Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Photosynthesis is an integral part of plant metabolism for the production of carbohydrates, which are in turn used for plant biomass production. Phosphate (P) plays an important role in photosynthesis and the production of carbohydrates; however, it is also one of the most difficult macronutrients for plants to obtain. The effects of P deprivation on photosynthesis and respiration in the model legume Lotus japonicus were studied using gas exchange measurements and the A:Ci model of photosynthesis. Phosphate deprivation decreased plant biomass, overall photosynthetic reactions, photosynthesis:respiration ratio and triose-P utilization. The root:shoot ratio, the hallmark of P deprivation, did not show any significant increase under P deprivation, which is in contrast to the bulk of previous findings. Consistent allocation to both roots and shoots could explain this phenomenon. Direct photosynthetic and respiration measurements did not show any significant decrease under P deprivation, although the effect of P on photosynthesis has been shown to be largely species-specific. The ratio of photosynthesis to respiration, however, showed a marked decrease and therefore was affected by P deprivation. Changes in photosynthesis, respiration and triose-P utilization explain the decrease in plant biomass.
Source: South African Journal of Botany
Institution: Stellenbosch University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,750
Funder: National Research Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W2306471622