Al3+ significantly delayed the loss of chlorophyll (Chl), protein, and carotenoids when compared to K+ and Mg2+ during dark-induced senescence of detached primary leaves of Triticum aestivum. Thylakoid membranes isolated from Al3+ - treated leaves showed a better retention of photosystem (PS) 2, PS1, and whole chain electron transport activities than thylakoids of K+- or Mg2+-treated leaves. These ions protected the electron transport activities and restored the DCMU-dependent fluorescence increase of thylakoid membranes in a valency-dependent manner. Al3+ also delayed the change of excitation energy distribution during senescence. and D. Subhan, S. D. S. Murthy.
Al3+ in combination with kinetin showed more protection against degradation of chlorophyll (Chl) and protein than Al3+ or kinetin alone during dark-induced senescence in wheat primary leaf segments. MV-dependent whole chain electron transport, photosystem (PS) 2 mediated oxygen evolution, and PS1 activities were also delayed to a greater extent. Absorbed excitation energy distribution was more in favour of PS1 in Al3+ plus kinetin-treated leaf thylakoids at 72 h. and D. Subhan, S. D. S. Murthy.