Effects of high temperature on leaf photosynthetic characteristics and photosystem II photo-chemical activity of kernel-used apricot

In order to explore the photosynthetic adaption mechanisms of kernel-used apricot under high temperature stress, gas exchange technique and chlorophyll fluorescence transient technique (JIP-test) were adopted to study the leaf photosynthetic characteristics and photosystem II (PS II) photochemical activity of 4 year-old 'Chaoren' (Armeniaca vulgaris x sibirica) growing on Horqin sandy land at 25 degrees C, 30 degrees C, 40 degrees C, and 50 degrees C. Within a definite temperature range, and as the temperature increased, the 'Chaoren' could enhance its leaf photosynthetic pigments content and ratio to maintain the light absorption, transfer, and conversion, and thereby, to ensure the function of photosynthetic apparatus. However, when the temperature exceeded the physiological adjustment threshold of leaves, the chlorophyll began to be decomposed, net photosynthetic rate (Pn) declined obviously, and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) increased, indicating that the decline in photosynthesis was limited by mesophyll factor. At 40 degrees C, the density of PS II reaction centers per excited cross-section (RC/CS0) dropped distinctly; and at 50 degrees C, the K phase (Wk) and J phase (Vj) in the O-J-I-P chlorophyll fluorescence transients increased distinctly, indicating that high temperature damaged the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), donor sides, and PS II reaction centers. In addition, the minimum chlorophyll fluorescence (F0) at 50 degrees C increased significantly by 1.26 times, compared with the control, and the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and performance index (PI(ABS)) reduced to 37.9% and 10.3% of the control, respectively. High temperature injured the function of the donor and acceptor sides in the PS II of photosynthetic apparatus, leading to the decrease of photosynthetic efficiency, and being one of the main mechanisms for the damage of photosynthetic apparatus in kernel-used apricot leaves under high temperature stress.