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Effects of zinc and soil moisture on photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of maize

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Biologia Plantarum

Abstract

Effects of zinc [0 and 5.0 mg Zn kg−1 (soil)] on photosynthetic rate (PN), and chlorophyll fluorescence in leaves of maize (Zea mays L.) cv. Zhongdan 9409 seedlings grown under different soil moisture regimes (40–45 % and 70–75 % of soil saturated water content) were studied. Zn application did not enhance maize plant adaptation to drought stress. The relative water content and the water potential of leaves were not affected by Zn treatment. Moreover, The PN of drought-stressed plants was not improved by Zn supply. The increases of plant biomass, stomatal conductance and quantum yield of photosystem 2 due to Zn addition were notable in well-watered plants.

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Abbreviations

Chl:

chlorophyll

DAP:

days after planting

E:

transpiration rate

F0 :

initial fluorescence

Fv :

variable fluorescence

Fm :

maximal fluorescence

gs :

stomatal conductance

PN :

photosynthetic rate

PS:

photosystem

RWC:

relative water content

Tm :

the time taken for the chlorophyll fluorescence rise from its initial to maximum level

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Nutrient Cycling Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, P.R. China

    H. Wang & J. Y. Jin

  2. Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, P.R. China

    R. L. Liu

Authors
  1. H. Wang
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  2. R. L. Liu
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  3. J. Y. Jin
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Correspondence to H. Wang.

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Wang, H., Liu, R.L. & Jin, J.Y. Effects of zinc and soil moisture on photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of maize. Biol Plant 53, 191–194 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10535-009-0033-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10535-009-0033-z

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