Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2011, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (6): 672-680.DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1258.2011.00672

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Comparison of chlorophyll content and fluorescence parameters of six pasture species in two habitats in China

LI Lei1,2,3, LI Xiang-Yi1,3,*(), LIN Li-Sha1,3, WANG Ying-Ju1,2,3, XUE Wei1,2,3   

  1. 1Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences,ürümqi 830011, China
    2Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    3Xinjiang Cele National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of Desertification and Grassland Ecosystem, Cele, Xinjiang 848300, China
  • Received:2010-12-20 Accepted:2011-04-22 Online:2011-12-20 Published:2011-06-30
  • Contact: LI Xiang-Yi

Abstract:

Aims Qianshan Pasture in the Kunlun Mountains and Cele Oasis of China are different habitats with different elevations. We compared six pasture species in terms of chlorophyll (Chl) content and fluorescence parameters to investigate the effect of habitat on photosystem II (PSII).

Methods Agropyron cristatum, Bromus inermis, Festuca elata, Elymus dahuricus, Onobrychis pulchella and Medicago sativa var. luxurians, were grown in both sites. Leaf pigment content was measured by 95% ethanol method, and PSII chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were monitored by using a Plant Efficiency Analyzer (PEA).

Important findings The measured physiological parameters differed greatly in all six species growing in the two habitats. In Qianshan Pasture, all species showed obviously higher Chl a, Chl b and total Chl content, while those growing in Cele Oasis had higher Chl a/Chl b. Plants in Kunlun Mountains also had markedly higher maximum fluorescence yield (Fm), maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), potential activity of PSII (Fv/Fo) and active reaction centers per cross-section (RC/CSo), as well as lower minimum fluorescence yield (Fo), absorption flux per reaction center (ABC/RC), maximal trapping flux per reaction center (TRo/RC), flux of dissipated excitation energy per reaction center (DIo/RC) and initial slope of fluorescence intensity (Mo) than those in the Cele Oasis. These parameters also showed large differences in variation amplitude between habitats. The results indicated that environmental conditions in the Cele Oasis were stressful to pasture species. It decreased chlorophyll content and inactivated PSII. The habitat in Kunlun Mountains was relatively favorable for these species.

Key words: chlorophyll, chlorophyll fluorescence, habitat, pasture