Growth suppression of human cancer cells by polyphenolics from sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaves

Sweetpotato leaves (Ipomoea batatas L.) contain a high content of polyphenolics that consist of caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid. We investigated the suppression of the proliferation of selected human cancer cells by phenolic compounds isolated from sweetpotato leaf. The human cancer cells used in this research included a stomach cancer (Kato III), a colon cancer (DLD-1), and a promyelocytic leukemia cell (HL-60). Caffeic acid and di- and tricaffeoylquinic acids dose-dependently depressed cancer cell proliferation, and the difference in sensitivity between caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and each kind of cancer cell was observed. Specifically, 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid effectively depressed the growth of three kinds of cancer cells, and caffeic acid had an exceptionally higher effect against HL-60 cells than other di- and tricaffeoylquinic acids. In attempting to clarify the mechanism of growth suppression with the addition of the apoptotic inhibitor N-ethylmaleimide, we observed that the nuclear granulation in 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid-treated HL-60 cells suggested apoptosis induction. This effect was confirmed by DNA fragmentation, an increase of caspase-3 activity, and expression of c-Jun. Growth suppression of HL-60 cells by 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid was determined to be the result of apoptotic death of the cells. These results indicate that 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid may have potential for cancer prevention.     

Genotypic Variation of Sweetpotatoes Grown Under Low Potassium Stress

Abstract

Ninety‐four sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) genotypes were compared under low potassium (K) stress (35 mg kg^?1 dry soil) over two growing seasons. Potassium utilization efficiency ratio (KER), defined as the dry matter weight/K content, was significantly different among genotypes. Genotypes were divisible into four KER categories: high efficient, efficient, fairly efficient and inefficient with most of the genotypes falling in the efficient and fairly efficient groups. The K contents varied significantly within individual plants. Potassium concentration on a dry weight basis was greatest in the petioles followed by leaves, stems, and roots. On a total plant basis, K content in roots was greatest followed by stems, leaves, and petioles. Several genotypes (including 602 × 81‐3, Zhe15‐47 and Xushu18) were selected as most suitable for growth on soils low in available K due to their appreciable yields and higher KER under low K stress.     

New polyphenol derivative in Ipomoea batatas tubers and its antioxidant activity

Four different polyphenolic compounds were isolated by chromatographic methods from methanolic and hydromethanolic extracts of Ipomoea batatas tuber flour. On the basis of UV, mass, and NMR analysis procedures, the structure of the isolated compounds were determined as 4,5-di-O-caffeoyldaucic acid (1), 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (2), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3), and 1,3-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation and characterization of compound 1. Then, we evaluated the antioxidant activity of daucic acid derivative by using DPPH and FRAP methods together with authentic antioxidant standards, l-ascorbic acid, tert-butyl-4-hydroxy toluene (BHT), and gallic acid. The activity of compound 1 in both methods was higher than that of all standards used at the same molar concentration.     

Variation of morpho-physiological traits in geographically diverse pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] germplasm under different phosphorus conditions

Genotypic variation for morpho-physiological parameters, phosphorus (P) content and root acid phosphatase activity was studied in 52 pigeonpea genotypes. Data related to shoot (length, dry weight, number of leaves, and leaf area), root (volume, length, dry weight, area, perimeter, and number of root tips), acid phosphatase activity, and P content (root, stem, and leaf) were recorded at 60 days after sowing (DAS). The P use efficient genotypes showed high root length, root area, root perimeter, root dry weight, P content in leaves, and root to shoot dry weight ratio under the P not added condition. Significant variation was found among genotypes for root- and shoot-associated characteristics under both P treatments. The P use efficient genotypes with improved root morphological phenes have potential to acquire and utilize more P from immobile soil bound P sources may be of additional factor for increasing efficiency of acquisition and utilization of supplied P fertilizer.     

Content of antioxidative caffeoylquinic acid derivatives in field-grown Ligularia fischeri (Ledeb.) Turcz and responses to sunlight

Ligularia fischeri (Ledeb.) Turcz, a commercial leafy vegetable, contains caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (CQAs) as major phenolic constituents. The HPLC chromatograms of leaf extracts collected from different areas in Korea showed a significant variation in CQA amount, and two tri-O-caffeoylquinic acids (triCQAs) were purified and structurally identified by NMR and MS from this plant. Radical scavenging activities among CQAs were found to be increased in proportion to the number of caffeoyl groups. Since this plant prefers damp and shady growth conditions, the effects of sunlight were investigated by growing plantlets in sunlight and shade for four weeks. Greater leaf thickness and higher phenolic contents were found for leaves grown in sunlight than in shade. Four major CQAs-5-mono-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5-monoCQA), and 3,4-, 3,5-, and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (diCQA)-were induced by solar irradiation, whereas the content of these compounds decreased steadily in shade leaves. The leaves of L. fischeri clearly showed adaptation responses to sunlight, and these characteristics can be exploited for cultivation of this plant for potential use as a nutraceutical and functional food.     

低磷胁迫对不同基因型水稻阶段生物学特征的影响

采用盆栽试验研究了低磷胁迫下不同基因型水稻在分蘖期、孕穗期和成熟期的生物学特征。结果表明,不同基因型水稻在不同的生长发育阶段对低磷胁迫的反应存在明显差异。分蘖期,耐低磷基因型水稻的耐低磷特性主要表现在相对分蘖数、相对绿叶数和相对地上部干重三个性状上,其中以相对分蘖数的差异较大,但这个时期水稻的任一性状不足以反映其耐低磷特性;孕穗期,耐低磷基因型水稻的相对分蘖数、相对绿叶数和相对地上部干重虽仍表现出明显的优势,但与分蘖期不同的是相对分蘖数受低磷胁迫的影响程度趋于稳定,相对绿叶数的差异明显下降,相对干重的高低逐步成为区别耐低磷基因型的主要依据;成熟期,耐低磷基因型的相对地上部干重优势进一步加强,远远超过其它生物学性状。耐低磷基因型的相对经济产量显著高于低磷敏感基因型。在水稻生长的各个时期中,耐低磷基因型水稻的相对株高、相对叶宽和相对叶长与低磷敏感基因型水稻对应的指标相比均未表现出明显差异。     

Phenolic compounds from the leaf extract of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) and their antimicrobial activities

A preliminary antimicrobial disk assay of chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol extracts of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) leaf extracts showed that the n-butanol fraction exhibited the most significant antimicrobial activities against seven bacteria species, four yeasts, and four molds. Eight phenolic compounds were isolated from the n-butanol soluble fraction of artichoke leaf extracts. On the basis of high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, the structures of the isolated compounds were determined as the four caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, chlorogenic acid (1), cynarin (2), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3), and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4), and the four flavonoids, luteolin-7-rutinoside (5), cynaroside (6), apigenin-7-rutinoside (7), and apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8), respectively. The isolated compounds were examined for their antimicrobial activities on the above microorganisms, indicating that all eight phenolic compounds showed activity against most of the tested organisms. Among them, chlorogenic acid, cynarin, luteolin-7-rutinoside, and cynaroside exhibited a relatively higher activity than other compounds; in addition, they were more effective against fungi than bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of these compounds were between 50 and 200 microg/mL.     

Studies of selected plant raw materials as alternative sources of triterpenes of oleanolic and ursolic acid types

The qualitative and quantitative evaluation of triterpene aglycones of saponin fractions isolated from vegetative and generative organs of three Silphium species, Silphium perfoliatum, Silphium trifoliatum, and Silphium integrifolium, as compared to materials used in the herbal industry such as Panax quinquefolium root and Calendula officinalis flower, was performed. The analyses revealed that triterpene aglycones of saponins isolated from tested Silphium and Calendula species were oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. It was found that Panax roots contained only the aglycone of oleanolic acid within the triterpene saponin group. The leaves of Silphium harvested in May were characterized by the highest content of oleanolic acid-They contained 17.03 mg/g dry weight of the triterpenic acid, on average. The seasons before flowering and at the beginning of that stage appeared to be the most efficient periods for leaf collection in reference to triterpene aglycone contents in plant yield. Moreover, it was found that inflorescences of S. trifoliatum and S. integrifolium contained oleanolic acid in amounts of 22.05 and 17.95 mg/g dry weight respectively, whereas Calendula flowers contained 20.53 mg/g dry weight. The oleanolic acid content in Panax roots was 3.15 mg/g dry weight. Ursolic acid most abundantly occurred in S. integrifolium and S. trifoliatum at concentrations of about 14.98 mg/g dry weight in leaves harvested before flowering (June) and to 15.50 mg/g dry weight in leaves collected during flowering.     

Phenotypic diversity analysis of sweetpotato for breeding dual-purpose varieties

The genetic diversity available in sweetpotato has not been explored to develop dual-purpose sweetpotato varieties (DPSVs). The objectives of this study were to assess the level of phenotypic diversity present among sweetpotato varieties grown in Rwanda, and to select suitable parents for breeding DPSVs. Fifty-one diverse sweetpotato genotypes were evaluated in field trials conducted at the Rubona and Karama experimental stations of the Rwanda Agriculture Board using a 6?×?9 unbalanced alpha lattice design with three replications. Genotypes and sites showed significant interaction (P??1) and RW11-2419 (20.18?t?ha^?1). RW11-4923 and Wagabolige were the best performers for vine yield, producing 23.67 and 23.45?t?ha^?1 of vines, respectively. Ukerewe performed well for its DRY (7.09?t?ha^?1), while RW11-4923 had the highest mean dry vine yield (5.17?t?ha^?1). RW11-2910 and 8-1038 had root-to-vine ratios of 2.0 and 1.5, respectively, suggesting their suitability as breeding parents, to breed DPSVs. Two main phenotypic groups with 10 sub-groups were detected through cluster analysis. Principal component analysis showed that the first four components accounted for 76.33% of the phenotypic variation present among the 51 genotypes. The selected sweetpotato genotypes that had a combination of high storage root yields and heavy vine production should be used as parents in developing DPSVs, concurrently incorporating farmer-preferred traits.     

银杏磷素营养及其营养诊断方法的研究初报

通过对施磷量和银杏植株不同叶位叶片全磷量及单叶重的测定 ,并进行回归分析。结果表明 :银杏上位叶的全磷含量比下位叶的高 ;单叶重则相反 ,下位叶的比上位叶的高 ;施磷量对叶片全磷量和单叶重有着明显的影响 ,供磷偏低或过高 ,都使叶片全磷含量和单叶重下降 ;长枝条 8、 12位叶的全磷量与施磷量的回归关系达极显著者或显著水平 ,其叶片全磷量能反映供磷水平 ;8位叶的单叶重与施磷量间的回归关系达显著水平 ,其单叶重能反映供磷水平 ;长枝条 8、12位叶可以作磷素营养诊断部位 ,而 8位叶则是最佳部位 ,其叶片全磷量和单叶重可作为磷素营养诊断的指标     

Differential manganese tolerances of cotton genotypes in nutrient solution

Cotton genotypes [Gossypium hirsutum (L.)] C‐310–73,‐307 (307) and C‐Sgl, 70–517 (517), shown previously to differ in tolerance to an acid (pH 5.1), high manganese (Mn) Grenada soil from Arkansas, were grown in nutrient solutions containing variable concentrations of excess Mn to confirm and characterize their postulated differences in Mn tolerance. Based on crinkle leaf symptoms and leaf dry weights, the 307 genotype was significantly more tolerant than 517 to 4, 8, or 16 mg Mn/L at a maintained pH of 4.6 (Experiment 1) and also to 4 or 8 mg Mn/L at an initial pH of 5.0, not subsequently adjusted (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, the relative leaf dry weight (wt. with no Mn/wt. with 8 mg Mn/L × 100) was 94% for genotype 307 and only 27% for 517. In Experiment 2, the corresponding relative leaf weights were 75% and 26% for 307 and 517, respectively. Plant analytical results indicated that the 307 genotype tolerates a higher concentration of Mn in its leaves than does 517. This failure to correlate Mn tolerance with Mn concentrations in plant shoots agrees with previous findings when these two genotypes were grown in acid Grenada soil. Iron (Fe) concentrations, Fe/Mn ratios, and magnesium (Mg) concentrations were higher in the Mn‐tolerant 307 than in the Mn‐sensitive 517, but concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were not related to Mn tolerance. Because differential Mn tolerance in these two genotypes is associated with differential internal tolerance to excess Mn, rather than differential Mn uptake, studies are needed to determine the chemical forms of Mn in tolerant and sensitive plants whose leaves contain comparable concentrations of total Mn. Because both Mn and Fe (closely related elements in the Mn toxicity syndrome) have spin resonances, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) offers promise in attacking the problem of differential Mn tolerance in plants.     

Remobilization of iron from primary leaves of bean plants grown at various iron levels

In order to study the effect of different growth rates of the shoot apex, i.e. shoot demand, on the remobilization of iron (Fe) from mature (primary) leaves, bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants were precultured with 8x10^‐5 M FeEDTA for four days. Thereafter, plants were grown for another six days at various levels of Fe (0.0, 1.0, and 10.0μM FeEDTA), and simultaneously treated with or without shading of one primary leaf. Dry weight increment of the shoot apex decreased with decreased Fe in the nutrient solution. Shading of one primary leaf decreased total dry weight of plants irrespective of Fe supply, but increased the dry weight of the shoot apex of plants supplied without Fe or with only 1.0μM Fe. In these plants, the concentration of chlorophyll and Fe in the shoot apex corresponded with the treatment effects on dry weight of the shoot apex. Shading induced senescence of the shaded leaf, decreased the content of “active Fe”; (extractable in dilute acid), and also enhanced the remobilization of Fe and copper (Cu) from the shaded leaf. The remobilization of Fe from primary leaves was not related to the severity of chlorosis in the shoot apex (the Fe demand of sink tissue), indicating that only a certain fraction of the total Fe in mature leaves can be remobilized.     

Use of Chlorophyll Meter to Assess the Effect of Nitrogen on Sweet Pepper Development and Growth

Abstract

The evolution of both leaf expansion and chlorophyll content was assessed in potted sweet pepper plants subjected to four different levels of nitrogen (mg N/kg of soil): N1 = 25 (basal dressing); N2 = 50 (basal dressing); N3 = 100 (basal dressing and one side dressing); and, N4 = 150 (basal dressing and two side dressings). In each plant, the first leaves (numbered 1–5) were chosen at the main stem and the next four ramifications. The relative chlorophyll content of leaves 1 to 5, from all treatments, was obtained by a portable chlorophyll meter, SPAD-502, twice a week. The SPAD readings were subsequently converted into total chlorophyll (μ g cm^{? 2}). The plant dry weight, the number of fruits per plant, and the N content of leaves were measured at final harvest (70 d after transplantation, DAT). Until the first side dressing (35 DAT), the increase in chlorophyll content was similar in all treatments, decreasing afterward under the N1 and N2 treatments (leaves 1 and 2), while under the N3 and N4 treatments the increase in the chlorophyll content continued after the first side dressing. The application of the second side dressing (53 DAT) under the N4 treatment induced a subsequent increase in chlorophyll content in all leaves compared with those of N3. An early senescence was observed under the N1 and N2 treatments compared with the others. Applied N in side dressing led to an increase in leaf width (leaves 2–5) and longevity, mainly in leaves 2 and 3, and a subsequent increase under fruit number and fruit dry weight under the N3 and N4 treatments.     

Boron deficiency symptoms and dry matter production of sesame under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

Boron (B) deficiency symptoms, dry matter production, and B critical values in sesame (Sesamun indicum L.) were investigated in a greenhouse experiment. Boron deficiency showed a yellowing of plant tops and of the youngest leaves. Upper leaves became dark green, coriaceous, with edges curved down. Boron‐deficiency symptoms was related to 21 μg B/g in the 30‐day‐old youngest fully expanded leaf. Dry matter production of leaves, stems, pods, and roots were severely decreased when B in the leaf tissue was below 21 μg/g; however seed dry weight and seed oil content were associated to less than 39 μg/g of B in the leaf tissue.     

Physiological Effects of Salicylic Acid and Thiourea on Growth and Productivity of Maize Plants in Sandy Soil

This study aimed to investigate the response of vegetative growth, yield, and some metabolic constituents of maize grains cv. Single Cross 124 to foliar applications of salicylic acid (SA; 100, 200, and 400 mg L^?1) and thiourea (TU; 500, 1000, and 1500 mgL^?1), two bioregulators, either alone or in combination. The foliar application of SA and TU alone significantly increased stem diameter, number of leaves?/?plant, leaf area, total dry weight?/?plant, leaf area index, net assimilation rate, specific leaf weight, and yield (i.e., ear length, ear diameter, number of grains?/?row, number of rows?/?ear, 100-grain weight, grain yield?/?plant, grain yield?/?fed (1 feddan = 4200 m²), harvest index, and shelling percentage) by increasing SA or TU concentrations up to 200 and 1500 mg L^?1, respectively. Salicylic acid and TU, when applied alone, significantly improved the nutritional value and quality of maize grains by increasing crude protein, total soluble sugars, total free amino acids, and total soluble phenols.     

基于多效唑减量和川麦冬优质高产的施肥量研究

【目的】川麦冬生产上存在多效唑滥用现象,长期过量施用多效唑会造成土壤酸化、有效养分淋湿,降低川麦冬产量及品质,不利于川麦冬出口。本研究旨在找到合理的氮、磷、钾肥配比,以期减少多效唑的施用量。【方法】田间试验采用4因素5水平 (2、1、0、–1、–2水平) 二次正交旋转组合设计,氮肥5个水平分别为3200、2500、1800、1100、400 kg/hm2;磷肥5个水平4100、3100、2100、1100、100 kg/hm2;钾肥5个水平分别为1760、1333、907、480、53 kg/hm2;多效唑用量分别为150、112.5、75、37.5、0 kg/hm2共36个处理。于收获期调查了川麦冬根、茎、叶生长状况,块根产量及折干率、根冠比。【结果】试验因素对块根鲜重、块根干重、叶鲜重、叶干重、叶长、根冠比有显著影响,对叶片数、叶宽、分蘖数、须根数、须根长、块根数及折干率无显著影响。随氮肥施用水平的增加,叶长、叶鲜重、叶干重、块根鲜重、块根干重均降低。随磷肥施用水平的增加,叶干重先增加后降低、根冠比先降低后升高。随钾肥施用水平的增加,叶鲜重、叶干重增加,块根鲜重先降低后增加,根冠比 (干) 降低。随多效唑施用水平的增加,叶长、叶鲜重、叶干重、块根鲜重、块根干重均降低。在影响地上部生长的因素中,多效唑贡献率最高,在影响产量的因素中,氮肥贡献率最高。【结论】通过肥料的合理配施,可保证川麦冬产量,多效唑的施用量较川麦冬生产中用量降低41%。川麦冬产量大于3100 kg/hm2的肥料用量为尿素799～1051 kg/hm2、过磷酸钙1904～2296 kg/hm2、硫酸钾823.31～900.69 kg/hm2,其多效唑用量为44.25～58.88 kg/hm2。     

Brassica genotypes differ in growth, phosphorus uptake and rhizosphere properties under P-limiting conditions

Compared to other crops, Brassicas are generally considered to grow well in soils with low P availability, however, little is known about genotypic differences within Brassicas in this respect. To assess the role of rhizosphere properties in growth and P uptake by Brassicas, three Brassica genotypes (mustard, Brassica juncea cv Chinese greens and canola, Brassica napus cvs Drum and Outback) were grown in an acidic soil with low P availability at two treatments of added P: 25 and 100 mg P kg⁻¹ as FePO₄ (P25 and P100). The plants were harvested at the 6-leaf stage, at flowering and at maturity. Shoot and root dry weight (dry weight) and root length increased with time and were lower in P25 than in P100. In P25, shoot dry weight was lowest in Outback and highest in Chinese greens. In the P100 treatment, Chinese greens had a higher shoot dry weight than the two canola cultivars. Chinese greens had a lower root dry weight and root length at flowering and maturity than the canola genotypes in both P treatments. Irrespective of P treatment, shoot P concentration was lower in Chinese greens than in the two canola genotypes. Specific P uptake (μg P m⁻¹ root length) decreased with time. In P25, Chinese greens had the lowest specific P uptake at the 6-leaf stage but it was higher than in the two canola genotypes at flowering and maturity. In P100, Outback had the lowest specific P uptake. Available P in the rhizosphere (resin P) decreased over time with the greatest decrease from the 6-leaf stage to flowering. In P25, resin P in the rhizosphere was greatest in Chinese greens at the 6-leaf stage and flowering and smallest in Outback at flowering. Microbial P and acid phosphatase activity changed little over time, were not affected by P treatment and there were only small differences between the genotypes. The rhizosphere microbial community composition [assessed by fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis] of Outback and Chinese greens differed from that of the other two genotypes at the 6-leaf stage and flowering, respectively. At maturity, all three genotypes had distinct microbial communities. Plant traits such as production of high biomass at low shoot P concentrations as well as the capacity to maintain high P availability in the rhizosphere by P mobilisation can explain the observed differences in plant growth and P uptake among the Brassica genotypes.     

钾肥用量对瘠薄地甘薯产量和钾肥利用率的影响

为探索瘠薄地条件下甘薯的最佳钾肥用量,以淀粉型甘薯品种济薯25为试验材料,设3个处理:CK(不施钾肥)、K1(K₂O,150 kg·hm^-2)、K2(K₂O,300 kg·hm^-2),研究钾肥用量对瘠薄地甘薯产量和钾肥利用率的影响。结果表明,施钾显著提高了鲜薯和薯干产量,K1增产幅度较大,鲜薯和薯干产量分别较CK增加22.84%和32.13%,K2分别较CK增产11.39%和20.30%。施钾促进了甘薯块根的膨大,K1和K2的块根膨大速率均显著高于CK,T/R值均显著低于CK。施钾促进干物质的积累,K1和K2的叶片、叶柄、茎和纤维根干重以及总生物量显著高于CK,且K1优于K2。施钾显著增加了甘薯各器官的钾素积累量,且整体表现为施钾量越多,各器官的钾素积累量越高。钾肥利用率随施钾量的增加而降低,K1的钾素产块根效率、产干物质效率、钾肥吸收利用率、钾肥农学利用率和钾肥偏生产力均显著高于K2。在本试验瘠薄地条件下,钾肥的最佳用量为150 kg·hm^-2。本研究为瘠薄地甘薯田间施肥提供了理论依据,可达到节本增效的目的。     

Differences in shoot growth and zinc concentration of 164 bread wheat genotypes in a zinc‐deficient calcareous soil

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was carried out to study severity of the zinc (Zn) deficiency symptoms on leaves, shoot dry weight and shoot content and concentration of Zn in 164 winter type bread wheat genotypes (Triticunt aestivum L.) grown in a Zn‐deficient calcareous soil with (+Zn=10 mg Zn kg^?1 soil) and without (‐Zn) Zn supply for 45 days. Tolerance of the genotypes to Zn deficiency was ranked based on the relative shoot growth (Zn efficiency ratio), calculated as the ratio of the shoot dry weight produced under Zn deficiency to that produced under adequate Zn supply. There was a substantial difference in genotypic tolerance to Zn deficiency. Among the 164 genotypes, 108 genotypes had severe visible symptoms of Zn deficiency (whitish‐brown necrotic patches) on leaves, while in 25 genotypes Zn deficiency symptoms were slight or absent, and the remaining genotypes (e.g., 31 genotypes) showed mild deficiency symptoms. Generally, the genotypes with higher tolerance to Zn deficiency originated from Balkan countries and Turkey, while genotypes originating from the breeding programs in the Great Plains of the United States were mostly sensitive to Zn deficiency. Among the 164 wheat genotypes, Zn efficiency ratio varied from 0.33 to 0.77. The differences in tolerance to Zn deficiency were totally independent of shoot Zn concentrations, but showed a close relationship to the total amount (content) of Zn per shoot. The absolute shoot growth of the genotypes under Zn deficiency corresponded very well with the differences in tolerance to Zn deficiency. Under adequate Zn supply, the 10 most Zn‐ inefficient genotypes and the 10 most Zn‐efficient genotypes were very similar in their shoot dry weight. However, under Zn deficiency, shoot dry weight of the Zn‐efficient genotypes was, on average, 1.6‐fold higher compared to the Zn‐inefficient genotypes. The results of this study show large, exploitable genotypic variation for tolerance to Zn deficiency in bread wheat. Based on this data, total amount of Zn per shoot, absolute shoot growth under Zn deficiency, and relative shoot growth can be used as reliable plant parameters for assessing genotypic variation in tolerance to Zn deficiency in bread wheat.