SEASONAL VARIATION AND THRESHOLD VALUES FOR CHLOROPHYLL METER READINGS ON LEAVES OF POTATO CULTIVARS

Chlorophyll meter readings below a threshold value would indicate the necessity to supply nitrogen (N) to the crop. This study aimed to determine threshold values for chlorophyll meter (SPAD) and nitrogen (N) rate effects on SPAD leaf measurements of potato cultivars through the crop cycle. Five N rates (0, 50, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha^?1) were evaluated in a randomized block design, with four repetitions. SPAD index was measured on the oldest (OL) and on the fourth leaf from the apex (FL) at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 49 days after the emergence of 90% of the plants in the plots. SPAD values decreased with plant age and were influenced by N rates and leaf position. At 21 DAE, the SPAD threshold values on FL were 43.0, 44.6, 46.5, and 50.0 for ‘Agata’, ‘Monalisa’, ‘Atlantic’, and ‘Asterix’, respectively. The corresponding values were 41.9, 43.5, 49.9, and 49.9 on OL. Plant age and leaf position should be standardized for the assessment of SPAD threshold values to diagnose nitrogen status of potato cultivars.     

实时实地氮素管理对水稻产量和氮素吸收利用的影响

以扬两优6号和培两优3076水稻为材料,通过田间试验比较研究了基于SPAD值的氮素管理对水稻氮素吸收、产量和氮肥利用率的影响。结果表明,随着SPAD预设阈值的增加,氮肥用量增加,籽粒产量和氮素吸收也随之增加。实时氮素管理条件下,水稻扬两优6号和培两优3076均以SPAD值为41处理获得较高的籽粒产量和氮素利用率,该处理在籽粒产量不降低的同时节约了氮肥用量12. 8% ～33.3%;而实地氮素管理条件下,水稻扬两优6号和培两优3076均以SPAD值为39～41处理获得较高的籽粒产量和氮素利用率,该处理在籽粒产量不降低的同时节约了23.1%的氮肥用量。鉴于实地氮素管理在田间易于操作,因此建议采用39～41作为水稻关键生育期指导氮肥施用的SPAD阈值。     

Potential of sun hemp residue to provide potato with adequate nitrogen

Sun hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) residue as a proper nitrogen (N) source for a potato crop (Solanum tuberosum L.) was investigated. Leaf nutritional indices (LNI), i.e, SPAD (SPAD-502, Minolta, Japan), total chlorophyll (CHLT), and N-total content, and their validity to predict tuber yield and N recovery were estimated. Moreover, comparison with mineral N fertilization was conducted. The estimated variables exhibited linear increase patterns to sun hemp N rates. Moreover, correlation coefficients between LNI and yield components were significant. Comparison of sun hemp N-amounts with mineral nitrogen showed lower SPAD values, similar CHLT, N-total, and N recovery. However, the elevated application produced superior yields to mineral one. Sun hemp residue incorporation prior to potato accounted for adequate N supply. Additionally, LNI are appropriate tools to determine potato N status and enable yield prognoses.     

玉米叶片SPAD值、全氮及硝态氮含量的品种间变异

研究比较两种土壤肥力条件下,4个春玉米品种在喇叭口期至成熟期间叶片SPAD值、全氮及硝态氮含量的变异程度、及其与氮素积累和产量形成的关系,以期为不同品种植株的氮素营养测试指标的优化提供依据。结果表明,叶片SPAD值与产量、吸氮量及生物量呈显著相关,该值主要受氮肥水平影响,并因土壤肥力而变异。从喇叭口期至灌浆期间平均变异幅度为17.7%,但品种间变异很小,平均仅为4.3%。说明利用SPAD值诊断玉米氮素营养时,其诊断指标不需要因品种而调整,但需要因不同肥力而调整。在新立城低肥力条件下,喇叭口期(V12)和抽雄期(VT)的SPAD临界值指标分别为46.1和57.8;在德惠高肥力条件下,两个时期的SPAD值临界值较为接近,分别为59.9和60.3。植株叶片硝态氮含量在土壤肥力间及品种间变异均较大,变异幅度分别为43.1%和29.3%,且与产量、吸氮量及生物量的相关性均较差,不适于在大面积范围内单独作为玉米氮素营养状况的评价指标。     

EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT IRON SOURCES FOR IRON CHLOROSIS RECOVERY IN LOW-CHILL PEACH CULTIVARS

An experiment was conducted with iron chlorosis affected low-chill peach cultivars such as ‘Shaharanpur Prabhat’, ‘Shan-e-Punjab’, and ‘Pratap’ to examine the recovery upon foliar application of three iron sources namely iron (Fe)-sulfate, Fe-citrate and Fe ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). All the iron sources significantly increased the SPAD meter value, physiologically active (Fe²⁺) iron and total iron content of the leaves over control. However, highest values were noted with foliar spray of 1.0% Fe-sulfate. The low-chill peach cultivar ‘Saharanpur Prabhat’ responded best with iron resupply treatment. Significant correlations (at P ≤ 0.01) were obtained between SPAD meter readings with both physiologically active iron (Fe²⁺) and total iron content of leaves in all peach cultivars. Among the sources, the correlations between SPAD meter readings, physiologically active iron (Fe²⁺) and total iron contents were significant at P ≤ 0.01 for only Fe-sulfate and Fe-citrate. The regression analysis showed that the SPAD meter reading accounted 78.2 to 88.0% variation in physiologically active iron (Fe²⁺) and 65.0 to 73.7% variation in the total iron content in the low-chill peach cultivars. The SPAD readings could be used for management of iron chlorosis in peach orchard.     

华北地区采用无机氮测试和植株速测进行夏玉米氮肥推荐

A field experiment with a split-plot design was carried out at Dongbeiwang Farm in Beijing Municipality to establish reliable N fertilizer recommendation indices for summer maize (Zea mays L.) in northern China using the soil Nmin(mineral N) test as well as the plant nitrate and SPAD (portable chlorophyll meter readings) tests. The results showed that Nrnin sollwert (NS) 60 kg N ha^-1 at the third leaf stage and N rate of 40 to 120 kg N ha^-1 at the tenth leaf stage could meet the N requirement of summer maize with a target yield of 5.5-6 t ha^-1. Sap nitrate concentrations and SPAD chlorophyll meter readings in the latest expanded maize leaves at the tenth leaf stage were positively correlated with NS levels, indicating that plant nitrate and SPAD tests reflected the N nutritional status of maize well. Considering that winter wheat subsequently utilized N after the summer maize harvest, the 0-90 cm soil Nmin (74 kg N ha^-1) and apparent N loss (12 kg N ha^-1) in the NS60＋40 treatment were controlled at environmentally acceptable levels. Therefore NS60＋40, giving a total N supply of 100 kg N ha^-1, was considered the optimal N fertilizer input for summer maize under these experimental conditions.     

Rhizosphere effects of maize hybrids and N forms on Cd bioavailability in a limed soil

Replacing new corn genotypes in agricultural practices requires adequate information on the reaction of the selected hybrids to Cd uptake in Cd-polluted soil and an understanding of interactions with N fertilizers. A 2 × 2 × 3 factorial pot experiment with limed soil (pH 8), two maize (Zea mays) hybrids (Pioneer cultivar yellow and Pioneer cultivar white), two N fertilization forms (NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^?) and three Cd exposures (0, 2 and 5 mg kg^?1 soil) was conducted under greenhouse conditions. Shoot dry mass increased significantly with NH₄ ⁺ nutrition compared with NO₃ ^? nutrition in both maize hybrids, with greater negative influence of Cd application combined with NH₄ ⁺ nutrition. The yellow cultivar had significantly greater shoot dry mass and lower Cd uptake than the white cultivar. Both hybrids exhibited similar N uptake in shoots and roots, with the exception of yellow cultivar with NH₄ ⁺ nutrition without Cd application. NO₃ ^? nutrition always decreased Cd uptake in both cultivars compared with NH₄ ⁺ nutrition. The N balance (mean across cultivars and Cd supply) after harvest showed most N uptake with NH₄ ⁺ nutrition (63.4%) and N_min remains in the soil with NO₃ ^? nutrition (48.7%). Soil pH decreased more with NH₄ ⁺ (?0.95 pH units) than NO₃ ^? nutrition (?0.21).     

Leaf Color Chart and Chlorophyll‐Meter‐Based Leaf Nitrogen Estimation and Their Threshold Values for Real‐Time Nitrogen Management in Cassava

The critical leaf and the threshold values of leaf color chart (LCC) and chlorophyll meter (SPAD‐502) for cassava have been evaluated. The nitrogen (N) rates and cultivars had a significant effect on LCC score, SPAD values, and leaf N concentration of leaf 1 in most cases. Among the three leaf positions studied, the youngest fully expanded leaf (YFEL) blade (leaf 1) had significant, positive correlation of tuber yield with LCC score, SPAD value, and leaf N concentration. The regression between LCC score and leaf N concentration of leaf 1 was LCC = 0.358 (Leaf N) + 0.78 (r² = 0.81) and that between LCC score and SPAD value was SPAD = 10.981 (LCC) – 3.51 (r² = 0.82). A threshold LCC score of 2.65 and threshold SPAD value of 25 were suitable to determine the optimal timing of N top‐dressing for cassava.     

Ammonium concentration in solution affects chlorophyll meter readings in tomato leaves

Abstract

Combinations of NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N usually result in higher tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yields than when either form of nitrogen (N) was used alone. Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf N content, but the effect of the NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratio on leaf greenness was not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratios on chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings, and evaluate the meter as a N status estimator and tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. Fruit yield and SPAD readings increased as the amount of NH₄‐N in solution increased up to 25%, while higher ratios of NH₄‐N resulted in a decline in both. The N concentration in tomato leaves increased as concentration of NH₄‐N in solution increased. Fruit yield increased as chlorophyll readings increased. SPAD readings, total N in leaves, fresh weight of shoots, and fruit yield all showed a quadratic response to NH₄‐N, reaching a peak at 25 or 50% of N as NH₄‐N. SPAD readings taken at the vegetative and flowering stages of growth had the highest correlation (r²=0.54) with N concentration in leaves, but this could not be used as a reliable estimate of N status and fruit yield. Lack of correspondence between high N concentration values and fruit yield indicated a detrimental effect of NH₄‐N on chlorophyll molecules or chloroplast structure. The SPAD readings, however, may be used to determine the optimum NH₄‐N concentration in solution to maximize fruit yield.     

Relationship Between the Normalized SPAD Index and the Nitrogen Nutrition Index: Application to Durum Wheat

In a three-year field experiment in Toulouse (in Southwest France), two indicators of plant nitrogen (N) status were compared on five durum wheat cultivars: the normalized SPAD index and the nitrogen nutrition index (NNI). SPAD value is a non-destructive measurement of chlorophyll content from the last expanded leaf. The normalized SPAD index is expressed relative to SPAD reading on a fully fertilized crop. The NNI is calculated from the crop biomass and total plant N content using a universal N-dilution curve for wheat. The normalized SPAD index and NNI were closely related irrespective of year, cultivar, and growth stage. When N was a limiting factor, the SPAD index measured at anthesis predicted grain yield and protein content accurately. Unlike NNI, SPAD index cannot be used to predict these variables when wheat is over-fertilized.     

Chlorophyll meter estimates leaf area‐based nitrogen concentration of rice

Abstract

The chlorophyll meter (SPAD‐502) can be used to diagnose the nitrogen (N) status of rice (Oryza sativa L) plants to determine the need for fertilizer‐N topdressing. However, accurate estimation of leaf N concentration on a dry weight basis (N_dw) by SPAD requires the adjustment of SPAD values for specific leaf weight (SLW). The objective of this study was to determine if SPAD estimates of leaf N concentration on a leaf area basis (Na) without correcting for SLW. SPAD values were measured from different genotypes at various growth stages with the chlorophyll meter. Leaf N concentration was determined by micro‐Kjeldahl procedure and expressed based on dry weight and leaf area. Specific leaf weight was calculated as the ratio of leaf dry weight to leaf area. At each growth stage, SPAD estimated Na better than Ndw, especially at the middle and later growth stages. When data for all stages were pooled, SPAD values also correlated with Na better than with Ndw (r value of 0.81 versus 0.43). This finding was also true across 80 genotypes. For estimation of N_a by SPAD, therefore, no adjustment of SPAD values for SLW is needed.     

相对SPAD值用于不同品种夏玉米氮肥管理的研究

采用田间试验研究了不同氮肥处理、不同玉米品种及关键生育期间的SPAD值差异和基于相对SPAD阈值的氮肥管理对氮肥用量、子粒产量、氮肥利用率和土壤氮素变化的影响。结果表明,两品种玉米各关键生育期的SPAD值开始随施氮量的增加而显著增加,施氮量超过N 210 kg /hm2后不再显著增加;郑单958和冀农一号大喇叭口期的相对SPAD值与产量的关系符合线性加平台模型,其平台相对SPAD值分别为0.976和0.981;两玉米品种和不同生育期间的绝对SPAD值差异显著,利用相对SPAD值可消除品种和生育期间的SPAD值差异。玉米关键生育期追肥量和总施氮量均随预设相对SPAD阈值的增加而增加,基于相对SPAD阈值的氮肥管理能在保持高产的同时较农民习惯施肥显著降低氮肥用量、田间氮素表观损失和收获后土壤无机氮残留、提高氮肥利用率;本试验条件下,保持玉米高产高效的适宜相对SPAD阈值为0.95～0.98,此阈值管理下,郑单958和冀农一号的产量较农民习惯施肥没有降低,而氮肥用量降低了42%,氮肥回收利用率和农学效率分别增加了18.6、20.0个百分点和6.0、6.5 kg/kg。     

烟叶氨气补偿点的品种间差异及其与氮素代谢的关系研究

为了研究不同成熟特性的烤烟品种叶片氨气补偿点及其差异,利用质外体提取方法对3个烤烟品种NC89、K326和中烟90的叶片质外体铵浓度和pH值进行了测定,并计算不同品种叶片的氨气补偿点(25℃);同时探讨了氨气补偿点与氮素代谢的关系。结果表明,叶片氨气补偿点随着成熟衰老而上升;烟草叶片成熟衰老期氨气补偿点与谷氨酰胺合成酶活性关系密切。衰老速度快、叶片氮素状况（总氮和可溶性蛋白）低的品种谷氨酰胺合成酶活性下降幅度大,氨气补偿点升幅大,绝对值也高。因此,衰老速度快、叶片氮素状况低的品种在叶片衰老期具有更大的氨挥发潜力。品种间氨气补偿点的差异与它们的氮素代谢特性有关。     

Natural abundance of 15N in sweet potato, pumpkin, sorghum and castor bean: possible input of N2-derived nitrogen in sweet potato

Two combinations of plant species, sweet potato (three cultivars) and pumpkin, and sweet sorghum (three cultivars) and castor bean were grown separately in three plots of alluvial soil from June to September 1996. The shoots (leaves plus stems) of sweet potato and pumpkin, and the whole tops (leaves plus stems and grains) of sweet sorghum and castor bean were harvested twice, once in August and once in September in order to analyze their natural abundance of ¹⁵N (δ¹⁵N). The δ¹⁵N values of two of the varieties of sweet potato harvested in September were significantly lower than those of pumpkin, while δ¹⁵N values of sweet potato and pumpkin harvested in August, as well as those of sweet sorghum and castor bean harvested in August and September, did not significantly differ. The lower δ¹⁵N values observed in the September-harvested sweet potato may indicate that as much as 40% of the N intake of this species is derived from dinitrogen. This species is known to have a high ability to take up N from undefined sources. Received: 23 February 1997     

Tomato leaf chlorophyll meter readings as affected by variety,nitrogen form,and nighttime nutrient solution strength

Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf nitrogen (N) content, so it is reasonable to assume that ammonium‐N (NH₄‐N): nitrate‐N (NO₃‐N) ratio in the nutrient solution used to grow tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) hydroponically may affect leaf greenness, and consequently chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings. It has also been shown that increasing nutrient solution strength (NSS) increases tomato productivity, but there are no reports regarding how NSS affects SPAD readings under greenhouse conditions. Genotype may also influence SPAD readings, and standardization for cultivar and sampling time may be needed. The objective of this study was to characterize SPAD readings for five tomato cultivars and SPAD reading response to a combination of two NSS (1X and 4X Steiner solution strength daily applied 18 days after transplanting at 7 p.m.) and two concentrations of NH₄‐N in solution (0 and 25%) in order to evaluate the potential of SPAD readings as a tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. The SPAD readings were not uniform across tomato varieties tested, being consistently higher for ‘Max’ and lower for the other varieties. Initially, SPAD readings for tomato varieties used in this study were low at the vegetative stage, and increased up to 40 DAT, but subsequently decreased at 49 DAT, or the fruit set of the first and second clusters. After this time, SPAD readings showed no variation. Chlorophyll meter readings for ‘Max’ were higher in the top plant layers, but decreased in the top plant layer of the other tomato varieties. The SPAD readings were higher for plants supplied with 25% NH₄‐N than those without NH₄‐N in solution, but the use of a nighttime nutrient solution did not affect SPAD readings. None of the possible interactions among tomato variety, NH₄‐N: NO₃‐N ratio, and NSS were consistently significant.     

TOMATO LEAF CHLOROPHYLL METER READINGS AS AFFECTED BY VARIETY,NITROGEN FORM,AND NIGHTTIME NUTRIENT SOLUTION STRENGTH

ABSTRACT

Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf nitrogen (N) content, so it is reasonable to assume that NH₄–N:NO₃–N ratio in the nutrient solution used to grow tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) hydroponically may affect leaf greenness, and consequently chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings. It has also been shown that increasing nutrient solution strength (NSS) increases tomato productivity, but there are no reports regarding how NSS affects SPAD readings under greenhouse conditions. Genotype may also influence SPAD readings, and standardization for cultivar and sampling time may be needed. The objective of this study was to characterize SPAD readings for five tomato cultivars, and SPAD reading response to a combination of two nutrient solutions strength (NSS) (1X and 4X Steiner solution strength daily applied 18 days after transplanting at 7 p.m.) and two concentrations of NH₄–N in solution (0 and 25%) in order to evaluate the potential of SPAD readings as a tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. The SPAD readings were not uniform across tomato varieties tested, being consistently higher for “Max” and lower for the other varieties. Initially, SPAD readings for tomato varieties used in this study were low at the vegetative stage, and increased up to 40 days after transplant (DAT), but subsequently decreased at 49 DAT, or the fruit set of the first and second clusters. After this time, SPAD readings showed no variation. Chlorophyll meter readings for Max were higher in the top plant layers, but decreased in the top plant layer of the other tomato varieties. The SPAD readings were higher for plants supplied with 25% NH₄–N than those without NH₄–N in solution, but the use of a nighttime nutrient solution did not affect SPAD readings. None of the possible interactions among tomato variety, NH₄–N:NO₃–N ratio, and NSS were consistently significant. SAPD readings may be useful in monitoring low or high supply of N in greenhouse grown tomato plants.     

品种与氮肥形态对花生叶片铁含量和SPAD值及产量的影响

为探讨品种与氮肥形态对花生叶片活性铁含量和SPAD值及荚果产量的影响,选择远杂9102和驻花1号两个品种为主处理,以全部施用铵态氮肥、铵态氮肥与硝态氮肥各半、全部硝态氮肥为副处理的裂区设计进行田间试验。结果表明,远杂9102和驻花1号均以铵态氮肥与硝态氮肥各半处理的产量最高,但远杂9102的产量显著高于驻花1号,提高8.2%。在花针期、结荚期随着铵态氮肥比例的增加,远杂9102叶片活性铁含量均呈降低趋势,而驻花1号叶片活性铁含量在花针期和结荚期均呈增加趋势;新叶SPAD值均呈增加趋势。综合分析,以远杂9102品种和铵态氮肥与硝态氮肥各半组合的花生产量最高。     

Leaf senescence induced by nitrogen deficiency as indicator of genotypic differences in nitrogen efficiency in tropical maize

Nitrogen efficiency is a complex trait. Identification of secondary plant traits correlating with N efficiency would facilitate the breeding for N‐efficient cultivars. Sixteen tropical maize cultivars differing in grain yield at low N supply (N efficiency) under field conditions in Zimbabwe exhibited a significant negative correlation between N efficiency and leaf senescence during grain filling. The same cultivars were studied for leaf senescence under N deficiency in a short‐term nutrient‐solution experiment. Leaf chlorophyll contents as estimated by SPAD values and photosynthesis rates were used as measures for leaf senescence. Cultivars differed both in SPAD values and photosynthesis rates of the older leaves during N deprivation. Significant negative correlations were found between SPAD values, photosynthesis rates in the nutrient‐solution experiment, and leaf‐senescence scores in the field experiments, and positive correlations were found between photosynthesis rates and grain yield under low‐N conditions in the field. Relationships between physiological root parameters, which were also investigated in the nutrient‐solution experiment, and N uptake or grain yield of the cultivars in the field could not be established. It is concluded, that the assessment of the capacity of a genotype to maintain a higher photosynthetic capacity of older leaves during N deficiency–induced senescence at the seedling stage is a suitable selection parameter for the N efficiency of tropical maize cultivars.     

Relationship between spectroradiometric and chlorophyll measurements in green beans

Abstract

Individual linear relationships were established between total chlorophyll and SPAD readings, while a unique linear relationship was determined between chlorophyll a and SPAD readings for three green bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Greening of young expanding leaves at the top of the canopy of all cultivars was associated with low transmittance and reflectance in the PAR region. However, transmittance and reflectance responses of young leaves were different between cultivars. Leaf senescence was associated with an increase in transmittance in the PAR region, but no changes were obtained in the Near‐InfraRed region (NIR). Top young leaves and middle canopy fully expanded leaves of the three green bean cultivars presented a similar transmittance in the Visible and NIR regions. Although the correlations between reflectance and SPAD values of young expanding leaves and that for the inverse‐log reflectance were relatively weaker than that obtained for transmittance either for the same leaf age or different leaf ages, the results suggest that the SPAD meter may be used to provide a rapid estimate of leaf transmittance and reflectance in the field.     

Carbon dioxide assimilation efficiency of four spring wheat cultivars grown under low and high nitrogen 1

Little is known about varietal differences in carbon dioxide (CO₂) assimilation efficiency of leaves during the grain filling period under nitrogen (N) stress. The objective of this study was to compare four cultivars of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in the growth chamber under high and low soil N regimes for their CO₂ assimilation efficiency indices (AEI), CO₂ exchange rate (CER), leaf N concentration (NL) and spike grain yield and its components. The cuitivars used in the study had different characteristics. Nesma is an older cultivar, but adapted to a large range of environments in northern Africa, Merchouch 8 is a newer cultivar adapted to the semi arid and arid areas, 5/70–32 is adapted to more favorable conditions (high moisture), and Saada was used because it has high tillering capacity and resists Hessian fly (Maeytiola destructor Say.). Measurements were taken at stem elongation, boot and dough stages on the last well developed leaf for AEI, CER, and NL and at physiological maturity for grain yield and its components. This study showed that increased N supply improved the values of CER, AEI, and grain yield and its components. Cultivars differed under both high and low N conditions for all the variables measured. Merchouch 8 had the highest AEI and NL at all stages, and its seed number/head and seed weight were less affected by N stress. Saada had higher values of CER, especially at stem elongation, while 5/70–32 had the lowest values for the parameters measured. Nesma was intermediate for AEI. From this study, we concluded that Merchouch 8 was the most stable cultivar under different soil N environments and can tolerate low N regimes. Although the number of cultivars in the test was small, they represented a wide range of adaptation and/or use. On this basis, it appears that physiological measures of AEI and CER may assist in identifying wheat cultivars which are superior for use in reduced N environments.