ABSTRACT
Measurement of chlorophyll a fluorescence is helpful in assessing the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus and evaluating the physiological condition of all photosynthesizing organisms. An analysis of the chlorophyll fluorescence curve supports assessments of interactions between photochemical reactions during the light phase of photosynthesis and the efficiency of biochemical reactions during the dark phase. The detection and analysis of parameters describing chlorophyll a fluorescence is also a highly precise tool for studying photosynthetic reactions under stress conditions and for evaluating the impact of adverse environmental factors on plants. Optimal fluorimetric techniques make it possible to examine plant responses to high and low temperature, quality and intensity of light, drought, salinity, heavy metals, herbicides—inhibitors of photosynthesis, phytotoxic gaseous pollutants, and other stressors. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements are also used in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, seed science, ecological research, plant breeding, and storage and processing of vegetables and fruit.
