Effects of solar eclipse on photosynthesis of Portulaca oleracea and Phyla nodiflora in coastal wild conditions

Authors

  • K Sambandan Post Graduate Department of Plant Science, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India
  • K Seethala Devi Post Graduate Department of Plant Science, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India
  • S Santosh Kumar Department of Physics, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India
  • M Nancharaiah Cyclone Data Radar Station, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India
  • N Dhatchanamoorthy Post Graduate Department of Plant Science, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

Keywords:

Solar eclipse, Photosynthesis, Phyla nodiflora, Portulaca oleracea, Coastal wild plants

Abstract

The total solar eclipse provided a unique opportunity to understand the effects of solar radiation on the biosphere. The present study attempts to record meteorological parameters and to compare chlorophyll contents of Portulaca oleracea and Phyla nodiflora in coastal wild conditions during total solar eclipse on July 22, 2009.  Changes in meteorological parameters such as temperature by 0.5ËšC, relative humidity by 4% and light intensity around 100 lux were set to be low during eclipse day when compared to that of corresponding week. Minor changes were also observed in the wind speed and direction during solar eclipse day.  Mature leaves of Portulaca oleracea and Phyla nodiflora from coastal wild conditions were collected and analysed for total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotinoid contents at various time intervals during solar eclipse day and previous days. Chlorophyll levels were decreased slightly during solar eclipse day, whereas carotinoid levels were increased marginally in both the plant species.  Solar radiation and its photochemical phases during eclipse day are responsible for the observed reduction in photosynthetic rates of wild plants.

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Author Biographies

K Sambandan, Post Graduate Department of Plant Science, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

Post Graduate Department of Plant Science, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

K Seethala Devi, Post Graduate Department of Plant Science, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

Post Graduate Department of Plant Science, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

S Santosh Kumar, Department of Physics, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

Department of Physics, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

M Nancharaiah, Cyclone Data Radar Station, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

Cyclone Data Radar Station, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

N Dhatchanamoorthy, Post Graduate Department of Plant Science, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

Post Graduate Department of Plant Science, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, Karaikal – 609 602, U.T of Puducherry, India

Published

30-03-2012

How to Cite

Sambandan, K., Seethala Devi, K., Santosh Kumar, S., Nancharaiah, M., & Dhatchanamoorthy, N. (2012). Effects of solar eclipse on photosynthesis of Portulaca oleracea and Phyla nodiflora in coastal wild conditions. Journal of Phytology, 4(2). Retrieved from https://updatepublishing.com/journal/index.php/jp/article/view/2775

Issue

Volume 4, Issue 2, 2012

Section

Research Article