The Role of Chlorophyll Fluorescence in The Detection of Stress Conditions in Plants

Photosystem II functionality and antioxidant system changes during leaf rolling in post-stress emerging Ctenanthe setosa exposed to drought

We studied the changes in antioxidant system and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in post-stress emerging Ctenanthe setosa (Rosc.) Eichler (Marantaceae) plants (PSE plants) having reduced leaf area under drought stress causing leaf rolling and re-watering. PSE plants were compared to primary stressed plants (PS) in previous studies. The parameters were measured at different visual leaf rolling scores from 1 to 4 (1 is unrolled, 4 is tightly rolled and the others is intermediate form). Water potentials and stomatal conductance of leaves were gradually decreased during leaf rolling. Similarly, maximum quantum efficiency of open PS II center and quantum yield of PS II decreased during the rolling period. Non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence decreased at score 2 then increased while photochemical quenching did not change during leaf rolling. Electron transport rate decreased only at score 4 but approximately reached to score 1 level after re-watering. Superoxide dismutase activity was not constant at all leaf rolling scores. Ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities generally tended to increase during leaf rolling. Lipid peroxidation and H 2 O 2 content increased at score 2 but decreased at the later scores. On the other hand, O 2 .- production increased during the rolling period. After re-watering of the plants having score 4 of leaf rolling, antioxidant enzyme activities were lower than those of score 1. Other physiological parameters also tended to reach the value of score 1. The results indicated that PSE plants gained drought tolerance by reducing leaf area effectively induced their antioxidant systems and protected the photosynthesis under drought stress similar to PS plants.

Scientific and technical challenges in remote sensing of plant canopy reflectance and fluorescence

State-of-the-art optical remote sensing of vegetation canopies is reviewed here to stimulate support from laboratory and field plant research. This overview of recent satellite spectral sensors and the methods used to retrieve remotely quantitative biophysical and biochemical characteristics of vegetation canopies shows that there have been substantial advances in optical remote sensing over the past few decades. Nevertheless, adaptation and transfer of currently available fluorometric methods aboard air- and space-borne platforms can help to eliminate errors and uncertainties in recent remote sensing data interpretation. With this perspective, red and blue-green fluorescence emission as measured in the laboratory and field is reviewed. Remotely sensed plant fluorescence signals have the potential to facilitate a better understanding of vegetation photosynthetic dynamics and primary production on a large scale. The review summarizes several scientific challenges that still need to be resolved to achieve operational fluorescence based remote sensing approaches.

Using optical remote sensing techniques to track the development of ozone-induced stress

In this paper, a literature review about optical remote sensing (RS) of O(3) stress is presented. Studies on O(3)-induced effects on vegetation reflectance have been conducted since late '70s based on the analysis of optical RS data. Literature review reveals that traditional RS techniques were able to detect changes in leaf and canopy reflectance related to O(3)-induced stress when visible symptoms already occurred. Only recently, advanced RS techniques using hyperspectral sensors, demonstrated the feasibility of detecting the stress in its early phase by monitoring excess energy dissipation pathways such as chlorophyll fluorescence and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Steady-state fluorescence (Fs), measured by exploiting the Fraunhofer line depth principle and NPQ related xanthophyll-cycle, estimated through the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) responded to O(3) fumigation before visible symptoms occurred. This opens up new possibilities for the early detection of vegetation O(3) stress by means of hyperspectral RS.

Photosystem II efficiency of the palisade and spongy mesophyll in Quercus coccifera using adaxial/abaxial illumination and excitation light sources with wavelengths varying in penetration into the leaf tissue

The existence of major vertical gradients within the leaf is often overlooked in studies of photosynthesis. These gradients, which involve light heterogeneity, cell composition, and CO(2) concentration across the mesophyll, can generate differences in the maximum potential PSII efficiency (F (V)/F (M) or F (V)/F (P)) of the different cell layers. Evidence is presented for a step gradient of F (V)/F (P) ratios across the mesophyll, from the adaxial (palisade parenchyma, optimal efficiencies) to the abaxial (spongy parenchyma, sub-optimal efficiencies) side of Quercus coccifera leaves. For this purpose, light sources with different wavelengths that penetrate more or less deep within the leaf were employed, and measurements from the adaxial and abaxial sides were performed. To our knowledge, this is the first report where a low photosynthetic performance in the abaxial side of leaves is accompanied by impaired F (V)/F (P) ratios. This low photosynthetic efficiency of the abaxial side could be related to the occurrence of bundle sheath extensions, which facilitates the penetration of high light intensities deep within the mesophyll. Also, leaf morphology (twisted in shape) and orientation (with a marked angle from the horizontal plane) imply direct sunlight illumination of the abaxial side. The existence of cell layers within leaves with different photosynthetic efficiencies makes appropriate the evaluation of how light penetrates within the mesophyll when using Chl fluorescence or gas exchange techniques that use different wavelengths for excitation and/or for driving photosynthesis.

Winter photosynthetic activity of twenty temperate semi-desert sand grassland species

The winter photosynthetic activity (quantified by net CO(2) assimilation rates and chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence parameters) of 20 plant species (including two lichens and two mosses) of a Hungarian temperate semi-desert sand grassland was determined on one occasion per year in 1984, 1989 and 1994. Throughout winter, the overwintering green shoots, leaves or thalli were regularly exposed to below zero temperatures at night and daytime temperatures of 0-5 degrees C. In situ tissue temperature varied between -2.1 and +6.9 degrees C and the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) between 137 and 351 micromol m(-2)s(-1). Under these conditions 18 of the grassland species exhibited photosynthetic CO(2) uptake (range: vascular plants ca. 0.2-3.8 micromol m(-2)s(-1), cryptogams 0.3-2.79 micromol kg(-1)s(-1)) and values of 0.9-5.1 of the Chl fluorescence decrease ratio R(Fd). In 1984, Festuca vaginata and Sedum sexangulare had net CO(2) assimilation at leaf temperatures of -0.85 to -1.2 degrees C. In 1989, all species except Cladonia furcata showed net CO(2) assimilation at tissue temperatures of 0 to +3.3 degrees C, with the highest rates observed in Poa bulbosa and F. vaginata. The latter showed a net CO(2) assimilation saturation at a PPFD of 600 micromol m(-2)s(-1) and a temperature optimum between +5 and +18 degrees C. At the 1994 measurements, the photosynthetic rates were higher at higher tissue water contents. The two mosses and lichens had a net photosynthesis (range: 1.1-2.79 micromol CO(2)kg(-1)s(-1)) at 2 degrees C tissue temperature and at 4-5 degrees C air temperature. Ca. 80% of the vascular grassland plant species maintained a positive C-balance during the coldest periods of winter, with photosynthetic rates of 1.5-3.8 micromol CO(2)m(-2)s(-1). In an extremely warm beginning March of the relatively warm winter of 2006/2007, the dicotyledonous plants had much higher CO(2) assimilation rates on a Chl (range 6-14.9 micromol g(-1)Chl s(-1)) and on a dry weight basis (9-48 micromol kg(-1)dw s(-1)) than in the cold winter of 1994. However, the assimilation rates of the three investigated cryptogams (Tortula and two Cladonia) and the two grasses Festuca and Poa were not affected by this increase. The results indicate that the photosynthetic activity of temperate semi-desert sand grassland species can help somewhat in slowing the general CO(2) rise in winter and function as a potential carbon sink of the investigated semi-desert Hungarian grassland species.

Physiological status of cultivated plants characterised by multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging

The fluorescence imaging technique was elaborated primarily for the detection of the fluorescence traits accompanying changes in the physiological status of stressed plants. The paper summarises the conditions and technical background required for the use of multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging. Images of leaves were recorded at wavelengths of 440, 520, 690 and 740 nm. Possible applications are illustrated by studies on the leaves of stressed plants. An evaluation of the images is presented, including the necessary corrections and fluorescence ratios, examples of comparisons between imaging and functional activity measurements, and an evaluation of the diagnostic importance and reliability of imaging in detecting the effects of stressors in plants. The results demonstrate that the multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging of leaves is a useful method for detecting the presence of stress in plants and for determining the extent of the stress.

Signature Optical Cues: Emerging Technologies for Monitoring Plant Health

Optical technologies can be developed as practical tools for monitoring plant health by providing unique spectral signatures that can be related to specific plant stresses. Signatures from thermal and fluorescence imaging have been used successfully to track pathogen invasion before visual symptoms are observed. Another approach for non-invasive plant health monitoring involves elucidating the manner with which light interacts with the plant leaf and being able to identify changes in spectral characteristics in response to specific stresses. To achieve this, an important step is to understand the biochemical and anatomical features governing leaf reflectance, transmission and absorption. Many studies have opened up possibilities that subtle changes in leaf reflectance spectra can be analyzed in a plethora of ways for discriminating nutrient and water stress, but with limited success. There has also been interest in developing transgenic phytosensors to elucidate plant status in relation to environmental conditions. This approach involves unambiguous signal creation whereby genetic modification to generate reporter plants has resulted in distinct optical signals emitted in response to specific stressors. Most of these studies are limited to laboratory or controlled greenhouse environments at leaf level. The practical translation of spectral cues for application under field conditions at canopy and regional levels by remote aerial sensing remains a challenge. The movement towards technology development is well exemplified by the Controlled Ecological Life Support System under development by NASA which brings together technologies for monitoring plant status concomitantly with instrumentation for environmental monitoring and feedback control.

Differences in photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, and in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in green sun and shade leaves of Ginkgo and Fagus

The differences in pigment levels and photosynthetic activity of green sun and shade leaves of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) are described. Sun leaves of both tree species possessed higher levels in chlorophylls (Chl) and carotenoids on a leaf area basis, higher values for the ratio Chl a/b and lower values for the ratio Chl/carotenoids (a+b)/(x+c) in comparison to shade leaves. The higher photosynthetic rates P(N) of sun leaves (ginkgo 5.4+/-0.9 and beech 8.5+/-2.1 micromol m(-2)s(-1)) were also reflected by higher values for the Chl fluorescence decrease ratios R(F)(d) 690 and R(F)(d) 735. In contrast, the shade leaves had lower P(N) rates (ginkgo 2.4+/-0.3 and beech 1.8+/-1.2 micromol m(-2)s(-1)). In both tree species the stomatal conductance G(s) was significantly higher in sun (range: 70-19 1 mmol m(-2)s(-1)) as compared to shade leaves (range: 5-55 mmol m(-2)s(-1)). In fact, at saturating light conditions there existed a close correlation between G(s) values and P(N) rates. Differences between sun and shade leaves also existed in several other Chl fluorescence ratios (F(v)/F(m), F(v)/F(o), and the stress adaptation index Ap). The results clearly demonstrate that the fan-shaped gymnosperm ginkgo leaves show the same high and low irradiance adaptation response as the angiosperm beech leaves.

Variability and application of the chlorophyll fluorescence emission ratio red/far-red of leaves

Various approaches to understand and make use of the variable chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence emission spectrum and fluorescence ratio are reviewed. The Chl fluorescence of leaves consists of two maxima in the red (near 685-690 nm), and far-red region (near 730-740 nm). The intensity and shape of the Chl fluorescence emission spectrum of leaves at room temperature are primarily dependent on the concentration of the fluorophore Chl a, and to a lower degree also on the leaf structure, the photosynthetic activity, and the leaf's optical properties. The latter determine the penetration of excitation light into the leaf as well as the emission of Chl fluorescence from different depths of the leaf. Due to the re-absorption mainly of the red Chl fluorescence band emitted inside the leaf, the ratio between the red and the far-red Chl fluorescence maxima (near 690 and 730-740 nm, respectively), e.g., as F690/F735, decreases with increasing Chl content in a curvilinear relationship and is a good inverse indicator of the Chl content of the leaf tissue, e.g., before and after stress events. The Chl fluorescence ratio of leaves can be applied for Chl determinations in basic photosynthesis research, agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. It can be used to assess changes of the photosynthetic apparatus, developmental processes of leaves, state of health, stress events, stress tolerance, and also to detect diseases or N-deficiency of plants.

Optical properties of the adaxial and abaxial faces of leaves. Chlorophyll fluorescence, absorption and scattering coefficients

Emission fluorescence spectra were obtained for the adaxial and abaxial faces of dicotyledonous (Ficus benjamina L., Ficus elastica, Gardenia jasminoides and Hedera helix) and monocotyledonous leaves (Gladiolus spp. and Dracaena cincta bicolor). After correction by light-re-absorption processes, using a previously published physical model, the adaxial faces of dicotyledons showed a fluorescence ratio Fred/Ffar-red rather lower than the respective values for the abaxial faces. Monocotyledons and shade-adapted-plants showed similar values for the corrected fluorescence ratio for both faces. Even when differences in experimental fluorescence emission from adaxial and abaxial leaves in dicotyledons are mostly due to light re-absorption processes, the residual dissimilarity found after application of the correction model would point to the fact that fluorescence re-absorption is not the only responsible for the observed disparity. It was concluded that light re-absorption processes does not account entirely for the differences in the experimental emission spectra between adaxial and abaxial leaves. Differences that remains still present after correction might be interpreted in terms of a different photosystem ratio (PSII/PSI). Experiments at low temperature sustained this hypothesis. In dicotyledons, light reflectance for adaxial leaves was found to be lower than for the abaxial ones. It was mainly due to an increase in the scattering coefficient for the lower leaf-side. The absorption coefficient values were slightly higher for the upper leaf-side. During senescence of Ficus benjamina leaves, the scattering coefficient increased for both the upper and lower leaf-sides. With senescence time the absorption coefficient spectra broadened while the corrected fluorescence ratio (Fred/Ffar-red) decreased for both faces. The results pointed to a preferential destruction of photosystem II relative to photosystem I during senescence.

Variation in oxidative stress and photochemical activity in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves subjected to cadmium and excess copper in the presence or absence of jasmonate and ascorbate

We have presented changes in the photosynthetic apparatus activity of Arabidopsis thaliana plants occurring within 15-144 h of 100 microM Cu or Cd action with regard to jasmonate (JA) as well as expression of the oxidative stress and non-enzymic defense mechanisms. The inhibitory effect of both heavy metals related to developing dissipative processes and lipid peroxide formation was expressed in dark-adapted state after the longest time as a decrease in potential quantum yield of PSII. In dark- and light-adapted state the heavy metals affected the enzymic phase of photosynthesis already from the 15th hour, which was related to the lipid peroxide formation. Photochemical quenching decrease was induced after 48th hour and did not show a close correlation with the JA pathway. Blockade of endogenously formed JA by propyl gallate decreased the effect of Cu and Cd on both the whole photosynthetic apparatus starting from the 48th hour and on the primary photochemistry of PSII after 144 h. In the case of Cu the effect was related to a lipid peroxidation decrease and to an increase in glutathione and phytochelatin (PC) levels, but in the case of Cd to lipid peroxidation, O.2- and especially to PCs increase. The obtained results indicated that JA after the longest time might enhance the sensitivity of A. thaliana to Cu and Cd stress. Asc enhanced toxic action of Cu and Cd after 15 h, but after a longer time it diminished the influence of Cd (but not Cu) on photosynthetic activity.

Response of wheat seedlings to ni stress: effects of supplemental calcium

The effect of excess Ni (1 mM Ni) on wheat plants as well as the role of Ca (1 mM Ni+5000 microM Ca) for amelioration of toxicity and recovery of growth and photosynthesis in Ni-stressed wheat was evaluated. Growth, nutrient status (Ca, Mg, Fe, K, Na), and photosynthesis showed a distinct decrease strictly related to the period of treatment. Calcium ameliorated to a certain extent toxic symptoms of Ni, due to antagonistic action between Ni and Ca ions. Since chlorophyll content and variable fluorescence (Fv) decreased significantly, but Fo did not particularly change, the decrease of t1/2 with increasing duration of Ni exposure indicates negative changes on the acceptor side of PSII, which also may result from diminution of Calvin cycle. The maximum quantum yield for energy trapping was also suppressed. Plant transfer to Hoagland solution+5000 microM Ca caused recovery to plant morphology and physiology. Even in control plants, during recovery period an increased Ca concentration in plant tissues with concomitant increased rates of growth and morphology was observed. Ni concentration in plants exposed to 1 mM Ni+5000 microM Ca was lower than in plants exposed to 1 mM Ni. In all treatments a certain increase of plant nutrients was observed during recovery.

Fluorescence sensing techniques for vegetation assessment

Active fluorescence (F) sensing systems have long been suggested as a means to identify species composition and determine physiological status of plants. Passive F systems for large-scale remote assessment of vegetation will undoubtedly rely on solar-induced F (SIF), and this information could potentially be obtained from the Fraunhofer line depth (FLD) principle. However, understanding the relationships between the information and knowledge gained from active and passive systems remains to be addressed. Here we present an approach in which actively induced F spectral data are used to simulate and project the magnitude of SIF that can be expected from near-ground observations within selected solar Fraunhofer line regions. Comparisons among vegetative species and nitrogen (N) supply treatments were made with three F approaches: the passive FLD principle applied to telluric oxygen (O2) bands from field-acquired canopy reflectance spectra, simulated SIF from actively induced laboratory emission spectra of leaves at a series of solar Fraunhofer lines ranging from 422 to 758 nm, and examination of two dual-F excitation algorithms developed from laboratory data. From these analyses we infer that SIF from whole-plant canopies can be simulated by use of laboratory data from active systems on individual leaves and that SIF has application for the large-scale assessment of vegetation.

Re-absorption of chlorophyll fluorescence in leaves revisited. A comparison of correction models

The application of correction methods to account for re-absorption of chlorophyll fluorescence emission in leaves is subject to a number of controversies in the literature. These uncertainties lead to high discrepancies in the corrected spectral distribution of fluorescence and consequently in the interpretation of related physiological features of plants, according to the chosen method used in the process of correction. In this research, three correction methods, based on transmittance and/or reflectance measurements on leaves, were analysed comparatively. One method gave high values for the corrected fluorescence ratio between 685 nm and 737 nm (F685/F737 approximately 7 to 20 according to the different species of leaves). The two other methods were found to give similar results with corrected fluorescence ratios around a value of two (F685/F737 approximately 2). While the first method was developed in the light of empirical considerations, the latter two models are based upon defined physical approaches depicting interaction between light and matter. The theoretical basis of these methods, the validation methodologies used to support them and the similarity in the spectra corrected by light re-absorption for both models, all showed that they should be treated as confident and suitable approximations to solve the problem of light re-absorption in leaves.

Evaluating UV-B effects and EDU protection in soybean leaves using fluorescence

A growth-chamber experiment was conducted to evaluate whether ethylenenediurea (EDU), a chemical shown to be protective against ozone pollution, could ameliorate foliar damage induced by ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation exposure in 'Roanoke' soybean (Glycine max L.), a UV-B-sensitive cultivar, and whether these effects could be discriminated using fluorescence (F) observations. The experiment had four treatment groups: control; biologically effective UV-B (18 kJ m(-2) day(-1)); EDU (500 micromol mol(-1)); and both UV-B and EDU (UV/EDU). Measurements included photosynthetic pigments, F image system (FIS) images of adaxial surfaces in four spectral regions (blue, green, red and far-red) and F emission spectra of the pigment extracts produced at two excitation wavelengths, 280 nm (280EX) and 380 nm (380EX). Several F ratios from 280EX, 380EX and the FIS images successfully separated the low UV vs high EDU group responses based on means alone, with intermediate values for controls and the combined UV/EDU groups. A UV-B/blue emission ratio, F315/F420 (280EX), was correlated with chlorophyll content (microg cm(-2))(R = 0.88, P < 0.001), as was a ratio of emissions at two UV-A wavelengths: F330/F385 (280EX) (R = 0.87). These two 280EX ratios were also linearly correlated with emission ratios produced by 380EX, such as the far-red/green ratio, F730/F525 (380EX) (R = 0.92, P < 0.001), and clearly distinguished the UV-B and EDU groups separately, and which bracketed the similar intermediate responses of the UV/EDU and control groups. The FIS images additionally captured the following anatomical spatial patterns across the leaf surfaces: (1) emissions of UV-B-irradiated leaves were more uniform but lower in intensity than those of other groups; and (2) emissions of EDU-treated leaves exhibited the greatest variation in spatial patterns because veins had elevated blue F and leaf edges had enhanced red and far-red F. This experiment supports the hypothesis that EDU substantially ameliorated UV-B damage to foliage, a result that relied on the combined use of FIS images and emission spectra.

Analysis of Chlorophyll Fluorescence Spectra in Some Tropical Plants

Laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (LICF) emission spectra of leaves of some tropical plants were measured using a compact fiber-optic fluorosensor with a continuous-wave blue diode laser as exciting source and an integrated digital spectrometer. Different chlorophyll-fluorescence signatures of light-green, fully-green, and yellow leaves were monitored at room temperature. Deconvolution procedure was used to determine fluorescence band position and width. Calibration of the fluorescence ratio F690/F730 relative to the 404 nm excitation is done from the curve-fitted parameter.

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus infection leads to alterations in photosynthetic efficiency and carbohydrate accumulation in sugarcane leaves

Infection by Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) causes severe leaf symptoms in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) hybrids, which indicate alterations in its photosynthetic apparatus. To gain an overview of the physiological status of infected plants, we evaluated chlorophyll a fluorescence and gas exchange assays, correlating the results with leaf metabolic surveys, i.e., photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrate contents. When compared to healthy plants, infected plants showed a reduction in potential quantum efficiency for photochemistry of photosystem (PSII) and alterations in the filling up of the plastoquinone (PQ) pool. They also showed reduction in the CO2 net exchange rates, probably as a consequence of impaired quantum yield. In addition, reductions were found in the contents of photosynthetic leaf pigments and in the ratio chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b (chla/chlb). Carbohydrate content in the leaves was increased as a secondary effect of the ScYLV infection. This article discusses the relation of virus replication and host defense responses with general alterations in the photosynthetic apparatus and in the metabolism of infected plants.

Enhanced thermotolerance of photosystem II in salt-adapted plants of the halophyte Artemisia anethifolia

Thermotolerance of photosystem II (PSII) in leaves of salt-adapted Artemisia anethifolia L. plants (100-400 mM NaCl) was evaluated after exposure to heat stress (30-45 degrees C) for 30 min. After exposure to 30 degrees C, salt adaptation had no effects on the maximal efficiency of PSII photochemistry (F(v)/F(m)), the efficiency of excitation capture by open PSII centers (F(v)'/F(m)'), or the actual PSII efficiency (Phi(PSII)). After pretreatment at 40 degrees C, there was a striking difference in the responses of F(v)/F(m), F(v)'/F(m)' and Phi(PSII) to heat stress in non-salt-adapted and salt-adapted leaves. Leaves from salt-adapted plants maintained significantly higher values of F(v)/F(m), F(v)'/F(m)' and Phi(PSII) than those from non-salt-adapted leaves. The differences in F(v)/F(m), F(v)'/F(m)' and Phi(PSII) between non-salt-adapted and salt-adapted plants persisted for at least 12 h following heat stress. These results clearly show that thermotolerance of PSII was enhanced in salt-adapted plants. This enhanced thermotolerance was associated with an improvement in thermotolerance of the PSII reaction centers, the oxygen-evolving complexes and the light-harvesting complex. In addition, we observed that after exposure to 42.5 degrees C for 30 min, non-salt-adapted plants showed a significant decrease in CO(2) assimilation rate while in salt-adapted plants CO(2) assimilation rate was either maintained or even increased to some extent. Given that photosynthesis is considered to be the physiological process most sensitive to high-temperature damage and that PSII appears to be the most heat-sensitive part of the photosynthetic apparatus, enhanced thermotolerance of PSII may be of significance for A. anethifolia, a halophyte plant, which grows in the high-salinity regions in the north of China, where the air temperature in the summer is often as high as 45 degrees C.

Quantification of stress adaptation by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy of plants exposed to engine exhaust emission and drought

The effects of drought and petrol engine exhaust pollutants, such as SO₂ and NO₂ and suspended particulate matter (SPM), on the photosynthetic activity of colocasia [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott], kacholam (Kaempferia galanga L.) and tapioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) plants were studied from in vivo laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (LICF) spectra. An open-top chamber (OTC) of 2.5 m diameter and 3 m height incorporating an air-filtering unit was developed for this study. Plants grown inside the OTC were exposed to exhaust emissions from a two-stroke Birla Yamaha genset for 10 d, while a control group was maintained outside. Gaseous pollutants and SPM present inside the OTC during the exposure period were measured with a high-volume air sampler. The steady-state LICF spectra of the control and treated plants were recorded in the 650-750-nm region. Fluorescence induction kinetics (Kautsky effect) was also recorded during the stress period from dark-adapted intact plant leaves at the chlorophyll bands of 685 and 730 nm. The vitality indexes (Rfd-685 and Rfd-730) and stress adaptation index (Ap) derived from the induction kinetics were utilised along with the chlorophyll fluorescence intensity ratio (F685 /  F730) for evaluation of stress-induced changes in plants.

In vivo monitoring of chlorophyll ?uorescence response to low-dose?-irradiation in pumpkin (cucurbita pepo) leaves

The effect of gamma-irradiation on the in vivo-measured chlorophyll fluorescence in a pumpkin leaves (Cucurbita pepo) has been investigated. Plants were grown in the same environment, then divided into several groups and irradiated at ambient conditions at small dose levels (up to 13.4 Gy) with (60)Co gamma-rays. The post-irradiation effect on chlorophyll status in the leaves was examined by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence 2 days (48 h) after exposure. It is undoubtedly found that the value of fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) at 690 nm and 735 nm (F(690)/F(735)) depends upon the ionizing radiation dose. Even with the smallest dose of 3.35 Gy, ionizing radiation notably altered the fluorescence spectra of leaves. The spectra difference was manifested by decrease of FIR due to changed chlorophyll luminescence, the possible reason for which could be increase of chlorophyll concentration during the recovery process of the plant. The potential implications of these results for plant physiological status monitoring, as well as for pollution detection and assessment, are discussed in brief.

A new relative referencing method for crop monitoring using chlorophyll fluorescence

The measurement of plant chlorophyll fluorescence has been used for many years as a method to monitor a plant's health status. These types of methods have been mostly relegated to the laboratory. The newly developed Relative Referencing Method allows for the measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence under artificial lighting conditions. The fluorescence signal can be determined by first taking a reference signal measurement, then a second measurement with an additional fluorescence excitation source. The first signal can then be subtracted from the second and the plant's chlorophyll fluorescence due to the second lighting source can be determined. With this simple approach, a photosynthesizing plant can be monitored to detect signs of water stress. Using this approach experiments on tomato plants have shown that it was possible to detect water stress, while the plants were continuously illuminated by fluorescent lamps. This method is a promising tool for the remote monitoring of crops grown in a CELSS-type application.

Resolution of the Photosystem I and Photosystem II contributions to chlorophyll fluorescence of intact leaves at room temperature

Green leaves illuminated with photosynthetically active light emit red fluorescence, whose time-dependent intensity variations reflect photosynthetic electron transport (the Kautsky effect). Usually, fluorescence variations are discussed by considering only the contribution of PSII-associated chlorophyll a, although it is known that the fluorescence of PSI-associated chlorophyll a also contributes to the total fluorescence [Aust. J. Plant Physiol. 22 (1995) 131]. Because the fluorescence emitted by each photosystem cannot be measured separately by selecting the emission wavelength in in vivo conditions, the contribution of PSI to total fluorescence at room temperature is still in ambiguity. By using a diode array detector, we measured fluorescence emission spectra corresponding to the minimal (F(O)) and maximal (F(M)) fluorescence states. We showed that the different shapes of these spectra were mainly due to a higher contribution of PSI chlorophylls in the F(O) spectrum. By exciting PSI preferentially, we recorded a reference PSI emission spectrum in the near far-red region. From the F(O) and F(M) spectra and from this PSI reference spectrum, we derived specific PSI and PSII emission spectra in both the F(O) and F(M) states. This enables to estimate true value of the relative variable fluorescence of PSII, which was underestimated in previous works. Accurate separation of PSI-PSII fluorescence emission spectra will also enable further investigations of the distribution of excitation energy between PSI and PSII under in vivo conditions.

Photosynthetic responses of Lemna minor exposed to xenobiotics, copper, and their combinations

The effects on the photosynthetic process of copper and pesticides, used in vineyards, and their combinations, were investigated by measuring different chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in Lemna minor. Cu and flumioxazin had a severe impact on duckweed since a decrease in their photosynthetic capacity was detected after 24h of exposure to 200 and 1 microg.L(-1), respectively. However, fungicides used to control Botrytis cinerea (procymidone, pyrimethanil, and fludioxonil) seem to have no marked effects on duckweed even at very high concentrations (50 mg.L(-1)). Analysis of the combinations between copper (200 microg.L(-1)) and pesticides revealed different patterns of response: a synergistic effect was observed when Cu(2+) was added to flumioxazin (1 microg.L(-1)). In contrast, an antagonism was detected when duckweed was exposed to a mixture of Cu(2+) and fludioxonil or procymidone. However, these interactions always tended toward additivity when pesticide concentrations increased. Additivity was also observed for the Cu(2+)-pyrimethanil mixture at each fungicide concentration.

Sites of toxicity of specific photooxidation products of anthracene to higher plants: inhibition of photosynthetic activity and electron transport in Lemna gibba L. G-3 (duckweed)

Sites of toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined to determine if inhibition of photosynthetic activity could be correlated to whole-organism toxicity. The inhibition of photosynthesis was observed by detecting the induction kinetics of endogenous chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence. Anthracene (ANT) photooxidation products were applied to the aquatic higher plant Lemna gibba L. G-3 at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 ppm. The impact on Chl a fluorescence was found to correlate with whole-organism toxicity for the 13 PAH compounds tested in this in vivo study. The mechanism of toxic action starts with inhibition of photosystem I (PSI) or the cytochrome-b6/f complex, followed by photooxidative damage to photosystem II (PSII). To study the effects of oxygenated ANTs on photosynthesis in vivo, the IC(50)s for F(V)/F(M) (PSII activity) and F(Q)/F(M) (activity downstream from PSII) were determined. The IC(50)s for a decrease of F(Q)/F(M) for all 13 chemicals were on average twofold lower than those for F(V)/F(M). F(V)/F(M) was found to be a measure of acute toxicity, whereas F(Q)/F(M) was found to be a measure of chronic toxicity. Thus, Chl a fluorescence by use of the whole organism was able to detect the impacts of photomodified ANT products and indicate a site of action for the chemicals.

Relationship between the structural and functional changes of the photosynthetic apparatus during chloroplast-chromoplast transition in flower bud of Lilium longiflorum

The relationship between the structural and functional changes of the photosynthetic apparatus in the flower bud of Lilium longiflorum during chloroplast-chromoplast transition was examined. Compared with green petals, there was a five-fold increase of the carotenoid content in yellow petals, whereas the chlorophyll content decreased five-fold. Absorption and emission fluorescence spectra of chromoplasts indicated that newly synthesized carotenoids were not associated with photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry. The maximum quantum yield in the remaining PSII reaction centers remained constant during the chromoplast formation, whereas the photosynthetic electron transport beyond PSII became inhibited, as indicated by a marked decrease of the O2 evolution capacity, of the photochemical quenching of chlorophyll-alpha fluorescence and of the operational quantum yield of photosynthetic electron transport. Deconvoluted fluorescence emission spectra indicated a more rapid degradation of photosystem I (PSI) complexes than of PSII during chromoplast formation. Compared with green petals, the spillover between PSII and PSI decreased by approximately 40% in yellow petals. Our results indicate that during chloroplast-chromoplast transition in the flower bud of L. longiflorum, PSII integrity was preserved longer than the rest of the photosynthetic apparatus.

Steady-state multispectral fluorescence imaging system for plant leaves

We present a detailed description of a laboratory-based multispectral fluorescence imaging system (MFIS) for plant leaves. Fluorescence emissions with 360-nm excitation are captured at four spectral bands in the blue, green, red, and far-red regions of the spectrum centered at 450, 550, 680, and 740 nm, respectively. Preliminary experiments conducted with soybean leaves treated with a herbicide (DCMU) and short-term exposures to moderately elevated tropospheric ozone environment demonstrated the utilities of the newly developed MFIS. In addition, with the aid of fluorescence images of normal soybean leaves, several mechanisms governing the fluorescence emissions are discussed. Imaging results illustrate the versatility of fluorescence imaging, which provides information on the spatial variability of fluorescence patterns over leaf samples.

Beech (Fagus sylvatica) response to ozone exposure assessed with a chlorophyll a fluorescence performance index

This paper describes a relationship between ozone exposure, biomass, visual symptoms and a chlorophyll a fluorescence performance index for young beech trees (Fagus sylvatica). The plants were exposed to four levels of ozone in open-top fumigation chambers (50, 85, 100% of ambient, and 50% of ambient+30 nl l(-1) ozone) that fluctuated in parallel with ambient ozone during a single growing season. The trees were fumigated in the four treatments with ozone levels corresponding to an AOT40 (accumulated exposure above a threshold of 40 nl l(-1)) of 0.01, 3.35, 7.06 and 19.70 microl l(-1) h, respectively. Highly significant differences were found between the 50% of ambient+30 nl l(-1) ozone treatment and all other treatments, with a 70.5% reduction in primary photosynthetic performance, as measured with the PI index. The reduction of the PI values demonstrated a high correlation with visual symptom development (r(2)=0.98), and by the end of September with biomass loss (r(2)=0.99). A significant ozone exposure-response relationship was found between AOT40 and primary photochemistry (r(2)=0.97). Thus, analysis of PI provides an alternative method for regional monitoring of tree health within the context of the currently employed AOT40.

The effect of decreasing temperature up to chilling values on the in vivo F685/F735 chlorophyll fluorescence ratio in Phaseolus vulgaris and Pisum sativum: the role of the photosystem I contribution to the 735 nm fluorescence band

The effect of leaf temperature (T), between 23 and 4 degrees C, on the chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence spectral shape was investigated under moderate (200 microE m-2 s-1) and low (30-35 microE m-2 s-1) light intensities in Phaseolus vulgaris and Pisum sativum. With decreasing temperature, an increase in the fluorescence yield at both 685 and 735 nm was observed. A marked change occurred at the longer emission band resulting in a decrease in the Chl fluorescence ratio, F685/F735, with reducing T. Our fluorescence analysis suggests that this effect is due to a temperature-induced state 1-state 2 transition that decreases and increases photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) fluorescence, respectively. Time-resolved fluorescence life-time measurements support this interpretation. At a critical temperature (about 6 degrees C) and low light intensity a sudden decrease in fluorescence intensity was observed, with a larger effect at 685 than at 735 nm. This is probably linked to a modification of the thylakoid membranes, induced by chilling temperatures, which can alter the spill-over from PSII to PSI. The contribution of photosystem I to the long-wavelength Chl fluorescence band (735 nm) at room temperature was estimated by both time-resolved fluorescence lifetime and fluorescence yield measurements at 685 and 735 nm. We found that PSI contributes to the 735 nm fluorescence for about 40, 10 and 35% at the minimal (F0), maximal (Fm) and steady-state (Fs) levels, respectively. Therefore, PSI must be taken into account in the analysis of Chl fluorescence parameters that include the 735 nm band and to interpret the changes in the Chl fluorescence ratio that can be induced by different agents.

Role of temperature on isoproturon bioaccumulation and effects on two freshwater rooted macrophytes: Elodea densa and Ludwigia natans

The effects of temperature on the bioaccumulation of the phenylurea herbicide isoproturon (IPU) and on the growth inhibition induced on two freshwater rooted macrophytes--Elodea densa and Ludwigia natans--were investigated using indoor microcosms. The experimental protocol was based on five temperatures (12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 degrees C) and two contamination levels of the water column (30 and 60 micrograms IPU.liter-1), plus a control condition. Variations in temperature had little effect on the decrease in [IPU] in the water column during the 21-day experiment. The IPU concentration in the two macrophyte species was not significantly modified by the large range of temperatures when results were expressed using the concentration criterion. IPU burdens in the E. densa cuttings, on the other hand, increased significantly when the temperature rose from 12 to 28 degrees C; small differences were observed between the two exposure conditions, in relation to the antagonistic effects of IPU and temperature on the growth of the cuttings. Bioconcentration factors in the plants (stems + leaves) were close to 10 and 13 after exposure to 30 and 60 micrograms IPU.liter-1, respectively.

Photosynthetic responses of a moss, Tortula ruralis, ssp. ruralis, and the lichens Cladonia convoluta and C. furcata to water deficit and short periods of desiccation, and their ecophysiological significance: a baseline study at present-day CO2 concentration

We report the changes in CO² assimilation, potential photochemical activity (as measured by slow fluorescence), photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and dark respiration of two desiccation-tolerant (DT) lichens (Cladonia convoluta (Lam.) P. Cout. and C. furcata (Huds.) Schrad.), and a DT moss (Tortula ruralis (Hedw.) Gaertn. ssp. ruralis) during slow drying, and on rehydration following a 12 h period of desiccation. Initially there was a two to fourfold increase in net CO., assimilation due to reduction of CO₂ -diffusion resistance by elimination of excess water. Optimum water content for photosynthesis was 100-150 % of dry mass (DM) in C. convoluta, c. 100 % DM in C. furcata, and 120-200 % DM in T. ruralis. The intensity of maximum and steady-state slow fluorescence showed little change above water contents of 56%, DM in the lichens and 73 % DM in T. ruralis (corresponding to c. 30-40 % cell relative water content), but fell sharply at lower water content. The variable duorophyll-fluorescence decrease ratio (Rfd) at 690 nm peaked at 56 % DM water content in the two lichens, and at 45% DM in T. ruralis. Photochemical activity ceased at the same point in the experiments as CO, assimilation; dark respiration ceased only when desiccation was complete. In all three species, the photosynthetic apparatus remained in a fully and quickly recoverable state. Chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations remained substantially unaltered throughout. On rehydration, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters returned within 30 min to pre-desiccation levels, and photosynthesis recovered fully and rapidly (< 1 h). All three species attained a positive carbon balance within 20 min of re-moistening, in spite of high rates of dark respiration. The results confirm the significance of extracellularly-stored water to poikilohydric DT lichens and bryophytes. The measurements, in conjunction with published data on the full-turgor water content of similar mosses and lichens, show that the cell-physiological response of photosynthesis to water deficit is not greatly different from that of either normal or DT vascular plants. Small plant size and small cell volume in DT lichens and mosses, together with rapid recovery of photosynthesis after desiccation, allow the plants to utilize the small amounts of intermittently available water from brief showers or dew.

Fluorescence lidar multicolor imaging of vegetation

Multicolor imaging of vegetation fluorescence following laser excitation is reported for distances of 50 m. A mobile laser-radar system equipped with a Nd:YAG laser transmitter and a 40-cm-diameter telescope was utilized. The laser light was Raman shifted to 397 nm with pulse energies of ˜ 30 mJ. An image-intensified CCD camera with a specially designed split-mirror Cassegrainian telescope was utilized for the simultaneous recording of fluorescence images of leaves and branches in four different spectral bands. Additionally, fluorescence spectra at selected points within the detection area were measured with an image-intensified diode array system. Image processing permits extraction of information related to the physiological status of the vegetation and might prove useful in forest decline research.

Studies on the constancy of the blue and green fluorescence yield during the chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics (Kautsky effect)

Blue (F450) and green (F530) leaf fluorescence were studied together with the red chlorophyll fluorescence (emission maxima F690 and F735) during light-induced chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics (Kautsky effect) in predarkened leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.). The intensity of the red chlorophyll fluorescence decreased from maximum fluorescence Fm to steady-state fluorescence Fs, and the fluorescence ratio F690/F735 decreased by about 10% from Fm to Fs. However, blue and green fluorescence intensities remained constant throughout the measuring time. Consequently, the ratio of blue to red fluorescence (F450/F690) increased during chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics, whereas the ratio of blue to green fluorescence (F450/F530) remained unchanged within the same period. The knowledge of these ratios will be a prerequisite for the interpretation of remote sensing data from terrestrial vegetation.