The photochemical reflectance index (PRI), based on reflectance signatures at 531 and 570 nm, and associated with xanthophyll pigment inter-conversion and related thylakoid energisation, was evaluated as an indicator of photosynthetic function in a Mediterranean holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) coppice. The chlorophyll fluorescence pulse-amplitude-modulation and the eddy correlation techniques were used to estimate the photosystem 2 photochemical efficiency of leaves and the CO2 flux over the canopy, respectively. The reflectance and fluorescence techniques yielded identical estimates of the photosynthetic activity in leaves exposed to dark-light-dark cycles or to a variable irradiance in laboratory. However, there was no such correlation between photosynthetic performance and PRI when applied to a sun-exposed canopy in field conditions. Fluorescence profiles inside the canopy and especially a helpful use of multispectral reflectance imaging highlight the limitations of such method.
Net photosynthetic rate, radiation use efficiency, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, photochemical reflectance index (PRI), and leaf water potential were measured during a 25-d period of progressive water deficit in quinoa plants grown in a glasshouse in order to examine effects of water stress and ontogeny. All physiological parameters except Fv/Fm were sensitive to water stress. Ontogenic variations did not exist in Fv/Fm and leaf water potential, and were moderate to high in the other parameters. The complete recovery of photosynthetic parameters after re-irrigation was related with the stability in Fv/Fm. PRI showed significant correlation with predawn leaf water potential, Fm', and midday Fv/Fm. Thus PRI and Chl fluorescence may help in assessing physiological changes in quinoa plants across different developmental stages and water status. and T. Winkel, M. Méthy, F. Thénot.
Two methods have been developed concurrently for hyperspectral measurements of plant canopy reflectance in two narrow wavelength bands centred around 531 and 570 nm. A laboratory-built two-channel radiometer provided an easy and quick estimation of the Photochemical Reflectance Index PRI = (R531 - R570)/(R570 + R531) of a plot of alfalfa. A CCD digital camera provided multispectral imaging and the analysis of this index on the same target. The two devices are complementary. The results of measurements are complementary with those of chlorophyll fluorescence induction. and M. Méthy, R. Joffre, S. Rambal.