Water-Deficit Stress in the Epiphytic Elkhorn Fern: Insight into Photosynthetic Response

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2023 Aug 12

PMID 37569438

Authors

Jakub Oliwa

Andrzej Skoczowski

Grzegorz Rut

Andrzej Kornas

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Progressive climate changes cause disturbance of water relations in tropical rainforests, where epiphytic ferns are an important element of biodiversity. In these plants, the efficiency of photosynthesis is closely related to the efficiency of water transport. In addition, due to the lack of contact with the soil, epiphytes are extremely susceptible to water-deficit stress. The aim of this experiment was to determine the response of the photosynthetic apparatus of to a 6-week water deficit. The hydration and pigment composition of leaves were determined using reflectance spectroscopy and epifluorescence microscopy. Chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics parameters, fluorescence induction curves (OJIP), low-temperature fluorescence curves at 77 K and proline concentration were analyzed at seven time points. After a decrease in leaf hydration by 10-15%, there were disturbances in the oxidation-reduction balance, especially in the initial photochemical reactions, a rapid decrease in plant vitality (PI) and significant fluctuations in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The relative size of PSI antenna structures compared to PSII decreased in the following weeks of water deficit. Changes in photochemical reactions were accompanied by a decrease in gross photosynthesis and an increase in proline concentration. Changes in the functioning of photosynthesis light phase and the pigment composition of leaves are related to the resistance of elkhorn fern to long-term water deficit.

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