Drought and photosystem II activity in two Mediterranean oaks

The responses of photosystem II (PS II) to drought were analysed on two Mediterranean oak species, Quercus ilex and Q pubescens, using the chlorophyll fluorescence pulse-amplitude-modulation technique. The maximal PS II photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of the evergreen Q ilex and the deciduous Q pubescens oaks was only affected when leaf predawn water potential was lower than -4 MPa. This value is rarely observed on mature trees growing in the field, but can be undergone by young seedlings during drought periods, hence confirming the stability of PS II. Whatever the irradiance, drought resulted, in both species, in lower values of PS II photochemical efficiency in a light-adapted state (ΔF/F m'), due to stomatal closure and/or a direct inhibition of the dark reactions of photosynthesis. Diurnal decreases of Fv/Fm of 30 min dark-adapted leaves were greater for lower predawn water potential; a recovery was observed in the late afternoon. The reversible decreases in the diurnal time-courses of maximal fluorescence led us to assume the onset of protective mechanisms from permanent photodamages in Q ilex and, to a lesser extent, in Q pubescens.