Tomato and pepper leaves were clipped with black leaf clips for dark adaptation under solar radiation in the late spring or early summer 2010 in southern Italy. The leaves showed highly variable maximum PSII quantum yield (Fv/Fm = 0.026-0.802) using a continuous-excitation fluorometer Pocket PEA. These results were confirmed using the modulated fluorometer FMS1 on tomato leaves in mid summer, with Fv/Fm as low as 0.222 ± 0.277 due to nearly equal minimum (F0) and maximum (Fm) fluorescence emission. A significant clip effect on Fv/Fm occurred after only 12 (tomato) or 25 (pepper) min. Increasing the leaf temperature from 25 to 50°C reportedly induced an F0 increase and Fm decrease so that Fv/Fm approached zero. The hypothesis that black leaf clips overheated under intense solar irradiance was verified by shrouding the clipped leaves with aluminum foil. In clipped leaves of pepper, Fv/Fm with the black clip/Pocket-PEA was 0.769 ± 0.025 (shrouded) and as low as 0.271 ± 0.163 (nonshrouded), the latter showing a double F0 and 32% lower Fm. An 8% clip effect on Fv/Fm was observed with the white clip/FMS1. To avoid the clip effect in high irradiance environments, Fv/Fm measurements with black clip/Pocket PEA system required leaf dark adaptation with
radiation-reflecting shrouds. It would be useful if manufacturing companies could develop better radiation-reflecting leaf clips for the Pocket PEA fluorometer. and P. Giorio.
The effects of postharvest pretreatments on vase life, keeping quality and carbohydrate concentrations in cut sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.) flowers were investigated. Compared to the control, all treatments promoted floret quality and extended longevity. The cut flowers held in the solution containing sucrose + 8-hydroxyquinoline (Suc+HQS) was more effective in promoting absorption rate, achieved greater maximum fresh mass, had better water balance for a longer period, extended the vase life (up to 17 d), and delayed degradation of chlorophylls. The same treatment also enhanced the concentration of soluble carbohydrates in the petals and stems and leaf chlorophyll (Chl) content, whereas it was lowest in silver thiosulphate (STS) treatment. However, concentrations of anthocyanin in the petals were higher for treatment with sucrose or STS plus sucrose than in control or STS alone treatments. Our results suggest that pulse treatment with HQS plus sucrose for 12 h is the most effective for improving pigmentation and use as a commercial cut flower preservative solution to delay flower senescence, enhance quality, and prolong the vase life of sweet pea. The results also showed that soluble carbohydrate concentration in petals and stems is an important factor in determining the vase life of sweet pea flowers., K. M. Elhindi., and Obsahuje bibliografii