Effectiveness of the photochemical reflectance index to track photosynthetic activity over a range of forest tree species and plant water statuses
F. Ripullone A F , A. R. Rivelli A , R. Baraldi B , R. Guarini A , R. Guerrieri A , F. Magnani C , J. Peñuelas D , S. Raddi E and M. Borghetti AA Department of Crop Systems, Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
B Institute of Biometeorology, National Research Council (CNR), via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy.
C Department of Fruit and Trees, University of Bologna, via Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
D Global Ecology Unit, Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF), Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
E Department of Agricultural and Forest Economics, Engineering, Sciences and Technologies, University of Florence, Via S. Bonaventura, 13 50145 Firenze, Italy.
F Corresponding author. Email: francesco.ripullone@unibas.it
Functional Plant Biology 38(3) 177-186 https://doi.org/10.1071/FP10078
Submitted: 9 April 2010 Accepted: 27 January 2011 Published: 29 March 2011
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the potential of the photochemical resistance index (PRI) to track photosynthetic activity under water stress conditions by measuring PRI, leaf fluorescence, the xanthophyll cycle and photosynthetic activity in different forest tree species subjected to progressive drought. The PRI declined with pre-dawn water potential and a significant relationship between PRI and the xanthophyll de-epoxidation state (DEPS) was observed, although with large interspecific variability in the sensitivity of PRI to changes in DEPS. For single tree species, a strong relationship was observed on either PRI light saturated photosynthesis or PRI maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (ΔF/Fm′); a larger variability in both relationships was apparent when data from different species were pooled together. However, an improved correlation was shown only in the former relationship by plotting the ΔPRI (dawn PRI minus the midday PRI values). Thus, we conclude that PRI is able to provide a good estimate of maximum CO2 assimilation at saturating light and ΔF/Fm′ for single tree species, despite the severe drought conditions applied. PRI should be applied more cautiously when dealing with multispecific forests because of confounding factors such as the strong interspecific differences in the initial value of PRI and in the sensitivity of PRI to changes in DEPS in response to drought.
Additional keywords: broadleaves, drought, evergreen, leaf reflectance, photosynthesis, xanthophylls.
References
Baraldi R, Canaccini F, Cortes S, Magnani F, Rapparini F, Zamboni A, Raddi S (2008) Role of xanthophyll cycle-mediated photoprotection in Arbutus unedo plants exposed to water stress during the Mediterranean summer. Photosynthetica 46, 378–386.| Role of xanthophyll cycle-mediated photoprotection in Arbutus unedo plants exposed to water stress during the Mediterranean summer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXhtFaisbbK&md5=a65a76337eb7cb83264417cd1bb3d3f4CAS |
Barrs HD, Weatherley PE (1962) A re-examination of the relative turgidity technique for estimating water deficits in leaves. Australian Journal of Biological Sciences 15, 413–428.
Björkman O, Demmig B (1987) Photon yield of O2 evolution and chlorophyll fluorescence at 77k among vascular plants of diverse origins. Planta 170, 489–504.
| Photon yield of O2 evolution and chlorophyll fluorescence at 77k among vascular plants of diverse origins.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Busch F, Hüner NPA, Ensminger I (2009) Biochemical constraints limit the potential of the photochemical reflectance index as a predictor of effective quantum efficiency of photosynthesis during the winter spring transition in jack pine seedlings. Functional Plant Biology 36, 1016–1026.
| Biochemical constraints limit the potential of the photochemical reflectance index as a predictor of effective quantum efficiency of photosynthesis during the winter spring transition in jack pine seedlings.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhtlOgs7rE&md5=03311b2fb70d0f987d68953c347ecaf9CAS |
De Dato G, Pellizzaro G, Cesaraccio C, Sirca C, De Angelis P, Duce P, Spano D, Scarascia Mugnozza G (2008) Effects of warmer and drier climate conditions on plant composition and biomass production in a Mediterranean shrubland community. iForest – Biogeosciences and Forestry 1, 39–48.
| Effects of warmer and drier climate conditions on plant composition and biomass production in a Mediterranean shrubland community.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Demmig-Adams B, Adams WW (2006) Photoprotection in an ecological context: the remarkable complexity of thermal energy dissipation. New Phytologist 172, 11–21.
| Photoprotection in an ecological context: the remarkable complexity of thermal energy dissipation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XhtVyisrnE&md5=b5053ae7026361074997e57fb71457edCAS | 16945085PubMed |
Dobrowski SZ, Pushnik PJ, Zarco-Tejada PJ, Ustin SL (2005) Simple reflectance indices track heat and water stress-induced changes in steady-state chlorophyll fluorescence at the canopy scale. Remote Sensing of Environment 97, 403–414.
| Simple reflectance indices track heat and water stress-induced changes in steady-state chlorophyll fluorescence at the canopy scale.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Evain S, Flexas J, Moya I (2004) A new instrument for passive remote sensing: 2. Measurement of leaf and canopy reflectance changes at 531 nm and their relationship with photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence. Remote Sensing of Environment 91, 175–185.
| A new instrument for passive remote sensing: 2. Measurement of leaf and canopy reflectance changes at 531 nm and their relationship with photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Filella I, Amaro T, Araus JL, Peñuelas J (1996) Relationship between photosynthetic radiation use efficiency of barley canopies and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI). Physiologia Plantarum 96, 211–216.
| Relationship between photosynthetic radiation use efficiency of barley canopies and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK28XivFeksbY%3D&md5=ec4ddf6bae83bf42c1d43dc1dee859d7CAS |
Filella I, Peñuelas J, Llorens L, Estiarte M (2004) Reflectance assessment of seasonal and annual changes in biomass and CO2 uptake of a Mediterranean shrubland submitted to experimental warming and drought. Remote Sensing of Environment 90, 308–318.
| Reflectance assessment of seasonal and annual changes in biomass and CO2 uptake of a Mediterranean shrubland submitted to experimental warming and drought.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Filella I, Porcar-Castell A, Munne-Bosch S, Back J, Garbulsky MF, Penuelas J (2009) PRI assessment of long-term changes in carotenoids/chlorophyll ratio and short-term changes in de-epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle. International Journal of Remote Sensing 30, 4443–4455.
| PRI assessment of long-term changes in carotenoids/chlorophyll ratio and short-term changes in de-epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gamon J, Qiu HL (1999) Ecological applications of remote sensing at multiple scales. In ‘Handbook of functional ecology’. (Eds Pugnaire FI, Valladares F) pp. 805–846. (Marcel Dekker: New York)
Gamon J, Surfus JS (1999) Assessing leaf pigment content and activity with a reflectometer. New Phytologist 143, 105–117.
| Assessing leaf pigment content and activity with a reflectometer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXlvFSgsbc%3D&md5=ba30b8d9dc9b8fc7fe1d9dcdcabd88e2CAS |
Gamon JA, Peñuelas J, Field CB (1992) A narrow-waveband spectral index that tracks diurnal changes in photosynthetic efficiency. Remote Sensing of Environment 41, 35–44.
| A narrow-waveband spectral index that tracks diurnal changes in photosynthetic efficiency.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gamon JA, Serrano L, Surfus R (1997) The photochemical reflectance index: an optical indicator of photosynthetic radiation use efficiency across species, functional types, and nutrient levels. Oecologia 112, 492–501.
| The photochemical reflectance index: an optical indicator of photosynthetic radiation use efficiency across species, functional types, and nutrient levels.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Garbulsky MF, Peñuelas J, Papale D, Filella I (2008) Remote estimation of carbon dioxide uptake by a Mediterranean forest. Global Change Biology 14, 2860–2867.
| Remote estimation of carbon dioxide uptake by a Mediterranean forest.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Garbulsky MF, Peñuelas J, Gamon J, Inoue Y, Filella I (2011) The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and the remote sensing of leaf, canopy and ecosystem radiation use efficiencies. A review and meta-analysis. Remote Sensing of Environment 115, 281–297.
| The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and the remote sensing of leaf, canopy and ecosystem radiation use efficiencies. A review and meta-analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Genty B, Briantais JM, Baker NR (1989) The relationship between the quantum yield of photosynthetic electron transport and quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 990, 87–92.
Grace J, Nichol C, Disney M, Lewis P, Quaife T, Bowyer P (2007) Can we measure terrestrial photosynthesis from space directly, using spectral reflectance and fluorescence? Global Change Biology 13, 1484–1497.
| Can we measure terrestrial photosynthesis from space directly, using spectral reflectance and fluorescence?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Guo J, Trotter CM (2004) Estimating photosynthetic light-use efficiency using the photochemical reflectance index: variations among species. Functional Plant Biology 31, 255–265.
| Estimating photosynthetic light-use efficiency using the photochemical reflectance index: variations among species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXjt1ejtbc%3D&md5=9592fd571f8c3fc05116c4cab9a0d937CAS |
IPCC Working Group II (2007) ‘Climate change 2007: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Fourth Assessment Report. Summary for Policymakers.’ http://www.ipcc-wg2.gov/publications/
Mátyás C, Bozic G, Gömöry D, Ivankovic M, Rasztovits E (2009) Juvenile growth response of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) to sudden change of climatic environment in SE European trials. iForest – Biogeosciences and Forestry 2, 213–220.
| Juvenile growth response of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) to sudden change of climatic environment in SE European trials.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Müller M, Hernández I, Alegre L, Munné-Bosch S (2006) Enhanced α-tocopherol quinone levels and xanthophyll cycle de-epoxidation in rosemary plants exposed to water deficit during a Mediterranean winter. Journal of Plant Physiology 163, 601–606.
| Enhanced α-tocopherol quinone levels and xanthophyll cycle de-epoxidation in rosemary plants exposed to water deficit during a Mediterranean winter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16325302PubMed |
Munné-Bosch S, Alegre L (2000) Changes in carotenoids, tocopherols and diterpenes during drought and recovery, and the biological significance of chlorophyll loss in Rosmarinus officinalis plants. Planta 210, 925–931.
| Changes in carotenoids, tocopherols and diterpenes during drought and recovery, and the biological significance of chlorophyll loss in Rosmarinus officinalis plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 10872224PubMed |
Naumann JC, Young DR, Anderson JE (2008) Leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, reflectance, and physiological response to freshwater and saltwater flooding in the evergreen shrub Myrica cerifera. Environmental and Experimental Botany 63, 402–409.
| Leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, reflectance, and physiological response to freshwater and saltwater flooding in the evergreen shrub Myrica cerifera.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXivVeju7w%3D&md5=66366a81ae03ded8ac37f98b2359e9b1CAS |
Nichol CJ, Huemmrich KF, Black TA, Jarvis PG, Walthall CL, Grace J, Hall FG (2000) Remote sensing of photosynthetic light-use efficiency of boreal forest. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 101, 131–142.
| Remote sensing of photosynthetic light-use efficiency of boreal forest.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Peguero-Pina JJ, Morales F, Flexas J, Gil-Pelegrín E, Moya I (2008) Photochemistry, remotely sensed physiological reflectance index and de-epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle in Quercus coccifera under intense drought. Oecologia 156, 1–11.
| Photochemistry, remotely sensed physiological reflectance index and de-epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle in Quercus coccifera under intense drought.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18224338PubMed |
Peñuelas J, Gamon JA, Fredeen AL, Merino J, Field CB (1994) Reflectance indices associated with physiological changes in nitrogen and water-limited sunflower leaves. Remote Sensing of Environment 48, 135–146.
| Reflectance indices associated with physiological changes in nitrogen and water-limited sunflower leaves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Peñuelas J, Filella I, Gamon JA (1995) Assessment of photosynthetic radiation-use efficiency with spectral reflectance. New Phytologist 131, 291–296.
| Assessment of photosynthetic radiation-use efficiency with spectral reflectance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Peñuelas J, Lluisa J, Piñol J, Filella I (1997) Photochemical reflectance index and leaf photosynthetic radiation-use efficiency assessment in Mediterranean trees. International Journal of Remote Sensing 18, 2863–2868.
| Photochemical reflectance index and leaf photosynthetic radiation-use efficiency assessment in Mediterranean trees.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Raddi S, Cortes S, Pippi I, Magnani F (2005) Estimation of vegetation photochemical processes: an application of the photochemical reflectance index at the San Rossore site. In ‘Proceedings of the 3rd ESA CHRIS/Proba Workshop, 21–23 March, ESRIN, Frascati Italy’. http://earth.esa.int/workshops/chris_proba_05/
Richardson AD, Berlyn GP, Duigan SP (2003) Reflectance of Alaskan black spruce and white spruce foliage in relation to elevation and latitude. Tree Physiology 23, 537–544.
Sims DA, Gamon JA (2002) Relationships between leaf pigment content and spectral reflectance across a wide range of species, leaf structures and developmental stages. Remote Sensing of Environment 81, 337–354.
| Relationships between leaf pigment content and spectral reflectance across a wide range of species, leaf structures and developmental stages.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stylinski CD, Gamon JA, Oechel WC (2002) Seasonal patterns of reflectance indices, carotenoid pigments and photosynthesis of evergreen chaparral species. Oecologia 131, 366–374.
| Seasonal patterns of reflectance indices, carotenoid pigments and photosynthesis of evergreen chaparral species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Thenot F, Méthy M, Winkel T (2002) The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) as a water-stress index. International Journal of Remote Sensing 23, 5135–5139.
| The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) as a water-stress index.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Tognetti R, Minotta G, Pinzauti S, Michelozzi M, Borghetti M (1998) Acclimation to changing light conditions of long-term shade-grown beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings of different geographic origins. Trees 12, 326–333.
| Acclimation to changing light conditions of long-term shade-grown beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings of different geographic origins.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Weng JH, Chen YN, Liao TS (2006) Relationships between cholorophyll fluorescence parameters and photochemical reflectance index of tree species adapted to different temperature regimes. Functional Plant Biology 33, 241–246.
| Relationships between cholorophyll fluorescence parameters and photochemical reflectance index of tree species adapted to different temperature regimes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XhvFCqsrk%3D&md5=d634b6438f05835cdb11a79141240c98CAS |
Whitehead D, Boelman NT, Turbull MH, Griffin KL, Tissue DT, Barbour MM (2005) Photosynthesis and reflectance indices for rainforest species in ecosystem undergoing progression along a soil fertility chronosequence in New Zealand. Oecologia 144, 233–244.
| Photosynthesis and reflectance indices for rainforest species in ecosystem undergoing progression along a soil fertility chronosequence in New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15891839PubMed |
Winkel T, Methy M, Thenot F (2002) Radiation use efficiency, chlorophyll fluorescence, and reflectance indices associated with ontogenetic changes in water-limited Chenopodium quinoa leaves. Photosynthetica 40, 227–232.
| Radiation use efficiency, chlorophyll fluorescence, and reflectance indices associated with ontogenetic changes in water-limited Chenopodium quinoa leaves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XptVOlsbY%3D&md5=6dd17f7acda5eed17adf15ca22e14c25CAS |