Chlorophyll a fluorescence and chlorophyll content in Parmelia quercina thalli from a polluted region of northern Castellon (Spain)

Measurements of modulated chlorophyll a fluorescence emission and chlorophyll content were made in thalli of Parmelia quercina collected from northern Castellon (Spain). Although high air pollution concentrations have been measured in this area, the ratio of variable to maximal fluorescence is unaffected. Following dark-adaptation, the response to irradiance of chlorophyll fluorescence was examined. With respect to control samples, thalli collected in northern Castellon consistently showed differences in fluorescence quenching, the efficiency of excitation energy capture and quenching of basal fluorescence. However, the quantum yield of photochemistry and non-cyclic electron flow were not affected. The changes in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were observed in the absence of both visual injuries and decrease in chlorophyll content. The results are discussed with regard to the possible role of environmental stress in chlorophyll fluorescence yield. (C) 1996 The British Lichen Society