Effect of phosphinothricin (glufosinate) on photosynthesis and photorespiration of C3 and C 4 plants.

Phosphinothricin (glufosinate), an irreversible inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, causes an inhibition of photosynthesis in C3 (Sinapis alba) and C4 (Zea mays) plants under atmospheric conditions (400 ppm CO2, 21% O2). This photosynthesis inhibition is proceeding slower in C4 leaves. Under non-photorespiratory conditions (1000 ppm CO2, 2% O2) there is no inhibition of photosynthesis. The inhibition of glutamine synthetase by phosphinothricin results in an accumulation of NH4 (+). The NH4 (+)-accumulation is lower in C4 plants than in C3 plants. The inhibition of glutamine synthetase through phosphinothricin in mustard leaves results in a decrease in glutamine, glutamate, aspartate, asparag…