Different Sensitivity Levels of the Photosynthetic Apparatus in Zea mays L. and Sorghum bicolor L. under Salt Stress

The impacts of different NaCl concentrations (0–250 mM) on the photosynthesis of new hybrid lines of maize (Zea mays L. Kerala) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Shamal) were investigated. Salt-induced changes in the functions of photosynthetic apparatus were assessed using chlorophyll a fluorescence (PAM and OJIP test) and P₇₀₀ photooxidation. Greater differences between the studied species in response to salinization were observed at 150 mM and 200 mM NaCl. The data revealed the stronger influence of maize in comparison to sorghum on the amount of closed PSII centers (1-qp) and their efficiency (Φₑₓc), as well as on the effective quantum yield of the photochemical energy conversion of PSII (ΦPSII). Changes in the effective antenna size of PSII (ABS/RC), the electron flux per active reaction center (REo/RC) and the electron transport flux further QA (ETo/RC) were also registered. These changes in primary PSII photochemistry influenced the electron transport rate (ETR) and photosynthetic rate (parameter RFd), with the impacts being stronger in maize than sorghum. Moreover, the lowering of the electron transport rate from QA to the PSI end electron acceptors (REo/RC) and the probability of their reduction (φRo) altered the PSI photochemical activity, which influenced photooxidation of P₇₀₀ and its decay kinetics. The pigment content and stress markers of oxidative damage were also determined. The data revealed a better salt tolerance of sorghum than maize, associated with the structural alterations in the photosynthetic membranes and the stimulation of the cyclic electron flow around PSI at higher NaCl concentrations. The relationships between the decreased pigment content, increased levels of stress markers and different inhibition levels of the function of both photosystems are discussed.