Magnesium Application Promotes Rubisco Activation and Contributes to High-Temperature Stress Alleviation in Wheat During the Grain Filling

Inhibited photosynthesis caused by post-anthesis high-temperature stress (HTS) leads to decreased wheat grain yield. Magnesium (Mg) plays critical roles in photosynthesis; however, its function under HTS during wheat grain filling remains poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of Mg on the impact of HTS on photosynthesis during wheat grain filling by conducting pot experiments in controlled-climate chambers. Plants were subjected to a day/night temperature cycle of 32 degrees C/22 degrees C for 5 days during post-anthesis; the control temperature was set at 26 degrees C/16 degrees C. Mg was applied at the booting stage, with untreated plants used as a control. HTS reduced the yield and net photosynthetic rate (P-n) of wheat plants. The maximum carboxylation rate (V-Cmax), which is limited by Rubisco activity, decreased earlier than the light-saturated potential electron transport rate. This decrease in V-Cmax was caused by decreased Rubisco activation state under HTS. Mg application reduced yield loss by stabilizing P-n. Rubisco activation was enhanced by increasing Rubisco activase activity following Mg application, thereby stabilizing P-n. We conclude that Mg maintains Rubisco activation, thereby helping to stabilize P-n under HTS.

Automated summary

The study found that magnesium application can stabilize photosynthesis and reduce yield loss in wheat plants under high-temperature stress. This is achieved by maintaining Rubisco activation and stabilizing photosynthetic rate through increased enzyme activity.