CHANGES IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC PARAMETERS IN ABELMOSCHLIS ESCLILENTUS (L.) MOENCH AS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONSSUPATRA SEN AND S. MUKHERJIAbstract The photosynthetic productivity of plants growing under natural conditions is strongly influenced by the environmental factors, which act differentially during different seasons. Chlorophyll content, chlorophyllase activity, Hill Activity and CO2 uptake were estimated in summer, rainy and winter seasons in Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Okra), an important tropical crop to quantify the seasonal variation in photosynthesis. Seasonal variations in these photosynthetic parameters could explain the differences observed in morphological and physiological behaviour, and thereby the yield obtained in different seasons, besides indicating the enormous impact of environmental stress on agricultural productivity. The summer season environmental conditions were most conducive enhancing chlorophyll content, Hill Activity and rate of photosynthesis with drastic suppression of chlorophyllase activity. The winter season was characterized bya reduced eficiency of photosynthesis, indicative of a period of environmental stress. The photosynthetic parametes under study also served as useful plant bioassay indices of the stressful environment.
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