1
|
Ortiz-Oliveros HB, Mendoza-Guzmán MM, Zarazúa-Ortega G, Lara-Almazán N, Mestizo-Gutiérrez SL, González-Ruíz A. Evaluation of succulent plants Echeveria elegans as a biomonitor of heavy metals and radionuclides. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118611. [PMID: 38452916 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
This work evaluates the use of Echeveria elegans as a biomonitor of metals and radionuclides, using semi-urban soils as a study area. The study area is exposed to various trace elements of concern for various social groups in nearby localities. The quantification of metals and radionuclides was performed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and gamma spectrometry, respectively. Cumulative frequency distribution curves, descriptive statistics, and multivariate analysis were used to estimate the local geochemical baseline and identify geochemical and anthropogenic patterns of metals and radionuclides from topsoil and E. elegans. The evaluation of contaminants and the contribution of possible exposure routes (topsoil and atmospheric deposition) was performed with the enrichment factor (EF) and the relative concentration factor (CFR). The results suggest that the plant does not present significant physical stress due to the environmental conditions to which it was exposed. Likewise, it can bioaccumulate heavy metals from natural and anthropogenic sources. The quantification of radionuclides in the plant is below the detection limits, indicating a low bioavailability and transfer factor. The CFR and EF results showed that the plant accumulates metals from the topsoil and atmospheric deposition. The bioaccumulation mechanism would be related to the functioning of Crassulaceae Acid Metabolism (CAM). In topsoil, the organic acids of the plant would modify the solubility of the metals present in an insoluble form in the soil, acting as ligands and, subsequently, following the transport route of these metabolites. In atmospheric deposition, the metals deposited in the leaves would be incorporated into the plant through the opening of the stomata because of the capture of CO2 (at night, day, or during environmental stress) by the CAM. Overall, the evidence showed that the succulent can be used as a biomonitor of heavy metals. However, additional studies are required to determine its usefulness as a radionuclide biomonitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H B Ortiz-Oliveros
- Dirección de Investigación Tecnológica, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Ocoyoacac, México, C.P. 52750, Mexico.
| | - M M Mendoza-Guzmán
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, C.P. 91020, Mexico
| | - G Zarazúa-Ortega
- Dirección de Investigación Tecnológica, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Ocoyoacac, México, C.P. 52750, Mexico
| | - N Lara-Almazán
- Dirección de Investigación Tecnológica, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Ocoyoacac, México, C.P. 52750, Mexico
| | - S L Mestizo-Gutiérrez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, C.P. 91020, Mexico
| | - A González-Ruíz
- Dirección de Investigación Tecnológica, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Ocoyoacac, México, C.P. 52750, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Oliveira ACP, Nunes A, Oliveira MA, Oliveira RS, Rodrigues RG, Branquinho C. Shifts in plant functional groups along an aridity gradient in a tropical dry forest. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171695. [PMID: 38485025 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Increasing aridity associated with climate change may lead to the crossing of critical ecosystem thresholds in drylands, compromising ecosystem services for millions of people. In this context, finding tools to detect at early stages the effects of increasing aridity on ecosystems is extremely urgent to avoid irreversible damage. Here, we assess shifts in plant community functional structure along a spatial aridity gradient in tropical dryland (Brazilian Caatinga), to select the most appropriate plant functional groups as ecological indicators likely useful to predict temporal ecosystem trajectories in response to aridity. We identified seven plant functional groups based on 13 functional traits associated with plant establishment, defense, regeneration, and dispersal, whose relative abundances changed, linearly and non-linearly, with increasing aridity, showing either increasing or decreasing trends. Of particular importance is the increase in abundance of plants with high chemical defense and Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthetic pathway, with increasing aridity. We propose the use of these functional groups as early warning indicators to detect aridity impacts on these dryland ecosystems and shifts in ecosystem functioning. This information can also be used in the elaboration of mitigation and ecological restoration measures to prevent and revert current and future climate change impacts on tropical dry forests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia Pereira de Oliveira
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Institute for Global Change and Sustainability, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alice Nunes
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Institute for Global Change and Sustainability, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria Alexandra Oliveira
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Institute for Global Change and Sustainability, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rafael S Oliveira
- Department of Plant Biology, Universidade de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato Garcia Rodrigues
- Centre for Ecology and Environmental Monitoring, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Institute for Global Change and Sustainability, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carvalho V, Gaspar M, Nievola CC. Drought memory in Acanthostachys strobilacea, a CAM epiphytic bromeliad. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2024; 26:188-196. [PMID: 38168064 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Stress memory is the development of altered responses to stress due to previous exposure, which might result in increased tolerance. Biochemical and physiological parameters shown to be positively affected by stress memory include those of the antioxidant and nitrosative metabolism, photosynthetic pigments and osmolyte content. Epiphytic bromeliads likely present stress memory since they experience frequent droughts in the canopies. Thus, we aimed to evaluate if the epiphytic bromeliad Acanthostachys strobilacea (Schult. & Schult.f.) Klotzsch shows improved metabolic stress defence responses to a second drought and rewatering cycle compared to a single exposure. In a controlled environment chamber, 90-day-old plants were exposed to one or two drought-rewatering cycles of 14 days without irrigation and 5 days of rewatering each. Sampling occurred after the final drought and rewatering periods for one or two cycles treatments. The free amino acid, chlorophyll, and carotenoid levels and S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) activity were higher at the second drought than at the first exposure. The rise in nocturnal acidification (indicative of increased CAM activity) caused by the initial drought persisted through the second drought-rewatering cycle, implying a lasting memory effect on CAM activity. Furthermore, the second recovery did not induce glutathione accumulation, as in the first rewatering event, suggesting the pre-exposure to drought reduced this thiol's demand during a later recovery. Our results evidence metabolic changes related to drought stress memory in A. strobilacea, supporting this mechanism might be involved in the tolerance of epiphytic bromeliads to intermittent droughts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Carvalho
- Núcleo de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - M Gaspar
- Núcleo de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - C C Nievola
- Núcleo de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pinheiro JC, Silva LJV, Lopes BKA, Ferreira NL, Fonseca KS, de Brito FAL, da Silva TGF, Brito AMSS, de Lima Silva ID, Vinhas GM, do Nascimento Simões A. Effects of cactus pear clone harvest seasons and times on the physicochemical and technological properties of resulting mucilage and biopolymeric films. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128374. [PMID: 38052289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cactus pear cladodes, clones 'Miúda' (MIU) and 'Orelha de Elefante Mexicana' (OEM) were harvested at 6 am and 8 pm during the rainy-dry, dry and rainy seasons to evaluate the effect of type of clone and harvest seasons on the physicochemical and technological properties of mucilage as well as the optical, physicochemical, mechanical, thermal and microstructural characteristics of the films obtained. The mucilage of the OEM clone presented a higher content of phenolic compounds, compared to the Nopalea genus, regardless of the season and time of harvest. Furthermore, the dry period resulted in higher carbohydrate levels, regardless of the harvest time. The biopolymeric films produced from the OEM clone harvested in the rainy season and rainy-dry transition showed darker color, better mechanical properties, water barrier, compact microstructure and thermal stability when compared to the MIU clone. Furthermore, harvesting at 6 am provided improvements in the mechanical conditions, permeability and thermal stability of the films of both types of clones studied. These results showed strong environmental modulation, naturally incorporating important macromolecules such as carbohydrates and phenolic compounds, used in the industry in the production of nutraceutical foods, into the mucilage. Furthermore, harvesting cladodes at 6 am in the rainy and transitional (rainy-dry) periods provided better quality biopolymeric films and/or coatings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Natanael Lucena Ferreira
- Academic Unit of Serra Talhada, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Kelem Silva Fonseca
- Academic Unit of Serra Talhada, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fred Augusto Lourêdo de Brito
- Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Academic Unit of Serra Talhada, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ivo Diego de Lima Silva
- Federal University of Pernambuco, Department of Chemical and Engineering, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Glória Maria Vinhas
- Federal University of Pernambuco, Department of Chemical and Engineering, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Adriano do Nascimento Simões
- Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Academic Unit of Serra Talhada, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu W, Jian S, Li J, Wang Y, Zhang M, Xia K. Genomic Identification of CCCH-Type Zinc Finger Protein Genes Reveals the Role of HuTZF3 in Tolerance of Heat and Salt Stress of Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076359. [PMID: 37047333 PMCID: PMC10094633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is cultivated in a broad ecological range, due to its tolerance to drought, heat, and poor soil. The zinc finger proteins regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, by interacting with DNA, RNA, and proteins, to play roles in plant growth and development, and stress response. Here, a total of 81 CCCH-type zinc finger protein genes were identified from the pitaya genome. Transcriptomic analysis showed that nine of them, including HuTZF3, responded to both salt and heat stress. RT-qPCR results showed that HuTZF3 is expressed in all tested organs of pitaya, with a high level in the roots and stems, and confirmed that expression of HuTZF3 is induced by salt and heat stress. Subcellular localization showed that HuTZF3 is targeted in the processing bodies (PBs) and stress granules (SGs). Heterologous expression of HuTZF3 could improve both salt and heat tolerance in Arabidopsis, reduce oxidative stress, and improve the activity of catalase and peroxidase. Therefore, HuTZF3 may be involved in post-transcriptional regulation via localizing to PBs and SGs, contributing to both salt and heat tolerance in pitaya.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weijuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuguang Jian
- South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou 510650, China
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Vegetation Ecosystem Restoration on Islands and Coastal Zones, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Jianyi Li
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yusang Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Mingyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Correspondence: (M.Z.); (K.X.); Tel./Fax: +86-20-37252891 (M.Z.)
| | - Kuaifei Xia
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Correspondence: (M.Z.); (K.X.); Tel./Fax: +86-20-37252891 (M.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lima JF, Boanares D, Costa VE, Moreira ASFP. Do photosynthetic metabolism and habitat influence foliar water uptake in orchids? PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2023; 25:257-267. [PMID: 36546714 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Epiphytic and rupicolous plants inhabit environments with limited water resources. Such plants commonly use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a photosynthetic pathway that accumulates organic acids in cell vacuoles at night, so reducing their leaf water potential and favouring water absorption. Foliar water uptake (FWU) aids plant survival during drought events in environments with high water deficits. We hypothesized that FWU represents a strategy employed by epiphytic and rupicolous orchids for water acquisition and that CAM will favour increased water absorption. We examined 6 epiphyte, 4 terrestrial and 6 rupicolous orchids that use C3 (n = 9) or CAM (n = 7) pathways. Five individuals per species were used to evaluate FWU, structural characteristics and leaf water balance. Rupicolous species with C3 metabolism had higher FWU than other species. FWU (Cmax and k) could be related to succulence, SLM and leaf RWC. The results indicated that high orchid leaf densities favoured FWU, as area available for water storage increases with leaf density. Structural characteristics linked to water storage (e.g. high RWC, succulence), on the other hand, could limit leaf water absorption by favouring high internal leaf water potentials. Epiphytic, rupicolous and terrestrial orchids showed FWU. Rupicolous species had high levels of FWU, probably through absorption from mist. However, succulence in plants with CAM appears to mitigate FWU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J F Lima
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - D Boanares
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Belém, Brazil
| | - V E Costa
- Instituto de Biociências, Centro de Isótopos Estáveis Prof. Dr. Carlos Ducatti, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - A S F P Moreira
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Genome sequencing and comparative analysis of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa species reveal evolutionary mechanisms of longevity. iScience 2022; 25:105100. [PMID: 36164650 PMCID: PMC9508489 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa are large woody trees well known for their long lifespan, ecological and traditional significance, and medicinal properties. To understand the genomic and evolutionary aspects of these characteristics, the whole genomes of these Ficus species were sequenced using 10x Genomics linked reads and Oxford Nanopore long reads. The draft genomes of F. benghalensis and F. religiosa comprised of 392.89 Mbp and 332.97 Mbp, respectively. We established the genome-wide phylogenetic positions of the two Ficus species with respect to 50 other Angiosperm species. Comparative evolutionary analyses with other phylogenetically closer Eudicot species revealed adaptive evolution in genes involved in key cellular mechanisms associated with prolonged survival including phytohormones signaling, senescence, disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance, which provide genomic insights into the mechanisms conferring longevity and suggest that longevity is a multifaceted phenomenon. This study also provides clues on the existence of CAM pathway in these Ficus species. First whole genome assemblies of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa trees Genome-wide phylogeny with 50 other Angiosperm species Evolution of genes in phytohormone signaling, senescence, and stress tolerance Genomic insights into longevity-regulating mechanisms
Collapse
|
8
|
Pradhan B, Panda D, Bishi SK, Chakraborty K, Muthusamy SK, Lenka SK. Progress and prospects of C 4 trait engineering in plants. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2022; 24:920-931. [PMID: 35727191 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Incorporating C4 photosynthetic traits into C3 crops is a rational approach for sustaining future demands for crop productivity. Using classical plant breeding, engineering this complex trait is unlikely to achieve its target. Therefore, it is critical and timely to implement novel biotechnological crop improvement strategies to accomplish this goal. However, a fundamental understanding of C3 , C4 , and C3 -C4 intermediate metabolism is crucial for the targeted use of biotechnological tools. This review assesses recent progress towards engineering C4 photosynthetic traits in C3 crops. We also discuss lessons learned from successes and failures of recent genetic engineering attempts in C3 crops, highlighting the pros and cons of using rice as a model plant for short-, medium- and long-term goals of genetic engineering. This review provides an integrated approach towards engineering improved photosynthetic efficiency in C3 crops for sustaining food, fibre and fuel production around the globe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Pradhan
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty Centre for Integrated Rural Development and Management, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - D Panda
- Department of Biodiversity & Conservation of Natural Resources, Central University of Odisha, Koraput, India
| | - S K Bishi
- School of Genomics and Molecular Breeding, ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, India
| | - K Chakraborty
- Department of Plant Physiology, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, India
| | - S K Muthusamy
- Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - S K Lenka
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Aslam M, Greaves JG, Jakada BH, Fakher B, Wang X, Qin Y. AcCIPK5, a pineapple CBL-interacting protein kinase, confers salt, osmotic and cold stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 320:111284. [PMID: 35643609 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plant-specific calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) and their interacting kinases, CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) module, are essential for dealing with various biotic and abiotic stress. The kinases (CIPKs) of this module have been well studied in several plants; however, the information about pineapple CIPKs remains limited. To understand how CIPKs function against environmental cues in pineapple, the CIPK5 gene of pineapple was cloned and characterized. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that AcCIPK5 is homologous to the CIPK12 of Arabidopsis and other plant species. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that AcCIPK5 responds to multiple stresses, including osmotic, salt stress, heat and cold. Under optimal conditions, AcCIPK5 gets localized to the cytoplasm and cell membrane. The ectopic expression of AcCIPK5 in Arabidopsis improved the germination under osmotic and salt stress. Furthermore, AcCIPK5 positively regulated osmotic, drought, salt and cold tolerance and negatively regulated heat and fungal stress in Arabidopsis. Besides, the expression of AcCIPK impacted ABA-related genes and ROS homeostasis. Overall, the present study demonstrates that AcCIPK5 contributes to multiple stress tolerance and has the potential to be utilized in the development of stress-tolerant crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Aslam
- Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Joseph G Greaves
- Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Bello Hassan Jakada
- Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Beenish Fakher
- Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Horticulture Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning Investigation Station of South Subtropical Fruit Trees, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Yuan Qin
- Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China; Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Buckland CE, Smith AJAC, Thomas DSG. A comparison in species distribution model performance of succulents using key species and subsets of environmental predictors. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8981. [PMID: 35784021 PMCID: PMC9170539 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the environmental drivers of the global distribution of succulent plants using the Crassulacean acid metabolism pathway of photosynthesis has previously been investigated through ensemble‐modeling of species delimiting the realized niche of the natural succulent biome. An alternative approach, which may provide further insight into the fundamental niche of succulent plants in the absence of dispersal limitation, is to model the distribution of selected species that are globally widespread and have become naturalized far beyond their native habitats. This could be of interest, for example, in defining areas that may be suitable for cultivation of alternative crops resilient to future climate change. We therefore explored the performance of climate‐only species distribution models (SDMs) in predicting the drivers and distribution of two widespread CAM plants, Opuntia ficus‐indica and Euphorbia tirucalli. Using two different algorithms and five predictor sets, we created distribution models for these exemplar species and produced an updated map of global inter‐annual rainfall predictability. No single predictor set produced markedly more accurate models, with the basic bioclim‐only predictor set marginally out‐performing combinations with additional predictors. Minimum temperature of the coldest month was the single most important variable in determining spatial distribution, but additional predictors such as precipitation and inter‐annual precipitation variability were also important in explaining the differences in spatial predictions between SDMs. When compared against previous projections, an a posteriori approach correctly does not predict distributions in areas of ecophysiological tolerance yet known absence (e.g., due to biotic competition). An updated map of inter‐annual rainfall predictability has successfully identified regions known to be depauperate in succulent plants. High model performance metrics suggest that the majority of potentially suitable regions for these species are predicted by these models with a limited number of climate predictors, and there is no benefit in expanding model complexity and increasing the potential for overfitting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David S. G. Thomas
- School of Geography and the Environment University of Oxford Oxford UK
- Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ritchie RJ, Sma-Air S, Limsathapornkul N, Pranama N, Nakkeaw M, Kaewnam P, Thongchumnum P, Kanjanachatree K. Photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR) in the littoral herb Launaea sarmentosa known as mole crab in Thailand. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2021; 150:327-341. [PMID: 33635512 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-021-00826-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Launaea sarmentosa (Willd.) Sch. Bip ex Kunze (Asteracaeae) is a littoral sand dune herb found in the Indian Ocean region, used as a folk medicine and as a savory vegetable in Thailand. It is in the transition stage from a kitchen & cottage industry to a commercial proposition. Rapid light curves to measure the photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR) were conducted on the plants over the course of daylight from 6:00 to 18:00 using a PAM fluorometer on plants grown under 50% (nominal) green horticultural and 20% black (nominal) shade cloth and in the open. Plants grown in the open were sun plants. Eopt (µmol photon m-2 s-1) decreased slightly under shade cloth (open air: 890 > green shade cloth, 778 > green shade cloth, 713). Launaea shows limited shade adaptation. ETR decreased under shade cloth on both a surface area and Chl a basis (µmol e- g Chl a-1 s-1) [open air: 388 > (green shade cloth, 209 = black shade cloth, 263)]. Maximum non-photochemical quenching (NPQmax) was significantly decreased under black shade cloth [(open air: 1.02 = green shade cloth, 0.969) > black shade cloth, 0.694]. ETR showed midday inhibition (9:00-15:00) when irradiance exceeded the Eopt of Launaea. Daily total photosynthetic electron transport was (mmol e- m-2 d-1): open air, 1890 ± 157; green shade cloth, 1620 ± 203, black shade cloth, 1217 ± 143. Green shade cloth has no effect on total daily photosynthetic electron transport of Launaea but offers some protection from desiccation and excessive evapotranspiration. Waterlogging decreases ETR by about 40%. Launaea can be grown watered with brackish (½ seawater) water unlike many other vegetables. Launeae is a physiologically undemanding cottage industry/market garden crop suitable for sandy coastline fishing communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raymond J Ritchie
- Faculty of Technology and Environment and ANED (Andaman Environment and Natural Disaster Research Centre), Prince of Songkla University-Phuket, Kathu, 83120, Phuket, Thailand.
| | - Suhailar Sma-Air
- Faculty of Technology and Environment and ANED (Andaman Environment and Natural Disaster Research Centre), Prince of Songkla University-Phuket, Kathu, 83120, Phuket, Thailand
| | - Napapit Limsathapornkul
- Faculty of Technology and Environment and ANED (Andaman Environment and Natural Disaster Research Centre), Prince of Songkla University-Phuket, Kathu, 83120, Phuket, Thailand
| | - Nedrangsee Pranama
- Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Sirinath National Park, National Parks, Phuket, Thailand
| | - Meakha Nakkeaw
- Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Sirinath National Park, National Parks, Phuket, Thailand
| | - Pramort Kaewnam
- Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Sirinath National Park, National Parks, Phuket, Thailand
| | - Pun Thongchumnum
- Faculty of Technology and Environment and ANED (Andaman Environment and Natural Disaster Research Centre), Prince of Songkla University-Phuket, Kathu, 83120, Phuket, Thailand
| | - Kanika Kanjanachatree
- Faculty of Technology and Environment and ANED (Andaman Environment and Natural Disaster Research Centre), Prince of Songkla University-Phuket, Kathu, 83120, Phuket, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Torres R, Romero JM, Lagorio MG. Effects of sub-optimal illumination in plants. Comprehensive chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2021; 218:112182. [PMID: 33813366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The fluorescence signals emitted by chlorophyll molecules of plants is a promising non-destructive indicator of plant physiology due to its close link to photosynthesis. In this work, a deep photophysical study of chlorophyll fluorescence was provided, to assess the sub-optimal illumination effects on three plant species: L. sativa, A. hybridus and S. dendroideum. In all the cases, low light (LL) treatment induced an increase in pigment content. Fluorescence ratios - corrected by light reabsorption processes - remained constant, which suggested that photosystems stoichiometry was conserved. For all species and treatments, quantum yields of photophysical decay remained around 0.2, which meant that the maximum possible photosynthesis efficiency was about 0.8. L. sativa (C3) acclimated to low light illumination, displayed a strong increase in the LHC size and a net decrease in the photosynthetic efficiency. A. hybridus (C4) was not appreciably stressed by the low light availability whereas S. dendroideum (CAM), decreased its antenna and augmented the quantum yield of primary photochemistry. A novel approach to describe NPQ relaxation kinetics was also presented here and used to calculate typical deactivation times and amplitudes for NPQ components. LL acclimated L. sativa presented a much larger deactivation time for its state-transition-related quenching than the other species. Comprehensive fluorescence analysis allowed a deep study of the changes in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis upon low light illumination treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Torres
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, INQUIMAE, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Dpto. de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón II, 1er piso, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J M Romero
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, INQUIMAE, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Dpto. de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón II, 1er piso, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M G Lagorio
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, INQUIMAE, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Dpto. de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón II, 1er piso, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vitale L, Vitale E, Costanzo G, De Maio A, Arena C. Photo-Protective Mechanisms and the Role of Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Activity in a Facultative CAM Plant Exposed to Long-Term Water Deprivation. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9091192. [PMID: 32932715 PMCID: PMC7570031 DOI: 10.3390/plants9091192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathway helps plants to alleviate the oxidative stress under drought, but the shift to CAM-idling may expose plants to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species causing cell damages. The facultative CAM species Portulacaria afra L., was subjected to long-term water deprivation to assess the photo-protective strategies and the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity during water stress and plant capability to recover from the stress. Measurements of titratable acidity, chlorophyll fluorescence emission, and antioxidant activity were performed during the stress and rewatering. Under water deprivation, plants shifted from C3 to CAM metabolism, reaching the CAM-idling status at the end of the stress period. The daily variation of the titratable acidity and PARP activity increased at the beginning of stress and declined with stress progression, reaching the lowest value at the end of stress treatment. H2O2 content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities increased with the severity of water stress. The photochemical processes remained high during the entire stress period indicating the presence of alternative sinks to CO2 fixation. The elevated activity of catalase under severe water stress suggests the occurrence of photorespiration in sustaining the photosynthetic electron transport under CAM-idling condition. The overall data indicate that scavenger enzymes, photorespiration and PARP activity modulation contribute to the strong resistance of P. afra to severe water stress, preserving the functioning of photosynthetic apparatus and ensuring plant recovery with rewatering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Vitale
- National Research Council (CNR), Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science (DiSBA), Institute for Agricultural and Forestry Systems in the Mediterranean (ISAFoM), P.le E. Fermi 1-Loc. Porto del Granatello, 80055 Portici (Na), Italy
- Correspondence: (L.V.); (C.A.); Tel.: +39-081-7886701 (L.V.); +39-081-679173 (C.A.)
| | - Ermenegilda Vitale
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (E.V.); (G.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Giulia Costanzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (E.V.); (G.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Anna De Maio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (E.V.); (G.C.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Carmen Arena
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (E.V.); (G.C.); (A.D.M.)
- Correspondence: (L.V.); (C.A.); Tel.: +39-081-7886701 (L.V.); +39-081-679173 (C.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sma-Air S, Ritchie RJ. Photosynthesis in a Vanda sp orchid with Photosynthetic Roots. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 251:153187. [PMID: 32505060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2020.153187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
PAM fluorometry showed that the orchid Vanda sp (Gaud ex Pfitzers, Vandeae) had photosynthetic electron transport yields in leaves reaching ≈ 0.617 ± 0.262 at midday. Yield decayed exponentially as irradiance increased (Y½ = 128 ± 12.4 μmol photon m-2 s-1). Optimum irradiance (Eopt) for ETR (Photosynthetic Electron Transport Rate) was ≈ 369 ± 23.3 μmol photon m-2 s-1; the maximum photosynthetic ETR (ETRmax) (on a Chl a basis) ≈ 97.6 ± 3.76 μmol e-g-1 Chl a s-1. Rapid light curves exhibited classic photoinhibition at high irradiances: Vanda sp is a shade plant. Photosynthetic kinetics was strongly diurnal with minimal Eopt and ETRmax in the early morning, reaching a maximum at midday and decreasing in the afternoon. The aerial roots were normally photosynthetically dormant but rapidly activated when wet (homiochlorophyllous) then becoming dormant again after drying. Wet roots deliberately incubated under moist conditions had photosynthetic light curves comparable to leaves (Ymax ≈0.332, Y½ = ≈ 78.3 ± 27.8 μmol photons m-2 s-1, Eopt ≈ 278 μmol photons m-2 s-1 and ETRmax ≈ 317 ± 86.9 μmol e-g-1 Chl a s-1): wetting for only 15 min activated photosynthesis. Leaves showed a small degree of diurnal cycling of titratable acid but acid was accumulated in the early morning, not at night, this is a type of CAM-cycling. Titratable acid was low at sunrise (≈ 54.1 μmol H+g-1 FW), but increased until about 9 a.m. (≈ 137 μmol H+g-1 FW) and then gradually decreased over the course of the day.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suhailar Sma-Air
- Tropical Plant Biology Unit, Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University - Phuket, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand.
| | - Raymond J Ritchie
- Tropical Plant Biology Unit, Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University - Phuket, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Herrando-Moraira S, Vitales D, Nualart N, Gómez-Bellver C, Ibáñez N, Massó S, Cachón-Ferrero P, González-Gutiérrez PA, Guillot D, Herrera I, Shaw D, Stinca A, Wang Z, López-Pujol J. Global distribution patterns and niche modelling of the invasive Kalanchoe × houghtonii (Crassulaceae). Sci Rep 2020; 10:3143. [PMID: 32081991 PMCID: PMC7035272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60079-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive alien species are currently considered one of the main threats to global biodiversity. One of the most rapidly expanding invasive plants in recent times is Kalanchoe × houghtonii (Crassulaceae), an artificial hybrid created in the 1930s in the United States by experimental crossings between K. daigremontiana and K. tubiflora, two species endemic to Madagascar. Thanks to its large colonizing capacity (mainly derived from the production of asexual plantlets), K. × houghtonii soon escaped from cultivation and quickly spread in many parts of the world. However, its actual range is not well known due to the lack of a formal description until recent times (2006) and its strong morphological resemblance with one of its parentals (K. daigremontiana). The present study was aimed, in the first instance, to delimit the present distribution area of K. × houghtonii at the global scale by gathering and validating all its occurrences and to track its colonization history. Currently, K. × houghtonii can be found on all continents except Antarctica, although it did not reach a global distribution until the 2000s. Its potential distribution, estimated with MaxEnt modelling software, is mainly centered in subtropical regions, from 20° to 40° of both northern and southern latitudes, mostly in areas with a high anthropogenic activity. Unexpectedly, concomitant to a poleward migration, future niche models suggest a considerable reduction of its range by up to one-third compared to the present, which might be related with the Crassulaceaean Acid Metabolism (CAM) of K. × houghtonii. Further research may shed light as to whether a decrease in potential habitats constitutes a general pattern for Crassulaceae and CAM plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Herrando-Moraira
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniel Vitales
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Neus Nualart
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carlos Gómez-Bellver
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Neus Ibáñez
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sergi Massó
- Systematics and Evolution of Vascular Plants, Unit of Botany, Faculty of Biosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pilar Cachón-Ferrero
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Daniel Guillot
- Hortax, Cultivated Plant Taxonomy Group, 46118, Serra, Spain
| | - Ileana Herrera
- Universidad Espíritu Santo, Escuela de Ciencias Ambientales, 091650, Samborondón, Ecuador
- Department of Botany, National Institute of Biodiversity (INABIO), 170501, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Daniel Shaw
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, LL57 2UW, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Adriano Stinca
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jordi López-Pujol
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gonçalves AZ, Latansio S, Detmann KC, Marabesi MA, Neto AAC, Aidar MPM, DaMatta FM, Mercier H. What does the RuBisCO activity tell us about a C 3-CAM plant? PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2020; 147:172-180. [PMID: 31865163 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Plants that perform the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which obtain CO2 overnight and convert it mainly in malic acid, successfully grow in environments with water and nutrient shortages, that is partly associated with their higher water- and nitrogen-use efficiencies. Water and nutrient limitations can impair photosynthesis through the reduction of RuBisCO and increment of photorespiration, disturbing the plant carbon balance. In this context, we conducted a controlled experiment with the epiphytic C3-CAM bromeliad Guzmania monostachia to investigate how the combined water and nutritional deficits affect the activity of RuBisCO and its activation state (RAS), and to evaluate the efficiency of photosynthesis during the transition from C3 to CAM. Apart from an increase in CAM activity, bromeliads submitted to both water and nutritional deficits showed higher RAS values and unaltered RuBisCO activity compared to C3 bromeliads and, surprisingly, the maximum quantum efficiency of photosynthesis increased. Glucose, fructose and starch levels were maintained, while sucrose concentrations increased over time. These results, combined with the high RAS values, suggest an increased efficiency of RuBisCO functioning. Our results reinforce the ability of epiphytic bromeliads to deal with stressful habitats by a higher efficiency of RuBisCO during the transition to CAM, another feature that may allow their evolution in the epiphytic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Z Gonçalves
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Sabrina Latansio
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kelly C Detmann
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Mauro A Marabesi
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Antônio A C Neto
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos P M Aidar
- Instituto de Botânica de São Paulo, Secretaria do Meio Ambiente, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio M DaMatta
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Helenice Mercier
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mercier H, Rodrigues MA, Andrade SCDS, Coutinho LL, Gobara BNK, Matiz A, Mioto PT, Gonçalves AZ. Transcriptional foliar profile of the C3-CAM bromeliad Guzmania monostachia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224429. [PMID: 31661510 PMCID: PMC6818958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Guzmania monostachia is an epiphytic tank bromeliad that displays the inducible CAM photosynthesis under stressful conditions and had the highest stomata density in the leaf apex, while the base portion has the highest density of trichomes, which are specialized structures used to acquire water and nutrients from the tank solution. In order to correlate the genetic factors behind these morpho-physiological characteristics along the leaf blade of G. monostachia, a comparative transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the functional enriched pathways and unigenes that could play a role in the apical, middle and basal leaf portions. A total of 653 million reads were used for de novo transcriptome assembly, resulting in 48,051 annotated unigenes. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among distinct leaf regions revealed that 806 DEGs were upregulated in the apex compared to the middle portion, while 9685 DEGs were upregulated in the apex and 9784 DEGs were upregulated in the middle portions compared to the base. Our outcomes correlated some DEGs and identified unigenes with their physiological functions, mainly suggesting that the leaf apex was related to the regulation of stomatal movement, production of chlorophyll, cellular response to stress, and H2O2 catabolic process. In contrast, the middle portion showed DEGs associated with the transport of amino acids. Furthermore, DEGs from the leaf base were mainly correlated with responses to nutrients and nitrogen compounds, regulation of potassium ion import, response to water deprivation, and trichome branching, indicating that, at least in part, this leaf portion can replace some of the root functions of terrestrial plants. Therefore, possibly candidate unigenes and enriched pathways presented here could be prospected in future experimental work, opening new possibilities to bioengineer non-inducible CAM plants and/or improve the fertilization use efficiency by increasing leaf nutrient acquisition of crop plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helenice Mercier
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiz Lehmann Coutinho
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Alejandra Matiz
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Tamaso Mioto
- Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xu M, Chen F, Qi S, Zhang L, Wu S. Loss or duplication of key regulatory genes coincides with environmental adaptation of the stomatal complex in Nymphaea colorata and Kalanchoe laxiflora. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2018; 5:42. [PMID: 30083357 PMCID: PMC6068134 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-018-0048-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The stomatal complex is critical for gas and water exchange between plants and the atmosphere. Originating over 400 million years ago, the structure of the stomata has evolved to facilitate the adaptation of plants to various environments. Although the molecular mechanism of stomatal development in Arabidopsis has been widely studied, the evolution of stomatal structure and its molecular regulators in different species remains to be answered. In this study, we examined stomatal development and the orthologues of Arabidopsis stomatal genes in a basal angiosperm plant, Nymphaea colorata, and a member of the eudicot CAM family, Kalanchoe laxiflora, which represent the adaptation to aquatic and drought environments, respectively. Our results showed that despite the conservation of core stomatal regulators, a number of critical genes were lost in the N. colorata genome, including EPF2, MPK6, and AP2C3 and the polarity regulators BASL and POLAR. Interestingly, this is coincident with the loss of asymmetric divisions during the stomatal development of N. colorata. In addition, we found that the guard cell in K. laxiflora is surrounded by three or four small subsidiary cells in adaxial leaf surfaces. This type of stomatal complex is formed via repeated asymmetric cell divisions and cell state transitions. This may result from the doubled or quadrupled key genes controlling stomatal development in K. laxiflora. Our results show that loss or duplication of key regulatory genes is associated with environmental adaptation of the stomatal complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meizhi Xu
- College of Horticulture, FAFU-UCR Joint Center and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shilian Qi
- College of Horticulture, FAFU-UCR Joint Center and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangsheng Zhang
- College of Horticulture, FAFU-UCR Joint Center and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- College of Horticulture, FAFU-UCR Joint Center and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Males J. Geography, environment and organismal traits in the diversification of a major tropical herbaceous angiosperm radiation. AOB PLANTS 2018; 10:ply008. [PMID: 29479409 PMCID: PMC5814923 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/ply008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The generation of plant diversity involves complex interactions between geography, environment and organismal traits. Many macroevolutionary processes and emergent patterns have been identified in different plant groups through the study of spatial data, but rarely in the context of a large radiation of tropical herbaceous angiosperms. A powerful system for testing interrelated biogeographical hypotheses is provided by the terrestrial bromeliads, a Neotropical group of extensive ecological diversity and importance. In this investigation, distributional data for 564 species of terrestrial bromeliads were used to estimate variation in the position and width of species-level hydrological habitat occupancy and test six core hypotheses linking geography, environment and organismal traits. Taxonomic groups and functional types differed in hydrological habitat occupancy, modulated by convergent and divergent trait evolution, and with contrasting interactions with precipitation abundance and seasonality. Plant traits in the Bromeliaceae are intimately associated with bioclimatic differentiation, which is in turn strongly associated with variation in geographical range size and species richness. These results emphasize the ecological relevance of structural-functional innovation in a major plant radiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Males
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Effects of catalase on chloroplast arrangement in Opuntia streptacantha chlorenchyma cells under salt stress. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8656. [PMID: 28819160 PMCID: PMC5561099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08744-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In arid and semiarid regions, low precipitation rates lead to soil salinity problems, which may limit plant establishment, growth, and survival. Herein, we investigated the NaCl stress effect on chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic-pigments, movement and chloroplasts ultrastructure in chlorenchyma cells of Opuntia streptacantha cladodes. Cladodes segments were exposed to salt stress at 0, 100, 200, and 300 mM NaCl for 8, 16, and 24 h. The results showed that salt stress reduced chlorophyll content, F v /F m , ΦPSII, and qP values. Under the highest salt stress treatments, the chloroplasts were densely clumped toward the cell center and thylakoid membranes were notably affected. We analyzed the effect of exogenous catalase in salt-stressed cladode segments during 8, 16, and 24 h. The catalase application to salt-stressed cladodes counteracted the NaCl adverse effects, increasing the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, photosynthetic-pigments, and avoided chloroplast clustering. Our results indicate that salt stress triggered the chloroplast clumping and affected the photosynthesis in O. streptacantha chlorenchyma cells. The exogenous catalase reverted the H2O2 accumulation and clustering of chloroplast, which led to an improvement of the photosynthetic efficiency. These data suggest that H2O2 detoxification by catalase is important to protect the chloroplast, thus conserving the photosynthetic activity in O. streptacantha under stress.
Collapse
|
21
|
Males J, Griffiths H. Stomatal Biology of CAM Plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 174:550-560. [PMID: 28242656 PMCID: PMC5462028 DOI: 10.1104/pp.17.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the stomatal biology of CAM plants are reviewed, and key opportunities for future progress are identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Males
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, United Kingdom
| | - Howard Griffiths
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gamisch A, Fischer GA, Comes HP. Frequent but asymmetric niche shifts in Bulbophyllum orchids support environmental and climatic instability in Madagascar over Quaternary time scales. BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:14. [PMID: 26781289 PMCID: PMC4717530 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0586-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Species or clades may retain or shift their environmental niche space over evolutionary time. Understanding these processes offers insights into the environmental processes fuelling lineage diversification and might also provide information on past range dynamics of ecosystems. However, little is known about the relative contributions of niche conservatism versus niche divergence to species diversification in the tropics. Here, we examined broad-scale patterns of niche evolution within a Pliocene-Pleistocene clade of epiphytic Bulbophyllum orchids (30 spp.) whose collective distribution covers the northwest and eastern forest ecosystems of Madagascar. RESULTS Using species occurrence data, ecological niche models, and multivariate analyses of contributing variables, we identified a three-state niche distribution character for the entire clade, coinciding with three major forest biomes viz. phytogeographical provinces in Madagascar: A, Northwest 'Sambirano'; B, 'Eastern Lowlands'; and C, 'Central Highlands'. A time-calibrated phylogeny and Bayesian models of niche evolution were then used to detect general trends in the direction of niche change over the clade's history (≤5.3 Ma). We found highest transitions rates between lowlands (A and B) and (mostly from B) into the highland (C), with extremely low rates out of the latter. Lowland-to-highland transitions occurred frequently during the Quaternary, suggesting that climate-induced vegetational shifts promoted niche transitions and ecological speciation at this time. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal that niche transitions occurred frequently and asymmetrically within this Madagascan orchid clade, and in particular over Quaternary time scales. Intrinsic features germane to Bulbophyllum (e.g., high dispersal ability, drought tolerance, multiple photosynthetic pathways) as well as extrinsic factors (ecological, historical) likely interacted to generate the niche transition patterns observed. In sum, our results support the emerging idea of dramatic environmental and climatic fluctuations in Madagascar during the recent geological past, which overturns the long-held paradigm of long-term stability in tropical forest settings. The generality of the patterns and timings reported here awaits the availability of additional comparative studies in other Madagascan endemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gamisch
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Salzburg, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | | | - Hans Peter Comes
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Salzburg, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rainha N, Medeiros VP, Câmara M, Faustino H, Leite JP, Barreto MDC, Cruz C, Pacheco CA, Ponte D, Bernardes da Silva A. Plasticity of crassulacean acid metabolism at subtropical latitudes: a pineapple case study. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2016; 156:29-39. [PMID: 26362993 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Plants with the crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) express high-metabolic plasticity, to adjust to environmental stresses. This article hypothesizes that irradiance and nocturnal temperatures are the major limitations for CAM at higher latitudes such as the Azores (37°45'N). Circadian CAM expression in Ananas comosus L. Merr. (pineapple) was assessed by the diurnal pattern of leaf carbon fixation into l-malate at the solstices and equinoxes, and confirmed by determining maximal phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) activity in plant material. Metabolic adjustments to environmental conditions were confirmed by gas exchange measurements, and integrated with environmental data to determine CAM's limiting factors: light and temperature. CAM plasticity was observed at the equinoxes, under similar photoperiods, but different environmental conditions. In spring, CAM expression was similar between vegetative and flowering plants, while in autumn, flowering (before anthesis) and fructifying (with fully developed fruit before ripening) plants accumulated more l-malate. Below 100 µmol m(-2) s(-1) , CAM phase I was extended, reducing CAM phase III during the day. Carbon fixation inhibition may occur by two major pathways: nocturnal temperature (<15°C) inhibiting PEPC activity and l-malate accumulation; and low irradiance influencing the interplay between CAM phase I and III, affecting carboxylation and decarboxylation. Both have important consequences for plant development in autumn and winter. Observations were confirmed by flowering time prediction using environmental data, emphasizing that CAM expression had a strong seasonal regulation due to a complex network response to light and temperature, allowing pineapple to survive in environments not suitable for high productivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Rainha
- Instituto de Inovação Tecnológica dos Açores (INOVA), Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
- Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Climáticas (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Violante P Medeiros
- Instituto de Inovação Tecnológica dos Açores (INOVA), Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Tecnológicas e Desenvolvimento, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Mariana Câmara
- Instituto de Inovação Tecnológica dos Açores (INOVA), Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
| | - Hélder Faustino
- Instituto de Inovação Tecnológica dos Açores (INOVA), Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
| | - João P Leite
- Instituto de Inovação Tecnológica dos Açores (INOVA), Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Barreto
- Departamento de Ciências Tecnológicas e Desenvolvimento, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cruz
- Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Climáticas (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Duarte Ponte
- Instituto de Inovação Tecnológica dos Açores (INOVA), Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Tecnológicas e Desenvolvimento, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Anabela Bernardes da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Lisboa, Portugal
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Stewart JR. Agave as a model CAM crop system for a warming and drying world. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:684. [PMID: 26442005 PMCID: PMC4585221 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
As climate change leads to drier and warmer conditions in semi-arid regions, growing resource-intensive C3 and C4 crops will become more challenging. Such crops will be subjected to increased frequency and intensity of drought and heat stress. However, agaves, even more than pineapple (Ananas comosus) and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica and related species), typify highly productive plants that will respond favorably to global warming, both in natural and cultivated settings. With nearly 200 species spread throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, agaves have evolved traits, including crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), that allow them to survive extreme heat and drought. Agaves have been used as sources of food, beverage, and fiber by societies for hundreds of years. The varied uses of Agave, combined with its unique adaptations to environmental stress, warrant its consideration as a model CAM crop. Besides the damaging cycles of surplus and shortage that have long beset the tequila industry, the relatively long maturation cycle of Agave, its monocarpic flowering habit, and unique morphology comprise the biggest barriers to its widespread use as a crop suitable for mechanized production. Despite these challenges, agaves exhibit potential as crops since they can be grown on marginal lands, but with more resource input than is widely assumed. If these constraints can be reconciled, Agave shows considerable promise as an alternative source for food, alternative sweeteners, and even bioenergy. And despite the many unknowns regarding agaves, they provide a means to resolve disparities in resource availability and needs between natural and human systems in semi-arid regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Ryan Stewart
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Souza GM, Lüttge U. Stability as a Phenomenon Emergent from Plasticity–Complexity–Diversity in Eco-physiology. PROGRESS IN BOTANY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-08807-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
26
|
Silvestro D, Zizka G, Schulte K. DISENTANGLING THE EFFECTS OF KEY INNOVATIONS ON THE DIVERSIFICATION OF BROMELIOIDEAE (BROMELIACEAE). Evolution 2013; 68:163-75. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.12236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Silvestro
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberganlage 25 60325 Frankfurt am Main Germany
- Department of Botany and Molecular Evolution; Senckenberg Research Institute; Senckenberganlage 25 60325 Frankfurt am Main Germany
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore; University of Lausanne; 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Georg Zizka
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F); Senckenberganlage 25 60325 Frankfurt am Main Germany
- Department of Botany and Molecular Evolution; Senckenberg Research Institute; Senckenberganlage 25 60325 Frankfurt am Main Germany
- Diversity and Evolution of Higher Plants; Institute of Ecology; Evolution and Diversity; Goethe University; Max von Laue Str. 9 60438 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Katharina Schulte
- Australian Tropical Herbarium; James Cook University; P.O. Box 6811 Cairns QLD 4870 Australia
- Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Evo–Devo–Eco and Ecological Stem Species: Potential Repair Systems in the Planetary Biosphere Crisis. PROGRESS IN BOTANY 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-30967-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
28
|
Rascher U, Freiberg M, Lüttge U. Functional Diversity of Photosynthetic Light Use of 16 Vascular Epiphyte Species Under Fluctuating Irradiance in the Canopy of a Giant Virola michelii (Myristicaceae) Tree in the Tropical Lowland Forest of French Guyana. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2012; 2:117. [PMID: 22629271 PMCID: PMC3355546 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2011.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Here we present the first study, in which a large number of different vascular epiphyte species were measured for their photosynthetic performance in the natural environment of their phorophyte in the lowland rainforest of French Guyana. More than 70 epiphyte species covered the host tree in a dense cover. Of these, the photosynthesis of 16 abundant species was analyzed intensely over several months. Moreover, the light environment was characterized with newly developed light sensors that recorded continuously and with high temporal resolution light intensity next to the epiphytes. Light intensity was highly fluctuating and showed great site specific spatio-temporal variations of photosynthetic photon flux. Using a novel computer routine we quantified the integrated light intensity the epiphytes were exposed to in a 3 h window and we related this light intensity to measurements of the actual photosynthetic status. It could be shown that the photosynthetic apparatus of the epiphytes was well adapted to the quickly changing light conditions. Some of the epiphytes were chronically photoinhibited at predawn and significant acute photoinhibition, expressed by a reduction of potential quantum efficiency (F(v)/F(m))(30'), was observed during the day. By correlating (F(v)/F(m))(30') to the integrated and weighted light intensity perceived during the previous 3 h, it became clear that acute photoinhibition was related to light environment prior to the measurements. Additionally photosynthetic performance was not determined by rain events, with the exception of an Aechmea species. This holds true for all the other 15 species of this study and we thus conclude that actual photosynthesis of these tropical epiphytes was determined by the specific and fluctuating light conditions of their microhabitat and cannot be simply attributed to light-adapted ancestors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Rascher
- Institute of Botany, Darmstadt University of TechnologyDarmstadt, Germany
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum JülichJülich, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Lüttge
- Institute of Botany, Darmstadt University of TechnologyDarmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|