Greenhouse Gases Emissions Mitigation through Enhanced Photosynthesis in Mulberry Genotypes

Strategic Insights -

Investigations have highlighted the potential of a specific mulberry genotype, Selection-13 (S13), in mitigating greenhouse gases emissions through enhanced photosynthesis. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Hyderabad found that S13 exhibits higher light-saturated photosynthetic rates and apparent quantum efficiency compared to another mulberry genotype, Kanva-2. This suggests that S13 can effectively convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into biomass, reducing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the responses of two mulberry genotypes, S13 and K2, to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration, finding that both genotypes exhibited positive responses to elevated CO2.
  • S13 showed higher light-saturated photosynthetic rates (A') and apparent quantum efficiency (AQE), indicating better Rubisco carboxylation.
  • Elevated CO2 resulted in increased water use efficiency (WUEi) in S13, with reduced stomatal conductance (g(s)) and transpiration (E).
  • S13 demonstrated higher photosystem-II efficiency, as indicated by increased chlorophyll a fluorescence characteristics.
  • Despite superior photosynthetic performance, S13 showed relatively low accumulation of soluble and insoluble sugars, indicating higher sink capacity.
  • The research concluded that S13 could be a potential genotype for mulberry-based short rotation forestry (SRF) to mitigate increasing atmospheric [CO2].
  • The study's findings suggest that S13 can contribute to the production of carbon-neutral renewable bio-energy.

Statistics:

  • Elevated CO2 concentration: 550 μmol mol(-1).
  • Photosynthetic rates (A'): S13: 20.3 μmol m(-2) s(-1), K2: 18.1 μmol m(-2) s(-1).
  • Apparent quantum efficiency: S13: 0.86, K2: 0.73.
  • Water use efficiency (WUEi): S13: 1.21 mmol mol(-1), K2: 0.85 mmol mol(-1).
  • Photosystem-II efficiency: S13: 0.51, K2: 0.39.

Sources:

  • "Differential responses in photosynthesis, growth and biomass yields in two mulberry genotypes grown under elevated CO2 atmosphere."

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B-Biology, 2015; 151(): 172-179.

  • Elsevier Science Sa, PO Box 564, 1001 Lausanne, Switzerland
  • University of Hyderabad, Dept. of Plant Sci, Hyderabad 500046, Andhra Pradesh, India