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Photosynthetic process of common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was evaluated from short-term root flooding and recovery conditions. Common bean plants (BRS Expedito genotype) were grown in single plastic pots (1 L), containing soil as substrate. At the early reproductive stage (R1), distilled water was added up to 20 mm above the soil surface to flood the root system of plants for 1 day. The flooding was maintained by fitting a second pot without holes. After 1 day of flooding, the pots without holes were removed to drain water and recover the plants. Control plants were kept under normoxia. Chlorophyll a fluorescence transient, gas exchange, glycolate oxidase, antioxidative enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation were measured in leaves upon flooding (1 day) and recovery (1, 3 and 7 days) conditions. Root flooding (1 day) induced decrease (two-fold) in CO2 assimilation rate and did not recover even after 7 days of normoxic conditions was re-established, besides limited transpiration rate and decreases in stomatal conductance. Moreover, the continuous light energy absorption by chlorophylls induced an increase in fluorescence and heat and impaired the connectivity between photosystems I and II, leading to ROS formation. The antioxidative enzyme system induced upon flooding and recovery conditions did not deal efficiently with ROS, which led to oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation) in leaves of common bean. Therefore, short-term root flooding impairs photosynthetic process recovery of common bean plants upon re-establishment of normoxic conditions.

Nitrate has been reported to improve tolerance of plants under flooding by modulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism of root cells; however, the extent to which nitrate modulates the photosynthetic process is not well understood. This work aimed to evaluate the photosynthetic process by nitrate-mediated modulation of hypoxic metabolism in the root of common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under flooding and recovery conditions. Three groups of common beans [N2-fixing (N2)], N2-fixing pre-hypoxic nitrate-treated (N2 + NO3−), and nitrate (NO3−)-supplied plants] were grown in vermiculite and the root system was subjected to flooding for 48 h at the early reproductive stage. After flooding, plants returned to normoxic conditions per 24 and 72 h for recovery. Plants from N2 + NO3− and mainly NO3− groups maintained transpiration rate (E) and CO2 assimilation under root-flooding, which was not shown by N2-fixing plants. No changes in the dynamic dissipation of photosynthetic energy were evidenced in leaves of NO3− plants upon flooding, besides an increase in nitrate reductase (NR) activity and a decrease in fermentative enzymes in roots. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidative enzymes increased in leaves and decreased in roots. Nitrate-mediated maintenance of the photosynthetic process may be related to induction in NR activity in roots to alleviate the toxic effects of fermentation through a decrease of fermentative enzyme activity.

The distribution of woody species in flooded environments depends on the duration of stress as well as seed germination strategies and plant morphophysiological adaptations. Allophylus edulis is a tree that occurs in temporarily or permanently flooded areas in several countries of South America. In this paper, we evaluate seed germination, growth parameters, photosynthetic pigment contents and chlorophyll a fluorescence in young plants to understand the tolerance of the specie to flood events. The evaluations were performed in non-flooded (NFL) and flooded (FL) plants in a temporal scale that included short (up to 30 days) and long (up to 90 days) flood periods. A short flooding (15 days) may favor germination but maintaining stress for 60 days makes the seeds unviable. Although 71.4% of the FL plants survived up to 90 days of flooding, injuries such as chlorosis and foliar abscission appeared. An increase in stem height and diameter was only observed in NFL plants; whereas, FL plants showed a growth inhibition. At 90 days, NFL and FL plants presented total dry mass of 18.35 ± 1.57 g and 1.93 ± 0.62 g, respectively. The photosynthetic performance indexes indicated acclimatization of the plants on the third day of flooding, but the stress induced a progressive decline in the parameters, signaling damages to the photosystem II. Both seeds and young plants of A. edulis tolerate short periods of flooding, but prolonged floods make the seeds unfeasible and damages the photosynthetic apparatus, leading to death of the plants.

The effect of hypoxia on the antioxidant system during the storage of tomato fruits was investigated using plants with different expression levels of the encoding gene for the MT-sHSP23.6 protein. Fruits from two 'Micro-Tom' tomato plant genotypes (wild type and high expression of MT-sHSP23.6) were harvested at the breaker stage and subjected to normoxia (23 °C, dark) and hypoxia (daily nitrogen flow of 0.098 Mpa/10 min, 23 °C, darkness) treatments for 5 and 8 days, respectively. We evaluated the color tone (Hueo) of the fruits, as well as the components of the enzymatic antioxidant system, reactive oxygen species, non-enzymatic antioxidant system components and radical scavenging activity. Fruits from plants with high MT-sHSP23.6 expression had the highest activity for all the antioxidant enzymes under hypoxia conditions (25, 20, 76, and 48% higher than wild type for SOD, CAT, APX, and GPOD, respectively). They also had the lowest concentrations of superoxide anion under both normoxia and hypoxia storage. At the end of the normoxia storage period, the genotype with high MT-sHSP23.6 expression had the highest accumulation of lycopene (13%), whereas at the end of hypoxia storage, the wild type genotype had the highest lycopene accumulation (39%). Higher accumulation of phenolic compounds was observed in the post-hypoxia period for plants subjected to the hypoxia treatment in high MT-sHSP23.6 expression genotype (12% on the fourth day and 9% on the eighth day). In addition, ascorbic acid concentration was considerably higher on the third and fourth storage days (47% and 8%, respectively). During the hypoxia period, the genotype with high MT-sHSP23.6 expression exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity. High MT-sHSP23.6 expression stimulated the enzymatic antioxidant system during the hypoxia period and led to higher accumulation of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid, evidence that this protein may be related to tolerance mechanisms in plants subjected to post-harvest abiotic stresses.

WATER DEFICIT AFFECTS GAS EXCHANGE IN PEACH TREES CULTIVAR CHIMARRITA GRAFTED ONTO DIFFERENT ROOTSTOCKS LETICIA NEUTZLING RICKES, ELSA KUHN KLUMB, CARLOS DAVI SANTOS E SILVA, MARCOS ANTONIO BACARIN, VALMOR JOAO BIANCHI 1 Dr.(a) em Fisiologia Vegetal pela Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Botânica, Campus Universitario, Capao do Leao, RS – Brasil, E-mail: leticiarickes@hotmail.com , carlosdavi_santos@yahoo.com.br 2 Mestra em Fisiologia Vegetal pela Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Botânica, Campus Universitario, Capao do Leao, RS – Brasil, E-mail: elsakk91@yahoo.com.br 3 Prof. Dr. Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Botânica, Campus Universitario, Capao do Leao, RS – Brasil, E-mail: bacarin@ufpel.edu.br , valmorjb@yahoo.com 1 ABSTRACT The aim was to investigate the effect of the water deficit on the gas exchange of Chimarrita plants grafted onto five different rootstocks (Tsukuba 1, Tsukuba 2, Tsukuba 3, Aldrighi 1, and Selection UFPel 0402), i.e., five combinations ‘Chimarrita’/rootstocks. The factorial scheme consisted of two water conditions (control and water deficit) and eight days of evaluation (0, 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th , 6 th , 7 th , and 9 th , the latter two were the recovery period). Gas exchange was assessed with the aid of the portable CO 2 infrared analyzer. Results were subjected to the analysis of variance (p≤0.05) by using Tukey’s test in order to compare the means between treatments at each day of stress for each ‘Chimarrita’/rootstocks combination. It was found that the different ‘Chimarrita’/rootstocks combinations showed a distinct physiological behavior regarding the initial water-deficit tolerance. Plants consisting of the combination ‘Chimarrita/Aldrighi 1’ had the highest initial water-deficit tolerance. The reduction in the net assimilation rate in face of the water deficit is not only related to the stomatal limitation, suggesting that there may also be non-stomatal limitations. Seventy-two hours after providing irrigation back to plants, all combinations evaluated showed an overall resilience of the physiological performance. Keywords: Prunus persica , abiotic stress, stomatal conductance, net assimilation rate. RICKES, L. N.; KLUMB, E. K.; SILVA, C. D. S. e; BACARIN, M. A.; BIANCHI, V. J. DEFICIT HIDRICO AFETA AS TROCAS GASOSAS EM PESSEGUEIRO CULTIVAR CHIMARRITA ENXERTADA SOBRE DIFERENTES PORTAENXERTOS 2 RESUMO O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito do deficit hidrico sobre as trocas gasosas em plantas da cultivar Chimarrita enxertada sobre cinco diferentes portaenxertos (Tsukuba 1, Tsukuba 2, Tsukuba 3, Aldrighi 1 e Selecao UFPel 0402), ou seja, cinco combinacoes ‘Chimarrita’/portaenxertos. O esquema fatorial foi composto de duas condicoes hidricas (controle e deficit hidrico) e oito dias de avaliacao (0, 1o, 2o, 3o, 4o, 6o, 7o e 9o, os dois ultimos sendo periodo de recuperacao). As trocas gasosas foram avaliadas com um analisador portatil a infravermelho de CO 2. Os resultados foram submetidos a analise de variância ( p ≤0,05), utilizando-se o teste de Tukey para comparacao de medias entre os tratamentos em cada dia de estresse de cada combinacao ‘Chimarrita’/portaenxertos. Verificou-se que as diferentes combinacoes de ‘Chimarrita’/portaenxertos apresentaram comportamento fisiologico diferencial para a tolerância inicial ao deficit hidrico. Plantas compostas pelas combinacoes de enxertia entre ‘Chimarrita’/Adrighi 1’ foram as que apresentaram a maior tolerância inicial ao deficit hidrico. A reducao da taxa assimilatoria liquida perante o deficit hidrico, nao esta relacionada principalmente a limitacao estomatica, sugerindo-se que ocorrem tambem limitacoes nao estomaticas. Apos 72h do retorno da irrigacao das plantas, todas as combinacoes avaliadas demonstraram total capacidade de recuperacao do desempenho fisiologico. Palavras-chave: Prunus persica , estresse abiotico, condutância estomatica, taxa assimilatoria liquida.

Ricinus communis L. cultivation is an economic alternative in arid regions, particularly in India, China and northeastern Brazil. Research on photosynthetic behavior under conditions of water deficit is valuable for genetic improvement programs and the management of this crop. We aimed to obtain information on the photosynthetic mechanisms and acclimation to stress in young plants of the castor cultivars BRS Gabriela and IAC Guarani grown in the greenhouse, for which irrigation had been suspended for 35 days. Chlorophyll a fluorescence transient and gas exchange were measured every 7 days, and growth was measured at the end of the experiment. Growth and gas exchange were negatively affected by stress, with reductions being detected early during the period of water deficit. There was an increase in water-use efficiency in both cultivars, as well as a reduction in intrinsic carboxylation efficiency. Although gas exchange was reduced initially, the parameters of the JIP test, calculated from the fluorescence transient, indicated an increased activity of the photochemical apparatus, with higher performance indices. A decrease in the activity of the electron transport chain was observed at the end of the stress period, with a concomitant increase in the dissipation and inactivation of photosystem II reaction centers and a consequent reduction in performance indices, with IAC Guarani plants showing greater susceptibility to stress compared to BRS Gabriela plants. Considering the photosynthetic activity in stressed plants, castor bean plants show acclimation of electron transport during the short-term water deficit, however, with decrease in the photosynthesis in long term.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield comes from regions with some level of water deficiency. Maintaining crop yield under drought stress is thus one of the biggest challenges. In order to improve our understanding of the responses involved of common bean to drought stress, we studied photosynthesis, antioxidant system, photorespiration estimated by glycolate oxidase activity, and proline content in leaves of two common bean cultivars (Expedito and Macotaco) subjected to water stress induced by polyethylene glycol 6000. The stress imposed affected the two common bean cultivars by decreasing net photosynthesis rate and increasing glycolate oxidase (GO) activity due to stomatal closure. Increased flux of electrons through the photosystem II led to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as observed by increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and it enhanced the activity of the enzymatic antioxidant system such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and guayacol peroxidase (GPOD) in Macotaco. Both cultivars here studied showed similar effects on photosynthesis parameters, however, Expedito had a better response on antioxidant system and proline content, which may represent an advantage over Macotaco.

In this work, we evaluated changes in the energy dissipation on electron transport chain of photosystems of leaves of four common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes (cultivars and landraces) in response to root system flooding. Common bean plants (BRS Expedito and Irai—cultivars; TB 02–24 and TB 03–13—landraces) were grown in soil and commercial substrate (1:1). At the early reproductive stages, the root system was subjected to flooding by adding distilled water up to 2 cm above the substrate surface for 4 days. Control plants were kept under normoxia. Chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchange, photorespiration, antioxidative enzymes and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in leaves on the 4th day of flooding. Flooding of the root system reduced gas exchange in all genotypes with strong effects in CO2 assimilation. BRS Expedito genotype had a greater energy dissipation through fluorescence and heat over Irai, TB 02–24 and TB 03–13, with regard of metabolic regulation through photorespiration to alleviate the excess of ATP/NADPH produced by the electron transport chain (ETC). On the other hand, the genotypes Irai, TB 02–24 and TB 03–13 induced more efficiently the antioxidative enzyme system to cope with the deleterious effects of ROS in comparison to BRS Expedito. Further, the dynamic energy dissipation of the excess absorbed energy by the photosynthetic ETC was differentially dissipated in all four common bean genotypes.

Photosynthesis, the fundamental physiological process of plant responsible for the growth and yield of crops, is strongly affected by environmental stresses. Several methods have been used to study changes in the physiological parameters of plants exposed to stresses. The work aimed to study physiological parameters related to photosynthesis in leaf discs of soybean plants exposed to a photosystem II-inhibiting herbicide. Soybean leaf discs obtained from mature leaves of plants in the vegetative stage immersed in bentazon herbicide solutions at concentrations of 0, 100, 250 or 500 μM were evaluated. In experiment I, the effect of the herbicide on chlorophyll a fluorescence transient was measured using a portable fluorometer. In the second experiment, the effect of the herbicide on modulated chlorophyll a fluorescence and gas exchange were evaluated, with the latter being measured with an infrared gas analyzer. The evaluations of transient and modulated fluorescence provided additional information on the photosynthetic activity of soybean leaf discs exposed to the action of bentazon. For the fluorescence transient analysis, performance indices were the parameters most sensitive to the action of bentazon, showing a decrease of approximately 70 % at a dose of 500 μM. For the modulated fluorescence analysis, the photochemical quenching coefficient, the electron transport rate, the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II and the net assimilation rate, decreased in response to herbicide application, with values that were almost equal to zero at a dose of 500 µM, which are the parameters that showed the greatest sensitivity to bentazon in soybean.

The objective of this work was to investigate the injuries caused to the photosynthetic apparatus of three types of rice exposed to application of imidazolinone group herbicides. Two experiments were conducted using herbicides Imazethapyr+imazapic and Imazapyr+imazapic, in a split-plot experimental design, and a 3 x 3 factorial, with six replications. The first factor (A) consisted of the herbicide rates 0, 100 e 200 g ha-1 of Imazethapyr+imazapic and 0, 140 e 280 g ha-1 of Imazapyr+imazapic; factor B consisted of type of rice (cv. Puitá Inta CL, sensitive red rice ecotype and red rice ecotype with suspected herbicide tolerance to Imidazolinone). Chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were evaluated in plants at 30 days after herbicide application, using a portable fluorometer (HandyPEA, Hanstech). The photosynthetic metabolism of cv. Puitá Inta CL was found to tolerate commercial dosages of both herbicides. High sensitivity to the herbicides was observed for the sensitive red rice ecotype, while the photosynthetic apparatus of red rice ecotype with suspected herbicide tolerance showed high tolerance to both herbicides applied at rates higher than the commercial rate. The application of chemical herbicides of the imidazolinone group on rice plants causes changes in the photosynthetic metabolism of plants, detected by evaluating the emission of transient chlorophyll a fluorescence. This method can be useful in helping detect resistance and/or tolerance of red rice plants to herbicides of the imidazolinone group. Este estudo objetivou avaliar as injúrias causadas ao aparelho fotossintético de três tipos de arroz, expostos a herbicidas do grupo das imidazolinonas. Foram conduzidos dois experimentos utilizando os herbicidas imazethapyr+imazapic e imazapyr+imazapic, ambos em delineamento experimental de parcelas subdivididas, em fatorial 3 x 3, com seis repetições. O fator A consistiu de doses dos herbicidas correspondentes a 0, 100 e 200gha-1 de imazethapyr+imazapic e a 0, 140 e 280gha-1 de imazapyr+imazapic, e o fator B, do tipo de arroz (cv. Puitá Inta CL, ecótipo de arroz-vermelho sensível e ecótipo de arroz-vermelho com suspeita de tolerância aos herbicidas imidazolinonas). Foram avaliados os parâmetros da fluorescência da clorofila a nas plantas aos 15 e 30 dias após a aplicação dos herbicidas, utilizando-se um fluorômetro portátil (HandyPEA). Verificou-se que o metabolismo fotossintético do cv. Puitá Inta CL suporta doses comerciais de os ambos herbicidas. Para o ecótipo de arroz-vermelho sensível, foi verificada elevada sensibilidade aos herbicidas. Já o aparato fotossintético do ecótipo de arroz-vermelho com suspeita de tolerância apresentou elevada tolerância a ambos os herbicidas aplicados em doses superiores às comerciais. A aplicação de herbicidas do grupo químico das imidazolinonas em plantas de arroz causa alterações no processo fotossintético das plantas detectadas por meio da emissão da fluorescência da clorofila a transiente, sendo este método útil no auxílio da detecção de resistência e/ou Tolerância de plantas de arroz-vermelho a herbicidas do grupo das imidazolinonas.

O pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) tem-se destacado, no cenário do biodiesel, em função da porcentagem de óleo contido nas sementes e de sua capacidade adaptativa. No País, a cultura do pinhão-manso tem, como proposta, o desenvolvimento agronômico, razão pela qual o uso consorciado pode ser importante aos pequenos produtores. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar algumas características fenológicas de pinhão-manso cultivado em dois regimes de luminosidade (pleno sol e sombrite 50%) relacionando com a sazonalidade climática e se utilizando de parâmetros da fluorescência da clorofila e de trocas gasosas. As plantas apresentaram crescimento vegetativo com padrão sazonal, com pico de crescimento no início de março, quando iniciou a senescência foliar. Alguns parâmetros da fluorescência transiente da clorofila analisados pelo Teste JIP, apresentaram relação com as flutuações ambientais. O PI ABS e o PItotal demonstraram que as plantas do tratamento sombreado foram sensíveis à redução de luminosidade. A taxa assimilatória líquida e a eficiência de carboxilação reduziram ao longo do experimento acompanhando a queda da radiação solar; já as plantas de pinhão-manso respondem negativamente a essas condições de sombreamento.

Soil flooding is an environmental stressor for crops that can affect physiological performance and reduce crop yields. Abiotic stressors cause changes in protein synthesis, modifying the levels of a series of proteins, especially the heat shock proteins (HSP), and these proteins can help protect the plants against abiotic stress. The objective of this study was to verify if tomato plants cv. Micro-Tom from different genotypes with varying expression levels of MT-sHSP23.6 (mitochondrial small heat shock proteins) have different responses physiological to flooding. Plants from three genotypes (untransformed, MT-sHSP23.6 sense expression levels and MT-sHSP23.6 antisense expression levels) were cultivated under controlled conditions. After 50 days, the plants were flooded for 14 days. After this period half of the plants from each genotype were allowed to recover. Chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange, chlorophyll index, leaf area and dry matter were evaluated. Flood stress affected the photosynthetic electron transport chain, which is related to inactivation of the oxygen-evolving complex, loss of connectivity among units in photosystem II, oxidation-reduction of the plastoquinone pool and activity of photosystem I. The genotype with MT-sHSP23.6 sense expression levels was less sensitive to stress from flooding.

Plants growing in temperate regions are often exposed to stress conditions caused by high temperatures. Photosynthesis is one of the metabolic processes most sensitive to high temperature stress, and it is often inhibited before other cellular functions. Using peach leaf disks, we studied the transient chlorophyll a fluorescence along with the gas exchanges at temperatures of 25 (control) 30, 35, 40 and 45°C in the dark for a period of 30 minutes. Temperatures above 35°C caused significant changes in the transient fluorescence of chlorophyll a, including an increase in the initial fluorescence (F0), a decrease in maximum fluorescence values (F M) and the appearance of K and L bands. The values of the net assimilation rate decreased as the temperature increased and reached negative values at 45°C.

The present study aimed to analyse the alterations in the growth and chlorophyll content of Erythrina crista-galli plants in response to flooding and to evaluate possible photosystem II (PSII) damage through chlorophyll a fluorescence transient analysis using the JIP test. Plants cultured from seeds were grown in 0.5-L pots in a greenhouse and transferred to 5-L pots. Two treatments were employed: plants were either flooded at the root and maintained with a sheet of water above the soil or not flooded (control). Evaluations were performed at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after the treatment was initiated. The experiment was set up in a randomised block design, and the results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The means were compared by Tukey’s test at a 5 % significance level. The flooding of the plants induced the formation of lenticels, adventitious roots and larger intercellular spaces in the root cortex and inhibited the growth of shoots at early time points compared to control plants. However, growth resumed by the end of the experimental period. The Erythrina crista-galli plants manifested a reduction in chlorophyll content as a function of the duration of exposure to flooding. However, there were changes in the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, indicating impairment of the structure and function of PSII, and the performance indices were the most representative parameters to describe the effects of flooding. The results showed that the Erythrina crista-galli tolerated flooding by initially investing energy into the formation of morpho-anatomical structures to maintain oxygen diffusion and ATP production. The effect of flooding on the leaves was reflected in increased energy dissipation through chlorophyll a fluorescence, likely as a mechanism to protect the photosynthetic apparatus.

Tomato ‘Micro-Tom’ plants were transformed for high or low expression of the mitochondrial small “heat shock” protein (HSP) (MT-sHSP23.6) to evaluate their response to high temperature. The plants were raised for 59 days under a controlled temperature, photoperiod and photon flow density and then subjected to heat stress for 24 h at 37 °C, followed by a recovery period under normal conditions (21 ± 2 °C). The cycle was repeated. The chlorophyll a fluorescence intensity was measured, and the parameters of the JIP-test were calculated. The gas exchange was also evaluated. The JIP-test showed significantly different responses of the genotypes to heat stress. The parameters of photosystem I activity and the net assimilation of CO2 increased during the first stress cycle in genotypes with a high expression of MT-sHSP23.6 and in non-transformed plants; however, the net assimilation of CO2 decreased in genotypes with a low expression of MT-sHSP23.6. The data suggest that MT-sHSP23.6 participates in the heat tolerance mechanism, considering that the suppression of this protein resulted in greater physiological damage during heat stress.

Analysis of transient and modulated fluorescence of chlorophyll a were made at one-hour intervals during an eight-hour period starting at 07:30h aiming to study mechanisms of photoprotection against high radiation and temperature in Gallesia integrifolia plants. Seeds were germinated inside plastic pots containing soil as substrate. At 120 days after emergence, chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were performed using Handy-PEA and FMS2 fluorometers. During the course of a day, an increase and a subsequent decrease in temperature and in photosynthetic active radiation were observed until 12:30h. Changes in transient kinetic curves of chlorophyll a fluorescence were identified. This resulted in changes in JIP test parameters. An increase during the period of high radiation and temperature may be stressed in relation to variables related to dissipation flux and appearance of positive -K and -L bands. Considering the modulated fluorescence, high values of non-photochemical quenching coefficients associated with lower values of effective photochemical efficiency of the photosystem II (FV'/ FM') and current photochemical efficiency of PSII (φPSII) could be observed during early morning. This was probably the result of an inhibition of the biochemical phase of photosynthesis. It can be concluded that Gallesia integrifolia decrease its photochemical activity with the increase in the photosynthetic active radiation, demonstrating a photoinhibitory effect under high irradiance conditions, but without irreversible damages to the photosynthetic apparatus.

Due to photosynthetic mechanisms respond very quickly to most stressors and due to strong concerns regarding the impact of climate change on future plant productivity, the purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of in vivo photosynthetic efficiencies and fruit quality of five cultivars of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims. f. flavicarpa Degener). The experiments were conducted in the northern region of Espo ´rito Santo State using cultivars FB 200, FB 300, BRS Gigante Amarelo, BRS Sol do Cerrado, and BRS Ouro Vermelho. Analyses were performed 6 months after planting, when the plants were beginning reproduction and were repeated two times during the next 4 months until fruit ripening. Chlorophyll a fluorescence transient, total chlorophyll content, and gas exchange were measured in the leaves. Physical and chem- ical fruit attributes were also assessed. The lowest fluores- cence rates were identified in the FB 300, BRS Sol do Cerrado, and BRS Ouro Vermelho cultivars, which exhibited better capacities for quinone A (QA) reoxidation and better electron transfer efficiencies from Photosystem II to Photo- system I acceptors. Better photochemical performances (PItotal) and CO2 assimilations (A) resulted in higher fruit pulp yields, demonstrating the superior quality of the FB 300, BRS Sol do Cerrado, and BRS Ouro Vermelho cultivars.

By generating stress conditions soil flooding can induce alterations in the cell metabolism and thus is detrimental to plant growth. This study was done under the greenhouse conditions to determine the effect of soil flooding on the chlorophyll fluorescence of some hybrids of canola (Brassica napus L.). Fifty five days old plants were subjected to flooding for six days. There was no difference in the parameters modulate chlorophyll fluorescence, in contrast, some the parameters related to the energy flux in photosystem II varied due to flooding stress. At the end of the six days, the performance indexes (PItotal and PIABS) decreased, in all hybrids except in ‘Hyola 420’. The difference kinetics of the chlorophyll a fluorescence transient showed different effects on different sites of the photosynthetic machinery. It could be concluded that compared to the other hybrids, ‘Hyola 420’ was less sensitive to flooding.

Iron (Fe) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. In plant tissues, approximately 80% of Fe is found in photosynthetic cells. This study was carried out to determine the effect of different iron concentrations on the photosynthetic characteristics of sweet potato plants. The fluorescence transient of chlorophyll a (OJIP), chlorophyll index and gas exchange were measured in plants grown for seven days in Hoagland solution containing an iron concentration of 0.45, 0.90, 4.50 or 9.00 mM Fe (as Fe-EDTA). The initial and maximum fluorescence increased in the plants receiving 9.00 mM Fe. In the analysis of the fluorescence kinetic difference, L- and K-bands appeared in all of the treatments, but the amplitude was higher in plants receiving 4.50 or 9.00 mM Fe. In plants grown in 9.00 mM Fe, the parameters of the JIP-Test indicated a better efficiency in the capture, absorption and use of light energy, and although the chlorophyll index was higher, the net photosynthesis was lower. The overall data showed that sweet potato plants subjected to high iron concentrations may not exhibit the toxicity symptoms, but the light reactions of photosynthesis can be affect, which may result in a declining net assimilation rate.

O gênero Plectranthus é considerado um dos mais ricos em óleos essenciais dentro da família Lamiaceae, compreendendo muitas espécies com propriedades medicinais. Algumas destas são conhecidas popularmente como boldo, as quais possuem semelhanças taxonômicas e diversas sinonímias, possuindo ações anti-dispépticas, analgésicas e digestivas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar quantitativa e qualitativamente os óleos essenciais presentes nas folhas das espécies P. amboinicus, P. barbatus, P. grandis e P. neochilus. A extração do óleo foi realizada por hidrodestilação, utilizando pentano como solvente extrator, repetida por três vezes para cada uma das espécies. A análise dos componentes dos óleos essenciais das quatro espécies de Plectranthus, através da CG/EM, permitiu identificar 14 componentes químicos, sendo a maioria sesquiterpenos. O trans-cariofileno se apresentou em elevada concentração nos óleos estudados. Alguns componentes químicos demonstraram ser específicos para cada espécie e outros apresentaram ocorrência comum a todas as quatro, possibilitando a diferenciação das mesmas em dois grupos, um formado por P. amboinicus e P. neochilus e o outro por P. grandis e P. barbatus. Conclui-se que as quatro espécies de boldo apresentam diferenças significativas quanto ao teor e à constituição química do óleo essencial

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of flooding and water restriction (drought) on the photosynthetic activity in plants of the hybrid rootstock 'GxN-9' (Prunus dulcis Mill. × Prunus persica L. Bastsch), grown in a greenhouse. Chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange were analyzed in plants of approximately 12 months. The reduction of photosynthetic activity in both the stresses were associated with decreased carboxylation efficiency, but without affecting the internal concentration of carbon dioxide. The JIP-test parameters revealed changes in the energy flux processes demonstrating that in terms of flooding the rootstock GxN-9 the rate of photosynthetic performance significantly decreases, resulting in a considerable decrease in net assimilation rate. The JIP-test analysis was efficient in determining the thresholds mainly of the flood response, proving to be useful in exploration of the photosynthetic activity as a physiological marker of the stress tolerance.

Um problema de armazenar tubérculos de batata em baixa temperatura é o acúmulo de açúcares redutores. Este acúmulo provoca perda do valor comercial dos tubérculos quando processados na forma de "chips". O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar a possível alteração nos teores de carboidratos em tubérculos de diferentes genótipos de batata antes do armazenamento e após o armazenamento a 4 ºC e 20 ºC. Os genótipos produzidos na Embrapa Clima Temperado, em Pelotas (RS), foram avaliados quanto aos teores de amido, sacarose, açúcares solúveis totais e açúcares redutores. O tratamento controle consistiu da análise dos tubérculos logo após a colheita, enquanto os demais foram divididos em dois lotes, padronizados quanto ao tamanho e armazenados a 4 ºC e 20 ºC durante 33 dias, sendo então novamente avaliados pelas mesmas análises descritas anteriormente. Os teores de amido foram pouco alterados pelas condições de armazenamento. Os teores de açúcares solúveis totais e açúcares redutores aumentaram quando os tubérculos foram submetidos à refrigeração, porém com taxas de incremento diferentes entre os genótipos. Para os teores de sacarose, de maneira geral, houve redução com o armazenamento em ambas as condições. A cultivar Pérola e os clones C-1740-11-94 e C-1786-6-94 tiveram o menor acúmulo de açúcares solúveis quando armazenados a baixa temperatura. A major problem into storing potato tubers at low temperature is the sweetening (accumulation of reducing sugars). This accumulation leads to loss of commercial value of tubers when they are processed in the form of "Chips". The objective of this study was to evaluate a possible change in carbohydrates levels of tubers. From different genotypes of potatoes before and after storage at 4 ºC and 20 ºC. The tubers were produced at EMBRAPA Clima Temperado, Pelotas (RS). Shortly after the harvest samples were collected to determine levels of starch, sucrose, total soluble carbohydrates and reducing sugars. The remaining tubers were divided into two lots, standardized regarding to size and stored at 4 ºC and 20 ºC for 33 days, and after this period the same analysis described above were performed. The starch level was poorlyaffeuted by the storage conditions. Were levels of reducing sugar and total soluble carbohydrates raised when the tubers were submitted to refrigeration, however with different rates of increment between the genotypes. As for the levels of sucrose, in general, a reduction was observed for both conditions of storage. Pérola and clones C-1740-11-94 and C-1786-6-94 showed the lowest accumulation of soluble sugars when stored at low temperature.

Foram estudados o crescimento, a partição de assimilados e a produção de grãos nas cultivares de arroz BRS Pelota (maior produtividade) e BRS Firmeza (menor produtividade). O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, com plantas cultivadas em vaso. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com duas cultivares, nove coletas e quatro repetições por tratamento. Com a cultivar BRS Pelota houve maior acúmulo de matéria seca total (Wt), principalmente no fim do ciclo, bem como maior área foliar (Af). A matéria seca alocada para o colmo + bainha e às panículas também foi maior em BRS Pelota. Porém, a porcentagem de Wt destinada às panículas aos 125 DAE foi semelhante entre as cultivares. Em BRS Firmeza, o aumento em Wt nas raízes pode ter influenciado o direcionamento de fotoassimilados para os grãos e contribuído para o atraso na senescência das plantas. A produtividade de BRS Pelota foi maior que a de BRS Firmeza (17,4 contra 11,8 g por vaso) e seu número de panículas por planta por vaso foi três vezes superior em relação à cultivar BRS Firmeza. O componente de produção de maior expressão no rendimento foi o número de panículas. A maior produtividade da cultivar BRS Pelota pode estar relacionada à maior área foliar e sua duração, o que permite o fornecimento de elevada quantidade de fotoassimilados por um período maior.The growth, assimilate partitioning and grain yield in BRS Pelota (high yield) and BRS Firmeza (low yield) rice cultivars were evaluated. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse (Department of Botany, Federal University of Pelotas) with complete randomized design composed by two cultivars, nine plant sampling times and four replicates. BRS Pelota rice cultivar exhibited higher accumulation of total dry matter (Wt), mainly at the end of life cicle, as well as higher leaf area (Af). The dry matter allocated toward culm + sheath and panicles was higher in BRS Pelota. However, the Wt percentage accumulated in panicles at 125 DAE was the same between cultivars. In BRS Firmeza the increase in Wt in the roots may had influenced photoassimilates partitioning toward grains, and also contributed to delay of in plant senescence. Grain yield was higher in BRS Pelota than in BRS Firmeza (17.4 versus 11.8 g vaso), and also panicle number was three times greater in relation to BRS Firmeza. The yield component which exhibited higher relevance for productivity was the panicle number. The higher grain yield of BRS Pelota could be related to higher leaf area and leaf area duration, which allows the provision of elevated quantity of photoassimilates during longer period time.

Muitas enzimas estão envolvidas em reações de defesa de plantas contra patógenos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar alterações na atividade de algumas destas enzimas em plantas de feijão originadas de sementes microbiolizadas com um isolado de Pseudomonas do grupo das fluorescentes (isolado DFs842). Sementes de feijão cultivar BRS Valente foram imersas em suspensão salina preparada a partir de crescimento bacteriano com 24 h do isolado de Pseudomonas (OD540=0,5) sabidamente biocontroladora de Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli. Como testemunhas, as sementes foram imersas em solução salina (NaCl 0,85%). Após a microbiolização por 5 h a 10ºC, as sementes foram plantadas em vasos contendo uma mistura de solo não esterilizado, areia e esterco bovino (proporção 3:1:1), mantidos em casa de vegetação. A inoculação do patógeno foi realizada na terceira folha verdadeira de todas as plantas, fazendo-se cortes com tesoura imersa em suspensão salina do patógeno (X. axonopodis pv. phaseoli) preparada a partir de crescimento de 24 h (OD540=0,4). Câmaras úmidas foram mantidas 24 h antes e após a inoculação. Para o preparo do extrato protéico, as três primeiras folhas verdadeiras foram coletadas individualmente em 5 épocas de coleta distintas: uma, momentos antes da inoculação e as demais nos tempos seis, 24, 72 h e 15 dias após a inoculação. Este extrato protéico serviu de fonte para as determinações do teor de proteínas solúveis totais (PST), atividade da polifenol oxidase (PPO) e da peroxidase (PO), as quais foram realizadas por leituras espectrofotométricas. Os resultados demonstraram aumento significativo no teor de PST e na atividade de PPO nas plantas submetidas ao tratamento com isolado DFs842, sendo que, o teor de PST foi o dobro, em relação às plantas não tratadas. Também foi observado que, mesmo antes da inoculação do patógeno o teor de PST e a atividade de PPO nas plantas tratadas estavam bem maiores. Em relação à atividade de PO houve redução da mesma nas plantas tratadas com o isolado de Pseudomonas (DFs842). Esses resultados evidenciaram que a microbiolização das sementes provocou alterações metabólicas nas plantas delas originadas, pelo aumento do teor de PST e atividade de PPO, indicando uma provável participação destas enzimas na indução de resistência ativada pela microbiolização com o isolado de Pseudomonas (DFs842).Many enzymes are involved in plant defense against pathogens. The purpose of this study was to verify alterations in activity of some enzymes in bean plants originated from microbiolization of seeds with a fluorescent isolate (DFs842) of Pseudomonas. Bean seeds (cv. "BRS Valente") were immersed in a bacterial suspension of a 24 hours old Pseudomonas culture (OD540=0,5) known as a Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli biocontroler. Check treatment consisted of seeds immersed in a saline solution (NaCl 0,85%). After microbiolization for 5 hours at 10ºC, seeds were sowed in a non sterilized substrate composed of soil, sand and bovine manure mixture (3:1:1 ratio) disposed in pots in a greenhouse. The pathogen was inoculated by cutting the third true leaves with scissors previously immersed in the bacterial suspension (X. axonopodis pv. phaseoli) prepared from a 24 hours old culture (OD540=0,4). Plants were kept in moister chambers for 24 hours before and after the inoculation. For protein extraction preparation, the three true leaves were collected individually at five different times: immediately before inoculation and 6, 24, 72 hours and 15 days after inoculation. The leaf extract was used for determination of total soluble proteins (TSP), and the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (PO) by spectrophometry. The results showed a significant increase in TSP content and PPO activity in plants treated with the isolated DFs842, when TSP content was the double of the non-treated plants. It was also observed that, even before pathogen inoculation, TSP content and PPO activity in plants treated was high. PO activity was reduced in Pseudomonas (DFs842)treated plants. The results showed evidence that metabolic alterations in plants are triggered upon seeds microbiolization, mainly due to the increase in TSP content and PPO activity. This indicates enzyme participation in induce host resistance with seed microbiolization with Pseudomonas (DFs842).

O melhoramento genético da batata é complexo e requer uma grande demanda de tempo e energia. A tecnologia do DNA recombinante, com sua capacidade potencial de isolar e transferir genes a partir de qualquer organismo, permite incorporar nas plantas novos caracteres de interesse agrícola. No entanto, as conseqüências da inserção de determinados genes em relação às características fisiológicas da planta são, muitas vezes desconhecidas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as características fotossintéticas de plantas de batata cultivar Baronesa modificadas geneticamente com genes de resistência a vírus. Para isso, tubérculos de batata cultivar Baronesa e seu respectivo genótipo transformado foram plantados em vasos e mantidos em casa de vegetação. Durante o ciclo de vida das plantas foram avaliados parâmetros da fluorescência das clorofilas, fotossíntese líquida e fotossíntese potencial. As plantas de batata cv. Baronesa transformadas com genes de resistência ao vírus PVY apresentaram maior eficiência fotoquímica máxima e maior taxa de liberação de oxigênio do que plantas da mesma cultivar não modificadas geneticamente, embora tivessem mantido os demais parâmetros de fluorescência das clorofilas e a taxa de fotossíntese líquida iguais.Potato breeding is difficult and requires a great deal of time and energy. The use of recombinant DNA technology, with its potential capacity of isolating and transferring genes from any organism, allows incorporating in plants new characters of agricultural interest. However, consequences of the incorporation of determined genes on physiological characteristics are sometimes unknown. In this study we evaluated photosynthetic characteristics of potato plants genetically modified with resistance genes to PVY. Potato tubers of cv. Baronesa and its respective transformed genotype were planted in pots and kept in greenhouse. During the plant life cycle, parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence, net photosynthesis and potential photosynthesis were evaluated. Plants transformed with PVY resistant genes showed higher maximum photochemical efficiency and higher oxygen evolution rate, however the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence and net photosynthesis were the same.

O melhoramento genético da batata é complexo e requer uma grande demanda de tempo e energia. A tecnologia do DNA recombinante, com sua capacidade potencial de isolar e transferir genes a partir de qualquer organismo, permite incorporar nas plantas novos caracteres de interesse agrícola. No entanto, as conseqüências da inserção de determinados genes em relação às características fisiológicas da planta são, muitas vezes desconhecidas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as características fotossintéticas de plantas de batata cultivar Baronesa modificadas geneticamente com genes de resistência a vírus. Para isso, tubérculos de batata cultivar Baronesa e seu respectivo genótipo transformado foram plantados em vasos e mantidos em casa de vegetação. Durante o ciclo de vida das plantas foram avaliados parâmetros da fluorescência das clorofilas, fotossíntese líquida e fotossíntese potencial. As plantas de batata cv. Baronesa transformadas com genes de resistência ao vírus PVY apresentaram maior eficiência fotoquímica máxima e maior taxa de liberação de oxigênio do que plantas da mesma cultivar não modificadas geneticamente, embora tivessem mantido os demais parâmetros de fluorescência das clorofilas e a taxa de fotossíntese líquida iguais.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as concentrações de amido e açúcares solúveis em tecidos de gemas e base de gemas de plantas de pessegueiro (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) cultivar Jubileu, com e sem sintomas da Morte-Precoce-do-Pessegueiro, durante o período de repouso. Os ramos foram coletados em quatro épocas durante a dormência (11-06, 11-07, 29-07 e 05-08), no inverno de 2003. Foram conduzidos dois experimentos separadamente, um para cada pomar. A elevada concentração de amido nos tecidos das plantas sem sintomas de morte-precoce na fase da saída de dormência propiciou um adequado suprimento energético para que a brotação e a floração destas plantas ocorressem de maneira uniforme e regular. Por outro lado, a antecipação na quebra de dormência das plantas com sintomas da morte-precoce, provocada pelo desencadeamento da síndrome, intensificou a degradação do amido e do sorbitol em ambos os tecidos na saída de dormência, possivelmente, para o fornecimento de glicose e frutose.

O experimento foi conduzido em condições de campo, sendo os frutos colhidos em araçazeiros de seis anos, crescidos no pomar da EMBRAPA- Clima Temperado. O objetivo foi determinar a composição química, a eficiência de conversão da glicose em novos compostos e a estimativa da respiração de crescimento de araçá ao longo da ontogenia do fruto. Os teores de macronutrientes decresceram ao longo do desenvolvimento do fruto. Os conteúdos de amido, carboidratos solúveis totais, açúcares redutores, lipídeos e ácidos orgânicos aumentaram, enquanto os teores de proteína e os componentes da parede celular diminuíram com a idade do fruto de araçá, principalmente na fase de maturação. Os carboidratos foram os maiores componentes orgânicos, fazendo com que o custo da respiração do fruto fosse baixo. O araçá foi eficiente na conversão de glicose em outros compostos orgânicos. O coeficiente de respiração de crescimento decresceu com a idade do fruto. A taxa de respiração de crescimento incrementou até a metade do período de crescimento acelerado do fruto.

The mechanisms of photosynthetic electron transport can be elucidated by inhibition of electron flow through the use of specific substances that, when combined with the chlorophyll chlorophyll a fluorescence emission was measured to investigate the effect of several inhibitors of the photosynthetic electron transport chain in canola leaf discs. Leaf discs were incubated in the dark for 2 hours in different solutions: (a) water – control; (b) DCMU at 500 µM; (c) phenanthroline at 10 mM; and (d) hydroxylamine at 10, 50, 100 and 200 mM. Similar effects were observed between DCMU and phenanthroline, the initial fluorescence value was altered, but not the maximum fluorescence, with the disappearance of the IP phase. Hydroxylamine interacted and inhibited the oxygen evolving complex and caused an imbalance between the rate of Q A reduction by photosystem II and the rate of Q A oxidation by photosystem I.

Foram quantificados os teores de açúcares não estruturais em tubérculos de batata dos genótipos Atlantic, Pérola, Asterix e C-1786-6-94, armazenados nas temperaturas de 4; 12 e 20ºC, por 30 e 60 dias e, após 30 dias de armazenamento, recondicionados. Antes de cada coleta, os tubérculos foram processados e divididos em sub amostras e logo depois liofilizados. Do material liofilizado determinaram-se os teores de carboidratos solúveis totais e de açúcares redutores. Antes do armazenamento, o clone C-1786-6-94 apresentava a maior quantidade de carboidratos solúveis totais. Quando armazenados por 30 dias a 4ºC, todos os genótipos aumentaram os teores de carboidratos solúveis totais e açúcares redutores, havendo diferenças nas taxas de incremento. O armazenamento por mais 30 dias a 4ºC provocou respostas distintas entre os genótipos. O armazenamento a 12ºC por um período de 30 dias induziu aumento nos teores de açúcares; aos 60 dias de armazenamento houve uma tendência a diminuir açúcares redutores. No recondicionamento de 4 para 20ºC houve redução acentuada nos teores de açúcares redutores e carboidratos solúveis totais. O recondicionamento de 12 para 20ºC teve efeito expressivo na redução dos teores de açúcares redutores e carboidratos solúveis totais. No armazenamento a 20ºC pequenas flutuações ocasionais foram percebidas nos teores de açúcares com tendência a diminuir ao longo do armazenamento.The levels of total soluble carbohydrates and reducing sugars were quantified in tubers of potato genotypes (Atlantic, Pérola, Asterix and C-1786-6-94) stored under different temperatures (4, 12 and 20ºC) for 30 and 60 days and after a reconditioning period of 30 days of storage. Before each harvest, the tubers were processed and divided in sub samples and then liofilizated. The liofilizated material was analyzed for total soluble carbohydrates and reducing sugars content. Higher amounts of total soluble carbohydrates were found in the Clone C-1786-6-94 before harvest. When stored during 30 days at 4ºC all the genotypes presented an increase of the levels of total soluble carbohydrates and reducing sugars, with difference in the rates. The storage for more than 30 days at 4ºC resulted in different response among genotypes. The storage at 12ºC during 30 days increased the levels of sugars, and the storage during 60 days presented a tendency to decrease reducing sugars. In the reconditioning process under temperatures from 4 to 20ºC occurred accentuated reduction in the level of reducing sugars and total soluble carbohydrates. The transfer from 12 to 20ºC resulted in a strong lowering of the reducing sugar levels and total soluble carbohydrates. The storage at 20ºC presented a small occasional flotation in the sugar levels, with tendency to decrease during the storage period.