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Functional status of the photosynthetic apparatus in chlorotic sugar beet leaves

Yield and quality of sugar beet roots depend on the efficiency of the photosynthetic activity of the leaf apparatus, which is the main source of assimilates for sugar accumulation in the roots. Leaf chlorosis is a physiological disorder characterized by the loss of green color due to reduced chlorophyll content, leading to decreased crop productivity. The aim of the study was to assess the functional state of the photosynthetic apparatus of sugar beet leaves exhibiting chlorosis symptoms using the chlorophyll fluorescence induction method (OJIP test) and to establish the relationship between chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, pigment content, and individual plant productivity. Field experiments were conducted in the zone of unstable moisture in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine during 2023–2025. Chlorophyll fluorescence induction measurements were performed using a portable fluorometer «Floratest» on fully developed leaves from the middle canopy layer. Prior to measurement, leaves were dark-adapted for 30 minutes using special clips. OJIP curves were recorded under actinic light at an intensity of 3000 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ for 1 s. The Fv/Fm parameter, which characterizes the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemical reactions in PSII, is the most informative indicator for assessing the functional state of the photosynthetic apparatus. It was found that chlorotic (completely bleached) leaves were characterized by a substantial reduction in maximum fluorescence (Fm) by 57–81 % and variable fluorescence (Fv) by 60–86 % compared with normally colored leaves. The maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) in chlorotic leaves ranged from 0.50 to 0.91, compared with 0.96 in normal leaves, indicating a significant disruption of primary photochemical processes. A strong correlation was revealed between chlorophyll content and fluorescence parameters (r = 0.97). Chlorotic plants formed roots with 45–78 % lower mass and 2.1–4.8 % lower sucrose content compared with healthy plants. The OJIP test is an effective rapid method for diagnosing the functional state of the photosynthetic apparatus and predicting sugar beet productivity.

Key words: leaf chlorosis, chlorophyll fluorescence, OJIP test, Fv/Fm, photosystem II, productivity, sucrose content.

O. Prisyazhnyuk https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4639-424X


Maliarenko O.


Cherniak M. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4718-5978


Musich V.


Voronenko O. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5022-8017


Honcharuk O. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7740-1334


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2026
AGROBIOLOGY №1 2026