Volatile metabolites of higher plant crops as a photosynthesizing life support system component under temperature stress at different light intensities

• Published in: Advances in space research 2003, Vol.31 (7), p.1781-1786
• Main Authors: Gitelson, I.I., Tikhomirov, A.A., Parshina, O.V., Ushakova, S.A., Kalacheva, G.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air Pollution, Indoor - analysis; Environment, Controlled; Gases - analysis; Hot Temperature; Life Support Systems; Light; Photons; Photosynthesis - physiology; Photosynthesis - radiation effects; Triticum - growth & development; Triticum - metabolism; Triticum - radiation effects; Volatilization
• ISSN: 0273-1177; 1879-1948
• DOI: 10.1016/S0273-1177(03)00121-2

The effect of elevated temperatures of 35 and 45°C (at the intensities of photosynthetically active radiation 322, 690 and 1104 μmol·m −2·s −1) on the photosynthesis, respiration, and qualitative and quantitative composition of the volatiles emitted by wheat ( Triticum aestuvi L., cultivar 232) crops was investigated in growth chambers. Identification and quantification of more than 20 volatile compounds (terpenoids-α-pinene, Δ 3 carene, limonene, benzene, α-and trans-caryophyllene, α- and γ-terpinene, their derivatives, aromatic hydrocarbons, etc.) were conducted by gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry. Under light intensity of 1104 μmol·m −2·s −1 heat resistance of photosynthesis and respiration increased at 35°C and decreased at 45°C. The action of elevated temperatures brought about variations in the rate and direction of the synthesis of volatile metabolites. The emission of volatile compounds was the greatest under a reduced irradiation of 322 μmol·m −2·s −1 and the smallest under 1104 μmol·m −2·s −1, at 35°C. During the repair period, the contents and proportions of volatile compounds were different from their initial values, too. The degree of disruption and the following recovery of the functional state depended on the light intensity during the exposure to elevated temperatures. The investigation of the atmosphere of the growth chamber without plants has revaled the substances that were definitely technogenic in origin: tetramethylurea, dimethylsulfide, dibutylsulfide, dibutylphthalate, and a number of components of furan and silane nature.