To elucidate genetic background of photoinhibition of photosynthesis (PS), we studied the changes of D_1-protein content and SOD activities in japonica and indica varieties, and their reciprocal hybrids after photoinhihition-inducing treatment by using isotope tracer. Judging from rate of photoinhibition (RPI) of PS, we found that japonica varieties were more tolerant to photoinhibition than indica varieties. How ever, the value of RPI of F_1 hybrids, though lying between those of their parents, was closer to that of their maternals than to that of paternals. Similar results were obtained in terms of PS Ⅱ activities and D_1-protein contents (Fig.1). To study the effects of SOD on PS in japonica and indica varieties. and their reciprocal hybrids, To elucidate genetic background of photoinhibition of photosynthesis (PS), we studied the changes of D_1-protein content and SOD activities in japonica and indica varieties, and their reciprocal hybrids after photoinhibition-inducing treatment by using isotope tracer. Judging from rate of photohibition ( RPI) of PS, we found that japonica varieties were more tolerant to photoinhibition than indica varieties. How ever, the value of RPI of F_1 hybrids, though lying between those of their parents, was closer to that of their maternals than to that of paternals . Similarity results were obtained in terms of PS Ⅱ activities and D_1-protein contents (Fig.1). To study the effects of SOD on PS in japonica and indica varieties. And their reciprocal hybrids,