Characterisation of Leaf Fluorescence of Sodium-Deficient C₄ Plants: Kinetics of Emissions From Whole Leaves and Fluorescence Properties of Isolated Thylakoids

Abstract

Examination of whole-leaf fluorescence kinetics by means of a second-degree polynomial function showed a decrease in the rate of the rise from F_d to F_p in sodium-deficient compared with normal leaves of the C₄ species Kochia childsii and Amaranthus tricolor. This suggests a decreased efficiency in light harvesting and/or utilisation in sodium-deficient plants.

Fluorescence ratios (F_v/F_o) of separated mesophyll and bundle sheath thylakoids were both lower from leaves of sodium-deficient compared with normal plants of K. childsii, Chloris gayana, A. edulis and A. tricolor.