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Chlorophyll fluorescence induction: A sensitive indicator of water stress in maize plants

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Summary

This investigation shows that the chlorophyll fluorescence induction phenomenon provides a simple non destructive method for investigating effects of drought on plants. Drastic reduction of the maximum (P) to the minimum (0) chlorophyll fluorescence ratio and strong inhibition of the slow fluorescence induction transients were observed in maize submitted to water stress sufficient to dehydrate leaves to 68% of original water content. The P/0 value and the typical PSMT induction sequence were restored following the removal of drought conditions. However, the slow quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence to the steady-state (T) remained noticeably altered, indicating irreversible damage on the chloroplastic membranes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Physiologie végétale, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 28 avenue Paul Héger, B-1050, Bruxelles, Belgium

    M. Havaux & R. Lannoye

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  1. M. Havaux
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  2. R. Lannoye
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Havaux, M., Lannoye, R. Chlorophyll fluorescence induction: A sensitive indicator of water stress in maize plants. Irrig Sci 4, 147–151 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00273382

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00273382

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