher leaf photosynthesis even with a thinner leaf than Harosoy.

Notes: Abstract 14CO2 assimilation, 14C incorporation into glycolate and glycolate accumulation in α-HPMS† treated bean leaves at various O2 and CO2 concentrations were studied. In 1% CO2 oxygen concentration had no significant effect on glycolate accumulation and 14C incorporation into glycolate. In the CO2 concentration range of 0.03% to 0.01%, increased oxygen concentration decreased not only 14CO2 assimilation but also glycolate accumulation and 14C incorporation into glycolate. In 1% and 0.1% CO2, no matter what O2 concentration was supplied, and in 0.03% CO2 with 2% and 21% O2, all of the glycolate accumulated was formed from newly assimilated carbon. In 0.01% CO2 and 2%, 21% and 100% O2, and in 0.03% CO2 with 100% O2, a substantial portion of the glycolic acid that accumulated in leaves originated from endogenous unlabelled substrates. These findings are discussed in terms of possible changes in the ratio of RuBP carboxylation to RuBP oxygenation and of changes of RuBP pool size, induced by changing O2 and CO2 concentrations.

Notes: Abstract The role of plastoquinone in a thermophilic blue-green alga, Shynechococcus sp., was studied by measuring reduction kinetics of cytochrome 553 which was oxidized with red flash preferentially exciting photosystem I. Sensitivity of the cytochrome reduction to DBMIB Abbreviations: DCMU = 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea; DBMIB = 2,5-dib romo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone; HOQNO = 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide indicates that cytochrome 553 accepts electrons from reduced plastoquinone. Plastoquinone is in turn reduced in cells without electrons from photosystem II, since DCMU Abbreviations: DCMU = 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea; DBMIB = 2,5-dib romo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone; HOQNO = 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide , which inhibited methyl viologen photoreduction more strongly than DBMIB, failed to affect the cytochrome reduction. Participation of cyclic electron transport around photosystem I in cytochrome reduction in the presence of DCMU was excluded, because methyl viologen and antimycin A had no effect on the cytochrome kinetics. On the other hand, electron donation from endogenous substrates to plastoquinone was suggested from decreases in rate of the cytochrome reduction by dark starvation of cells and also from restoration of fast reduction kinetics by the addition of exogenous substrates to or by reillumination of starved cells. KCN, which completely suppressed respiratory O2-uptake, induced a marked acceleration of the cytochrome reduction in starved cells. The poison was less or not effective in stimulating the cytochrome reduction in more extensively starved or reilluminated cells. Results indicate that plastoquinone is functioning not only in the photosynthetic but also in the respiratory electron transport chain, thereby forming a common link between the two energy conservation systems of the blue-green alga.

Notes: Abstract The response of photosynthesis to irradiance and temperature during growth was investigated in two soybean genotypes. Soybean is a species that can modify its structure and metabolism so as to adapt to differing light conditions; its responses to rapid changes in irradiance are characterized by their flexibility. However, the temperature during growth can change the response to irradiance: moreover, there may be a marked interaction with genotype. The response of photosynthesis to irradiance consists of changes in leaf thickness, which bring about variations in the mesophyll resistance to CO2 transfer. The increase in net photosynthesis per unit of leaf area is due to the increase in the amount of assimilating material beneath unit of area, as corroborated by the stability of the net photosynthesis per unit volume. Moreover, the response of photosynthesis to temperature is due to the mesophyll diffusion ‘constant’ which decreases with the growth temperature.

Notes: Abstract The new infra-red gas analyser for measurement of CO2 concentration described uses a focussed, dual optical path. The 2W radiation source is a heated alumina bead and a cooled lead selenide photoconductive detector measures the difference in radiation absorption at 4.26 μm by the gas in sample and reference tubes. Radiation is chopped alternately between these tubes at 120 Hz. The signal from the detector is processed through an a.c. coupled amplifier, phase sensitive detector and low pass filter. Incorporated into the photosynthesis meter, the sample tube of the analyser is connected to a leaf chamber and circulating pump forming a closed gas circuit. As a leaf in the chamber removes carbon dioxide from the air in the closed circuit, the decrease in its concentration is sensed by the analyser. The time taken for the concentration to decrease by a predetermined amount (typically 30 ppm) is displayed and rate of net photosynthesis can be calculated from this and the volume of the closed circuit. A measurement of the light-saturated rate of net photosynthesis of a healthy flag leaf of wheat can be made in 10–15 seconds. The system is fully portable and has been used intensively in the field for two summers.

Notes: Abstract The absorption (640–710 nm) and fluorescence emission (670–710 nm) spectra (77 K) of wild-type and Chl b-less, mutant, barley chloroplasts grown under either day or intermittent light were analysed by a RESOL curve-fitting program. The usual four major forms of Chl a at 662, 670, 678 and 684 nm were evident in all of the absorption spectra and three major components at 686, 693 and 704 nm in the emission spectra. A broad Chl a component band at 651 nm most likely exists in all chlorophyll spectra in vivo. The results show that the mutant lacks not only Chl b, but also the Chl a molecules which are bound to the light-harvesting, Chl a/b, protein complex of normal plants. It also appears that the absorption spectrum of this antenna complex is not modified appreciably by its isolation from thylakoid membranes.

Notes: Abstract A 23 kDa protein has recently been demonstrated to participate in photosynthetic oxygen evolution by reconstitution experiments on inside-out thylakoid vesicles (Åkerlund H-E, Jansson C and Andersson B (1982) Biochim Biophys Acta 681:1–10). Here we describe the isolation of the 23 kDa protein from a spinach chloroplast extract using ion-exchange chromatography. The protein was obtained in a yield of 25% and with less than 1% of contaminating proteins. The ability of the protein to stimulate oxygen evolution in inside-out thylakoids was preserved throughout the various fractionation steps. The isolated protein was highly water soluble and appeared as a monomer. Its isoelectric point was at pH=7.3. The amino acid composition showed a high content of polar amino acids, resulting in a polarity index of 49%. The isolated protein lacked metals and other prosthetic groups. Its function as a catalytic or regulating subunit in the oxygen evolving complex is discussed.

Notes: Abstract The three major chlorophyll-proteins of spinach chloroplasts were solubilized with digitonin and isolated by electrophoresis with deoxycholate. The gel bands were identified from their absorption and fluorescence spectra measured at 77 K. The slowest moving band was a Photosystem I complex (CPI); the second, a Photosystem II complex (Cpa); and the third, a chlorophyll a-b, antenna complex (LHCP). When absorption spectra (630–730 nm) of the bands were added in the proportions found in the gel, the sum closely matched the absorption of the chloroplasts both before and after solubilization. Thus these spectra represent the native absorption of the major antenna chlorophyll-proteins of green plants. Each of these spectra was resolved with a computer assisted, curve-fitting program into 8 mixed Gaussian-Lorentzian shaped components. The major, Chl a components in the 3 fractions were different both in peak positions and bandwidths. This result suggests that each chlorophyll-protein has its own unique set of chlorophyll a spectral forms or components.

Notes: Abstract A 23 kDa protein has recently been demonstrated to participate in photosynthetic oxygen evolution by reconstitution experiments on inside-out thylakoid vesicles (Åkerlund H-E, Jansson C and Andersson B (1982) Biochim Biophys Acta 681:1–10). Here we describe the isolation of the 23 kDa protein from a spinach chloroplast extract using ion-exchange chromatography. The protein was obtained in a yield of 25% and with less than 1% of contaminating proteins. The ability of the protein to stimulate oxygen evolution in inside-out thylakoids was preserved throughout the various fractionation steps. The isolated protein was highly water soluble and appeared as a monomer. Its isoelectric point was at pH=7.3. The amino acid composition showed a high content of polar amino acids, resulting in a polarity index of 49%. The isolated protein lacked metals and other prosthetic groups. Its function as a catalytic or regulating subunit in the oxygen evolving complex is discussed.

Notes: Abstract The effects of electron acceptors, inhibitors of electron flow and uncouplers and inhibitors of photophosphorylation on a state II to I transition were studied. 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) did not inhibit the state II to I transition. By contrast, 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone (DBMIB), methyl viologen and antimycin A inhibited the transition indicating that the cyclic electron flow around photosystem I, but not the oxidation of electron carriers (such as plastoquinone), induced the state II to I transition. Uncouplers, but not inhibitors of photophosphorylation, inhibited the state transition suggesting that the proton transport through the cyclic electron flow was related to the transition.

Notes: Abstract The three major chlorophyll-proteins of spinach chloroplasts were solubilized with digitonin and isolated by electrophoresis with deoxycholate. The gel bands were identified from their absorption and fluorescence spectra measured at 77 K. The slowest moving band was a Photosystem I complex (CPI); the second, a Photosystem II complex (Cpa); and the third, a chlorophyll a-b, antenna complex (LHCP). When absorption spectra (630–730 nm) of the bands were added in the proportions found in the gel, the sum closely matched the absorption of the chloroplasts both before and after solubilization. Thus these spectra represent the native absorption of the major antenna chlorophyll-proteins of green plants. Each of these spectra was resolved with a computer assisted, curve-fitting program into 8 mixed Gaussian-Lorentzian shaped components. The major, Chl a components in the 3 fractions were different both in peak positions and bandwidths. This result suggests that each chlorophyll-protein has its own unique set of chlorophyll a spectral forms or components.

Notes: Abstract The 14CO2 uptake of an aseptically cultured red raspberry clone (Rubus ideaus L.) was examined prior to and after transfer to soil. Individual leaves of transplants, both persistent from culture and new ones, were tested 5 weeks after transplant for 14CO2 uptake capability. Transplant leaves of successive weekly age classes took up 14CO2 at increasing rates per unit area, displaying a spectrum of photosynthetic competence from low levels close to that of leaves from culture, to that of control plants. This is illustrative of acclimatization to the soil environment and was related to transplant light intensity.

Notes: Abstract NADP:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (EC. 1.6.7.1.) isolated from a thermophilic blue-green alga, Synechococcus sp., was stable at temperatures up to 65°C. The diaphorase and cytochrome c reductase activities of the enzyme were low at 25°C but increased with elevated temperature to reach a maximum at about 60°C. The pH-profile of the diaphorase activity showed a peak at pH 9.0 at 55°C, whereas the activity was largely independent of pH at 25°C. High concentrations of NaCl suppressed activity at both high and low temperatures. In the cytochrome c reductase activity catalyzed by the enzyme, ferredoxin served as an electron carrier in a temperature-insensitive manner over a wide range of temperature. The results support the view that the optimum and the upper limiting temperatures for photosynthesis in this alga are related to thermal properties of proteins.

Notes: Abstract A portable field system for simultaneous measurement of transpiration and CO2 exchange from leaves of fruit trees is described. CO2 concentration is measured by means of infra-red gas analysis, using small gas samples collected in syringes. Methods for analysing small gas samples are compared. The leaf chamber described can also be used in a conventional laboratory open gas-exchange system, its small volume permitting measurement of very rapid changes in gas exchange in response to experimental stimuli.

Notes: Abstract Supra-optimal levels of zinc in primary leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris increased the CO2 compensation point and inhibited net photosynthesis. Leaf morphology was modified: mesophyll intercellular area, stomatal slit length and interstomatal distance were reduced, but stomatal density increased. Internal and stomatal conductances to CO2 diffusion decreased. These changes are discussed in relation to the observed effects on leaf gas exchange and to the previously reported inhibition of different photosynthetic and photorespiratory enzymes.

Notes: Abstract Rates of net CO2 uptake were examined in developing leaves of Hydrocotyle bonariensis. Leaves that developed under high photosynthetically active radiation (48 mol m-2 day-1 PAR) were smaller, thicker, and reached maximum size sooner than did leaves that developed under low PAR (4.8 mol m-2 day-1). Maximum net CO2 uptake rates were reached after 5 to 6 days expansion for both the low and the high PAR leaves. Leaves grown at high PAR had higher maximum photosynthetic rates and a higher PAR required for light saturation but showed a more rapid decline in rate with age than did low PAR leaves. To assess the basis for the difference observed in photosynthetic rates, CO2 diffusion conductances and the mesophyll surface available for CO2 absorption were examined for mature leaves. Stomatal conductance was the largest conductance in all treatments and did not vary appreciably with growth PAR. Mesophyll conductance progressively increased with growth PAR (up to 48 mol m-2 day-1) as did the mesophyll surface area per unit leaf area, but the cellular conductance exhibited most of its increase at low PAR (up to 4.8 mol m-2 day-1).

Notes: Abstract The effect of light intensity (16 h white light and 8 h dark) during growth of pea plants at 20°C on the chlorophyll composition and on the relative distribution of chlorophyll amongst the various chlorophyll-protein of pea thylakoids was studied. The chl a/chl b ratios increased from 2.1 to 3.2 as light intensity during growth varied from 10 to 840 μEm-2 s-1. This function can be described by two straight lines intersecting at a transition point of approximately 200 μEm-2 s-1. Similar discontinuities in the responses were observed in the changes in the relative distribution of chlorophyll amongst the various chlorophyll-protein complexes. This demonstrates that the chl a/chl b ratio of the various thylakoids is a good indicator of changes in the relative distribution of chlorophyll. As the chl a/chl b ratio decreased, the amount of chlorophyll associated with photosystem I complexes decreased, that with photosystem II core reaction centre complex was halved, and that with the main chl a/b-proteins of the light-harvesting complex was markedly increased.

Notes: Abstract The extent of photorespiration, the inhibition of apparent photosynthesis (APS) by 21% O2, and the leaf anatomical and ultrastructural features of the naturally occurring C3−C4 intermediate species in the diverse Panicum, Moricandia, and Flaveria genera are between those features of representative C3 and C4 plants. The greatest differences between the photosynthetic/photorespiratory CO2 exchange characteristics of the C3−C4 intermediates and C3 plants occur for the parameters which are measured at low pCO2 (i.e., the CO2 compensation concentration and rates of CO2 evolution into CO2-free air in the light). The rates of APS by the intermediate species at atmospheric pCO2 are similar to those of C3 plants. The mechanisms which are responsible for reducing photorespiration in the C3−C4 intermediate species are poorly understood, but two proposals have been advanced. One emphasizes the importance of limited C4 photosynthesis which reduces O2 fixation by ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, and, thus, reduces photorespiration by a CO2-concentrating mechanism, while the other emphasizes the importance of the internal recycling of photorespiratory CO2 evolved from the chloroplast/mitochondrion-containing bundle-sheath cells. There is no evidence from recent studies that limited C4 photosynthesis is responsible for reducing photorespiration in the intermediate Panicum and Moricandia species. However, preliminary results suggest that some, but not all, of the intermediate Flaveria species may possess a limited C4 cycle. The importance of a chlorophyllous bundle-sheath layer in the leaves of intermediate Panicum and Moricandia species in a mechanism based on the recycling of photorespiratory CO2 is uncertain. Therefore, although they have yet to be clearly delineated, different strategies appear to exist in the C3−C4 intermediate group to reduce photorespiration. Of major importance is the finding that some mechanism(s) other than Crassulacean acid metabolism or C4 photosynthesis has (have) evolved in at least the majority of these terrestrial intermediate species to reduce the seemingly wasteful metabolic process of photorespiration.

Notes: Abstract The effect of irradiance on the rate of net photosynthesis was measured for mature leaves of coffee grown under five levels of radiation from 100% to 5% daylight. The rate of light-saturated photosynthesis per unit leaf area (PNmax) increased from 2 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 under 5% daylight to 4.4 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 under 100% daylight. The photon flux density (PAR, photosynthetically active radiation) needed for 50% saturation of photosynthesis, as well as the light compensation point, also increased with increasing levels of irradiation during growth. The quantum efficiency of photosynthesis (α), measured by the initial slope of the photosynthetic response to increasing irradiance, was greater under shaded growth conditions. The rate of dark respiration was greatest for plants grown in full daylight. On the basis of the increase in the quantal efficiency of photosynthesis and the low light compensation point when grown under shaded conditions, coffee shows high shade adaptation. Plants adjusted to shade by an increased ability to utilize short-term increases in irradiance above the level of the growth irradiance (measured by the difference between photosynthesis at the growth irradiance, PNg, and PNmax).

Notes: Abstract Photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, photorespiration and levels of glycollate oxidase and ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase were measured in barley, wheat and maize plants grown on media containing nitrate or ammonium or in plants transferred from nitrate to ammonium. The CO2 compensation point and photorespiratory CO2 release were not altered by the nitrogen growth regime nor by transfer from nitrate to ammonium. In barley and wheat plants grown on ammonium the levels of glycollate oxidase and RuBP carboxylase per unit leaf area were higher than in nitrate grown material. These differences were not evident when the results were expressed on a protein or chlorophyll basis. The ratio of glycollate oxidase activity to RuBP carboxylase activity was not altered by the nitrogen regime.