[Effect of long-term suboptimal temperature and short-term low temperature under low light density on cucumber growth...

The study on the effects of long-term suboptimal temperature (T1) and short-term low temperature (T2) under low light density on cucumber seedling's growth and its photosynthesis showed that the growth speed, photosynthetic rate (Pn), carboxylation efficiency (CE), apparent quantum yield (AQY) and actual quantum yield of P(S II) electron transport (phi(PS II)) all declined remarkably, and the photochemical efficiency of PS II (Fnu/Fm) also decreased to some extent. The decreasing extents of Pn, CE and AQY of T1 were less than those of T2, while the recovery rate of T1 was slower than that of T2. The Fnu/Fm and phi(PS II) of T1 declined to less extent and resiled quickly, while those of T2 decreased to larger extent and recovered slowly. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid of T1 increased remarkably after being treated, while those of T2 decreased evidently. The Chl a/b of both T1 and T2 declined remarkably. With recovery time going, the pigment of T1 declined under most conditions, while that of T2 increased gradually. Three days later, the pigment content of T1 and T2 were both higher than control. The Chl a/b had no significant change during the recovery period, and was still obviously lower than control.