Transient heat waves may affect the photosynthetic capacity of susceptible wheat genotypes due to insufficient photosystem I Photoprotection

Abstract

We assessed the photosynthetic responses of eight wheat varieties in conditions of a simulated heat wave in a transparent plastic tunnel for one week. We found that high temperatures (up to 38◦C at midday and above 20◦C at night) had a negative effect on the photosynthetic functions of the plants and provided differentiation of genotypes through sensitivity to heat. Measurements of gas exchange showed that the simulated heat wave led to a 40% decrease in photosynthetic activity on average in comparison to the control, with an unequal recovery of individual genotypes after a release from stress. Our results indicate that the ability to recover after heat stress was associated with an efficient regulation of linear electron transport and the prevention of over-reduction in the acceptor side of photosystem I.