Effects of zinc and soil moisture on photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of maize

Abstract

Effects of zinc [0 and 5.0 mg Zn kg-1 (soil)] on photosynthetic rate (PN), and chlorophyll fluorescence in leaves of maize (Zea mays L.) cv. Zhongdan 9409 seedlings grown under different soil moisture regimes (40-45 % and 70-75 % of soil saturated water content) were studied. Zn application did not enhance maize plant adaptation to drought stress. The relative water content and the water potential of leaves were not affected by Zn treatment. Moreover, The PN of drought-stressed plants was not improved by Zn supply. The increases of plant biomass, stomatal conductance and quantum yield of photosystem 2 due to Zn addition were notable in well-watered plants. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.