Qualitative changes in the fluorescence spectra of intact pea leaves after photoinhibition

In high light (1400 W m-2) treated, intact pea leaves, a decrease in the ratio of fluorescence emission at 685 to 730 nm and an increase in fluorescence intensity between 500 and 600 nm were observed. Furthermore, photoacoustically monitored heat emission increased slightly, and O2 evolution decreased significantly. These findings are interpreted as effects of a photoprotective mechanism separating the carotenoid pool from the chlorophylls. This is supported by fluorescence excitation measurements and the results of a study on the reversibility of the process.