Irradiance and nutrient-dependent effects on photosynthetic electron transport in Arctic phytoplankton: A comparison of two chlorophyll fluorescence-based approaches to derive primary photochemistry

We employed Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry for high-resolution mapping of marine phytoplankton photophysiology and primary photochemistry in the Lancaster Sound and Barrow Strait regions of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in the summer of 2019. Continuous ship-board analysis of chlorophyll a variable fluorescence demonstrated relatively low photochemical efficiency over most of the cruise-track, with the exception of localized regions within Barrow Strait, where there was increased vertical mixing and proximity to land-based nutrient sources. Along the full transect, we observed strong non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence, with relaxation times longer than the 5-minute period used for dark acclimation. Such long-term quenching effects complicate continuous underway acquisition of fluorescence amplitude-based estimates of photosynthetic electron transport rates, which rely on dark acclimation of samples. As an alternative, we employed a new algorithm to derive electron transport rates based on analysis of fluorescence relaxation kinetics, which does not require dark acclimation. Direct comparison of kinetics- and amplitude-based electron transport rate measurements demonstrated that kinetic-based estimates were, on average, 2-fold higher than amplitude-based values. The magnitude of decoupling between the two electron transport rate estimates increased in association with photophysiological diagnostics of nutrient stress. Discrepancies between electron transport rate estimates likely resulted from the use of different photophysiological parameters to derive the kinetics- and amplitude-based algorithms, and choice of numerical model used to fit variable fluorescence curves and analyze fluorescence kinetics under actinic light. Our results highlight environmental and methodological influences on fluorescence-based photochemistry estimates, and prompt discussion of best-practices for future underway fluorescence-based efforts to monitor phytoplankton photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll fluorescence-based estimates of photosynthetic electron transport in Arctic phytoplankton assemblages

We employed Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry for high-resolution mapping of marine phytoplankton photophysiology and primary productivity in the Lancaster Sound and Barrow Strait regions of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in the summer of 2019. Continuous ship-board analysis of chlorophyll a variable fluorescence demonstrated relatively low photochemical efficiency over most of the cruise-track, with the exception of localized regions within Barrow Strait where there was increased vertical mixing and proximity to land-based nutrient sources. Along the full transect, we observed strong non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence, with relaxation times longer than the 5-minute period used for dark acclimation. Such long-term quenching effects complicate continuous underway acquisition of fluorescence amplitude-based estimates of photosynthetic electron transport rates, which rely on dark acclimation of samples. As an alternative, we employed a new algorithm to derive electron transport rates based on analysis of fluorescence relaxation kinetics, which does not require dark acclimation. Direct comparison of kinetics- and amplitude-based electron transport rate measurements demonstrated kinetic-based estimates were, on average, 2-fold higher than amplitude-based values. The magnitude of decoupling between the two electron transport rate estimates increased in association with photophysiological diagnostics of nutrient stress. Discrepancies between electron transport rate estimates likely resulted from the use of different photophysiological parameters to derive the kinetics- and amplitude-based algorithms, and choice of numerical model used to fit variable fluorescence curves and analyze fluorescence kinetics under actinic light. Our results highlight environmental and methodological influences on fluorescence-based productivity estimates, and prompt discussion of best-practices for future underway fluorescence-based efforts to monitor phytoplankton photosynthesis.

Chemical stress reduces the lateral shoot growth in vernalized garlic

ABSTRACT Brazil’s low garlic productivity is attributed, mainly to the lateral shoot growth, a physiological anomaly characterized by early lateral shoot growth of cloves in noble group garlic cultivars. Considering the aforementioned information, the aim was to evaluate the occurrence of lateral shoot growth and productivity characteristics in garlic plants, cv. Chonan, subject to herbicide chemical stress. In order to do so, an experiment was conducted in outlining randomized blocks in a 3x5 factorial scheme, constituted by three herbicides (paraquat 500 g ha-1; ammonium gluphosinate 400 g ha-1 and glyphosate 720 g ha-1) and five subdoses (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% of the minimum recommended dose of each herbicide). The electron transport rates (ETR) were evaluated after herbicide application, as well as the culture’s morphological and productive characteristics. The chemical stress caused by herbicides paraquat, ammonium gluphosinate and glyphosate in underdoses of 25, 40 and 36 i.a. ha-1, respectively, was efficient in reducing the electron transport rate and the lateral shoot growth of the Chonan garlic cultivar, and also technically viable in increasing the productivity of commercial bulbs.

Chlorophyll Fluorescence Measures of Emerged Hippuris vulgaris

We used PAM fluorometry to examine photosynthetic rates of emergedHippuris vulgarisin two lakes characterized by different water temperature conditions. The photosynthetic response of emergedHippuris vulgariswas measured every 2 h throughout daily light cycle from dawn (7 am) to dusk (17 pm). Diurnal changes in the pattern of rapid-light curves (RLCs) were investigated in the field under ambient daylight. Electron transport rates were always significantly higher for emergedHippuris vulgarisin Five Colored Lake than that for plants in Arrow Bamboo Lake. Moreover, emergedHippuris vulgarisin Five Colored Lake had higher light saturation. Such a finding suggests higher photosynthetic activity in Five Colored Lake possibly in response to high water temperature. The relationship between the electron transport rates and temperature suggests that this species is strongly temperature -limited.