We investigated the inherent protective mechanisms against stress and damage to photosystem II (PSII) in barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Albori). Leaves were desiccated at 30% relative humidity, under either low or high light (photon flux densities of 100 or 300 $mu$mol $m^{-2}$ $s^{-l}$, respectively). During the treatment period, relative water content dropped to 35 to 45%, depending on light intensity. However, the photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) decreased only about 10%. This relatively stable response was due to the rapid, reversible increase in Fm (maximum fluorescence) during 20 min of dark-adaptation. During desiccation in the light, however, PSII was photo-inactivated by non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), with the excess excitation energy absorbed by the chlorophyll being dissipated as heat energy. This decline in NPQ in the first 2 min of treatment was caused by a relaxation in the energy-dependent quenching during dark-adaptation, but could be delayed significantly by a phosphatase inhibitor, NaF. In addition, the relaxation of other NPQ components related to state transition and phosphorylation of thylakoid phosphoproteins were blocked by NaF.F.