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Leaf vs. inflorescence: differences in photosynthetic activity of grapevine

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Photosynthetica

Abstract

Using measures of gas exchange and photosynthetic chain activity, we found some differences between grapevine inflorescence and leaf in terms of photosynthetic activity and photosynthesis regulations. Generally, the leaf showed the higher net photosynthesis (P N) and lower dark respiration than that of the inflorescence until the beginning of the flowering process. The lower (and negative) P N indicated prevailing respiration over photosynthesis and could result from a higher metabolic activity rather than from a lower activity of the photosynthetic apparatus. Considerable differences were observed between both organs in the functioning and regulation of PSI and PSII. Indeed, in our conditions, the quantum yield efficiency and electron transport rate of PSI and PSII were higher in the inflorescence compared to that of the leaf; nevertheless, protective regulatory mechanisms of the photosynthetic chain were clearly more efficient in the leaf. This was in accordance with the major function of this organ in grapevine, but it highlighted also that inflorescence seems to be implied in the whole carbon balance of plant. During inflorescence development, the global PSII activity decreased and PSI regulation tended to be similar to the leaf, where photosynthetic activity and regulations remained more stable. Finally, during flowering, cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI was activated in parallel to the decline in the thylakoid linear electron flow. Inflorescence CEF was double compared to the leaf; it might contribute to photoprotection, could promote ATP synthesis and the recovery of PSII.

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Abbreviations

BBCH:

Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemical Industry

CEF:

cyclic electron flow

Chl:

chlorophyll

cyt b6f :

cytochrome b6f complex

DS:

developmental stage

ETRI :

electron transport rate of PSI

ETRII :

electron transport rate of PSII

F0 :

minimal fluorescence yield of the dark-adapted state

F0':

minimal fluorescence yield of the light-adapted state

Fm :

maximal fluorescence yield of the dark-adapted state

Fm':

maximal fluorescence yield of the light-adapted state

Fd:

ferredoxin

FNR:

ferredoxin NADP+ reductase

FM:

fresh mass

Fv/Fm :

maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry

NPQ:

nonphotochemical quenching

LEF:

linear electron flow

PC:

plastocyanin

PEPC:

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase

P N :

net photosynthetic rate

PQ:

plastoquinone

R D :

dark respiration

ROS:

reactive oxygen species

RuBP:

ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate

YCEF :

quantum yield of cyclic electron flow

YI :

efficient quantum yield of PSI

YII :

efficient quantum yield of PSII

YNA :

PSI acceptor side limitation

YND :

PSI donor side limitation

YNO :

quantum yield of nonregulated energy dissipation

YNPQ :

quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation

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Correspondence to M. Sawicki.

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Sawicki, M., Courteaux, B., Rabenoelina, F. et al. Leaf vs. inflorescence: differences in photosynthetic activity of grapevine. Photosynthetica 55, 58–68 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-016-0230-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-016-0230-x

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