Shading minimizes the effects of water deficit in Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart.) O. Berg seedlings / Sombreamento minimiza o efeito do déficit hídrico em mudas de Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart.) O. Berg

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the functioning of the photosystem II and quality of C. xanthocarpa seedlings cultivated under intermittent water deficit and shading levels and the influence of shading on recovery potential after suspension of the stress conditions. The seedlings were subjected to three levels of shading (0, 30, and 70%), six periods of evaluation (start: 0 days; 1st and 2nd photosynthesis zero: 1st and 2nd P0; 1st and 2nd recovery: 1stand 2nd REC; and END), and two forms of irrigation (control: periodically irrigated to maintain 70% substrate water retention capacity, and intermittent irrigation: suspension of irrigation). The plants subjected to intermittent irrigation conditions at 0% shading showed a reduction in water potential (Ψw) and potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and maximum efficiency of the photochemical process (Fv/F0) and an increase in basal quantum production of the non-photochemical processes (F0/Fm). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was higher in the leaves than in the roots. The C. xanthocarpa is a species sensitive to water deficit but presents strategies to adapt to an environment under temporary water restriction, which are more temporary are most efficient under shading. The seedlings with water deficit at all levels of shading exhibited higher protective antioxidant activity and lower quality at 0% shading. The shading minimizes prevents permanent damage to the photosystem II and after the re-irrigation, the evaluated characteristics showed recovery with respect to the control group, except POD and SOD activities in the leaves.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade de enzimas antioxidantes, o funcionamento do fotossistema II e a qualidade de mudas de C. xanthocarpa cultivadas sob déficit hídrico intermitente e níveis de sombreamento e a influência do sombreamento sobre o potencial de recuperação após suspensão das condições de estresse. As mudas foram submetidas a três níveis de sombreamento (0, 30 e 70%), seis períodos de avaliação (início: 0 dias; 1ª e 2ª fotossíntese zero: 1ª e 2ª P0; 1ª e 2ª recuperação: 1ª e 2ª REC; e final), e duas formas de irrigação (controle: periodicamente irrigado para manter 70% da capacidade de retenção de água do substrato, e irrigação intermitente: suspensão da irrigação). As plantas submetidas às condições de irrigação intermitente a 0% de sombreamento apresentaram redução do potencial hídrico (Ψw) e eficiência quântica potencial do fotossistema II (Fv/Fm) e máxima eficiência do processo fotoquímico (Fv/F0) e aumento da produção quantica basal dos processos não fotoquímicos (F0/Fm). A atividade da superóxido dismutase (SOD) foi maior nas folhas do que nas raízes. C. xanthocarpa é uma espécie sensível ao déficit hídrico, mas apresenta estratégias para se adaptar a um ambiente com restrição hídrica temporária, sendo mais eficientes sob sombreamento. As mudas com déficit hídrico em todos os níveis de sombreamento exibiram maior atividade antioxidante protetora e menor qualidade no sombreamento 0%. O sombreamento minimiza danos permanentes ao fotossistema II e após a re-irrigação, as características avaliadas apresentaram recuperação em relação ao grupo controle, exceto atividades de POD e SOD nas folhas.

Shading minimizes the effects of water deficit in Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart) O Berg seedlings / Sombreamento minimiza o efeito do déficit hídrico em mudas de Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart) O Berg

The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the functioning of the photosystem II and quality of C. xanthocarpa seedlings cultivated under intermittent water deficit and shading levels and the influence of shading on recovery potential after suspension of the stress conditions. The seedlings were subjected to three levels of shading (0, 30, and 70%), six periods of evaluation (start: 0 days; 1st and 2nd photosynthesis zero: 1st and 2nd P0; 1st and 2nd recovery: 1stand 2nd REC; and END), and two forms of irrigation (control: periodically irrigated to maintain 70% substrate water retention capacity, and intermittent irrigation: suspension of irrigation). The plants subjected to intermittent irrigation conditions at 0% shading showed a reduction in water potential (Ψw) and potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and maximum efficiency of the photochemical process (Fv/F0) and an increase in basal quantum production of the non-photochemical processes (F0/Fm). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was higher in the leaves than in the roots. The C. xanthocarpa is a species sensitive to water deficit but presents strategies to adapt to an environment under temporary water restriction, which are more temporary are most efficient under shading. The seedlings with water deficit at all levels of shading exhibited higher protective antioxidant activity and lower quality at 0% shading. The shading minimizes prevents permanent damage to the photosystem II and after the re-irrigation, the evaluated characteristics showed recovery with respect to the control group, except POD and SOD activities in the leaves.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade de enzimas antioxidantes, o funcionamento do fotossistema II e a qualidade de mudas de C. xanthocarpa cultivadas sob déficit hídrico intermitente e níveis de sombreamento e a influência do sombreamento sobre o potencial de recuperação após suspensão das condições de estresse. As mudas foram submetidas a três níveis de sombreamento (0, 30 e 70%), seis períodos de avaliação (início: 0 dias; 1ª e 2ª fotossíntese zero: 1ª e 2ª P0; 1ª e 2ª recuperação: 1ª e 2ª REC; e final), e duas formas de irrigação (controle: periodicamente irrigado para manter 70% da capacidade de retenção de água do substrato, e irrigação intermitente: suspensão da irrigação). As plantas submetidas às condições de irrigação intermitente a 0% de sombreamento apresentaram redução do potencial hídrico (Ψw) e eficiência quântica potencial do fotossistema II (Fv/Fm) e máxima eficiência do processo fotoquímico (Fv/F0) e aumento da produção quantica basal dos processos não fotoquímicos (F0/Fm). A atividade da superóxido dismutase (SOD) foi maior nas folhas do que nas raízes. C. xanthocarpa é uma espécie sensível ao déficit hídrico, mas apresenta estratégias para se adaptar a um ambiente com restrição hídrica temporária, sendo mais eficientes sob sombreamento. As mudas com déficit hídrico em todos os níveis de sombreamento exibiram maior atividade antioxidante protetora e menor qualidade no sombreamento 0%. O sombreamento minimiza danos permanentes ao fotossistema II e após a re-irrigação, as características avaliadas apresentaram recuperação em relação ao grupo controle, exceto atividades de POD e SOD nas folhas.

Shading minimizes the effects of water deficit in Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart.) O. Berg seedlings

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the functioning of the photosystem II and quality of C. xanthocarpa seedlings cultivated under intermittent water deficit and shading levels and the influence of shading on recovery potential after suspension of the stress conditions. The seedlings were subjected to three levels of shading (0, 30, and 70%), six periods of evaluation (start: 0 days; 1st and 2nd photosynthesis zero: 1st and 2nd P0; 1st and 2nd recovery: 1stand 2nd REC; and END), and two forms of irrigation (control: periodically irrigated to maintain 70% substrate water retention capacity, and intermittent irrigation: suspension of irrigation). The plants subjected to intermittent irrigation conditions at 0% shading showed a reduction in water potential (w) and potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and maximum efficiency of the photochemical process (Fv/F0) and an increase in basal quantum production of the non-photochemical processes (F0/Fm). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was higher in the leaves than in the roots. The C. xanthocarpa is a species sensitive to water deficit but presents strategies to adapt to an environment under temporary water restriction, which are more temporary are most efficient under shading. The seedlings with water deficit at all levels of shading exhibited higher protective antioxidant activity and lower quality at 0% shading. The shading minimizes prevents permanent damage to the photosystem II and after the re-irrigation, the evaluated characteristics showed recovery with respect to the control group, except POD and SOD activities in the leaves.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade de enzimas antioxidantes, o funcionamento do fotossistema II e a qualidade de mudas de C. xanthocarpa cultivadas sob déficit hídrico intermitente e níveis de sombreamento e a influência do sombreamento sobre o potencial de recuperação após suspensão das condições de estresse. As mudas foram submetidas a três níveis de sombreamento (0, 30 e 70%), seis períodos de avaliação (início: 0 dias; 1ª e 2ª fotossíntese zero: 1ª e 2ª P0; 1ª e 2ª recuperação: 1ª e 2ª REC; e final), e duas formas de irrigação (controle: periodicamente irrigado para manter 70% da capacidade de retenção de água do substrato, e irrigação intermitente: suspensão da irrigação). As plantas submetidas às condições de irrigação intermitente a 0% de sombreamento apresentaram redução do potencial hídrico (w) e eficiência quântica potencial do fotossistema II (Fv/Fm) e máxima eficiência do processo fotoquímico (Fv/F0) e aumento da produção quantica basal dos processos não fotoquímicos (F0/Fm). A atividade da superóxido dismutase (SOD) foi maior nas folhas do que nas raízes. C. xanthocarpa é uma espécie sensível ao déficit hídrico, mas apresenta estratégias para se adaptar a um ambiente com restrição hídrica temporária, sendo mais eficientes sob sombreamento. As mudas com déficit hídrico em todos os níveis de sombreamento exibiram maior atividade antioxidante protetora e menor qualidade no sombreamento 0%. O sombreamento minimiza danos permanentes ao fotossistema II e após a re-irrigação, as características avaliadas apresentaram recuperação em relação ao grupo controle, exceto atividades de POD e SOD nas folhas.

Contrasting the expression pattern change of polyamine oxidase genes and photosynthetic efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes under drought stress

The aim of this study was to contrast the effects of drought stress on polyamine oxidases gene expression andactivity as well as photosynthetic efficiency in relatively tolerant (Karoon) and sensitive (260) maize genotype.d Reduction in leaf relative water content as a result of drought led to increase in root growth, butdiminished shoot growth indices. Under drought stress, activity of antioxidant enzyme, catalase, significantlyincreased in both genotypes, whereas significant higher activity of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase wasonly observed in Karoon genotype. Expression of polyamine oxidase (PAO) genes (zmPAO1, zmPAO2,zmPAO3, zmPAO4, zmPAO5, zmPAO6) and activity of enzymatic polyamine oxidation was increased in bothgenotypes under drought stress. The enhancement in PAO gene expression and enzyme activity was moreprominent in Karoon cultivar compared to 260. Chlorophyll a fluorescence and fast induction kinetics werenegatively influenced by drought stress. These parameters were more affected in 260 cultivar compared withKaroon. Our results suggest that under drought stress, higher activity of polyamine oxidase pathway in backconversion of Spermine and spermidine to putrescine (protectant of photosynthetic apparatus) as well as higherantioxidant enzymes activity in Karoon cultivar, may play a role in higher efficiency of photosynthetic processin this cultivar

Structural, histochemical and photosynthetic profiles of galls induced by Eugeniamyia dispar (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on the leaves of Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae) / Perfiles estructurales, histoquímicos y fotosintéticos de las agallas inducidas por Eugeniamyia dispar (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) en las hojas de Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae)

Abstract Gall-inducing insects manipulate the structural, histochemical and physiological profiles of host-plant tissues to develop galls. We evaluated galls induced by Eugeniamyia dispar on the leaves of Eugenia uniflora in an attempt to answer the following questions: (i) How does this gall-inducing insect change the structural and histochemical profiles of the host-plant organ? (ii) Despite structural changes, can gall tissues maintain photosynthetic activity? Starch, proteins, reducing sugars and reactive oxygen species were detected mainly in the nutritive tissue surrounding the larval chamber. Despite structural changes, the galls induced by E. dispar on E. uniflora retain chlorophyllous tissue, although its amount and photosynthetic activity are less than that of non-galled leaves. This reduced photosynthetic activity, in association with the presence of large intercellular spaces, could improve gas diffusion and, consequently, avoid hypoxia and hypercarbia in gall tissue.(AU)

Resumen Los insectos que inducen las agallas manipulan los perfiles estructurales, histoquímicos y fisiológicos de los tejidos de la planta hospedera para su desarrollo. Nosotros evaluamos las agallas inducidas por Eugeniamyia dispar en las hojas de Eugenia uniflora en un intento de responder las siguientes preguntas: (i) ¿Cómo este insecto inductor de agallas cambia los perfiles estructurales e histoquímicos en el órgano de la planta hospedera? (ii) A pesar de las modificaciones estructurales, ¿pueden los tejidos de la agalla mantener la actividad fotosintética? El almidón, las proteínas, los azúcares reductores y las especies reactivas de oxígeno se detectaron principalmente en la capa de tejido nutritivo que rodea a la cavidad larval. A pesar de las modificaciones estructurales, las agallas inducidas por E. dispar en E. uniflora retienen su tejido clorofílico, aunque su cantidad y actividad fotosintética son menores que en las hojas no agalladas. Esta actividad fotosintética reducida, asociado a la presencia de grandes espacios intercelulares, pueden mejorar la difusión de gases y, en consecuencia, evitar la hipoxia y la hipercapnia en los tejidos de las agallas.(AU)

Gas exchange and antioxidant activity in seedlings of C opaifera langsdorffii Desf. under different water conditions

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate gas exchange, efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus, and antioxidant activity in Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. The seedlings were cultivated under different conditions of water availability, in order to improve the utilization efficiency of available water resources. The seedlings were cultivated in four different water retention capacities (WRC- 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), and evaluated at four different time (T- 30, 60, 90, and 120 days). During the experimental period, seedlings presented the highest values for carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco (A/Ci), intrinsic water use efficiency (IWUE = A/gs), chlorophyll index, and stomatal opening, when grown in the substrate with 75% WRC, but the stomatal index (SI) was less the 25% WRC. The efficiency of photosystem II was not significantly altered by the treatments. Comparison between the extreme treatments in terms of water availability, represented by 25% and 100% WRC, represent stress conditions for the species. Water availability causes a high activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) in the plant.

Ecophysiological, anatomical and ultrastructural characteristics of Vitex polygama Cham. (Verbenaceae) submitted to different concentrations of fluoride / Características ecofisiológicas, anatômicas e ultraestruturais de Vitex polygama Cham. (Verbenaceae) submetida a diferentes concentrações de flúor

Fluorides released during the manufacture of aluminum, fertilizers, glass and ceramics are considered to be highly toxic to plants, causing damages in relatively small concentrations. This study aimed to evaluate fluoride (F) accumulation and its effects on Vitex polygama Cham. (Verbenaceae) exposed to simulated rain containing potassium fluoride in concentrations of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg L-1. Vitex polygama presented no visual symptoms of foliar injury and accumulated a relatively small amount of F-, significant only for the treatments with higher concentrations of the pollutant. F- promoted an increase in non-photochemical quenching (qN) and in the coefficient due to non -photochemical extinction (NPQ), which indicates higher dissipation of radiant energy in the heat form. Damages in the chloroplast structure, in cellular membranes and in epicuticular waxes, besides cytoplasm granulation and irregularities in the epidermal cell walls were also detected in plants exposed to the pollutant. The results show a considerable resistance of Vitex polygama to F and reinforce the prognostic value of physiological, anatomical and ultrastructural analysis in the detection of damages caused by the pollutant in the leaf structure of this species.

Fluoretos, liberados durante a manufatura de alumínio, fertilizantes, vidro e cerâmica, são considerados altamente tóxicos para as plantas, causando danos em concentrações relativamente pequenas. Este estudo teve como finalidade avaliar o acúmulo de flúor (F) e seus efeitos sobre Vitex polygama Cham. (Verbenaceae) em plantas expostas a chuva simulada contendo fluoreto de potássio em concentrações de 5, 10, 15 e 20 mg L-1. Vitex polygama não apresentou sintomas visíveis de injúria foliar e acumulou uma quantidade relativamente pequena de F-, significativa apenas para os tratamentos com maiores concentrações do poluente. O F- promoveu aumentos no coeficiente devido à extinção não fotoquímica (qN) e no coeficiente devido à extinção não fotoquímica (NPQ), que indicam maior dissipação de energia radiante na forma de calor. Danos na estrutura dos cloroplastos, em membranas celulares e nas ceras epicuticulares, além de granulação do citoplasma e irregularidades na parede celular de células epidérmicas, foram também detectados em plantas expostas ao poluente. Os resultados demonstram uma considerável resistência de Vitex polygama ao F e reforçam o valor prognóstico de análises fisiológicas, anatômicas e ultraestruturais na detecção de danos causados pelo poluente na estrutura foliar dessa espécie.

Fotossíntese, crescimento e incidência de insetos-praga em genótipos de cacau pulverizados com silício / Photosynthesis, growth and incidence of insect pest in cacao genotypes sprayed with silicon

Poucos são os estudos envolvendo o efeito do silício sobre a fisiologia e a resistência do cacaueiro a insetos-praga. Com o objetivo de avaliar as alterações fisiológicas, a incidência e o nível de dano provocado por insetospraga após aplicação de silicato de potássio em genótipos de cacau, foi conduzido em campo, um experimento no delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 com 4 repetições, sendo 3 genótipos de cacau (TSH 1188, CCN 51 e Catongo) e 3 doses de silicato de potássio (0; 3 e 6 mL L-1). Avaliou-se o crescimento, a cinética da emissão da fluorescência da clorofila, o teor de Si, o índice de clorofila, além da incidência e nível de dano provocado por insetospraga. A aplicação de silicato de potássio na dose 6 mL L-1 reduziu a maioria das variáveis de crescimento. O TSH 1188 foi o único genótipo que apresentou incremento no índice de clorofila e no desempenho das variáveis de fluorescência com a aplicação de 3 mL L-1. A aplicação de silicato de potássio não influenciou o teor foliar de Si nos genótipos estudados, mas reduziu a incidência e o nível de dano provocado por insetos-praga.

There are few studies of the effect of silicon on the physiology and resistance to insect pests in cocoa. With aim to evaluate the physiological changes, the incidence and level of damage caused by insect pests after application of potassium silicate in cacao genotypes was conducted in the field, an experiment in randomized blocks in factorial scheme 3 x 3 with four replications, with three genotypes of cocoa (TSH 1188, CCN 51 and Catongo) and three doses of potassium silicate (0, 3 and 6 mL L-1). We evaluated the growth kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence emission, the Si content, chlorophyll content, and the incidence and level of damage by insect pests. The application of potassium silicate at a dose 6 mL L-1 reduced the majority of growth variables. The TSH 1188 was the only genotype that showed increase in chlorophyll content and in performance of variable fluorescence with the application of 3 mL L-1. The application of potassium silicate did not influence the content of Si in leaf genotypes, but reduced the incidence and level of damage by insect pests.

Desempenho de genótipos promissores de cana-de-açúcar utilizando ferramentas fisiológicas e biométricas / Performance of promissing sugar cane genotypes using physiological and biometrical tools

O cultivo da cana-de-açúcar no Brasil é uma fonte de renda de grande expressão para a agricultura, principalmente no Nordeste. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar quatro genótipos de cana-de-açúcar usando indicadores fisiológicos e biométricos em ambiente protegido. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos (genótipo 698B, 712B, 260B e 3B), quatro repetições e uma planta como parcela útil. As mudas foram transplantadas aos 45 dias para vasos de 18 dm3. Aos 154 dias do transplantio foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: Fluorescência da clorofila a, teores de clorofila a, b e total, teores de prolina, rendimento quântico (PS2), quenching fotoquímio (qP), quenching não-fotoquímico (qN), temperatura foliar (Tfo), altura da planta principal (AP), diâmetro do colmo (DC), número de folhas (NF) e área foliar (AF). As avaliações foram realizadas no período entre as 10h30min e as 12h00min da manhã. Em condições de capacidade de campo os genótipos não apresentaram diferença estatística para os parâmetros de teores de clorofila a, b e total, eficiência fotoquímica máxima do fotossistema II, temperatura foliar. Para teores de prolina o 712B diferenciou-se estaticamente dos demais apresentando maiores teores. Os genótipos também diferiram estatisticamente em relação à altura de planta principal (AP), número de folhas (NF) e área foliar (AF), destacando-se o 698B o 3B em número de folhas e área foliar, enquanto que o 712B e 260B apresentaram menores valores para estes parâmetros. Os genótipos 698B e 3B são os mais promissores para o programa de melhoramento.

The cultivation of the sugar cane in Brazil is a major source of income for agriculture, especially in the Northeast. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate four genotypes of sugar cane using biometric and physiological indicators in a protected environment. The study used a completely randomized design with four treatments (genotype 698B, 712B, 260B and 3B), four replications and one plant as useful plot. The seedlings were transplanted at 45 days to vessels of 18 dm3. At 154 days after transplanting, were analyzed the following variables: Fluorescence of the chlorophyll a, levels of chlorophyll a, b and total, proline contents, quantum yield (PS2), photochemistry quenching (qP), nonphotochemical quenching (qN), leaf temperature (TFO), main plant height (PH), culm diameter (DC), number of leaves (NL) and leaf area (LA). The evaluations were conducted in the period between 10:30 and 12:00 in the morning. In conditions of field capacity genotypes showed no statistical difference for the parameters of levels of chlorophyll a, b and total, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, leaf temperature. For the 712B, proline contents differentiated itself statistically from the others, showing higher levels. The genotypes also differ statistically with regard to the main plant height (PH), number of leaves (NL) and leaf area (LA), standing out the 698B 3B in the number of leaves and leaf area, while the 712B and 260B had lower values for these parameters. Genotypes 3B and 698B are the most promising for the improvement program.

Photosynthesis of seedlings of Otoba novogranatensis (Myristicaceae) and Ruagea glabra (Meliaceae) in abandoned pasture, secondary forest and plantation habitats in Costa Rica / Fotosíntesis de plántulas de Otoba novogranatensis (Myristicaceae) y Ruagea glabra (Meliaceae) en pastizales abandonados, bosques secundarios y hábitats de plantaciones en Costa Rica

Enrichment planting in naturally recovering secondary forests or in tree plantations is increasingly being used as strategy to restore later-successional, large-seeded tropical forest trees. We seeded two tree species (Otoba novogranatensis and Ruagea glabra) in three agricultural sites in Southern Costa Rica: abandoned pastures, eight to ten year old secondary forests and three year old tree plantations (containing two N-fixing of four total tree species). We measured micrometeorological conditions, soil water content, plant water potential, leaf area, foliar C and N, and photosynthesis to better understand mechanistic responses of seedlings to conditions in the different successional habitats. Micrometeorological conditions, soil water content, and plant water potential were generally similar across habitats. Certain aspects of leaves (such as Specific Leaf Area and foliar N content), and photosynthesis (e.g. quantum yield and electron transport rate) were highest in the plantations, intermediate in the secondary forests, and lowest in abandoned pastures. Enhanced rates of photosynthetic biochemistry (such as Vcmax and Jmax) and Photosystem II efficiency (e.g. thermal energy dissipation) occurred in leaves from the plantations compared to the abandoned pastures, which may be related to higher leaf %N content. Results suggest that foliar N may be of greater importance than soil water content and micrometeorological factors in driving differences in photosynthetic processes across planting habitats. Planting seeds of these two species in plantations containing three year old trees (including two N-fixing species) enhances certain aspects of their photosynthesis and growth, compared to seedlings in abandoned pastures with non-native grasses, and thus can help increase forest recovery on abandoned agricultural lands.

El enriquecimiento de bosques secundarios o plantaciones forestales en proceso de regeneración natural por medio de la siembra de plántulas es una práctica cada vez más utilizada para restaurar bosques tropicales en estado de sucesión tardía. Sembramos dos especies de árboles (Otoba novogranatensis y Ruagea glabra) en pastizales abandonados, bosques secundarios de ocho a diez años de edad y plantaciones forestales de tres años de edad (con dos especies fijadoras de Nitrógeno de un total de cuatro especies) en tres sitios agrícolas en el Sur de Costa Rica. Medimos condiciones micrometeorológicas, contenido de agua del suelo, potencial hídrico de las plantas, área foliar, C y N foliar, y fotosíntesis para entender de una mejor manera las respuestas funcionales de las plántulas ante condiciones de distintos estadíos sucesionales. Las condiciones micrometeorológicas, contenido hídrico del suelo y el potencial hídrico de las plantas fueron mayoritariamente similares entre hábitats. Algunos aspectos de las hojas (como Área Foliar Específica y contenido de N foliar) y fotosíntesis (ej.: rendimiento cuántico y tasa de transporte de electrones) presentaron valores mayores en las plantaciones, intermedios en los bosques secundarios y menores en los pastizales abandonados. Se obtuvo un aumento en las tasas fotosintéticas bioquímicas (como Vcmax, Jmax) y la eficiencia del Fotosistema II (ej.: disipación de energía térmica) en hojas provenientes de las plantaciones comparado a las de los pastizales, posiblemente relacionado a un mayor %N foliar. Los resultados sugieren que el N foliar puede ser más importante que el contenido de agua del suelo y que los factores micrometeorológicos para marcar diferencias en los procesos fotosintéticos entre hábitats. Las plántulas de estas dos especies en las plantaciones con árboles de tres años de edad (incluyendo dos fijadoras de N) incrementaron ciertos aspectos de su fotosíntesis y crecimiento comparado a las plántulas en los pastizales abandonados de especies exóticas, por lo tanto, esta práctica puede ayudar a incrementar la recuperación de los bosques en áreas agrícolas abandonadas.

Atividade fotossintética em plantas de ameixeira submetidas ao déficit hídrico e ao alagamento / Photosynthetic activity in japanese plum under water deficit and flooding

O objetivo no presente trabalho foi avaliar o impacto do déficit hídrico e do alagamento na atividade fotossintética de ameixeiras cultivar 'América'. Foram analisadas a fluorescência da clorofila a e as trocas gasosas em plantas de aproximadamente 12 meses, cultivadas em casa de vegetação. As análises foram iniciadas dois dias após do início do déficit hídrico e um dia após o início do alagamento, totalizando quatro avaliações durante a manutenção dos estresses. A fotossíntese líquida foi reduzida pela limitação estomática em ambos os estresses. A condição de restrição hídrica não alterou o rendimento quântico máximo fotoquímico. Os índices de performance fotossintético revelaram diferenças entre os estresses, caracterizando as plantas de ameixeira, cv. 'América', como mais suscetíveis ao déficit hídrico do que ao alagamento.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of drought and flooding on the photosynthetic activity of Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindh), cultivar 'America'. We analyzed the chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf gas exchange in plants, with approximately 12 months, grown in greenhouse and subjected to water deficit. Analyses were initiated two days after the onset of drought and one day after the flooding, resulting in four evaluations during the maintenance of stress. Net photosynthesis was reduced by stomatal limitation in both stresses. The condition of water restriction did not alter the maximum quantum yield. The photosynthetic performance indexes showed differences between stresses, featuring the plants of plum cv America as the most susceptible to drought than flooding.

Oxyradicals and PSII activity in maize leaves in the absence of UV components of solar spectrum.

The regulation of oxyradicals and PSII activity by UV-B (280–315 nm) and UV-A (315–400 nm) components were investigated in the leaves of maize [Zea mays L. var: HQPM.1]. The impact of ambient UV radiation on the production of superoxide (O2˙−) and hydroxyl (˙OH) radicals were analysed in the leaves of 20-day-old plants. The amount of O2˙− and ˙OH radicals and the radical scavenging activity were significantly higher in the leaves exposed to ambient UV radiation as compared to the leaves of the plants grown under UV exclusion filters. Smaller amount of oxyradicals in the leaves of UV excluded plants was accompanied by a substantial increase in quantum yield of electron transport (φEo), rate of electron transport (ψo) and performance index (PIABS), as indicated by chlorophyll a fluorescence transient. Although higher amounts of oxyradicals invoked higher activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and peroxidase under ambient UV, they also imposed limitation on the photosynthetic efficiency of PSII. Exclusion of UV components (UV-B 280–315 nm; UV-A 315–400 nm) translated to enhanced photosynthesis, growth and biomass. Thus, solar UV components, especially in the tropical region, could be a major limiting factor in the photosynthetic efficiency of the crop plants.

Structural and ecophysiological alterations of the water hyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms] due to anthropogenic stress in Brazilian rivers

In this work, the structural and ecophysiological alterations (chlorophyll a fluorescence and photosynthetic pigments), and quantification of Cr, Pb and Zn in the leaf limb, petiole and younger and older roots of water hyacinth from the lower, medium and upper Paraíba do Sul river (PSR) and Imbé river were evaluated. The plants from the medium and upper PSR (more industrialized and populated regions) exhibited lower turgid cell in the root cortex, less root hairs and leaf epidermis, chloroplasts with plastoglobules and increased stroma volume. Higher concentrations of metals were observed in the younger and older roots from the medium PSR plants. The results suggested that the plants from more anthropized regions were able to maintain the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) which was a result from the metabolic fitting, increasing the non-photochemical quenching, reducing total chlorophyll/carotenoids and leading to the structural modifications.

Biomass accumulation, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, nutrient contents and nitrate reductase activity in young rosewood plants (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) submitted to different NO3-: NH4+ ratios

The rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) is a native tree species of Amazon rainforest growing naturally in acidic forest soils with reduced redox potential. However, this species can also been found growing in forest gaps containing oxide soils. Variations in the forms of mineral nitrogen (NO3- or NH4+) may be predicted in these different edaphic conditions. Considering that possibility, an experiment was carried out to analyze the effects of different NO3-:NH4+ ratios on the growth performance, mineral composition, chloroplastid pigment contents, photochemical efficiency photosystem II (PSII), and nitrate redutase activity (RN, E.C.1.6.6.1) on A. rosaeodora seedlings. Nine-month-old seedlings were grown in pots with a washed sand capacity of 7.5 kg and submitted to different NO3-:NH4+ ratios (T1 = 0:100 percent, T2 = 25:75 percent, T3 = 50:50 percent, T4 = 75:25 percent, and T5 = 100:0 percent). The lowest relative growth rate was observed when the NO3-:NH4+ ratio was equal to 0:100 percent. In general, high concentrations of NO3- rather than NH4+ favored a greater nutrient accumulation in different parts of the plant. For the chloroplastid pigment, the highest Chl a, Chl b, Chl tot, Chl a/b and Chl tot/Cx+c contents were found in the treatment with 75:25 percent of NO3-:NH4+, and for Chl b and Cx+c it was observed no difference. In addition, there was a higher photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) when high NO3- concentrations were used. A linear and positive response for the nitrate reductase activity was recorded when the nitrate content increased on the culture substrate. Our results suggest that A. rosaeodora seedlings have a better growth performance when the NO3- concentrations in the culture substrate were higher than the NH4+ concentrations.

O pau-rosa (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) habita, naturalmente, solos florestais ácidos com potencial redox reduzido. No entanto, estas espécies têm sido encontradas também em clareiras que, teoricamente, apresentam solos mais oxidados. Nestas diferentes condições edáficas, pode-se prever variações nas formas do nitrogênio mineral (NO3- ou NH4+). Considerando essa possibilidade foi conduzido experimento com o objetivo de estudar os efeitos de diferentes relações de NO3-:NH4+ sobre o acúmulo de biomassa, a composição mineral, as concentrações de pigmentos cloroplastídicos, a eficiência fotoquímica do fotossistema II e a atividade da enzima redutase do nitrato (RN, E.C.1.6.6.1) em A. rosaeodora. Plantas jovens com nove meses foram cultivadas em vasos com capacidade para 7,5 kg e submetidas a diferentes relações de NO3-:NH4+ (T1 = 0:100 por cento, T2 = 25:75 por cento, T3 = 50:50 por cento, T4 = 75:25 por cento e T5 = 100:0 por cento). As menores taxas de acúmulo de biomassa foram observadas quando a relação das concentrações de NO3-:NH4+ foi igual a 0:100 por cento. De maneira geral, a maior concentração de NO3- em relação a NH4+ favoreceu maior acúmulo de nutrientes nas diferentes partes da planta. Para os teores de pigmentos cloroplastídicos, os maiores valores de Chl a, Chl tot, Chl a/b e Chl tot/x+c, foram encontrados no tratamento com 75:25 por cento de NO3-:NH4+, não ocorrendo diferença para os teores de Chl b e Cx+c. Em relação a eficiência fotoquímica do fotossistema II (Fv/Fm) maior eficiência também ocorreu quando predominou maior concentração de NO3- em relação ao NH4+. Quanto a atividade da reductase do nitrato observou-se resposta linear e positiva para o incremento da concentração de nitrato no substrato de cultivo. Portanto, os resultados obtidos sugerem que as plantas jovens de A. rosaeodora apresentaram melhor desempenho quando as concentrações de NO3- no substrato de cultivo foram superiores as concentrações de NH4+.