EFFECT OF PREHARVEST SPRAYS OF CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SUCROSE ON CRACKING AND QUALITY OF ‘BURLAT’ SWEET CHERRY FRUIT

The aim of the study was to examine impact of preharvest sprays of calcium (Ca) and sucrose on splitting and quality of ‘Burlat’ sweet cherry fruit. The study was carried out during 2009–2010 in Poland and Turkey, on mature trees planted at a moderate density on coarse- and medium-textured soils. Sweet cherries were sprayed with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and/or sucrose at a rate of 5 kg of each material per ha, using ca. 1000 L of water. In Poland, sprays of CaCl₂ and/or sucrose were applied 8–14 h before each rain, starting 21 d before harvest, whereas in Turkey the spray treatments were made schematically: 7, 14 and 21 d before harvest. Sprays of water were treated as the control. The results showed that preharvest sprays of CaCl₂ and/or sucrose did not affect yield, mean fruit weight, and fruit acidity. Sprays of CaCl₂ increased fruit Ca status, and simultaneously reduced fruit cracking in an orchard or laboratory test. In the trial performed in Turkey, part of fruit sprayed with CaCl₂ (<5%) had spray deposit on the peel. Sucrose sprays did not affect fruit cracking. In one year of the study in Turkey, sucrose sprays increased soluble solids concentration of fruit; however, part of fruit treated with sucrose (<2%) had spray deposit on the skin.     

INFLUENCE OF ROOTSTOCK ON MINERAL UPTAKE AND SCION GROWTH OF ‘GOLDEN DELICIOUS’ AND ‘ROYAL GALA’ APPLES

Influence of four rootstocks (M.9, MM.106, MM.111, and local seedling) on the scion leaf and fruit mineral concentrations, tree growth, yield and fruit quality attributes of ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Royal Gala’ apples during four seasons (2008–2011) were significant. The mechanisms behind the influence of rootstock on scion vigor and yield was that the rootstock brought about its effects upon the scion by influencing the amounts of minerals taken up and translocated to the scion. ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ trees on seedling had the highest efficiency in calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) uptake. Whereas, trees of these cultivars on M.9 were more efficient in nitrogen (N), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) uptake. MM.106 had the highest efficiency in phosphorous (P) uptake, and M.9 had the lowest K and Ca uptake. The highest N- fruit concentration and the lowest Ca-fruit concentration were observed in cultivars on M.9.     

INFLUENCE OF PREHARVEST SPRAYS OF A MIXTURE OF CALCIUM FORMATE,CALCIUM ACETATE,CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND CALCIUM NITRATE ON QUALITY AND ‘JONAGOLD’ APPLE STORABILITY

The aim of the study was to examine effect of preharvest sprays of a mixture of calcium (Ca) formate, Ca-acetate, Ca-chloride (CaCl₂) and Ca-nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] on quality and apple storability. The experiment was conducted during 2008–2009 at the Experimental Station of the Research Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice, Poland, on mature ‘Jonagold’ apple trees/M.26, planted at a moderate density on a coarse-textured soil with low status of organic matter and abundant in exchangeable Ca. Apple trees were sprayed with Ca, 7 times per season, at 2-week intervals, starting 3 weeks after blooming. In the spray treatments a mixture of Ca-formate, Ca-acetate, CaCl₂ and Ca(NO₃)₂ (as Insol Wap fertilizer), CaCl₂ or Ca(NO₃)₂ were used at rates of 7.3 kg Ca, 11.8 kg Ca, and 9.9 kg Ca ha^?1 per season, respectively. The trees sprayed with water were treated as the control. The results showed that Ca sprays caused no leaf and fruit injury. Calcium spray measures did not affect yield, mean fruit weight, and soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acidity and starch index of fruit at harvest. However, at harvest apples sprayed with Ca contained more this nutrient and were firmer than those of the control plots. After storage apples sprayed with Ca had more acids, and were firmer and less liable to bitter pit than the control fruit. Calcium sprays did not affect SSC of fruit after storage but reduced postharvest decay of fruit caused by Peziculla spp. and Penicillium expansum fungi. Apples sprayed with Insol Wap material were the least affected by the above pathogens. It is concluded that in apple orchards preharvest sprays of a mixture of Ca-formate, Ca-acetate, CaCl₂ and Ca(NO₃)₂, containing 10% Ca (w/w) with ca. 50% in an organic form, can be the alternative to sprays of CaCl₂ or Ca(NO₃)₂.     

EFFECTS OF MIXING RATIO AND PROCESSING METHODS ON RESISTANT STARCH CONTENT OF PRODUCTS OF RICE＇ JIANGTANGDAO 1＇

以高抗性淀粉含量功能性粳稻品系“降糖稻1号”稻米为主要材料,研究其与不同比例稻米混配后经蒸煮、膨化、制作米粉及发酵加工后,对稻米产品直链淀粉含量和抗性淀粉（RS）含量的影响。结果表明,稻米中RS含量随加工温度和加工压力的提高而大大降低,表明“降糖稻1号”不宜高温高压蒸煮、膨化、加工米粉和发酵食品。“降糖稻l号”与“金丰”稻米按不同比例混合蒸煮后,其直链淀粉含量、RS含量及蒸煮品质有明显改善,“降糖稻1号”与“金丰”稻米以2：1混配,不仅明显改善米饭的食味,而且RS含量能保持较高的水平。     

DO MAIZE AND PEPPER PLANTS DEPEND ON MYCORRHIZAE IN TERMS OF PHOSPHORUS AND ZINC UPTAKE?

Nutrient deficiency, especially zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P), is a common nutritional problem for the production of some crops in Turkey. This problem results in the application of increasing amounts of several fertilizers. Mycorrhizal inoculation or the indigenous potential of mycorrhizae in the soil is a critical factor in crop production under low supply of Zn and P. The effects of selected mycorrhizal inoculation on growth and Zn and P uptake of maize and green pepper were investigated in Zn- and P-deficient calcareous soils from Central Anatolia. Soils were sterilized by autoclaving and plants were grown for 7 weeks in pots under greenhouse conditions with inoculation of two selected arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) species (Glommus moseea and G. etunicatum) at three rates of P (0, 25, 125 mg P kg^?1 soil) and two rates of Zn (0 and 5 mg Zn kg^?1soil). Without mycorrhizal inoculation, shoot and root dry matter production were severely affected by P and Zn deficiencies, and supply of adequate amounts of P and Zn significantly enhanced plant growth. When the soil was inoculated with mycorrhizal inoculation, the increasing effects of P and Zn fertilization on plant growth remained less pronounced. In accordance with growth data, mycorrhizae inoculation enhanced P and Zn concentration of plants, especially under low supply of P and Zn. The results obtained indicate that maize and green pepper are highly mycorrizal–dependent (MD) plant species under both low P and Zn supply and mycorrhizae play an essential role in P and Zn nutrition of plants in P and Zn-deficient soils. Although addition of P and Zn increased plant growth and plants are mycorrhizal dependent on P and Zn nutrition however dependence is much more dependent on P nutrition.     

NITROGEN–PHOSPHORUS–POTASSIUM EFFECTS ON FORMS OF SULFUR IN LEAVES AND FRUITS OF CUCUMBER

ABSTRACT

The impact that nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) application rates on the sulfur (S) fractions in leaves and fruits of greenhouse-grown cucumbers plants (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Brunex) are presented. The treatments were as follows: N (N1=5 g NO₃NH₄/m², N2=10 g NO₃NH₄/m², N3=20 g NO₃NH₄/m², N4=40 g NO₃NH₄/m²), two levels of P (P1=8 g H₃PO₄/m² and P2=16 g H₃PO₄/m²), and two levels of K (K1=20 g K₂SO₄/m² and K2=40 g K₂SO₄/m²). The foliar and fruit contents were determined for total S, organic S and sulfate. The influence of the N treatments on the total S (St: organic S +sulfate) concentration, proved significant, showing a progressive increase in the leaf and fruit concentrations. In the leaves, the P slightly diminished the St concentration but values in the fruits did not appreciably differ from control. The K dosage did not cause the St concentration to differ from that of P, although in the fruit a slightly lower St concentration appeared in the K2 treatment. The response of the organic-S concentration in the leaves resembled that of St, and thus organic S should not be used as a diagnostic method for S status. In the relationship SO₄ ^2-/St, the SO₄ ^2- concentration proved more influential than did the St form, providing a more accurate representation of the potential status of this nutrient in the plant.     

FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZINC INFLUENCES THE LEAF MINERAL STATUS,VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE GROWTH,YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF ‘KINNOW’ MANDARIN

Deficiency of zinc (Zn) is widespread in many citrus orchards of Pakistan, consequently hampering fruit yield. Effects of foliar applications of zinc sulfate on tree nutrition, growth, productivity and fruit quality were studied on ‘Kinnow’ mandarin. Leaf nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), and manganese (Mn) were highest for trees sprayed with 0.2% zinc sulfate, while phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) were highest with 0.6% zinc sulfate and potassium (K) and Zn were highest with 0.8% Zn sulfate applications. Trees sprayed with 0.6% zinc sulfate exhibited highest increase in height, crown width and stem girth, fruit diameter, fruit weight, ascorbic acid contents, and total phenolics compared to all other treatments. Pre-harvest fruit drop was lowest and total number and weight of fruit per tree was highest at harvest with 0.4% zinc sulfate application. In conclusion, foliar application of zinc sulfate up to 0.6% improved tree mineral nutrients, growth, and productivity with better fruit quality in ‘Kinnow’ mandarin.     

EFFECTS OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR AND MYCORRHIZAE ON THE YIELD OF WHEAT IN DIFFERENT SOILS

Yield responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to elemental sulfur (S), mycorrhizae (mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus mosseae), and phosphorus (P) alone and collectively in two different soils were investigated. Plants were grown on calcareous sterilized Karaburun and Menek?e soils (sub-group of Typic Xerorthent). In the all treatments mycorrhizae inoculation alone compared to the control treatment increased shoot and root yields. The yield responses to S alone, P alone, and combined application of S and P in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal treatments in two different soils were interestingly fluctuating. The findings obtained in this study indicated that S tended to increase the efficiency of mycorrhizae in the well aerated Karaburun soil in comparison to a less aerated (heavier textured) Menek?e soil. This potential to increase the efficiency of mycorrhizae on the root growth indicate that yield increase of shoot and grain can occur being an important finding for ecological agriculture.     

RESPONSE OF ‘BURLAT’ SWEET CHERRY TREES TO POSTHARVEST SPRAYS OF NITROGEN,BORON AND ZINC

The aim of the study was to examine effects of postharvest sprays of nitrogen (N), boron (B), and zinc (Zn) on reproductive response of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) trees, fruit quality and plant nutrition. The experiment was conducted during 2007–2009 in central Poland on mature ‘Burlat’ sweet cherry trees/F12, grown on a coarse-textured soil with low level of organic matter, and optimal soil reaction. Soil status of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), Zn and copper (Cu) was optimal, whereas B – low. Sweet cherry trees were sprayed with boric acid-B, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-Zn, and urea-N at 30–40 d prior to initiation of leaf fall according to following schema: i) spray of N at a rate of 23 kg ha^?1; ii) spray of B and Zn at a dose of 1.1 kg ha^?1 and 0.5 kg ha^?1, respectively; and iii) spray of N, B and Zn at the same rates as in the above spray combinations. The trees sprayed with water served as the control. The results showed that fall spray treatments had no influence on cold damage of flower buds, plant N status and soluble solids concentration in fruit. Postharvest spray of N and combined spray of N, B and Zn injured leaves in the fall but did not cause defoliation. Sprays of B and Zn with or without N increased status of Zn and B in fall leaves, and B in flowers and midsummer leaves. Those sprays also improved fruit set and yield. In one out of two years of the study, fall sprays of N with or without B and Zn decreased mean fruit weight. The above results indicate that only leaf-applied B in the fall improved reproductive response of sweet cherry trees. It is concluded that under conditions of B shortage in a soil and/or plant tissues, postharvest B sprays can be recommended in sweet cherry orchards to improve reproductive growth of the trees.     

EFFECTS OF BAG-CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILIZER ON NITROGEN UTILIZATION RATE,GROWTH AND FRUITING OF THE ‘FUJI’ APPLE

Bag-controlled release fertilizer is a new type of controlled-release fertilizer designed to meet the needs of the large individual volume characteristic of fruit trees. The effect of bag-controlled release fertilizer on nitrogen (N) utilization, growth-rate, and fruiting was investigated using ‘Fuji’ apple trees (M. domestica Borkh. cv. ‘Fuji’/M.hupehensis Rhed.). The results showed that the available concentration of nutrients in the soil following bag-controlled release fertilizer treatment (BCRT) was more consistent than when application treatments were broadcasted. The BCRT significantly increased N use efficiency, where this was 2.7 or 1.6 times greater than one or four broadcasted treatments, respectively. Trees treated via BCRT were healthier and had more quality spurs due to more constant nutrient concentration in the soil. With the same application amount, the chlorophyll level and Pn content of BCR-treated trees were steadier and higher than those of broadcasted controls; thus, BCRT significantly increased both yield and fruit quality.     

RESPONSE OF ‘GRANNY SMITH’ APPLE TREES TO FOLIAR TITANIUM SPRAYS UNDER CONDITIONS OF LOW SOIL AVAILABILITY OF IRON,MANGANESE, AND ZINC

The aim of the study was to examine impact of foliar titanium (Ti) sprays on vegetative and reproductive response of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees under conditions of low soil availability of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). The experiment was conducted during 2005–2006 at a Experimental Station in Isparta region, Turkey, on mature ‘Granny Smith’ apple trees/M.9, planted at a spacing of 3.5 × 1.5 m, on fine-textured soil with neutral reaction, medium status of organic matter, high amounts of available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), and low availability of Fe, Mn, and Zn. The trees were sprayed with Ti-ascorbate at the green and pink bud stage, petal fall, and 3, 6, and 9 weeks after full bloom, at a rate of 3 g Ti ha^?1 per spray. The efficiency of Ti sprays was compared to combined sprays of Fe, Mn, and Zn [chelated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)], applied at the same terms as Ti sprays, at rate of 36 g, 36 g and 24 g per spray, respectively. Trees unsprayed with Ti, Fe, Mn, and Zn served as the control. It was shown that summer leaf Ti concentrations of the trees untreated with Ti were high, varying from 34 to 36 mg kg^?1 dry matter. Foliar Ti sprays increased leaf status of this nutrient but they had no effect on nutrition of essential macro- and microelements, tree vigor, and fruit yield. Mean apple weight, coloring, firmness, soluble solids concentration, and titratable acidity of fruit were not also influenced by Ti sprays. Foliar sprays of Fe, Mn, and Zn improved leaf status of nitrogen (N), Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn; leaves of the trees sprayed with those micronutrients were also greener, and contained more Fe²⁺ than those of the control plants. Combined sprays of Fe, Mn, and Zn improved tree vigor and fruit yield.     

FOLIAR APPLICATION OF BORON INFLUENCES THE LEAF MINERAL STATUS,VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE GROWTH,YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF ‘KINNOW’ MANDARIN (CITRUS RETICULATA BLANCO.)

The effects of foliar application of boron (B) in the form of boric acid on vegetative and reproductive growth, yield and fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco.) were investigated. Kinnow mandarin was sprayed with different concentrations of boric acid viz. (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4%) at fruit set stage. Leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), B, and zinc (Zn) along with flush length, tree height, tree spread and tree trunk diameter increased, while leaf length and leaf age showed non-significant results after foliar B application. Yield of the ‘Kinnow’ mandarin was significantly affected by foliar application of B and a significant increase in fruit weight at harvest was also observed. Soluble solid concentration (SSC): titratable acidity (TA) ratio, ascorbic acid, total sugars, total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidants significantly affected, while pH of juice, SSC, TA, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars showed non- significant results.     

VEGETATIVE GROWTH,YIELD, FRUIT QUALITY AND FRUIT AND LEAF COMPOSITION OF STRAWBERRY CV. ‘PAJARO’ AS INFLUENCED BY SALICYLIC ACID AND NICKEL SPRAYS

Salicylic acid (SA) occurs naturally in plants at low concentrations. Previous studies reported a vast range of responses after SA application on plants. Nickel (Ni) as an essential element for plant growth and development has been proven to have positive impact on overall plant life cycle. To evaluate influence of these two compounds on strawberry plants cv. ‘Pajero’ this study was carried out as a 3 × 4 factorial in a completely randomized design in greenhouse conditions. Treatments included SA at 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM and nickel sulfate (NiSO₄) at 0, 150 and 300 mg L^?1 concentration. It seems that treatments had promoting effects on measured parameters as 2 mM of SA increased root and shoot fresh and dry weight, concentration of anthocyanins and poliphenolics of fruits significantly, 3 mM of this phytohormone caused augmentation of vitamin C content of fruits. Nitrogen and nickel concentration within leaves and fruits were affected after SA treatments. 150 mg L^?1 of nickel solution promoted total yield, root dry weight and nitrogen concentration of fruits. Worth mentioning, beneficial effects of such treatments were higher when applied together. Further research is needed before recommendation on other cultivars and commercial use.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF THE HIGHLY-TOLERANT TOMATO CV. ‘PONCHO NEGRO’ TO SALINITY AND EXCESS BORON

The variety of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) called ‘Poncho Negro’ by farmers represents an important source of genetic resources of agricultural interest, because it has managed to thrive at levels of salinity and excess B that other varieties of the same species find impossible. This work was conducted under controlled growth conditions in a greenhouse, evaluating and obtaining plant material that served for physiological, chemical, and biochemical determinations. Stress conditions were supplied by irrigation, using different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl; 75 and 150 mM) and excess boron (B; 5 and 20 mg L^?1). The rate of net carbon dioxide (CO₂) assimilation, the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis and the relative water content (RWC) were measured. In addition, B, sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺), soluble sugars, and proline were quantified. The results suggest that ‘Poncho Negro’ accumulated Na⁺ mainly in the roots, partly limiting its entry into the aerial parts. In addition, it should be noted that the interaction of B and salinity reduced the movement of Na⁺ to the leaves. The ability of cv. ‘Poncho Negro’ to minimize leaf Na⁺ accumulation, accumulate more leaf B than control plants, and maintain its K⁺ level, when grown with an excess of B, possibly allowed the observed increase in the rate of photosynthesis. In addition, these tomato plants used proline and soluble sugars as osmo-regulators under high-B and saline conditions. Under all stress conditions studied, this variety of tomato was able to regulate its water content, with RWC values of approximately 86%.     

EFFECT OF VARIOUS FOLIAR SPRAYS ON SOME FRUIT QUALITY ATTRIBUTES AND LEAF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THE PEACH CULTIVAR ‘ANDROSS’

The effect of various products applied as foliar sprays on some fruit quality attributes and leaf nutritional status of the peach cultivar ‘Andross’ for a three year period is reported. Foliar application of all calcium (Ca) products plus boron (B), did not affect mean fruit weight compared to the control. Application of profical plus calcium phosphite plus power 7-B resulted in an increase of flesh firmness. Low flesh firmness was measured at the potassium nitrate (KNO₃) and Chelan-K treatments. Foliar application of all Ca and K products did not alter significantly total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, and length and width of pits in comparison to the control. The highest amount of compact pits (without visual split) for the three year period was measured after foliar application of silene-K. Profical plus calcium phosphite plus power 7-B, and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) plus power 7-B gave also good results for the three years. Foliar application of agriphos, chelan-K, silene-K, and KNO₃ resulted in an increase of K concentration of leaves compared to the control. Foliar application of CaCl₂, bcazin, power-Ca, profical and calcium phosphite plus profical resulted in an increase of Ca concentration of leaves compared to the control for all the years. The efficacy of the foliar sprays varied from year to year indicating the influence of the climatic conditions on tree nutrition.     

EFFECT OF CITRUS ROOTSTOCKS ON LEAF MINERAL COMPOSITION OF ‘OKITSU’, ‘CLAUSELLINA’, AND ‘SILVERHILL’ MANDARIN CULTIVARS

Citrus performance is strongly related with rootstock. This study was conducted to investigate leaf nutrient contents of ‘Okitsu’, ‘Clausellina’ and ‘Silverhill’ mandarin cultivars budded onto sour orange, ‘Carrizo’ and ‘Troyer’ citrange rootstocks in Dörtyol, Turkey in 2004 and 2005. The maximum nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and copper (Cu) contents were determined for ‘Clausellina’; phosphorus (P) for ‘Okitsu’; and sodium (Na) for ‘Silverhill’. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) uptake were similar for the mandarin cultivars. ‘Carrizo’ citrange at N, K, Mg, Mn, and Cu uptake; ‘Troyer’ citrange at N, P, K, and Fe uptake; and common sour orange at Ca, Zn, and Na uptake was superior on the other rootstocks. It was observed that ‘Carrizo’ and ‘Troyer’ citrange rootstocks had advantages over sour orange in nutrient uptake. Thus, growth performance, yield, and quality parameters considered, ‘Carrizo’ and/or ‘Troyer’ citranges could be suggested as rootstocks for the studied mandarin cultivars under similar ecological conditions.     

EFFECTS OF SINGLE,DUAL AND TRIPLE INOCULATIONS WITH BACILLUS SUBTILIS,BACILLUS MEGATERIUM AND RHIZOBIUM LEGUMINOSARUM BV. PHASEOLI ON NODULATION,NUTRIENT UPTAKE,YIELD AND YIELD PARAMETERS OF COMMON BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L. CV. ‘ELKOCA-05’)

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of single, dual, and triple inoculations with Rhizobium, N₂-fixing Bacillus subtilis (OSU-142), and P-solubilizing Bacillus megaterium (M-3) on nodulation, plant growth, nutrient uptake and seed yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. ‘Elkoca-05’) in comparison to control and mineral fertilizer application under field conditions in 2006 and 2007 in the cold highland in Erzurum plateau (29° 55′ N and 41° 16′ E with an altitude of 1850 m), Turkey. Bacterial inoculations significantly increased all the parameters investigated compared with the control treatment, equal to or higher than nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and NP treatments. The lowest shoot dry weight and chlorophyll content values were recorded in the control treatment and the bacterial inoculations increased shoot dry weight by 19.7–54.3% and chlorophyll content by 34.1–59.3% over control. Nodule dry weight significantly increased in Rhizobium alone treatment. Additionally, nodulation by native soil Rhizobium population was increased in single inoculations of OSU-142 and M-3. Significant increases of the seed yield under different inoculation treatments ranged between by 6.6% (Rhizobium + OSU-142 + M-3) and 12.2% (OSU-142 alone) over the control whereas N, P and NP applications corresponded to increases of 5.6%, 4.0% and 7.4%, respectively. All bacterial inoculations, especially triple inoculation, significantly increased uptake of macronutrients and micronutrients by common bean. In conclusion, seed inoculation with Rhizobium, OSU-142 and M-3, especially OSU-142 alone, may substitute partially costly NP fertilizers in common bean production even in cold highland areas such as in Erzurum.     

RESPONSE OF ORNAMENTAL SUNFLOWER CULTIVARS ‘SUNBEAM’ AND ‘MOONBRIGHT’ TO IRRIGATION WITH SALINE WASTEWATERS

To explore the possibility that saline wastewaters may be used to grow commercially acceptable floriculture crops, a study was initiated to determine the effects of salinity on two pollen-free cultivars of ornamental sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). ‘Moonbright’ and ‘Sunbeam’ were grown in greenhouse sand cultures irrigated with waters prepared to simulate wastewaters commonly present in two inland valley regions of California: 1) San Joaquin Valley (SJV) where saline-sodic drainage waters are dominated by sodium (Na⁺) and sulfate (SO ^2? ₄ ) and 2) Coachella Valley (CV) where major ions in tailwaters are Na⁺, chloride (Cl^?), SO ^2? ₄ , magnesium (Mg²⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), predominating in that order. Ten-day-old seedlings were subjected to five salinity treatments of each water composition, each replicated three times. Electrical conductivities (EC) of the irrigation waters were 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dS·m^?1. Flowering stems were harvested when about 75% of the ray flowers were nearly horizontal. Stem length and fresh weight, flower and stem diameter were measured. Mineral ion concentrations in upper and lower stems, upper and lower leaves were determined. Sodium was excluded from the young tissues in the upper portions of the shoot and retained in the basal stem tissue. Inasmuch as sunflower is also a strong potassium (K)-accumulator, K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity coefficients were unusually high in the younger shoot organs. Despite a five-fold increase in substrate Ca²⁺ in both solutions, shoot-Ca decreased as salinity increased and this cation was retained in the older leaves. A few of the lower leaves of plants irrigated with ICV waters at EC = 10 dS·m^?1 and higher, exhibited necrotic margins which were undoubtedly caused by high concentrations of Cl^? in the tissues. Flowering stems produced in all treatments met florist quality standards in terms of diameters for stems (0.5 to 1.5 cm) and blooms (8 to 15 cm). Across treatments, stem lengths ranged from 60 to 175 cm. Both ornamental sunflower cultivars proved to be good candidates for production of marketable flowering stems using moderately saline wastewaters.     

EFFECT OF PREVIOUS NITROGEN STARVATION ON NO3 − AND NH4 + UPTAKE AND ASSIMILATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE ENDOGENOUS SOLUBLE CARBOHYDRATE UTILIZATION IN MOROCCAN WHEAT SEEDLINGS

Uptake of the two forms of nitrogen NO₃ ^? and NH₄ ⁺ and nitrate reduction have been studied in two varieties of Moroccan wheat seedlings, cvs. Sais and Jouda, cultivated under controlled conditions in a hydroponic medium. The available form of nitrogen in the medium had a direct effect on the rate of nitrogen absorption. A brief nitrogen starvation increased the root length and stimulated accumulation of soluble carbohydrates, especially in the root tissues. A resupply of nitrogen stimulated ammonium and nitrate uptake and assimilation with higher mobilization of the soluble carbohydrates previously accumulated in root seedlings. It is suggested that root nitrogen and carbohydrate status might both regulate nitrate uptake and reduction in Moroccan wheat seedlings.

The seedlings raised with the nitrate supply accumulated nitrate in the vacuole as an osmoticum. Shoots are the preferential site for such accumulation. The accumulation of mineral nitrogen was absent in the seedlings cultivated with ammonium supply but was compensated by accumulation of soluble organic nitrogen.