Factors driving the biomass and species richness of desert plants in northern Xinjiang China.

The desert ecosystem is an important part of the terrestrial ecosystem. Accurate estimations of the biomass and species richness of desert plants are of great value for maintaining ecosystem stability; however, current assessments remain a challenge due to the large spatial heterogeneity in biomass and species richness and difficulties posed by time-consuming field surveys, particularly in remote areas. In the present study, There were 527 sampling sites, and each sampling site contained approximately 9 quadrats.

[NaCl stress increases the heat tolerance of PSII in leaves of rumex K-1 seedlings].

By measuring chlorophyll fluorescence, the effects of NaCl treatment on the maximal efficiency and heat tolerance of PSII were examined in leaves of Rumex seedlings. NaCl 200 mmol/L treatment had no effect on the maximal efficiency of PSII, but increased the heat tolerance of PSII in Rumex leaves. Compared with control leaves, the heat stress-induced decrease in F(v)/F(m) and the increase in F(k)/F(j) ratio were less in NaCl-treated leaves.

Characterization of PSII photochemistry and thermostability in salt-treated Rumex leaves.

A study was conducted, using chlorophyll fluorescence, rapid fluorescence induction kinetics, and polyphasic fluorescence transients, to determine the effect of salt treatment and heat stress on PSII photochemistry in Rumex leaves. Salt treatment was accomplished by adding NaCl solutions of different concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 mmol/L. Heat stress was induced by exposing the plant leaves to temperatures ranging from 29 to 47 degrees C.