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Published on: August 15, 2017
Optimising Peanut Growth: Exogenous Calcium Enhances Photosynthesis in Phosphorus-Limited Environments
Qingwen Shi1,2, Mingzhu Ma1, Chunming Bai3,4
1College of Land and Environment, National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Key Laboratory of Protected Horticulture of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China.
Abstract:
The study aimed to enhance peanut growth in phosphorus (P)-limited environments through exogenous calcium (Ca), exploring underlying mechanisms. Foliar application of calcium ions (Ca2+) and calmodulin (CaM) inhibitor (trifluoperazine, TFP) effects were investigated under P deficiency in a climate chamber. Parameters assessed included growth, biomass, nutrient accumulation, leaf expansion, carbohydrate metabolism, chlorophyll concentration, gas exchange, photosynthetic P-use efficiency (PPUE), chlorophyll fluorescence, and P700 redox state. Phosphorus deficiency reduced growth, leaf expansion, chlorophyll concentration, dry matter production, and photosynthetic capacity. Photosynthesis was feedback-limited, evidenced by negative correlations between sucrose concentration and net photosynthetic rate (Pn), and between starch concentration and sucrose phosphate synthase activity under low-P stress (LP). Exogenous Ca2+ application under P deficiency (LP+Ca) stimulated growth, biomass, and carbohydrate export, improving PPUE and photoprotection through enhanced cyclic electron flow and non-photochemical quenching. Conversely, foliar TFP application (LP + TFP) exacerbated the adverse effects of P deficiency on growth and photosynthesis, highlighting Ca2+-CaM's role in mitigating feedback inhibition. Exogenous Ca2+ application alleviated P-deficiency feedback limitations on photosynthesis primarily by enhancing growth/sink demand and protecting photosystems from photoinhibition. Exogenous Ca shows promise for cleaner peanut production in P-limited fields.
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