Adequacy of glyphosate doses in the Merremia cissoides (Lam.) Hallier f. control as a function of light intensity in the growth environments.

Shading interferes with the weed's biology, which can change their sensitivity to post-emergence herbicides. The objective was to evaluate the control of Merremia cissoides with glyphosate in full sunlight and shade conditions in two plant growth stages (30 and 73 days after sowing (DAS)). At 30 and 73 DAS, treatments were established in a 2 × 5 and 2 × 6 factorial scheme, respectively. In both experiments, the growth environments constituted the first factor, and the glyphosate doses the second factor. Shading promoted 50 and 40% reductions in glyphosate doses at 30 and 73 DAS, respectively. At 73 DAS, M. cissoides is 177.77 and 131.48% more tolerant to glyphosate than 30 DAS in shading and full sunlight, respectively. Due to the increase in glyphosate tolerance as the plant grows, the management of M. cissoides should be carried out until the stage of six fully expanded leaves. Increasing glyphosate doses reduced the quantum yield of photosystem II and electron transport rate (ETR) in both growth environments, with ETR data showing a high negative correlation with the control. The doses reductions promoted by shading and glyphosate application in the initial growth stage of M. cissoides reduces costs and the negative environmental impacts of this herbicide use.

Light availability in the cultivation environment and the action of glyphosate on Digitaria insularis: physiological aspects and herbicide root exudation.

The root exudation decreases the susceptibility of some species to herbicides, which is still little studied in Digitaria insularis, popularly known as sourgrass, one of the main weeds of annual crops in the world. Thus, we sought to identify whether there is an occurrence of root exudation of glyphosate in D. insularis and the influence of this herbicide on physiological and control parameters of this species when cultivated under different light conditions. The experimental design was 2 x 5, with the first factor represented by environments: full sun and artificial shading. The second factor was represented by doses 0, 370, 740, 1110, and 1480 g ha-1 of glyphosate. The plants grown in shading showed more significant injury in the initial phase. The increase in the glyphosate doses reduced the photochemical efficiency of the photosystem II (ФPSII), electron transport rate (ETR), photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency of D. insularis regardless of the cultivation environment. The light restriction increased the ФPSII in D. insularis at three days after applying the herbicide (DAH); at 6 DAH, the shaded plants showed a more pronounced reduction in ФPSII. D. insularis did not show root exudation of glyphosate, and shading did not influence this process.

Light restriction associated with halosulfuron methyl application efficiently reduces the number and mass of tubers of Cyperus rotundus L.

This study evaluated the effect of light availability in the culture environment and the application of a post emergence herbicide, halosulfuron methyl, on the management of Cyperus rotundus. The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial design; the first factor was two levels of light availability: photosynthetically active radiation at 1180.4 and 411.6 µmols m-2 s-1, and the second factor was halosulfuron methyl doses from 28.13 to 140.62 g ha-1. Photosynthetic efficiency, biomass allocation, accumulation of starch in tubers, and percentage control of C. rotundus were evaluated from 7 to 28 days after herbicide application. Doses greater than 70.30 g ha-1 of halosulfuron methyl were efficient to control C. rotundus, regardless of light availability. However, C. rotundus was managed faster under full sunlight than under shading. The efficiency of the photosystem, starch accumulation, and biomass formation decreased with increasing doses of halosulfuron methyl. In a shaded environment, a dose of 28.13 g ha-1 was sufficient to reduce 96.74% of the dry mass and 91.33% of the number of C. rotundus tubers. The decrease in light intensity associated with the use of halosulfuron methyl represents a promising practice for the control of C. rotundus.

Photochemical activity modulated by water, nitrogen, and phosphorus status in cactus pear

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) associated with dry and rainy seasons on the photochemical activity of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. cv. Gigante. Combinations of N (10.0, 70.0, 100.0, 130.0, and 190.0 kg ha−1 yr−1) and P2 O5 (10.0, 70.0, 100.0, 130.0, and 190.0 kg ha−1 yr−1) were evaluated in the dry and rainy seasons in semi-arid regions. A completely randomized block design with split-plot arrangement was adopted with four replications. In Quixadá, the maximum potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was 0.82, observed in third-order cladodes (rainy season and N/P 75.6/10.0 kg ha−1 yr−1), while in Tejuçuoca, the maximum Fv/Fm was 0.81, found in 2nd/3rd order cladodes (rainy season and N/P 10.0/190.0 kg ha−1 yr−1). In Quixadá, the maximum electron transport rate (ETR) was 31.6 µmol m−2 s−1 in 2nd/3rd order cladodes (rainy season and N/P 10.0/190.0 kg ha−1 yr−1), and in Tejuçuoca, the maximum ETR was 24.1 µmol m−2 s−1, in second-order cladodes (rainy season and N/P 110.1/10.0 kg ha−1 yr−1). In Quixadá and Tejuçuoca, higher values of Fv/Fm and ETR were observed in the rainy season. In Quixadá, the maximum fluorescence decrease ratio (FDR) was 4.04 in third-order cladodes (rainy season and N/P 10.0/114.8 kg ha−1 yr−1), while in Tejuçuoca, the maximum FDR was 6.93, found in 2nd/3rd order cladodes (rainy season and N/P 190.0/10.0 kg ha−1 yr−1). In Quixadá and Tejuçuoca, there was predominance of higher FDR values in the rainy season. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and water status modulate the photochemical efficiency of cladodes of cactus pear cv. Gigante in semi-arid regions.

Chemical control of signalgrass in alfalfa crops / Controle químico do capim-braquiária em cultivo de alfafa

The use of herbicides to control grass in Medicago sativa (alfalfa) pastures is still incipient. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of fluazifop-p-butyl in the control of Brachiaria decumbens (signalgrass) in alfalfa. Thus, randomized block design was used, with seven doses of fluazifop-p-butyl (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 g ha-1), and four replications. Herbicide application was performed when the plants had about 20 cm height. Chlorophyll fluorescence, control of signalgrass and alfalfa toxicity were evaluated at 7, 15 e 30 days after application (DAA) and, at 45 DAA and 45 days after cut (DAC), both species were cut and tiller density, as well as branches and dry matter of forage species, were determined. Fluazifop-p-butyl does not affect the integrity of the photosynthetic apparatus of alfalfa plants, due to high tolerance to this mechanism of action presented by dicotyledonous species. However, signalgrass had physiological variables negatively affected by the herbicide, indicating the presence of physiological stress, even at the lowest doses of the product. The dose of 50 g ha-1 of fluazifop-p-butyl is effective in controlling signalgrass, without causing physiological and growth damage in alfalfa plants.(AU)

O uso de herbicidas no controle de gramíneas em pastagens de Medicago sativa (alfafa) ainda é incipiente, desse modo objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência do fluazifop-p-butil no controle de Brachiaria decumbens (capim-braquiária) em alfafa. Para tal utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualisados, com sete doses de fluazifop-p-butil (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 g ha-1), e quatro repetições. A aplicação do herbicida foi realizada quando as plantas apresentavam cerca de 20 cm de altura. Foram realizadas avaliações de fluorescência da clorofila, controle do capim-braquiária e intoxicação da alfafa aos 7, 15 e 30 dias após aplicação (DAA) e aos 45 DAA e 45 dias após o corte (DAC) ambas as espécies foram cortadas e determinadas a densidade de perfilhos e ramificações e a massa seca das espécies forrageiras. O fluazifop-p-butil não afeta a integridade do aparato fotossintético de plantas da alfafa, devido à grande tolerância a esse mecanismo de ação apresentado por espécies dicotiledôneas. O capim-braquiária teve as variáveis fisiológicas afetadas negativamente pelo herbicida, indicando a presença de estresse fisiológico, mesmo nas menores doses do produto. A dose de 50 g ha-1 de fluazifop-p-butil é eficiente no controle de capim-braquiária, sem causar danos fisiológicos e no crescimento de plantas de alfafa.(AU)

Chemical control of signalgrass in alfalfa crops / Controle químico do capim-braquiária em cultivo de alfafa

The use of herbicides to control grass in Medicago sativa (alfalfa) pastures is still incipient. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of fluazifop-p-butyl in the control of Brachiaria decumbens (signalgrass) in alfalfa. Thus, randomized block design was used, with seven doses of fluazifop-p-butyl (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 g ha-1), and four replications. Herbicide application was performed when the plants had about 20 cm height. Chlorophyll fluorescence, control of signalgrass and alfalfa toxicity were evaluated at 7, 15 e 30 days after application (DAA) and, at 45 DAA and 45 days after cut (DAC), both species were cut and tiller density, as well as branches and dry matter of forage species, were determined. Fluazifop-p-butyl does not affect the integrity of the photosynthetic apparatus of alfalfa plants, due to high tolerance to this mechanism of action presented by dicotyledonous species. However, signalgrass had physiological variables negatively affected by the herbicide, indicating the presence of physiological stress, even at the lowest doses of the product. The dose of 50 g ha-1 of fluazifop-p-butyl is effective in controlling signalgrass, without causing physiological and growth damage in alfalfa plants.

O uso de herbicidas no controle de gramíneas em pastagens de Medicago sativa (alfafa) ainda é incipiente, desse modo objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência do fluazifop-p-butil no controle de Brachiaria decumbens (capim-braquiária) em alfafa. Para tal utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualisados, com sete doses de fluazifop-p-butil (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 g ha-1), e quatro repetições. A aplicação do herbicida foi realizada quando as plantas apresentavam cerca de 20 cm de altura. Foram realizadas avaliações de fluorescência da clorofila, controle do capim-braquiária e intoxicação da alfafa aos 7, 15 e 30 dias após aplicação (DAA) e aos 45 DAA e 45 dias após o corte (DAC) ambas as espécies foram cortadas e determinadas a densidade de perfilhos e ramificações e a massa seca das espécies forrageiras. O fluazifop-p-butil não afeta a integridade do aparato fotossintético de plantas da alfafa, devido à grande tolerância a esse mecanismo de ação apresentado por espécies dicotiledôneas. O capim-braquiária teve as variáveis fisiológicas afetadas negativamente pelo herbicida, indicando a presença de estresse fisiológico, mesmo nas menores doses do produto. A dose de 50 g ha-1 de fluazifop-p-butil é eficiente no controle de capim-braquiária, sem causar danos fisiológicos e no crescimento de plantas de alfafa.

Informing models through empirical relationships between foliar phosphorus, nitrogen and photosynthesis across diverse woody species in tropical forests of Panama.

Our objective was to analyze and summarize data describing photosynthetic parameters and foliar nutrient concentrations from tropical forests in Panama to inform model representation of phosphorus (P) limitation of tropical forest productivity. Gas exchange and nutrient content data were collected from 144 observations of upper canopy leaves from at least 65 species at two forest sites in Panama, differing in species composition, rainfall and soil fertility. Photosynthetic parameters were derived from analysis of assimilation rate vs internal CO2 concentration curves (A/Ci ), and relationships with foliar nitrogen (N) and P content were developed. The relationships between area-based photosynthetic parameters and nutrients were of similar strength for N and P and robust across diverse species and site conditions. The strongest relationship expressed maximum electron transport rate (Jmax ) as a multivariate function of both N and P, and this relationship was improved with the inclusion of independent data on wood density. Models that estimate photosynthesis from foliar N would be improved only modestly by including additional data on foliar P, but doing so may increase the capability of models to predict future conditions in P-limited tropical forests, especially when combined with data on edaphic conditions and other environmental drivers.

Respostas fisiológicas da mandioca à aplicação de herbicidas / Cassava physiological responses to the application of herbicides

A análise da fluorescência da clorofila a vem sendo utilizada para melhorar o entendimento dos mecanismos da fotossíntese, bem como, na avaliação da capacidade fotossintética alterada por estresses bióticos ou abióticos. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar a sensibilidade de plantas de mandioca a herbicidas com diferentes mecanismos de ação, bem como, os danos causados pela aplicação desses herbicidas no aparato fotossintético destas plantas. Para isso foi montado um experimento no delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições no arranjo fatorial (10 x 4), sendo  o primeiro fator referente aos herbicidas utilizados (bentazon, clomazone, fomezafen, fluazifop-p-buthyl, glyphosate, nicossulfuron, clorimuron, a mistura fluazifop-p-buthyl + fomesafen, sulfentrazone e  testemunha), o segundo fator às épocas de avaliação (aos 2, 9, 16 e 23 dias após a aplicação dos herbicidas). Os herbicidas avaliados afetaram de forma diferenciada as plantas de mandioca, sendo que, o glyphosate e sulfentrazone promoveram a morte das plantas. Os herbicidas clomazone, fomesafen, fluazifop-p-buthyl e chlorimuron-ehtyl causaram baixa intoxicação as plantas de mandioca e não afetaram a relação Fv/Fm e a ETR. No entanto, para o nicossulfuron e a mistura fluazifop-p-buthyl + fomesafen os valores da Fv/Fm estiveram abaixo do ideal nas primeiras épocas de avaliação mas as plantas tratadas com...(AU)

Analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence has been used to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of photosynthesis, as well as in the evaluation of plant photosynthetic capacity altered by biotic or abiotic stresses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of cassava plants to herbicides with different mechanisms of action, as well as the damage caused by the application of herbicides on the photosynthetic apparatus of these plants. An experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were constituted of the application of the following post- emergence herbicides in cassava: bentazon, clomazone, fomesafen, fluazifop-p-buthyl, glyphosate, nicosulfuron, chlorimuron, fluazifop-p-buthyl + fomesafen, sulfentrazone, besides a control without application. The visual intoxication and chlorophyll a fluorescence assessments were performed at 2, 9, 16 and 23 days after herbicide application. The herbicides evaluated affected differently the cassava plants. Sulfentrazone and glyphosate promoted plant death. Herbicides clomazone, fomesafen, fluazifop-p-buthyl and chlorimuron-ehtyl caused low toxicity to cassava plants and did not affect the ratio Fv / Fm and ETR. However, for the mixture nicossulfuron and fluazifop-p-buthyl + fomesafen values of Fv / Fm were suboptimal in the first evaluation times but plants treated with the...(AU)

Desempenho fotossintético de folhas jovens e maduras de Vochysia cinnamomea (Vochysiaceae) em áreas de cerrado rupestre intactas e pós-queimada / Photosynthetic performance of young and mature leaves of Vochysia cinnamomea (Vochysiaceae) at intact and after fire areas of cerrado rupestre

O fogo exerce um papel importante como modelador dos ecossistemas de diversas formações vegetais, especialmente o Cerrado. Sua ação induz a brotação em diversas espécies, muitas vezes formando folhas mais vigorosas e fisiologicamente mais ativas. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho investigou o desempenho fotossintético de folhas jovens e maduras de Vochysia cinnamomea Pohl (Vochysiaceae) em resposta à ação do fogo natural sobre uma área de cerrado rupestre da Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais, comparando-se; (1) folhas jovens de área queimada e não queimada e (2) folhas jovens e maduras de um mesmo indivíduo. Foram analisadas folhas maduras de indivíduos de área não queimada cuja brotação ocorreu anterior à queimada, e folhas jovens de indivíduos de áreas queimadas e não queimadas cuja brotação ocorreu após a passagem do fogo. Foram coletados e analisados dados relativos às taxas fotossintéticas, rendimento quântico potencial e efetivo, taxa relativa de transporte de elétrons, assimilação líquida de CO2, condutância estomática, transpiração e teores de clorofila. Não houve diferenças significativas entre as folhas jovens da área queimada e da área não queimada em relação aos processos fisiológicos testados. Desta forma não há nenhum tipo de resposta rápida em relação à passagem do fogo. Entretanto, foram encontradas diferenças significativas quando comparadas folhas jovens e maduras. É fato que folhas jovens de V. cinnamomea são estruturalmente distintas de folhas maduras, são mais suculentas e pilosas enquanto as folhas maduras são mais coriáceas, glabras e com cutícula evidente. Estas diferenças estruturais e os estágios fisiológicos de maturação distintos se refletem nas características fisiológicas estudadas nestas folhas que, quando maduras apresentam-se com menor grau de fotoinibição, maior teor de clorofilas e maior assimilação líquida de CO2.

Post-fire effect plays an important role as a modulator of plant ecosystems, especially of the Cerrado. It induces leaf sprouting in several species, often forming vigorous and more physiologically active leaves. In the present study it was investigated the photosynthetic performance of young and mature leaves of Vochysia cinnamomea Pohl (Vochysiaceae) in response to the fire action in a "cerrado rupestre" area of Serra da Canasta, Minas Gerais, comparing; (1) young leaves from fired and intact area, and (2) young and mature leaves from the same plant. Mature leaves from intact area plants which leaf sprouting occurred before fire action in the adjacent area, and young leaves from intact and fired area which leaf sprouting occurred after fire action were analyzed. Data were collected and analyzed on photosynthetic rates, potential and effective quantum yield, electron transport rate, CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration and chlorophyll contents. There were no significant differences between the young leaves of the burned and unburned area in relation to physiological parameters tested. Thus there is no kind of quick response in relation to fire effects. However, significant differences between young and mature leaves were found. Young leaves are structurally distinct of the mature leaves, been more succulent and pilous while mature leaves are more coriaceous, glabrous and with thicked cuticle. The structural differences between young and mature leaves are reflected in distinct physiological performance. Mature leaves present lower degree of photoinhibition, higher pigment content and CO2 assimilation.

Respostas fisiológicas da mandioca à aplicação de herbicidas / Cassava physiological responses to the application of herbicides

A análise da fluorescência da clorofila a vem sendo utilizada para melhorar o entendimento dos mecanismos da fotossíntese, bem como, na avaliação da capacidade fotossintética alterada por estresses bióticos ou abióticos. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar a sensibilidade de plantas de mandioca a herbicidas com diferentes mecanismos de ação, bem como, os danos causados pela aplicação desses herbicidas no aparato fotossintético destas plantas. Para isso foi montado um experimento no delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições no arranjo fatorial (10 x 4), sendo  o primeiro fator referente aos herbicidas utilizados (bentazon, clomazone, fomezafen, fluazifop-p-buthyl, glyphosate, nicossulfuron, clorimuron, a mistura fluazifop-p-buthyl + fomesafen, sulfentrazone e  testemunha), o segundo fator às épocas de avaliação (aos 2, 9, 16 e 23 dias após a aplicação dos herbicidas). Os herbicidas avaliados afetaram de forma diferenciada as plantas de mandioca, sendo que, o glyphosate e sulfentrazone promoveram a morte das plantas. Os herbicidas clomazone, fomesafen, fluazifop-p-buthyl e chlorimuron-ehtyl causaram baixa intoxicação as plantas de mandioca e não afetaram a relação Fv/Fm e a ETR. No entanto, para o nicossulfuron e a mistura fluazifop-p-buthyl + fomesafen os valores da Fv/Fm estiveram abaixo do ideal nas primeiras épocas de avaliação mas as plantas tratadas com...

Analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence has been used to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of photosynthesis, as well as in the evaluation of plant photosynthetic capacity altered by biotic or abiotic stresses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of cassava plants to herbicides with different mechanisms of action, as well as the damage caused by the application of herbicides on the photosynthetic apparatus of these plants. An experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were constituted of the application of the following post- emergence herbicides in cassava: bentazon, clomazone, fomesafen, fluazifop-p-buthyl, glyphosate, nicosulfuron, chlorimuron, fluazifop-p-buthyl + fomesafen, sulfentrazone, besides a control without application. The visual intoxication and chlorophyll a fluorescence assessments were performed at 2, 9, 16 and 23 days after herbicide application. The herbicides evaluated affected differently the cassava plants. Sulfentrazone and glyphosate promoted plant death. Herbicides clomazone, fomesafen, fluazifop-p-buthyl and chlorimuron-ehtyl caused low toxicity to cassava plants and did not affect the ratio Fv / Fm and ETR. However, for the mixture nicossulfuron and fluazifop-p-buthyl + fomesafen values of Fv / Fm were suboptimal in the first evaluation times but plants treated with the...

The knockdown of chloroplastic ascorbate peroxidases reveals its regulatory role in the photosynthesis and protection under photo-oxidative stress in rice.

The inactivation of the chloroplast ascorbate peroxidases (chlAPXs) has been thought to limit the efficiency of the water-water cycle and photo-oxidative protection under stress conditions. In this study, we have generated double knockdown rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants in both OsAPX7 (sAPX) and OsAPX8 (tAPX) genes, which encode chloroplastic APXs (chlAPXs). By employing an integrated approach involving gene expression, proteomics, biochemical and physiological analyses of photosynthesis, we have assessed the role of chlAPXs in the regulation of the protection of the photosystem II (PSII) activity and CO2 assimilation in rice plants exposed to high light (HL) and methyl violagen (MV). The chlAPX knockdown plants were affected more severely than the non-transformed (NT) plants in the activity and structure of PSII and CO2 assimilation in the presence of MV. Although MV induced significant increases in pigment content in the knockdown plants, the increases were apparently not sufficient for protection. Treatment with HL also caused generalized damage in PSII in both types of plants. The knockdown and NT plants exhibited differences in photosynthetic parameters related to efficiency of utilization of light and CO2. The knockdown plants overexpressed other antioxidant enzymes in response to the stresses and increased the GPX activity in the chloroplast-enriched fraction. Our data suggest that a partial deficiency of chlAPX expression modulate the PSII activity and integrity, reflecting the overall photosynthesis when rice plants are subjected to acute oxidative stress. However, under normal growth conditions, the knockdown plants exhibit normal phenotype, biochemical and physiological performance.

Superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase improve the recovery of photosynthesis in sugarcane plants subjected to water deficit and low substrate temperature.

The physiological responses of C4 species to simultaneous water deficit and low substrate temperature are poorly understood, as well as the recovery capacity. This study investigated whether the effect of these abiotic stressors is cultivar-dependent. The differential responses of drought-resistant (IACSP94-2094) and drought-sensitive (IACSP97-7065) sugarcane cultivars were characterized to assess the relationship between photosynthesis and antioxidant protection by APX and SOD isoforms under stress conditions. Our results show that drought alone or combined with low root temperature led to excessive energetic pressure at the PSII level. Heat dissipation was increased in both genotypes, but the high antioxidant capacity due to higher SOD and APX activities was genotype-dependent and it operated better in the drought-resistant genotype. High SOD and APX activities were associated with a rapid recovery of photosynthesis in IACSP94-2094 plants after drought and low substrate temperature alone or simultaneously.

Leaf micronutrient concentrations and potential photosynthesis in Ochroma pyramidale established in a degraded land

In the Brazilian Amazon, large areas of abandoned lands may revert to secondary forest. In the process, pioneer tree species have an important role to restore productivity in old fields and improve environmental conditions. To determine potential photosynthesis (Apot), stomatal conductance (g), transpiration (E), and leaf micronutrient concentrations in Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urban a study was carried out in the Brazilian Amazon (01o 51' S; 60o 04' W). Photosynthetic parameters were measured at increasing [CO2], saturating light intensity (1 mmol (photons) m-2 s-1), and ambient temperature. The rate of electron-transport (J), Apot,and water-use efficiency (WUE) increased consistently at increasing internal CO2 concentration (Ci). Conversely, increasing [CO2] decreased gs, E, and photorespiration (Pr). At the CO2-saturated region of the CO2 response curve (1.1 mmol (CO2) mol-1(air), J was 120 mol (e-) m-2s-1 and Apot reached up to 24 mol (CO2) m-2s-1. Likewise, at saturating C1 g and E were 30 and 1.4 mmol (H2O) m-2s-1, respectively, and P 2 r about 1.5 mol (CO2) m-2s-1. Foliar nutrients were 185, 134, 50, and 10 mol (element) m-2 (leaf area) for Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu, respectively. It was concluded that [CO ] probably limits light saturated photosynthesis in this site. Furthermore, from a nutritional point of view, the low Fe to Cu ratio (15:1) may reflect nutritional imbalance in O. pyramidale at this site.

Extensas áreas abandonadas na Amazônia brasileira revertem para floresta secundária. Neste processo, as espécies pioneiras desempenham um papel importante na recuperação da produtividade de campos abandonados e na melhoria das condições ambientais. Para determinar a fotossíntese potencial (Apot), condutância estomática (gs), transpiração (E), and a concentração de micronutrientes na folha em Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urban um estudo foi realizado na Amazônia brasileira (01o 51' LS; 60o 04' LO). Os parâmetrosfotossintéticos foram medidos a níveis crescentes de CO2 sob luz saturante (1 mmol (fótons) m-2 s-1) e temperatura ambiente. A taxa de transporte de elétrons(J), Apot e a eficiência no uso d'agua (WUE) aumentaram consistentemente com aumentos na concentração interna de CO2 (C). Ao contrário, aumentos na [CO2] diminuíram gs, E e a fotorrespiração (Pr). Na região da curva saturada pelo CO2 (1.1 mmol (CO2) mol-1(ar)), J e Apot foram 120 ! (e m-2s-1 e 24 mol (CO2) m-2s-1, respectivamente. Paralelamente, sob C saturante, gs and E foram 30 e 1.4 mmol (H O) m-2s-1, respectivamente, enquanto que P foi em torno de 1.5 mol (CO2) m-2s-1. Os teores de micronutrientes da folha foram 185,134, 50 e 10 mol (elemento) m-2 (área foliar) para Fe, Mn, Zn e Cu, respectivamente. Foi concluído que a [CO2] provavelmente limita a fotossíntese sob luz saturante neste sítio. Além disso, do ponto de vista nutricional, a baixa relação ferro:cobre, de 15 para 1, pode indicar um debalanço nutricional em O. pyramidale neste sítio.

Leaf micronutrient concentrations and potential photosynthesis in Ochroma pyramidale established in a degraded land

In the Brazilian Amazon, large areas of abandoned lands may revert to secondary forest. In the process, pioneer tree species have an important role to restore productivity in old fields and improve environmental conditions. To determine potential photosynthesis (Apot), stomatal conductance (g), transpiration (E), and leaf micronutrient concentrations in Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urban a study was carried out in the Brazilian Amazon (01o 51' S; 60o 04' W). Photosynthetic parameters were measured at increasing [CO2], saturating light intensity (1 mmol (photons) m-2 s-1), and ambient temperature. The rate of electron-transport (J), Apot,and water-use efficiency (WUE) increased consistently at increasing internal CO2 concentration (Ci). Conversely, increasing [CO2] decreased gs, E, and photorespiration (Pr). At the CO2-saturated region of the CO2 response curve (1.1 mmol (CO2) mol-1(air), J was 120 mol (e-) m-2s-1 and Apot reached up to 24 mol (CO2) m-2s-1. Likewise, at saturating C1 g and E were 30 and 1.4 mmol (H2O) m-2s-1, respectively, and P 2 r about 1.5 mol (CO2) m-2s-1. Foliar nutrients were 185, 134, 50, and 10 mol (element) m-2 (leaf area) for Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu, respectively. It was concluded that [CO ] probably limits light saturated photosynthesis in this site. Furthermore, from a nutritional point of view, the low Fe to Cu ratio (15:1) may reflect nutritional imbalance in O. pyramidale at this site.

Extensas áreas abandonadas na Amazônia brasileira revertem para floresta secundária. Neste processo, as espécies pioneiras desempenham um papel importante na recuperação da produtividade de campos abandonados e na melhoria das condições ambientais. Para determinar a fotossíntese potencial (Apot), condutância estomática (gs), transpiração (E), and a concentração de micronutrientes na folha em Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urban um estudo foi realizado na Amazônia brasileira (01o 51' LS; 60o 04' LO). Os parâmetrosfotossintéticos foram medidos a níveis crescentes de CO2 sob luz saturante (1 mmol (fótons) m-2 s-1) e temperatura ambiente. A taxa de transporte de elétrons(J), Apot e a eficiência no uso d'agua (WUE) aumentaram consistentemente com aumentos na concentração interna de CO2 (C). Ao contrário, aumentos na [CO2] diminuíram gs, E e a fotorrespiração (Pr). Na região da curva saturada pelo CO2 (1.1 mmol (CO2) mol-1(ar)), J e Apot foram 120 ! (e m-2s-1 e 24 mol (CO2) m-2s-1, respectivamente. Paralelamente, sob C saturante, gs and E foram 30 e 1.4 mmol (H O) m-2s-1, respectivamente, enquanto que P foi em torno de 1.5 mol (CO2) m-2s-1. Os teores de micronutrientes da folha foram 185,134, 50 e 10 mol (elemento) m-2 (área foliar) para Fe, Mn, Zn e Cu, respectivamente. Foi concluído que a [CO2] provavelmente limita a fotossíntese sob luz saturante neste sítio. Além disso, do ponto de vista nutricional, a baixa relação ferro:cobre, de 15 para 1, pode indicar um debalanço nutricional em O. pyramidale neste sítio.