Photosynthetic performance and photoinhibition in two species of Potamogeton from lake Bohinj (Slovenia)

Abstract

Apparent photosynthesis, dark respiration, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II and potential respiration, estimated as terminal electron transport system (ETS) activity, were determined under experimental conditions to evaluate physiological differences in two competing species Potamogeton lucens L. and Potamogeton alpinus Balbis. The investigations showed that there are no significant differences in photosynthetic response and ETS activity. In P. lucens ETS capacity highly exceeds dark respiration measured as O2 consumption. Photochemical efficiency of PS II in P. lucens was higher and the recovery after photoinhibition was more effective. © Société botanique de France 1995.