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ARS Home » Plains Area » Manhattan, Kansas » Center for Grain and Animal Health Research » Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #218966

Title: A Model for Prediction of Heat Stability of Photosynthetic Membranes

Author
item Ristic, Zoran
item BUKOVNIK, URSKA - KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
item PRASAD, P.V. VARA - KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
item West, Mark

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/29/2008
Publication Date: 7/1/2008
Citation: Ristic, Z., Bukovnik, U., Prasad, P., West, M.S. 2008. A model for prediction of heat stability of photosynthetic membranes. Crop Science.48:1513-1522.

Interpretive Summary: We developed a model for prediction of thermal damage to photosynthetic membranes. The prediction model relies on chlorophyll content as a predictor. The model was tested in over 50 genotypes of wheat and maize, and it adequately predicted the heat stability of photosynthetic membranes in all genotypes. The model offers a new approach for quick and inexpensive means of assessing the integrity of photosynthetic membranes in hot environments thereby providing information on the overall physiological state and heat stress tolerance in wheat and maize. The model could potentially be used in other crop plants, as the verification of the model showed that it is not species-specific. For assessment of photosynthetic membrane damage, control plants may not be necessary as the model can predict membrane damage using chlorophyll content from heat-stressed plants.

Technical Abstract: A previous study has revealed a positive correlation between heat-induced damage to photosynthetic membranes (thylakoid membranes) and chlorophyll loss. In this study, we exploited this correlation and developed a model for prediction of thermal damage to thylakoids. Prediction is based on estimation of the ratio of constant chlorophyll a fluorescence (O) and the peak of variable fluorescence (P) (O/P). The model was developed using 12 cultivars of hexaploid winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars were exposed to heat stress for 16 d, and during the treatment chlorophyll a fluorescence and chlorophyll content were measured at two-day intervals. Chlorophyll content was measured using a SPAD chlorophyll meter. The relationship between O/P and chlorophyll content was determined using random coefficients regression analysis and a simple linear regression equation was developed for prediction of thylakoid damage. The model was tested in six genotypes of hexaploid wheat, 25 genotypes of tetraploid wheat (T. turgidum L.), and 20 genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.). Predictive ability was assessed by analyzing the relationship between the predicted and measured O/P. The model adequately predicted O/P and thereby the heat stability of thylakoid membranes in all genotype groups with high coefficients of determination (r2 > 0.80). The model could be used as an easy and inexpensive means for detection of the structural and functional state of photosynthetic membranes in wheat and maize, and possibly other crops, in hot environments.