The effects on photosynthesis of NaCl(0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 or 1.0 M) were examined in etiolated barley seedlings. Chlorophyll(Chl) a, Chl b and carotenoid contents, Chl a fluorescence and quenching coefficients of Chl fluorescence have been determined in the primary leaves of etiolated barley seedlings cultivated under low light(60 μ㏖ m-2s-1).
Chl a, b, and carotenoid contents were decreased remarkably in comparison with the control at 0.4 M NaCl. However, the value of Fo and Fv were decreased at 0.6 M NaCl and the ratio of Fv/Fm were deceased at 1.0 M NaCl. Chlorophyll synthesis was seriously inhibited from 0.4 M NaCl, and the photosynthetic electron transport system was inhibited from 0.6 M NaCl. Quantum of photosystem II reaction center was inhibited at 1.0 M NaCl.
The effects of NaCl on the Chl content were raised in a 6 hrs, but the effects of NaCl on the value of Fo, Fv and Fv/Fm were raised in 30 hrs. The value of qP was decreased in comparison with the control at all concentrations, but there was a small change in the value qE. These results provide evidence that NaCl inhibited effects of various concentration of NaCl were inhibited quinone redox, however, proton gradient between thylakoid membranes was little damaged.