The Effect of KHCO3 on Photosynthesis of Eggplant Seedlings

The low concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is one of the main factors to restrict photosynthesis of C3 plants. The effect of KHCO3 on photosynthesis of eggplant seedlings was studied in order to improve photosynthesis of C3 plants. The results showed that KHCO3 could significantly enhance the photosynthetic rate of eggplant seedlings. 500mg/L KHCO3 was the most optimal concentration to improve photosynthetic rate of eggplant seedlings. KHCO3 could increase light saturation point, CO2 saturation point, carboxylase efficiency and lower CO2 compensate point of eggplant seedlings. KHCO3 could improve stomatal conductance and electron transport activity. There was phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) in leaves of eggplant seedlings, but PEPC activity was low. KHCO3 could improve ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity and PEPC activity. From impact factors, HCO3- could enhance photosynthetic rate. K+ could raise stomatal conductance of eggplant seedlings. HCO3- could improve activity of PEPC . Both HCO3- and K+ could increase Rubisco activity.