본 연구는 차나무(Camellia sinensis L.)와 동백나무(C.japonica L.), 제주지역의 주요 과수작물인 귤나무(Citrus unshiu M.) 잎을 대상으로 엽록소형광과 CO2 흡수능을 비교 분석하여 탄소흡수원으로서의 가치를 평가하고자하였다. 차나무의 CO2 고정율은 같은 과의 동백나무보다 높고 과수작물인 귤나무와 유사하였다. 기공전도도 (gs)는 3종 모두 새벽에는 높고 이후 저녁 시간까지 계속하여 감소하였다. 엽육 내 CO2 농도 (Ci)는 3종 모두 새벽(06:00)에 높고 낮에 감소하였다가 저녁에 다시 증가하는 경향을 보였으며, 잎의 증산율 (E)은 낮 시간에 높아졌다가 저녁에 감소하였다. 차나무에서 광계II의 광화학적 효율(Fv/Fm)은 낮시간에 다소 낮아졌다가 저녁에 다시 증가하는 양상을 보였다. 이러한 낮시간의 Fv/Fm 감소는 광억제의 결과로 보이며 그 감소폭이 동백나무보다 적어 빛이나 고온 등에 내성을 가지고 있음을 알 수 있다. 엽면적당 활성상태의 반응중심의 상대적 밀도를 의미하는 RC/CS는 3종 모두 낮시간에 감소하였다. ABS/RC, TRo/RC, ETo/RC와 DIo/RC는 차나무와 동백나무에서 낮시간에 증가하였으며, 귤나무에서도 낮시간에 증가하였으나 유의성이 없는 것으로 나타났다. 일동화율은 차나무가 320.1 mmol m-2 d-1로 가장 높았으며, 귤나무와 동백나무는 각각 292.5 mmol m-2 d-1와 244.8 mmol m-2 d-1로 나타났다. 이상의 결과를 토대로 차나무는 광합성율이 높고 낮 시간의 광억제도 낮을 뿐만 아니라, 귤나무보다 수분요구량이 낮고 수분이용효율은 높아 탄소흡수원으로서 유용한 작물수종인 것으로 보인다.

To compare the vitality among cool-season turfgrasses under summer weather conditions and to obtain information to improve the management of turfgrasses in golf courses and sports fields., the chlorophyll fluorescence of three cool-season turfgrasses commonly planted on golf courses in the Jeju area was measured. The turfgrasses were perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.). In perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass, the chlorophyll index was low in early summer and high in late summer. In creeping bentgrass, it remained low throughout the study. Fo tended to be low in the early summer and high in late summer in the three turfgrasses. However, the difference in Fo between late summer and early summer was markedly higher in perennial ryegrass than in Kentucky bluegrass or creeping bentgrass. Fm tended to be low in early summer and high in late summer, without obvious differences among the three turfgrasses. Fv/Fm, a measure of photochemical efficiency, was also low in early summer and high in late summer in the three turfgrasses. However, Fv/Fm in late summer was mostly higher in Kentucky bluegrass and creeping bentgrass than in perennial ryegrass, indicating that the former are more resistant to the high temperature and humidity of late summer. Furthermore, Kentucky bluegrass had a high chlorophyll index in late summer and would be most resistant to the harsh conditions of late summer.

Seasonal changes in the CO2 fixation rate and water-use efficiency in the leaves of six evergreen and two deciduous broad-leaved tree species on Jeju Island, Korea, were measured using a portable photosynthesis analyzer, to identify which species are most efficient in taking up CO2 from the air. The CO2 fixation rate was high in the deciduous species in spring and summer and decreased in fall, whereas it was high in the evergreen species in summer and fall and decreased in winter. The rate remained high in the deciduous tree Prunus yedoensis from spring to fall (> 7.1 μmol CO2/m2/s) and in two evergreen trees, Castanopsis cuspidata var. sieboldii and Cinnamomum camphora, in summer and fall (7.0 9.9 μmol CO2/m2/s). Therefore, these tree species fix atmospheric CO2 effectively. The water-use efficiency was higher in evergreen species than in deciduous species regardless of the season. Exceptionally, it was high in the deciduous species Zelkova serrata in spring and summer (> 100 μmol CO2/mol H2O), suggesting that Z. serrata is a useful tree for dry conditions due to its tolerance of water stress. The regressions of the CO2 fixation rate versus the evaporation rate and stomatal conductance were linear and non-linear, respectively. This suggests that the stomatal activity of leaves plays an important part in CO2 fixation of plants. In conclusion, C. cuspidata var. sieboldii, C. camphora, and P. yedoensis should be planted along roads or in urban spaces for the greening of cities and mitigation of CO2 concentrations in the air.

An unrecorded cactus species, Opuntia monacantha Haw. (Cactaceae), is newly reported in Korea. It was found growing on the coast of Jeju Island. It is distinguished from other Opuntia species by the following morphological characteristics. It is an erect succulent tree, commonly 2~3 m, but can reach 4 m. It is highly branched at the top and has drooping upper branches. The cladodes are oval to obovate, narrowing basally, and glossy green. It has yellow outer tepals with a reddish median stripe on the back. It produces purple fruit with yellowish green juicy pulp, which contains several rudimentary seeds and very few mature seeds (<2). The Korean name “Wang-seon-in-jang” is given to the species, based on the height of the plants and the large cladodes.

The effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on growth and photosynthesis of soybean (Glycine max Merr.) were investigated to predict its productivity under elevated CO2 levels in the future. Soybean grown for 6 weeks showed significant increase in vegetative growth, based on plant height, leaf characteristics (area, length, and width), and the SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter value (SPAD value) under elevated CO2 conditions (800 μmol/mol) compared to ambient CO2 conditions (400 μmol/mol). Under elevated CO2 conditions, the photosynthetic rate (A) increased although photosystem II (PS II) photochemical activity (Fv/Fm) decreased. The maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax) was higher under elevated CO2 conditions than under ambient CO2 conditions, whereas the maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) was lower under elevated CO2 conditions compared to ambient CO2 conditions. The optimal temperature for photosynthesis shifted significantly by approximately 3°C under the elevated CO2 conditions. With the increase in temperature, the photosynthetic rate increased below the optimal temperature (approximately 30°C) and decreased above the optimal temperature, whereas the dark respiration rate (Rd) increased continuously regardless of the optimal temperature. The difference in photosynthetic rate between ambient and elevated CO2 conditions was greatest near the optimal temperature. These results indicate that future increases in CO2 will increase productivity by increasing the photosynthetic rate, although it may cause damage to the PS II reaction center as suggested by decreases in Fv/Fm, in soybean.

Plant biomass, photosystem II (PSII) photochemical activity, photosynthetic function, and zinc (Zn) accumulation were investigated in a sorghum-sudangrass hybrid (Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanense) exposed to various Zn concentrations to determine the elimination capacity of Zn from soils. Plant growth and biomass of the sorghum-sudangrass hybrid decreased with increasing Zn concentration. Symptoms of Zn toxicity, i.e., withering and discoloration of old leaves, were found at Zn concentrations over 800 ppm. PSII photochemical activity, as indicated by the values of Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo, decreased significantly three days after exposure to Zn concentrations of 800 ppm or more. Photosynthetic CO2 fixation rate (A) was high between Zn concentrations of 100-200 ppm (22.5 μmol CO2･m –2･s –1), but it declined as Zn concentration increased. At Zn concentrations of 800 and 1600 ppm, A was 14.1 and 1.8 μmol CO2･m –2･s –1, respectively. The patterns of stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), and water use efficiency (WUE) were all similar to that of photosynthetic CO2 fixation rate, except for dark respiration (Rd), which showed an opposite pattern. Zn was accumulated in both above- and below-ground parts of plants, but was more in the below-ground parts. Magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) concentrations were significantly low in the leaves of plants, and symptoms of Mg or Fe deficiency, such as a decrease in the SPAD value, were found when plants were treated with Zn concentrations above 800 ppm. These results suggest that the sorghum-sudangrass hybrid is able to accumulate Zn to high level in plant body and eliminate it with its rapid growth and high biomass yield.

The effects of cadmium ions (Cd2+) on the Chl a fluorescence of Ricciocarpos natans were investigated in order to determine whether Chl fluorescence can be used as a biomarker to estimate the physiological responses of plants to cadmium stress. In all plants treated with Cd2+, the image of Fv/Fm, which represents the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ, changed as the Cd2+ concentration increased, when treated for 48 h or more. Changes of ΦPSⅡ and QP images were recognized even at 10 μM Cd2+. The Chl a O-J-I-P fluorescence transient was also affected even at 10 μM Cd2+. The fluorescence yield decreased considerably in steps J, I and P in plants treated with Cd2+, although a typical polyphasic rise was observed in non-treated plants. The Chl fluorescence parameters, Fm, Fv/Fo, Sm, SFIabs, PIabs and ETo/CS, decreased as the Cd2+ concentration increased, while the Mo and Kn parameters increased. Peroxidase activity decreased significantly and catalase activity increased as the Cd2+ concentration increased. Because of its sensitivity to Cd2+ Ricciocarpos natans is useful in experiments investigating the responses of plants to cadmium exposure. Several parameters (Fm, Fv/Fo, Sm, SFIabs, PIabs, ETo/CS, Mo and Kn) can be applied to determine quantitatively the physiological states of plants under cadmium stress.

The response of the freshwater microalga Chlorella vulgaris to mercuric ion (Hg2+) stress was examined using chlorophyll a fluorescence image analysis and O-J-I-P analysis as a way to monitor the toxic effects of mercury on water ecosystems. The levels of photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids, decreased with increasing Hg2+ concentration. The maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem Ⅱ(Fv/Fm) changed remarkably with increasing Hg2+ concentration and treatment time. In particular, above 200 μM Hg2+, considerable mercury toxicity was seen within 2 h. The chlorophyll a fluorescence transient O-J-I-P was also remarkably affected by Hg2+; the fluorescence emission decreased considerably in steps J, I, and P with an increase in Hg2+ concentration when treated for 4 h. Subsequently, the JIP-test parameters (Fm, Fv/Fo, RC/CS, TRo/CS, ETo/CS, ΦPO, ΨO and ΦEO) decreased with increasing Hg2+ concentration, while N, Sm, ABS/RC, DIo/RC and DIo/CS increased. Therefore, a useful biomarker for investigating mercury stress in water ecosystems, and the parameters Fm, ΦPO, ΨO, and RC/CS can be used to monitor the environmental stress in water ecosystems quantitatively.

The rate of photosynthesis (A) of leaves from 10 plant species (6 evergreen and 4 deciduous) of the family Fagaceae was measured using a portable photosynthesis analyzer, to examine which species take up CO2 most efficiently. Of the evergreen species, the photosynthetic rate of Castanopsis cuspidata var. sieboldii was highest, and remained above 82.1～106.4 μmol kg-1s-1 from July to November. Of the deciduous species, the photosynthetic rate of Quercus acutissima was higher than that of the other three species, and remained high at 83.5～116.6 μmol kg-1s-1 from September to November. The photosynthetic rate of the 10 species was positively correlated with stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (E). However, there was no correlation between photosynthetic rate and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), although there was a positive correlation just in three species (Q. gilva, Q. acutissima and Q. glauca). These results suggest that the CO2 fixation capacity of C. cuspidata var. sieboldii, an evergreen species, and Q. acutissima, a deciduous species, is significantly higher than that of the other species examined, and that photosynthesis is regulated by both stomatal conductance and transpiration. Therefore, C. cuspidata var. sieboldii and Q. acutissima may be valuable for the evaluation of carbon uptake in urban green spaces as well as in afforested areas.

The effects of Cd2+ ions on the Chl a fluorescence of 5 hydrophytes (e.g. Lemna, Salvinia, Ricciocarp, Nymph, Typha plants) were investigated in order to select Cd2+-sensitive plant species and to get informations on physiological responses of plants to Cd2+ stress. Lemna plants were most sensitive to cadmium stress, while Nymph plants were tolerant. However, in all Cd2+-treated plants, Fv/Fm, the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ, decreased in proportion to the increase of Cd2+ concentration and treatment time. The Chl a fluorescence transient O-J-I-P was also considerably affected by Cd2+ ions; the fluorescence yield decreased considerably in steps J, I and P in Cd2+ treated plants, although it followed a typical polyphasic rise in non-treated plants. In Lemna plants, the functional parameters, ABS/CS, TRo/CS와 ETo/CS and RC/CS, decreased in proportion to the increase of Cd2+ concentration, while N, Mo and Kn increased. The structural parameters, Φpo, Φpo/(1-Φpo), Plabs, SFlabs, Kp and RC/ABS, also decreased according to the increase of Cd2+ concentration. Consequently, Lemna plants will be useful as a experimental model system to investigate responses of plants. And several functional or structural parameters could be applied to determine quantitatively the physiological states of plants under stresses.

This study was investigated on biodiversity and life forms of plants distributed in 28 wetlands on Jeju city, in order to apply wetlands to nature exploration sites for environmental education. The 131 kinds of the plants were found on 28 wetlands. The plant biodiversity was relatively high in Ban pond, Jeongmool, Mosanimool, Dolgaegi pond, Woot pond, and etc. The 5～6 life forms of plants, relatively high in variousness to other wet lands, were distributed in Mosanimool, Dolgaegi pond, Woot pond, and Yeonhoa pond as well as Jeongmool and Yongsoo reservoir. The 71 kinds, which correspond to 54.2% of plants observed in this study, were identified as hydrophytes. The 4～5 forms of hydrophytes were distributed on 23 wetlands, including Jeongmool, Mosanimool, Yongsoo reservoir, Ban pond, Dolgaegi pond, and etc. In conclusion, 5 wetlands such as Jeongmool, Yongsoo reservoir, Dolgaegi pond, Mosanimool and Woot pond were high in variousness of plant life forms as well as biodiversity of plants. These results suggest that 5 wetlands above could be applied as nature exploration sites. In addition, Korean rare and endangered plants such as Isoetes japonica, Nymphoides coreana, Utricularia japonica and Sparganium stoloniferum in this study need to be conserved.

This study was investigated on the consciousness of middle school students in Jeju city about the environmental education through questionnaire, in order to understand the actual conditions of environmental education and to find out the solutions about them. Middle school students responded that environmental education in school was taken at the class for the special activity or voluntary service, not in regular class and was worked as in the form of the field trip. They generally obtain the knowledge and informations on the environmental problems from mass media such as TV, radio and newspaper than from regular environment class in school. And 36.0% of students perceive that environmental education is needed as a regular class and 31.3% of students perceive that the regular class in school is effective to the environmental education. These results suggest that many students are interested in the regular environment class in school. However, the most of students responded that the regular environment class in school is not worked or is not worked at all, suggesting that the environmental education in middle school is not worked effectively. Most of students prefer to take the environment class in the form of observation or field trip, and they think that observation or field trip is more effective to obtain environmental informations. In conclusion, the special activity such as observation or field trip needs to be supplemented to regular environment class in order to improve the environmental education in middle school more effectively.

The diurnal changes of chlorophyll fluorescence and antioxidative enzyme activity were investigated in the leaves from four subtropical plant species (Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum Bak., Osmanthus insularis Koidz., Asplenium antiquum Makino and Chloranthus glaber Makino) under the natural habitats in summer and winter. The intensity of chlorophyll fluorescence was lower in O-, I-, J-, P-steps of O-J-I-P transient in winter than summer, and prominent diurnal change was not found in the fluorescence intensity of four subtropical plant species in winter. The activity and isoenzyme pattern of SOD and catalase did irregularly change seasonally and diurnally in four subtropical plant species. In contrast, the peroxidase activity and isoenzyme pattern was different depending on plant species and growth seasons; The activity increased slightly more in winter than in summer in four subtropical plant species, and several isoenzymes appeared in the leaves from C. asiaticum var. japonicum, O. insularis and A. antiquum in winter.

The changes of O-J-I-P transients were investigated using leaves of four subtropical plant species (Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum, Osmanthus insularis, Chloranthus glaber and Asplenium antiquum) under the natural conditions in winter, in order to select the stress indicators for diagnosing physiological states of plants under low temperature. In the O-J-I-P transients of these species, the fluorescence intensity was found to be higher in O-step and lower in P-step in winter than in summer. Particularly, the fluorescence intensity of the P-step in Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum was lower than those of other three plant species, indicating that Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum is the most sensitive to low temperature. Of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters derived from O-J-I-P transients of four subtropical plants, Fm, Fv/Fo, ABS/CS, TRo/CS, ΦPO and ΦPO/(1-ΦPO) decreased significantly with the increase of Fo, Sm, N, ETo/CS, ETo/RC and Ψo/(1-Ψo) depending on temperature drop in winter. Therefore, these parameters could be used as indicators for estimating low temperature stress and diagnosing physiological states of plants under the natural conditions in winter.

The change of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, O-J-I-P transients and psbA gene expression were investigated in the leaves of Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum on the natural condition in winter, in order to elucidate physiological responses of photosystem Ⅱ (PSⅡ) activity to winter stresses. The photochemical efficiencies of PSⅡ, Fv/Fm, were significantly low in winter, contrary to its high value in summer. The values of 1-qN and 1-qP were lower in midday than at dawn or night both in summer and winter, although their decrease in midday was less in winter than in summer. In the O-J-I-P transients, the fluorescence intensity of J, I, P-step decreased remarkably depending on temperature drop in winter. And the D1 reaction center protein of PSⅡ decreased in late winter more than in early winter, concomitantly with relatively high content of description products of psbA gene in midday. These results indicate that low temperature in winter causes irreversible damage to PSⅡ and subsequently leads to cell death.