Phytate and mineral elements concentration in a collection of Italian durum wheat cultivars

Mineral deficiencies are prevalent in human populations and the improvement of the mineral content in cereal products represents a possible strategy to increase the human mineral intake. Nevertheless, most of the inorganic phosphorus (P_i) present in mature cereal seeds (40–80%) is stored as phytate, an anti-nutritional factor that forms complexes with minerals such as Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe reducing their bioavailability. The present study was undertaken: (i) to determine the variation in phytate and mineral concentrations in the whole grains of 84 Italian durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) cultivars representative of old and modern germplasm; (ii) to estimate the magnitude of genotype × environment interaction effects; and (iii) to examine the interrelationships among mineral concentrations in durum wheat with the final aim to identify superior durum wheat cultivars that possess low phytate content and high concentration of mineral elements in their whole-wheat flour. The cultivars were grown in field trials during 2004–2005 at Foggia, Italy and during 2005–2006 at Foggia and Fiorenzuola d’Arda—Southern and Northern Italy. The phytate content was estimated indirectly by using a microtitre plate assay evaluating the P_i absorbance at 820 nm, while the Cu, Fe, Mn, Ca, K, Mg, Na and Zn mineral contents were determined by ICP/OES. The contents of Zn and Fe across years and locations ranged from 28.5 to 46.3 mg/kg for Zn with an average of 37.4 mg/kg and from 33.6 to 65.6 mg/kg for Fe with an average of 49.6 mg/kg. P_i grain content was between 0.46 and 0.76 mg/g showing a positive correlation with all minerals except Cu and Zn. Although breeding activity for Fe and Zn would be difficult because G × E interaction is prevalent, multi-location evaluation of germplasm collection help to identify superior genotypes to achieve this objective. The results here reported open the possibility of designing a specific breeding program for improving the nutritional value of durum wheat through the identification of parental lines with low-P_i and high minerals concentration in whole grains.     

Distribution of phytic acid and mineral elements in three indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars

Three indica rice cultivars with different grain shapes were selected to determine the milling characteristics and distribution of phytic acid (PA) and six mineral elements including magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se). Milling characteristics were quite different among the rice cultivars with different physical dimensions. Similar milling times did not necessarily result in the same degree of milling (DOM) for different rice cultivars. The concentrations of phytic acid and minerals decreased with an increased DOM. These results also showed that phytic acid and minerals except for Zn and Se were not evenly distributed and highly concentrated in the outer layer (0% < DOM < 15%) of the rice kernel. In contrast, Zn and Se seem to be relatively evenly distributed in the grain. Optimum DOM of about 14% was detected for Zhenong 7 (long and slender grain); 10% was found for Zhenong 60 (medium-grain) and 9% for Zhenong 34 (short and round grain). The information generated in this experiment could be useful to optimize milling procedures for maximum removal of phytic acid, minimum mineral losses and weight loss in indica rice cultivars with different grain shapes.     

Grain concentrations of protein and mineral nutrients in a large collection of spelt wheat grown under different environments

A large number of spelt wheat genotypes (ranging from 373 to 772) were evaluated for grain concentrations of protein and mineral nutrients under 6 different environments. There was a substantial genotypic variation for the concentration of mineral nutrients in grain and also for the total amount of nutrients per grain (e.g., content). Zinc (Zn) showed the largest genotypic variation both in concentration (ranging from 19 to 145 mg kg⁻¹) and content (ranging from 0.4 to 4.1 μg per grain). The environment effect was the most important source of variation for grain protein concentration (GPC) and for many mineral nutrients, explaining between 37 and 69% of the total sums of squares. Genotype by environment (G × E) interaction accounted for between 17 and 58% of the total variation across the minerals. GPC and sulfur correlated very significantly with iron (Fe) and Zn. Various spelt genotypes have been identified containing very high grain concentrations of Zn (up to 70 mg kg⁻¹), Fe (up to 60 mg kg⁻¹) and protein (up to 30%) and showing high stability across various environments. The results indicated that spelt is a highly promising source of genetic diversity for grain protein and mineral nutrients, particularly for Zn and Fe.     

Environmental and genotypic influences on trace element and mineral concentrations in whole meal flour of einkorn (Triticum monococcum L. subsp. monococcum)

Trace elements (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) and minerals (Ca, Mg, P and K) concentrations were determined in whole meal flour of five einkorn accessions and one bread wheat cultivar, cropped in four different locations for two years. The major factors influencing mineral levels were year and genotype, as well as their interaction. Einkorn varieties exhibited higher Zn (7.18 ± 0.76 mg/100 g DM), Fe (5.23 ± 0.47), Mn (4.65 ± 0.23), Cu (0.90 ± 0.08), Mg (151.2 ± 9.00) and P (541.1 ± 35.37) concentration than bread wheat. Mg concentration correlated positively with that of other bivalent cations (Zn and Ca). The relevant amount of trace elements consistently found in einkorn further confirms the potential of this cereal in human nutrition, either by direct consumption or by introgression of superior alleles into enhanced polyploid wheat cultivars.     

Grain concentrations of protein and mineral nutrients in a large collection of spelt wheat grown under different environments

A large number of spelt wheat genotypes (ranging from 373 to 772) were evaluated for grain concentrations of protein and mineral nutrients under 6 different environments. There was a substantial genotypic variation for the concentration of mineral nutrients in grain and also for the total amount of nutrients per grain (e.g., content). Zinc (Zn) showed the largest genotypic variation both in concentration (ranging from 19 to 145 mg kg⁻¹) and content (ranging from 0.4 to 4.1 μg per grain). The environment effect was the most important source of variation for grain protein concentration (GPC) and for many mineral nutrients, explaining between 37 and 69% of the total sums of squares. Genotype by environment (G × E) interaction accounted for between 17 and 58% of the total variation across the minerals. GPC and sulfur correlated very significantly with iron (Fe) and Zn. Various spelt genotypes have been identified containing very high grain concentrations of Zn (up to 70 mg kg⁻¹), Fe (up to 60 mg kg⁻¹) and protein (up to 30%) and showing high stability across various environments. The results indicated that spelt is a highly promising source of genetic diversity for grain protein and mineral nutrients, particularly for Zn and Fe.     

Influences of Cadmium on Grain Mineral Nutrient Contents of Two Rice Genotypes Differing in Grain Cadmium Accumulation

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of Cd on grain Cd, K, P, Mg, Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe and Mn accumulation in two rice genotypes (Xiushui 63 and Xiushui 217) differing in grain Cd accumulation under four Cd levels, i.e. 0, 0.5, 2.5 and 12.5 mg/kg. Rice genotype greatly affected the grain K content, but not significantly for P, Mg, Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe and Mn contents. There were remarkable effects of additional Cd on the contents of P, Mg and Zn in grains, while not significant for K, Cu, Pb, Fe and Mn contents. No significant differences were found in the interaction of genotype by additional Cd on these nine element contents. The low grain Cd accumulation genotype Xiushui 217 had significantly higher grain K, Mg, Cu and Mn contents than the high grain Cd accumulation genotype Xiushui 63, but the case was opposite for Zn, Pb and Fe contents. It also showed that Cd addition levels significantly influenced the K, P, Mg, Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe and Mn contents in rice grains. Grain K, P, Mg, Zn, Fe and Mn contents reduced with the increasing rate of Cd addition.     

氮肥用量对苏中冬小麦地上部主要矿质元素含量的影响

为了明确施氮量对苏中地区冬小麦主要矿质元素含量的影响,以扬麦11和扬麦13为材料,在江苏丹阳设置3个氮素水平(0、150、300kg.hm-2),研究不同施氮量对冬小麦籽粒、茎鞘和叶片中Fe、Zn、Mn、Cu、Ca、Mg和P等矿质元素含量的影响。结果表明,增施氮肥能显著提高冬小麦籽粒、茎鞘、叶片、面粉和麸皮中的Fe、Zn、Mn、Cu和Ca含量,但P含量明显下降。与对照(N0)相比,施氮量达300kg.hm-2时,扬麦11籽粒中的Fe、Zn、Mn、Cu和Ca含量分别增加了11.74%、32.20%、31.78%、66.87%和53.75%,P含量降低23.06%,茎鞘中Zn、Cu和Ca含量增加106.34%、136.97%和51.15%,P含量降低46.46%;扬麦13籽粒中Zn、Cu和Ca含量分别比对照(N0)增加33.03%、59.67%和56.63%,Mg和P含量分别降低14.10%和25.41%,叶片中Mn、Cu、Ca和Mg分别增加174.54%、27.15%、41.66%和29.95%。随着氮肥用量增加,籽粒中Mg含量呈下降趋势,但茎鞘和叶片中Mg含量呈递增趋势。籽粒、茎鞘和叶片中不同矿质元素含量对氮肥的响应存在品种间差异。在本试验条件下,适量施氮可以提高冬小麦籽粒中微量元素的含量。但是,氮肥用量过高可能降低籽粒中P和Mg的含量,不利于籽粒矿质营养品质的提高。     

叶面喷施硒酸钠对不同小麦品种(系)籽粒硒及其他矿质元素含量的影响

为了解叶面喷施硒酸钠对不同小麦品种(系)籽粒硒含量及其他矿质元素的影响,对114个不同小麦品种(系)进行叶面喷施硒酸钠,试验设4个梯度,分别为0 mg·kg~(-1)(CK)、100 mg·kg~(-1)(Se10)、200mg·kg~(-1)(Se20)、300mg·kg~(-1)(Se30),利用离子发射光谱-原子吸收仪测定了籽粒硒、钙、镁、铜、铁、锰、锌、硫含量。结果表明,叶面喷施硒酸钠可以提高小麦籽粒的硒含量,增幅因品种(系)而异;CK、Se10、Se20及Se30处理下,籽粒的总硒含量分别为1.54、5.70、10.01和13.10mg·kg~(-1)。籽粒中不同矿物质元素对叶面喷施硒酸钠的响应不同;籽粒中硒与其他元素的积累既有协同也有拮抗作用,因元素种类、小麦品种(系)和施硒量而异。总体而言,高浓度硒处理降低了籽粒中钙、镁、铜、铁、锰和硫的含量,但提高了锌的含量。     

氮、磷、锌营养对水稻籽粒植酸含量的影响及与几种矿质元素间的相关性

以协青早、秀水110及其辐射诱变获得的低植酸突变系（HIPi1和HIPj1）为材料,通过水培试验对不同氮、磷、锌浓度处理下水稻籽粒植酸含量差异及与几种矿质元素间的相关性进行了比较分析。高水平氮、磷、锌浓度处理的籽粒植酸含量较同一品种的低氮、磷、锌处理均有所降低,但在水稻生育期间,籽粒植酸含量对磷、锌处理浓度变化的敏感性,则因品种的植酸类型特征而异;氮、磷浓度增加能分别提高铁或降低铜在籽粒中的积累,但在高锌处理下,籽粒铁含量明显降低、而钾和镁的含量等却有所升高; 籽粒植酸含量一般与K、Mg、Fe、Cu 4种矿质元素含量呈正相关、与籽粒Zn含量呈负相关,但统计显著水平因品种而异。低植酸突变体籽粒中的K、Mg、Fe、Zn等含量虽略有下降,但可以通过适当的介质营养条件来调节有关矿质营养在水稻籽粒中的积累。     

小麦籽粒矿质元素的基因型差异及对锌强化的响应

为了分析锌强化对不同小麦品种籽粒矿质元素含量的影响,以40个不同小麦品种(系)为材料,在扬花期叶面喷施0.5%的Zn肥,用原子吸收光谱法测定Zn处理与不处理(对照)下不同小麦品种籽粒中6种矿质元素(Zn、Fe、Ca、Mg、Cu、Mn)的含量,并分析这些元素对Zn强化的响应。结果表明,Zn处理后各品种籽粒中Zn含量均比对照有极显著上升,但上升幅度因品种而异。籽粒中Fe、Ca、Mg、Cu、Mn含量对Zn强化的响应因元素种类和品种而异,就品种平均值而言,Mn含量在Zn处理和对照间有极显著差异,Fe、Mg和Cu含量在处理与对照间无显著差异。大部分品种Zn处理后籽粒Ca含量有所下降,Mn则有所增加。对施Zn和对照间被测矿质元素的变幅进行主成分分析,前三个主成分(PC1、PC2、PC3)累积贡献率为0.76,基于前三个主成分对40个品种(系)进行类平均法的聚类分析,将40个品种分为3类:第1类包含有8个品种,Zn处理后籽粒中Ca、Mg、Cu、Fe含量总体呈现降低趋势,而Mn、Zn含量呈增高趋势;第2类包含23个品种,Zn处理后籽粒Ca、Cu含量总体有一定的降低,其余4种元素含量则有一定幅度的提高;第3类共有9个品种,施Zn后Fe含量总体有一定幅度的降低,其余5种元素含量则有一定幅度的增加。来自第2类和第3类中的12个品种在Zn处理后所测定的全部6种元素或者其中大部分元素的含量提高,适宜进行Zn强化,而其余品种Zn强化后部分或全部元素(Zn除外)与对照相比有所下降,不宜作为Zn营养强化的载体品种。     

The influence of potassium fertilizer application on tuber yield and mineral element content of potato petioles during the growing season

Potassium was applied at rates equivalent to 0, 135, and 250 pounds per acre (0, 151, 180 kg K/ha) to study the effect of soil applied K on tuber yields and concentration of mineral elements in the petioles of potato plants during growth both measured at 14 day intervals. Petioles were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu, Al, Mn, and B. Seasonal trends in petiolar K content were highly correlated with tuber bulking regardless of rate of K application. Increasing K application rates generally increased petiolar levels of K and Zn (early in the season) and decreased the levels of N, Mg, Ca, Zn (late in the season), Al, Fe, Cu, and B in the petioles. Concentrations of P and Mn were unaffected by K applications. Seasonal trends in the mineral element content of petioles were not influenced by K. Results indicate that a prediction model for tuber yield based upon trends in the K content of petioles is valid under differing soil levels of K.     

不同木薯种质资源主要矿物质元素差异性分析

为了解不同木薯种质资源矿物质元素含量,优选含量丰富的品种,为木薯的综合利用提供数据支撑,本文采用马弗炉法、原子吸收和原子荧光法分别对113份木薯种质资源灰分与矿物质元素含量进行测定,结果表明：矿物质元素Cr、Cu、Se含量均低于1 mg/kg（干重）,Ca、Fe、K、Mg、Mn、Na、Zn含量分别为66.39~1609.81 mg/kg、4.35~ 38.93 mg/kg、1954.56~8762.78 mg/kg、149.04~1143.73 mg/kg、4.48~37.40 mg/kg、36.80~530.40 mg/kg、6.35~24.83 mg/kg。利用概率分级法将113份木薯种质资源灰分及矿物质元素含量分为5级,即极高、高、中、低和极低,并推荐极高品系作为基础亲本材料。在相关性分析中,灰分与Fe、Mg、Na、Zn含量具有较为显著的相关性,Ca含量与K、Mn含量呈极显著正相关,Ca含量与Mg、Na含量呈极显著负相关,Fe含量与Mg、Na、Zn含量成极显著正相关,K含量与Mn含量呈极显著正相关,与Na含量呈极显著负相关,Mg含量与Na、Zn含量呈极显著正相关,Zn含量与Mn、Na含量呈极显著正相关。Zn与各矿物质元素的吸收有较强的相互促进作用,Fe含量与Mg、Na含量有较强的相互促进作用,Ca含量与K、Mn的吸收有较强的促进作用,而Ca、K、Mn与Fe、Mg、Na的吸收可能存在一定的拮抗作用。结合主成分分析、聚类分析对不同木薯种质资源矿物质元素含量进行综合评价,得到特征值大于1的主成分2个,累计方差贡献率达61.707%。聚类分析可将113个木薯种质资源分为3类,根据矿物质元素含量差异可将不同木薯品种分为Na、Mg、Zn、Fe含量较高和Mn、Ca、K、Zn含量较高两大类,主成分综合评价中‘274'‘50'‘571'‘521'‘417'等木薯种质资源得分较高。     

Leaf and seed micronutrient accumulation in soybean cultivars in response to integrated organic and chemical fertilizers application

Plant nutrients can be influenced by organic materials of soils. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic amendments on elements uptake by soybean cultivars in a silty loam soil in Mazandaran province, Iran. The experiment was carried out in split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2006. Main plots were included 8 fertilizer treatments consisted of 20 and 40 Mg ha(-1) Municipal Solid Waste Compost (MSW), Vermicompost (VC) and Sewage Sludge (SS) which enriched with 50% chemical fertilizers needed by soil, only chemical fertilizer treatment and control. Sub plots consisted of three genotypes of soybean (032, 033 and JK). Grain yield was determined and soybean leaves and seeds were digested and analyzed for Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe. Results showed that yield and elements content in soybean leaves and seeds (Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) were influenced by all treatments. The 40 Mg ha(-1) of sewage sludge enriched with chemical fertilizers produced maximum grain yield. Different soybean cultivars had also significant differences in terms of leaf and seed micronutrients accumulation. Maximum grain yield was observed in JK and 033. Mean comparisons showed that interaction effects of fertilizer and cultivar had significant differences on Mn, Cu and Fe content in soybean leaves, so that the maximum Cu content was observed in 032 cultivars with 40 Mg ha(-1) enriched sewage sludge and municipal waste compost. Also the highest amount of Fe was obtained for JK cultivar when the 40 Mg ha(-1) of municipal compost was used. Among different mentioned traits, Fe and Cu content in leaf and seed and Zn content in leaf had a positive and significant correlation with grain yield.     

Mineral and protein content,test weight,and yield variations of hard red spring wheat grain as influenced by fertilization and cultivar

Among the complex factors affecting grain nutritional quality, protein and mineral content are highly important. A two-year study was conducted in eastern North Dakota to determine the influence of fertility on the protein and mineral content, test weight, and yield of two hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. Zero, medium (56, 12, and 47 kg/ha), and high (280, 122, and 465 kg/ha) rates of N, P, and K, respectively, were applied in a complete factorial arrangement to ‘Era’ (a semi-dwarf) and ‘Waldron’ wheat (a tall type) in 1977. Seven of these treatments were repeated in 1978. Micronutrients and S were also applied to most treatments in 1977, and micronutrients but no S to all treatments in 1978. In 1977 on a site with high residual NO₃-N, additions of N reduced yields and test weight but increased protein, P, Ca, Zn, Mn, and Fe content. At this site application of P increased grain yield, P, K, and Mg contents but reduced protein and Zn; fertilizer K increased Mn and Fe content and reduced yield, P, K, and Mg. In 1978, N additions increased grain yield, protein, Ca, and Fe but reduced Zn. The application of P and K had little influence on the composition of the grain in 1978. The two cultivars acted the same both years, with Waldron exceeding Era grain in protein (15%), P (12%), Mg (12%), Mg (12%), Zn (17%), Mn (30%), and Fe (12%). Era surpassed Waldron in test weight (2%), K (2%), and Ca (27%). Era proved to be more responsive to fertilizer additions for most grain parameters. Drier weather conditions and lower soil N status for the 1978 experiment produced grain higher in test weight and P, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe content but lower in yield, protein, and Zn. Many highly significant fertilizer-grain and grain-grain interactions were observed. Since wheat grain composition may often be altered by fertilizers and cultivars, the range of these changes should become known through investigations by soil scientists, agronomists, and nutritionists; additional research should be conducted to determine if their changes are of nutritional significance.     

黄淮海区主推玉米品种子粒主要矿物质元素含量分析

对黄淮海区36个主推玉米品种子粒各微量和常量矿物质元素含量进行分析。结果表明,玉米子粒Zn、Fe、Mn和Cu浓度变化范围分别为16.2~24.0、17.7~32.9、3.3~7.4和1.1~2.4 mg/kg,其平均浓度分别为20.1、23.0、4.5和1.6 mg/kg,变异系数分别为10.3%、23.0%、23.9%和22.1%。Ca和Mg浓度范围分别为37.8~93.5和1 002.1~1 357.4 mg/kg,平均浓度分别为68.3和1 163.2 mg/kg,变异系数为25.3%和7.9%。N,K和P浓度范围分别为8.9~14.0、3.2~4.8和2.2~3.0 g/kg,平均浓度分别为11.5,3.9和2.6 g/kg,变异系数分别为12.4%,10.7%和8.3%。子粒中60.2%~85.9%的P以植酸磷形态存在,与Zn和Fe均无相关性;Zn和Fe同时与Mn、Mg和K呈显著正相关,表明玉米子粒中Zn、Fe、Mn、Mg和K浓度提高的同时不会提高植酸P浓度,有利于提高子粒Zn和Fe的生物有效性。     

粳稻“龙锦1号/香软米1578” F3家系群糙米矿质元素含量变异及相关性分析

 利用粳稻品种间杂交组合“龙锦1号/香软米1578”的196份F3家系,对糙米中Fe、Se、Zn、Cu、Mn、Ca、Mg、K、Na和P等10种矿质元素含量的变异及其相关性进行了分析。 10种矿质元素在F3家系间均有较大的变异,其中Na含量变异最大,Zn含量变异最小,变异系数分别为77.69％和12.04％。各矿质元素含量的变异系数大小顺序为Na>Se>Cu>Fe>Mg>Mn>Ca>P>K>Zn。不同矿质元素含量也有较大的差异,F3家系群各矿质元素含量平均值高低排序为P>K>Mg>Ca>Fe>Mn>Zn>Na>Cu>Se。糙米中10种矿质元素含量在F3家系群中均表现为正态分布,为由多基因控制的数量性状。Zn与Fe、Cu,Mn与Mg、Ca、K、P,Ca与Mg、K、Na、P,Mg与K、P,P与K、Na含量呈显著或极显著正相关,而Fe与Se、Mn与Na、Mg与Na含量呈显著或极显著负相关。Mn、Ca、Mg、K、P含量与其他矿质元素含量间的相关关系较Fe、Se、Cu、Zn含量与其他矿质元素含量间的相关关系更为密切。     

Variation in mineral micronutrient concentrations in grain of wheat lines of diverse origin

150 lines of bread wheat representing diverse origin and 25 lines of durum, spelt, einkorn and emmer wheat species were analysed for variation in micronutrient concentrations in grain. A subset of 26 bread wheat lines was grown at six sites or seasons to identify genetically determined differences in micronutrient concentrations. Substantial variation among the 175 lines existed in grain Fe, Zn and Se concentrations. Spelt, einkorn and emmer wheats appeared to contain higher Se concentration in grain than bread and durum wheats. Significant differences between bread wheat genotypes were found for grain Fe and Zn, but not Se concentration; the latter was influenced more by the soil supply. Grain Zn, but not Fe, concentration correlated negatively with grain yield, and there was a significant decreasing trend in grain Zn concentration with the date of variety release, suggesting that genetic improvement in yield has resulted in a dilution of Zn concentration in grain. Both grain Zn and Fe concentrations also correlated positively and significantly with grain protein content and P concentration, but the correlations with kernel size, kernel weight or bran yield were weak. The results from this study are useful for developing micronutrient biofortification strategies.     

Wheat grain quality under increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations in a semi-arid cropping system

We investigated wheat (Triticum aestivum) grain quality under Free Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) of 550 ± 10% CO₂ μmol mol⁻¹. In each of two full growing seasons (2008 and 2009), two times of sowing were compared, with late sowing designed to mimic high temperature during grain filling. Grain samples were subjected to a range of physical, nutritional and rheological quality assessments. Elevated CO₂ increased thousand grain weight (8%) and grain diameter (5%). Flour protein concentration was reduced by 11% at e[CO₂], with the highest reduction being observed at the late time of sowing in 2009, (15%). Most of the grain mineral concentrations decreased under e[CO₂] - Ca (11%), Mg (7%), P (11%) and S (7%), Fe (10%), Zn (17%), Na (19%), while total uptake of these nutrients per unit ground area increased. Rheological properties of the flour were altered by e[CO₂] and bread volume reduced by 7%. Phytate concentration in grains tended to decrease (17%) at e[CO₂] while grain fructan concentration remained unchanged. The data suggest that rising atmospheric [CO₂] will reduce the nutritional and rheological quality of wheat grain, but at high temperature, e[CO₂] effects may be moderated. Reduced phytate concentrations at e[CO₂] may improve bioavailability of Fe and Zn in wheat grain.     

Accumulation of mineral elements in tuber periderm of potato cultivars differing in susceptibility to common scab

Summary Concentrations of Ca, P, K, Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were determined in healthy tuber peelings of cultivars less (Karin, Santé and Symfonia) and more (Agria, Désirée and Tomensa) susceptible to common scab when grown at two sites that differed in the level of scab incidence. The accumulation of some elements was significantly influenced by site, year, cultivar, maturity and the age of tuber periderm. At both sites, Ca and P in periderm tissue declined but Mg increased during the growing season. The Ca/P ratios in tuber periderm of all cultivars greatly decreased 83 days after planting. Concentrations of mineral elements measured at harvest may not reflect conditions present during the infection period, and consequently may not be related to scab incidence or severity.     

Using stress tolerance indicator (STI) to select high grain yield iron-deficiency tolerant wheat genotypes in calcareous soils

Despite large variation among crop genotypes in response to Fe fertilization, there is no reliable indicator for identifying Fe-deficiency tolerant wheat genotypes with high grain yield. The aim of this investigation was to compare the grain yield response of 20 spring and 30 winter bread wheat genotypes to Fe fertilization under field conditions and to select high grain yield Fe-deficiency tolerant genotypes using a stress tolerance indicator (STI). Two individual trials, each one consisting two field plot experiments, were conducted during 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 growing seasons. Spring wheat genotypes (Trial l) and winter wheat genotypes (Trial 2) were planted at two different locations. Two Fe rates (0 and 20 kg Fe ha⁻¹ as Fe-EDTA) were applied. Spring and winter wheat genotypes differed significantly (P < 0.01) in the grain yield both with and without added Fe treatments. Application of Fe fertilizer increased grain yield of spring wheat genotypes by an average of 211 and 551 kg ha⁻¹ in Karaj and Isfahan locations, respectively. By Fe application, the mean grain yield of winter wheat genotypes increased 532 and 798 kg ha⁻¹ in Karaj and Isfahan sites, respectively. Iron efficiency (Fe-EF) significantly differed among wheat genotypes and ranged from 65% to 113% for spring wheat and from 69% to 125% for winter wheat genotypes. No significant correlation was found between Fe-EF and grain yield of spring wheat genotypes under Fe deficient conditions. For winter wheat genotypes grown in Mashhad, Fe-efficiency was not significantly correlated with the grain yield produced without added Fe treatment. The STI was significantly (P < 0.01) varied among spring and winter wheat genotypes. The interaction between location and genotype had no significant effect on the STI. According to these results, the STI should be considered as an effective criterion for screening programs, if a high potential grain yield together with more stable response to Fe fertilization in different environments is desired.