Effects of drought on chlorophyll fluorescence in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) . I. Plant water status and the kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence
Jefferies, R.A.
Potato research 5(1): 25-34
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-3065
DOI: 10.1007/bf02357719
Accession: 015656550
The slow kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence were examined in seven potato genotypes grown in polyethylene tunnels either fully irrigated or droughted from the time of plant emergence. Constant and variable fluorescence (Fo and Fv respectively) declined with time in plants from both irrigated and droughted treatments, but the decline was greater in droughted than irrigated plants. However, the yield of variable fluorescences (Fv/(Fo+Fv)) was unaffected by the drought treatment. The main effect of drought was upon the quenching of variable fluorescence. Both the half life of the decay of variable fluorescence (q1/2) and the secondary maximum (M) were significantly greater in the droughted plants than in those from the irrigated treatment. Significant differences between genotypes were found for Fv/(Fo+Fv), M and q1/2. Genotype x treatment interactions were non-significant for all the variables examined. Changes in chlorophyll fluorescence transients were not closely related to changes in leaf water potential.