CAN CO2 ASSIMILATION IN MAIZE LEAVES BE PREDICTED ACCURATELY FROM CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS

Analysis is made of the energetics Of CO2 fixation, the photochemical quantum requirement per CO2 fixed, and sinks for utilising reductive power in the C4 plant maize. CO2 assimilation is the primary sink for energy derived from photochemistry, whereas photorespiration and nitrogen assimilation are relatively small sinks, particularly in developed leaves. Measurement Of 02 exchange by mass spectrometry and CO2 exchange by infrared gas analysis under varying levels of CO2 indicate that there is a very close relationship between the true rate of O2 evolution from PS II and the net rate of CO2 fixation. Consideration is given to measurements of the quantum yields of PS II (phi(ps II)) from fluorescence analysis and Of CO2 assimilation (phi(CO2*)) in maize over a wide range of conditions. The phi(ps II)/phi(CO2*) ratio was found to remain reasonably constant (ca. 12) over a range of physiological conditions in developed leaves, with varying temperature, CO2 concentrations, light intensities (from 5% to 100% of full sunlight), and following photoinhibition under high light and low temperature. A simple model for predicting CO2 assimilation from fluorescence parameters is presented and evaluated. It is concluded that under a wide range of conditions fluorescence parameters can be used to predict accurately and rapidly CO2 assimilation rates in maize.