Photosynthetica - Latest articles
Results 1 to 30 of 82:
Twenty years of the International Conferences on Photosynthesis and Hydrogen Energy Research for Sustainability
A.W.D. LARKUM, R. SUBRAMANYAM, G. GOVINDJEE, S.I. ALLAKHVERDIEV
Photosynthetica 2025,63(4):374-384 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.035 
The International Conference on "Photosynthesis and Hydrogen Energy Research" was inaugurated in 2004 in Trois Rivières, Canada, as "Photosynthesis and Post-Genomics Era". It was conceived by its founders, Suleyman I. Allakhverdiev (Russia), Vyacheslav (Slava) Klimov (Russia), Robert Carpentier (Canada), and Prasanna Mohanty (India) to be an alternating conference to the bigger International Congress on Photosynthesis, which was then held every three years. The name was changed to the International Conference on Photosynthesis (ICP) in 2011. In 2013, "Hydrogen Production" was added, and then finally the current name, "International Conference...
Recent advances in plant stress analysis using chlorophyll a fluorescence
K.W. CHANG, H. TANG, L.J. FU, Q. XIA, Z.Y. PAN, J.L. TAN, V. LYSENKO, Y. GUO
Photosynthetica 2025,63(4):359-373 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.037
Chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF), a sensitive, real-time, and nondestructive indicator of photosynthesis, enables noninvasive elucidation of the complex physiological and biochemical processes of plants. It plays a unique and important role in plant research, ecological evaluation, and agriculture. To provide a holistic picture of research on ChlF applications over the past decade, a knowledge map was first conducted, which revealed six major areas of ChlF applications in plant stress evaluation and reduction, including drought stress, temperature stress, salt stress, water stress, toxicity stress, and nitrogen stress. This work then systematically...
Phytomelatonin and post-drought stomatal recovery: psychotropic-like signaling in guard-cell dynamics
I. ACCOSSATO
Photosynthetica 2025,63(4):358 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.039
Unravelling the differential responses of critically endangered Onobrychis conferta populations to drought and salinity stress
A. SAKHRAOUI, H.B. LTAEIF, J.M. CASTILLO, S. ROUZ
Photosynthetica 2025,63(4):346-357 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.034
Understanding stress responses of endangered plants is vital for their conservation under climate change. We examined the effects of iso-osmotic drought (PEG) and salinity (NaCl) on the growth and physiology of three populations of the critically endangered legume Onobrychis conferta subsp. conferta (OC1, OC2, OC3) endemic to North-Western Tunisia. Both stresses reduced photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2, and carboxylation efficiency, while increasing intrinsic water-use efficiency. PSII photoinhibition (Fv/Fm decline) occurred after 6 d. Prolonged stress suppressed growth and water...
Increase in photosynthetic carbon assimilation and gas exchange through foliar application of melatonin in green bean plants
C.A. RAMÍREZ-ESTRADA, E.H. OCHOA-CHAPARRO, E. NAVARRO-LEÓN, J.C. ANCHONDO-PAÉZ, J.J. PATIÑO-CRUZ, C.L. FRANCO-LAGOS, A. ALVAREZ-MONGE, E. SÁNCHEZ
Photosynthetica 2025,63(4):340-345 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.036
Crop productivity depends largely on photosynthetic efficiency, which is key to converting light energy into assimilates for biomass accumulation. The use of biostimulants such as melatonin (MEL) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to improve internal processes in plants and increase production. However, its effect on beans has not yet been clearly described. This study evaluated the foliar application of MEL on physiological and productive variables of Strike beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The plants were grown in vermiculite/perlite substrate (2:1) for 60 d, applying MEL [0, 1, 10, and 100 µM] weekly from 15 d after sowing. All...
Gordon Research Conference on Photosynthesis 2025: Mechanisms of the Process Driving the Biosphere Through the Lenses of Experiment and Computation
C.J. GISRIEL, J. LIU, D.A. FLESHER, K.E. REDDING
Photosynthetica 2025,63(4):332-339 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.033
Herein, we report on the 2025 Gordon Research Conference (27 July-1 August) and its preceding Gordon Research Seminar (26-27 July) on Photosynthesis, entitled "Mechanisms of the Process Driving the Biosphere Through the Lenses of Experiment and Computation". Both were held at Sunday River Resort in Newry, Maine, USA. The seminar and conference brought together an international group of photosynthesis researchers to discuss the most cutting-edge work uncovering photosynthetic mechanisms via computation, genetic manipulation, systems biology, structural biology, and much more.
Additional far-red light improves the growth and resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus of Lactuca sativa L. to high-intensity light
V.D. KRESLAVSKI, P.P. PASHKOVSKIY, A.N. SHMAREV, A.Yu. KHUDYAKOVA, V.V. STROKINA, A.A. IVANOV, A.A. KOSOBRYUKHOV, S.I. ALLAKHVERDIEV
Photosynthetica 2025,63(4):322-331 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.032
The effects of additional far-red light (FRL) on the growth parameters, photosynthetic activity, and pro- or antioxidant balance of Lactuca sativa L. plants grown for 30 d were studied. The plants were grown under white light-emitting diodes with equal PAR intensities at red/far-red light ratios of 0.29, 0.89, and 1.67 and without FRL. Compared to the absence of the FRL, growth at a 0.29 ratio caused an increase in plant biomass and leaf area, but a decrease in PSII activity, net photosynthetic rate (PN) per unit area, and stomatal conductance. High irradiance for 4 h at 1,000 μmol(photon) m-2 s-1...
Spectral light quality differentially modulates PSII energy partitioning among soybean genotypes
M. MARTÍNEZ-MORÉ, S. SIMONDI, M.M. SAINZ, V. BONNECARRÈRE, S. FERNÁNDEZ, G. QUERO
Photosynthetica 2025,63(4):309-321 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.029
Cultivated soybean is a globally important crop; understanding its responses to different light spectra within the canopy is essential, especially considering the limited agricultural area. Energy flux and spectral quality are key components of the light environment that determine photosynthesis and, consequently, plant growth. These factors influence the composition and structure of photosystem II, thereby affecting energy partitioning between photochemical and nonphotochemical processes. This study evaluated the photosynthetic performance of two soybean genotypes under four light environments with distinct spectral compositions but equal energy flux....
Evaluating physiological traits of Coffea canephora clones intercropped with Hevea brasiliensis
I.D.P. PEREIRA, S. DOUSSEAU-ARANTES, J.A. MACHADO FILHO, L.O. ARANTES, M.M. MENDES, V.F. SANTOS, G.A.R. DE SOUZA, B. CERRI NETO, D. CASSOL, A.R. FALQUETO
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(3):297-308 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.028
In this study, we evaluated the physiological response of the photosynthetic apparatus [using chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlaF) measurements], changes in leaf nutrient contents, and productivity of 16 Coffea canephora clones grown alone (NC, full sunlight) or intercropped with Hevea brasiliensis (IC, shaded). Shade from H. brasiliensis trees influenced the physiological performance of coffee plants. Some of these coffee clones achieved clear responses to shading by rubber trees, indicating that the responses of coffee plants to intercropping are genotype-specific. The PSII complex of the NC plants was more susceptible...
Avoiding leakage when classifying drought stress from OJIP fluorescence - comment on Xia et al. (2025)
E.P. PASTORE
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(3):296 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.031
Role of nitrogen utilization in facilitating photosynthetic compensation of soybean under vertically heterogeneous light
X.R. MA, X.M. SONG, E.Z. ZHANG, J.B. DU, X. SUN
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(3):291-295 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.026
Photosynthetic compensation enables high-density planted crops to use the available light efficiently. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Herein, soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) were treated with vertically heterogeneous light (HL) to simulate the light conditions in high-density planting. The net photosynthetic rate (PN) increased in upper unshaded leaves (UL) while it decreased in lower shaded leaves (LL) under HL. This evident photosynthetic compensation was accompanied by a preferential distribution of N to UL. Correspondingly, the amounts of chlorophyll (Chl) and Rubisco increased in UL. At the...
Cadmium and high light stress interactions highlight limits of PSII in Arabidopsis thaliana
R. SINGH
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(3):288-290 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.027
A thank you note for Julian Eaton-Rye, the wonderful staff at Photosynthetica, and all the scientists who participated in the 2018 special issue
G. GOVINDJEE
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(3):282-287 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.025
In honor of Reto Jörg Strasser: A pioneer of chlorophyll a fluorescence research
A. STIRBET, G. GOVINDJEE, A. SRIVASTAVA
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(3):267-281 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.024
Chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence measurements are widely used in the study of photosynthesis, and Reto Strasser is a well-known pioneer in this domain. In 2019, the current authors, together with Vineet Soni, and Neera Bhalla Sarin, celebrated his 75th birthday. Here, we pay tribute to him on his 82nd birthday through a brief description of the key results we had obtained with him, over the years, on the understanding and exploitation of the OJIP Chl a fluorescence transient. The topics of these studies have been quite diverse, from the oxygen clock, the bicarbonate effect in Photosystem II, the adaptability of...
Variations in the photoprotective responses of trees and seedlings of the endangered Pitavia punctata (Ruiz & Pav.) Molina
S. ESPINOZA, D. MUÑOZ-CONCHA
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(3):262-266 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.023
Pitavia punctata (Ruiz & Pav.) Molina ('Pitao') is an endangered species that regenerates under the shade. We monitored the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II in four localities spanning the geographical distribution of the species in Central Chile. Technical fluorescence parameters and JIP-test-derived parameters were measured in trees (up to 15 m) and seedlings (< 50 cm). We observed significant effects of the type of plant and locality on the performance index (PIABS) and maximum fluorescence (FM). PIABS was higher in trees from the Los Barros locality (PIABS = 41), whereas seedlings located...
Leaf gas exchange and photosynthetic light-response curves of cassava genotypes under drought stress during the early growth stage and after recovery
K. VONGCHAROEN, S. SANTANOO, P. ITTIPONG, P. BANTERNG, N. VORASOOT, S. JOGLOY, P. THEERAKULPISUT
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(3):246-261 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.021
This study aimed to gain insights into the photosynthesis capacity and genotypic differences in response to drought imposed at an early growth stage of cassava. Leaf water potential (LWP), leaf gas exchange, and photosynthetic light-response curves were investigated in six field-grown cassava genotypes under full irrigation and drought imposed for 60 d during 3-5 months after planting. During the drought period, mean LWP at predawn (LWPpre) was significantly lower than that in the control plants, while the mean midday LWP (LWPmid) was similar. During the drought period, the mean stomatal conductance was reduced from 0.36 to...
Photosynthetic characteristics of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) recessive genic male sterile line YA-1 with virescent trait
N. YANG, X.X. LIU, X.P. ZHANG, H.Q. DENG, X.L. SHEN, C.M. TANG
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(3):234-245 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.018
The upland cotton strain YA-1 can be used for hybrid seed production and recurrent selection. However, the effect of YA-1 virescent phenotype on photosynthetic traits remains unclear. This study demonstrated that the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, light-saturation point, light-compensation point, and PSⅡ reaction center activities are lower than those of green leaves of wide type. In contrast, light-energy utilization efficiencies, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, concentrations of Rubisco and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, photosynthetic performance indices, and energy distribution parameters of the...
From spectrum to yield: advances in crop photosynthesis with hyperspectral imaging
D. PANDA, S. MOHANTY, S. DAS, J. SENAPATY, D.B. SAHOO, B. MISHRA, M.J. BAIG, L. BEHERA
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):196-233 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.012
Ensuring global food security requires noninvasive techniques for optimizing resource use and monitoring crop health. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) enables the precise analysis of plant physiology by capturing spectral data across narrow bands. This review explores HSI's role in agriculture, particularly its integration with unmanned aerial vehicles, AI-driven analytics, and machine learning. These advancements allow real-time monitoring of photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and carbon assimilation, linking spectral data to plant health and agronomic decisions. Key indicators such as solar-induced fluorescence and vegetation indices enhance crop...
The combined effect of Cd and high light stress on the photochemical processes in Arabidopsis thaliana
D. GIORDANO, M. BARTÁK, J. HÁJEK
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):182-195 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.020
The adverse effects of cadmium on plants are accompanied by a limitation of photosynthesis, due to the production of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative damage to PSII and the disruption of key protein complexes involved in photosynthetic pathways. We investigated the effects of cadmium stress combined with high light in Arabidopsis thaliana, as dependent on the cadmium dose applied. The aim was to investigate the combined effect of the two stressors on photochemical processes with the hypothesis that Cd stress enhances the negative effect of the high light. The plants were treated with 0, 1, 10, and 50 mM Cd added as CdCl2...
Thermal stability changes of photosynthesis during osmotic and salt stress in wheat varieties cultivated in Central Europe and Mediterranean North Africa
A. ALLEM, R. TARNAI, S.B. TÓTH, W.A.E. ABIDO, S. DULAI
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):165-181 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.019
The thermal stability of photosynthetic apparatus under osmotic/salt stress was examined in wheat cultivars grown under different climatic conditions. The thermostability of nonstressed plants did not differ significantly from each other and it was not improved by osmotic treatment in the absence of light. In contrast, the salt stress resulted in better thermostability. This was also manifested in the temperature dependence of maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry. The temperature dependence of steady-state fluorescence and other photosynthetic parameters indicated a moderate reduction in thermal sensitivity of photosynthesis in well-watered...
Tribute to late Prof. Sakae Katoh (1932-2025): discovery of plastocyanin and his research in photosynthesis
K. SONOIKE
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):162-164 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.022
Synergistic effects of drought and heat stress on Medicago truncatula: understanding growth response and photosynthetic mechanisms
N. RESSAISSI, W. MNAFGUI, N. MAIZA, F. ZRIBI, W. ZORRIG, N. LUDIDI, M.T. SANCHEZ-BALLESTA, M. BADRI
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):151-161 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.008
Drought and heat stress significantly threaten forage crop development and photosynthetic activity in the Mediterranean region. This study investigated the physiological responses and photosynthetic activity of two Medicago truncatula lines TN6.18 and F83005.5 (F83), to single and combined heat and drought stress treatments. Biomass traits, leaf gas exchange, and photosystem activities were evaluated. Our findings indicate a reduction in biomass parameters under heat, drought, and combined stress on both lines, particularly in F83. The stomatal conductance and photosynthetic parameters exhibited differential responses, with F83 reducing...
Increased brassinolide accumulation and increased growth in low-light-grown transgenic tobacco
R. GREBENOK, T. UGINE, M. GALANTE, N. GREBENOK, H. IQBAL, N. OLSZEWSKI, X. KRULL, T. LINGENFELTER, R. SEDANO, E. CORIGLIANO, A. GREBENOK
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):140-150 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.016
Transgenic tobacco, demonstrating bacterial cholesterol oxidase (CO) activity in the chloroplast, grown at PAR ~280 μmol(photon) m-2s-1 (low light), contained thylakoid membranes that include a greater variety of steroids and had reduced contents of sterol and sterol-esters per milligram chlorophyll in comparison to controls. The mature transgenic plants, grown at low light, demonstrate a ~3× larger root dry mass, ~3× larger stem dry mass, ~2× larger leaf dry mass, ~2× increased leaf number, and ~5× increased flower number than controls. Mature transgenic flowering plants, develop to first flower ~2× faster and grow ~30% taller...
Green manure can be an auxiliary factor against dynamic photoinhibition in Dalbergia ecastophyllum (L.) young trees in areas impacted by mining
M.M. MENDES, I.F. RIBEIRO, V.F.D. SANTOS, F.R. PIRES, A.A. FERNANDES, L.F.T.D. MENEZES, R. BONOMO, D. CASSOL, J.P.R. MARTINS, A.R. FALQUETO
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):129-139 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.015
This study evaluated the efficiency of green manure (+GM) on PSII efficiency throughout the day in Dalbergia ecastophyllum. The experiment was carried out in a disabled clay extraction deposit, located approximately 30 km south of São Mateus city (Espírito Santo State, Brazil). Chlorophyll (Chl) index, Chl a fluorescence, and plant growth were measured in the summer, after 12 months of planting. +GM improved the photochemical performance of D. ecastophyllum, reducing the occurrence of photoinhibition throughout the day. +GM increased the photochemical quantum yield, the probability of a photon absorbed to move beyond quinone...
Effect of strobilurin fungicide on the initial growth of common bean plants
A.C.P. ROCHA, J.F. MIRANDA, L.B. DAS NEVES, M.M. MENDES, A.S. AMORIM, G.S. MORAIS, J.P.R. MARTINS, M.B. DA SILVA, A.B.P.L. GONTIJO, A.R. FALQUETO
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):116-128 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.017
Strobilurin fungicides, such as pyraclostrobin (PCL), can impact plant metabolism and morphophysiological parameters. This study evaluated the effects of PCL on Phaseolus vulgaris L., subjecting seeds to imbibition in different concentrations (0, 112, 450; and 1,800 mg L-1) for 10 and 30 min. After germination in a growth chamber, germination, growth, biomass, anatomical, and physiological characteristics were analyzed. The study confirmed that PCL interference was proportional to the concentration and seed imbibition time, affecting the percentage of germinated seeds in the first count, normal and abnormal seedlings, and dead seeds....
Potential mechanisms for the rapid post-drought reversal of ABA-induced stomatal closure by melatonin, 5-aminolevulinic acid, and brassinosteroids
M. WASEEM, M.M. HASAN, Y. HAZZAZI, B.M. ALHARBI, M.U. GHANI, P. AHMAD, M. CARRIQUÍ
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):104-115 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.011
The regulation of stomatal movements is crucial for plants to optimize gas exchange and water balance. The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) triggers stomatal closure in response to drought, effectively minimizing water loss to prevent hydraulic failure. However, it significantly constrains photosynthesis, restricting plant growth and productivity. Therefore, rapid post-drought stomatal opening is crucial for earlier photosynthetic recovery. This review explores how phytohormones or plant growth regulators reverse ABA-induced stomatal closure. Phytomelatonin, 5-aminolevulinic acid, and brassinosteroids promote stomatal reopening by either ABA degradation...
Dr. Autar Krishen Mattoo (1943-2024): an outstanding plant biologist with a focus on photosynthesis
A.K. HANDA, M. EDELMAN, W.W. ADAMS III, G. GOVINDJEE
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):95-103 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.014
We provide here the academic life of Dr. Autar Krishen Mattoo (1943-2024), including his role as a research leader at the United States Department of Agriculture and his outstanding contributions in photosynthesis, plant physiology and molecular biology with a focus to enhance nutrients. His work included ways to regulate Photosystem II (PSII) reaction center proteins, as well as to exploit, for our benefit, the role of polyamines in the plant world. Further, he provided the basis for beneficial aspects of sustainable agriculture systems and for selecting genes/proteins that provide better growth, higher disease resistance, and tolerance from abiotic...
Natalia Evgenievna Belyaeva (1945-2025)
A.B. RUBIN, G.YU. RIZNICHENKO
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):93-94 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.013
The 12th International Conference on "Photosynthesis and Hydrogen Energy Research for Sustainability 2024": in honour of John Allen,Eva-Mari Aro, İbrahim Dinçer, Kazunari Domen, Elizabeth Gantt, and Andrey Rubin
M. ZIVCAK, J. KERN, T. TOMO, G. SOYKAN, J.J. EATON-RYE, S.I. ALLAKHVERDIEV, B.D. BRUCE
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(2):81-92 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.010
The 12th International Conference "Photosynthesis and Hydrogen Energy Research for Sustainability 2024" was organised in honour of John Allen, Eva-Mari Aro, İbrahim Dinçer, Kazunari Domen, Elizabeth Gantt, and Andrey Rubin, by Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul from 13 to 19 October 2024. The International Society of Photosynthesis Research (ISPR) and the International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE) supported the event. In the brief report, we provide a summary of the conference, the scientific contributions of honoured scientists, and a brief content of individual sessions. We specifically focused on the participation of young...
Determination of rice (Oryza sativa L.) drought stress levels based on chlorophyll a fluorescence through independent component analysis
Q. XIA, H. TANG, J.L. TAN, S.I. ALLAKHVERDIEV, Y. GUO
Photosynthetica 2025, 63(1):73-80 | DOI: 10.32615/ps.2025.009
Sensing rice drought stress is crucial for agriculture, and chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) is often used. However, existing techniques usually rely on defined feature points on the OJIP induction curve, which ignores the rich physiological information in the entire curve. Independent Component Analysis (ICA) can effectively preserve independent features, making it suitable for capturing drought-induced physiological changes. This study applies ICA and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to classify drought levels using the entire OJIP curve. The results show that the 20-dimensional ChlF features obtained by ICA provide superior classification performance,...