Diffusional and Biochemical Limitations to Photosynthesis Under Water Deficit for Field-Grown Cotton

Water deficit stress limits net photosynthetic rate (A_N), but the relative sensitivities of underlying processes such as thylakoid reactions, ATP production, carbon fixation reactions, and carbon loss processes to water deficit stress in field-grown upland cotton require further exploration. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess (1) the diffusional and biochemical mechanisms associated with water deficit-induced declines in A_N and (2) associations between water deficit-induced variation in oxidative stress and energy dissipation for field-grown cotton. Water deficit stress was imposed for three weeks during the peak bloom stage of cotton development, causing significant reductions in leaf water potential and A_N. Among diffusional limitations, mesophyll conductance was the major contributor to the A_N decline. Several biochemical processes were adversely impacted by water deficit. Among these, electron transport rate and RuBP regeneration were most sensitive to A_N-limiting water deficit. Carbon loss processes (photorespiration and dark respiration) were less sensitive than carbon assimilation, contributing to the water deficit-induced declines in A_N. Increased energy dissipation via non-photochemical quenching or maintenance of electron flux to photorespiration prevented oxidative stress. Declines in A_N were not associated with water deficit-induced variation in ATP production. It was concluded that diffusional limitations followed by biochemical limitations (ETR and RuBP regeneration) contributed to declines in A_N, carbon loss processes partially contributed to the decline in A_N, and increased energy dissipation prevented oxidative stress under water deficit in field-grown cotton.