METABOLITE PROFILING OF SHOOT EXTRACTS,ROOT EXTRACTS,AND ROOT EXUDATES OF RICE PLANT UNDER PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY

We applied a metabolite profiling technique to investigate root exudates under phosphorus (P) deficiency. Oryza sativa was grown in culture solution containing three P levels (0, 1, and 8 mg P L^?1). Shoot extracts, root extracts, and root exudates were obtained from 18 and 23-day-old plants and their metabolites were determined by capillary electrophoresis/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Eighty, 90, and 65 metabolites were identified in shoot extracts, root extracts, and root exudates, respectively. Sixty-three to eighty-four percent of the metabolites were exuded to the rhizosphere. More than 33% of the metabolites in the root exudates showed higher concentration at low P than at high P. On the other hand, only 14% of the metabolites in the root extracts showed lower concentration at low P than at high P. These results suggest that rice roots actively release many metabolites in response to P deficiency.     

Root exudation of sugars,amino acids,and organic acids by maize as affected by nitrogen,phosphorus, potassium,and iron deficiency

Root exudates play a major role in the mobilization of sparingly soluble nutrients in the rhizosphere. Since the amount and composition of major metabolites in root exudates from one plant species have not yet been systematically compared under different nutrient deficiencies, relations between exudation patterns and the type of nutrient being deficient remain poorly understood. Comparing root exudates from axenically grown maize plants exposed to N, K, P, or Fe deficiency showed a higher release of glutamate, glucose, ribitol, and citrate from Fe‐deficient plants, while P deficiency stimulated the release of γ‐aminobutyric acid and carbohydrates. Potassium‐starved plants released less sugars, in particular glycerol, ribitol, fructose, and maltose, while under N deficiency lower amounts of amino acids were found in root exudates. Principal‐component analysis revealed a clear separation in the variation of the root‐exudate composition between Fe or P deficiency versus N or K deficiency in the first principal component, which explained 46% of the variation in the data. In addition, a negative correlation was found between the amounts of sugars, organic and amino acids released under deficiency of a certain nutrient and the diffusion coefficient of the respective nutrient in soils. We thus hypothesize that the release of dominant root exudates such as sugars, amino acids, and organic acids by roots may reflect an ancient strategy to cope with limiting nutrient supply.     

Root Exudates of Rice Cultivars Affect Rhizospheric Phosphorus Dynamics in Soils with Different Phosphorus Statuses

Exudation of organic acids by the roots of three rice cultivars grown in three soils of different phosphorus (P) statuses, and their impacts on the rhizospheric P dynamics and P uptake by the rice plants, were investigated. Quantum root exudates from all the rice cultivars were significantly greater at 21 days after transplantation than at panicle initiation or flowering stages. Malic acid was the most predominant organic acid present in the rice root exudates (10.3 to 89.5 μmol plant^?1 d^?1), followed by tartaric, citric, and acetic acids. Greater exudation of organic acids from rice grown in P-deficient soil by all the rice cultivars suggested response of rice plant to P stress. Results indicate that the release of organic acids in the root exudates of rice plants can extract P from strongly adsorbed soil P fraction, thereby increasing native soil P utilization efficiency and ensuring adequate P nutrition for the growing rice plants.     

Release of zinc mobilizing root exudates in different plant species as affected by zinc nutritional status

The effect of zinc nutritional status of the plant on the release of zinc mobilizing root exudates was studied in various dicotyledonous (apple, bean, cotton, sunflower, tomato) and graminaceous (barley, wheat) plant species grown in nutrient solutions. In all species, zinc deficiency increased root exudation of amino acids, sugars and phenolics. However, the root exudates of zinc deficient dicotyledonous species did not enhance zinc mobilization from a synthetic resin (Zn chelite), or a calcareous soil, although mobilization of iron from Fe^III hydroxide was increased. By contrast in the graminaceous species, root exudates from zinc deficient plants greatly increased mobilization of both zinc and iron from the various sources. These differences in capability of mobilization of zinc and iron between the plant species are the result of an enhanced release of phytosiderophores with zinc deficiency in the graminaceous species.     

Effect of zinc deficiency in wheat on the release of zinc and iron mobilizing root exudates

The effect of Zn deficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Ares) on the release of Zn mobilizing root exudates was studied in nutrient solution. Compared to Zn sufficient plants, Zn deficient plants had higher root and lower shoot dry weights. After visual Zn deficiency symptoms in leaves appeared (15–17 day old plants) there was a severalfold increase in the release of root exudates efficient at mobilizing Zn from either a selective cation exchanger (Zn-chelite) or a calcareous soil. The release of these root exudates by Zn deficient plants followed a distinct diurnal rhythm with a maximum between 2 and 8 h after the onset of light. Re-supply of Zn to deficient plants depressed the release of Zn mobilizing root exudates within 12 h to about 50%-, and after 72 h to the level of the control plants (Zn sufficient plants). The root exudates of Zn deficient wheat plants were equally effective at mobilizing Fe from freshly precipitated Fe^III hydroxide as Zn from Zn-chelite. Furthermore, root exudates from Fe deficient wheat plants mobilized Zn from Zn-chelite, as well as Fe from Fe^III hydroxide. Purification of the root exudates and identification by HPLC indicated that under Zn as well as under Fe deficiency, wheat roots of the cv. Ares released the phytosiderophore 2′-deoxymugineic acid. Additional experiments with barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Europa) showed that in this species another phytosiderophore (epi-3-hydroxymugineic acid) was released under both Zn and Fe deficiencies. These results demonstrate that the enhanced release of phytosiderophores by roots of grasses is not a response mechanism specific for Fe deficiency, but also occurs under Zn deficiency. The ecological relevance of enhanced release of phytosiderophore also under Zn deficiency is discussed.     

Indications for passive rather than active release of natural nitrification inhibitors in Brachiaria humidicola root exudates

Plants have the ability to suppress microbial nitrification process through secondary metabolites released from their root exudates or/and leaf litter. For decades, grasses were suggested to control nitrification process, and recently, Brachiaria humidicola accession 26159 (BH) as a tropical and subtropical grass has been shown to reduce nitrification rates under laboratory and soil conditions. In this study, experiments were conducted under controlled conditions in nutrient solution culture to investigate whether the reported release of natural nitrification inhibitors from root exudates of BH is an active or passive phenomenon. So different variables such as N-form (nitrate vs. ammonium), collecting medium (distilled water vs. 1 mM NH₄Cl) and collecting period (6 vs. 24 hrs) were included to study the hypothesis. Results showed when root exudates were collected in distilled water there was no nitrification inhibition activity for all ammonium and nitrate grown plants. However, when collection was done in a medium containing 1 mM NH₄Cl, root exudates showed significant nitrification inhibition activity similar to results obtained by Subbarao et al. The observed nitrification inhibition activity had a positive correlation to ammonium treatment particularly in collection medium, probably due to root cells damage induced by low pH and membrane depolarization under ammonium nutrition. This was more supported by application of shoot homogenates of NH₄⁺, NO₃^? or NH₄NO₃ grown plants that showed significant nitrification inhibition activity compared to distilled water and DMPP controls in a bioassay test, independent of N-form. Potassium concentrations in root exudates (as a result of potassium leakage) were found to increase in root washings of plants, which were grown with ammonium, particularly when root exudates were collected in 1 mM NH₄Cl solution. In addition, higher electric conductivity of root washings after collection of root exudates in ammonium containing medium (low pH) and also in nitrate containing medium which adjusted to pH 3 by applying H₂SO₄, strongly suggest that release of natural nitrification inhibitors from root exudates of B. humidicola may not be an active process, but instead it is rather a passive phenomenon by ammonium induced root physicochemical damages.     

Upland rice genotypes evaluation for phosphorus use efficiency

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most important yield‐limiting factors in acid soils in various parts of the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and P‐use efficiency of 20 upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes at low (0 mg P kg^‐1), medium (75 mg P kg^‐1), and high (150 mg P kg^‐1) levels of applied P on an Oxisol. Plant height, tillers, shoot and root dry weight, shoot‐root ratio, P concentration in root and shoot, P uptake in root and shoot, and P‐use efficiency were significantly (P<0.01) affected by level of soil P as well as genotype. Shoot weight and P uptake in shoot were found to be the plant parameters most sensitive to P deficiency, suggesting that these two parameters may be most suitable for screening rice genotypes for P‐use efficiency under greenhouse conditions.     

低氮胁迫下水稻根系的发生及生长素的响应

采用水培实验,研究了5个氮(N)浓度下(0.01～5 mmol L-1)水稻的生物量、体内氮浓度、根系发育、体内生长素浓度以及生长素外流蛋白OsPIN家族基因的表达情况。结果表明,与正常供氮水平(2.5mmol L-1)相比,低氮(0.01 mmol L-1)胁迫下水稻根冠比增加28%,地上部全氮浓度降低约20%,根系全氮浓度降低约33%,种子根长度增加25%,种子根上的侧根密度降低26%,倒一叶中的生长素含量增加140%,而根茎结合处和根系的生长素浓度分别下降22%和60%;RT-PCR的结果表明,低氮(0.01 mmol L-1)胁迫下水稻根系中OsPIN1a-b、OsPIN2、OsPIN5a-b和OsPIN9基因表达显著下调;而外源生长素α-萘乙酸(NAA)和生长素极性运输抑制剂1-萘氨甲酰苯甲酸(NPA)的施加均能影响到水稻种子根长和种子根上的侧根密度。由此推论,低氮胁迫下水稻体内生长素从倒一叶到根系极性运输减少是水稻根系对低氮胁迫响应的生理机制之一。     

Interaction of silicon and boron in oilseed rape plants

Shoot and root dry matter yields of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) grown on the solutions containing 0.025 and 5.0 μg boron (B)/mL (referred to as B1 and B3, respectively) were less than those grown on the solutions containing 0.5 μg B/mL (referred to as B2). Silicon (Si) added increased shoot and root dry matter yields of B1‐treated plants, while decreased those of B3‐treated plants. Shoot and root dry matter yields of B2‐treated plants were slightly affected by Si added. The effect of B and Si on leaf area was similar to that on shoot and root dry matter yields. Excessive B supply (B3) and B deficiency (B1) resulted in a decrease in net photosynthetic rate. Silicon added increased the net photosynthetic rate under B deficiency, but had little effect at normal and excessive B levels. Silicon seems to enhance B uptake and accumulation by plants under B deficiency, but depresses B uptake at normal and excessive B levels. The Si/B ratios of B1‐ and B2‐treated plants were much lower than those of the culture solutions, whereas at the B3 level were slightly higher than those of the culture solutions. Phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) contents in plants decreased with increasing Si added at the B3 level, but remained relatively constant at B1 and B2 levels.     

Potassium and nitrogen effects on carbohydrate and protein metabolism in alfalfa roots

An investigation was conducted to determine the effect of potassium (K) nutrition on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth and metabolism of root total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) and proteins, and to study whether nitrogen (N) fertilization overcomes N deficiency and low root protein concentrations caused by K deficiency. In Experiment 1, nodulated alfalfa plants were grown in plastic pots containing washed quartz sand and provided minus‐N Hoagland's solution containing 0, 0.6, or 6.0 mM K. Shoot and root K concentrations increased with increasing solution K. Root N concentrations were higher in plants receiving 6.0 mM K than in plants receiving 0.6 or 0 mM K, but shoot N concentrations were similar for all treatments. Plant persistence, shoots per plant, and shoot mass increased as solution K levels increased. Root starch concentration and utilization were positively associated with K nutrition. Total amylase activity was higher, but endoamylase activity was lower in roots of plants receiving 6.0 mM K compared to plants receiving 0.6 or 0 mM K. Root soluble protein concentrations were significantly higher in plants receiving 6.0 mM K than in plants receiving 0 or 0.6 mM K. In Experiment 2, plants were supplied with Hoagland's solution containing 10 mM N as ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) or nitrate (NO₃) with 0,3, or 6.0 mM K. The addition of N increased root N concentrations only in plants receiving 0 mM K. Plant persistence was reduced by NH₄ ⁺ application, especially in plants receiving 0 or 3 mM K. Root starch concentrations were markedly reduced in plants receiving NH₄ ⁺ at all K levels. The addition of NO₃ ^‐ had little effect on alfalfa root carbohydrate and protein metabolism and subsequent shoot growth. Potassium deficiency reduced starch and protein concentrations in roots; factors that were associated with poor persistence and slow shoot regrowth of alfalfa.     

Growth Responses and Nitrogen-15 Absorption of Desert Saltgrass Under Salt Stress

Abstract

Saltgrass [Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene var. stricta (Gray) Beetle], accession WA-12, collected from a salt playa in Wilcox, AZ, was studied in a greenhouse to evaluate its growth responses in terms of shoot and root lengths, shoot dry-matter yield, and nitrogen (N) (regular and ¹⁵N) absorption rates under control and salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) stress conditions. Plants were grown under a control (no salt) and three levels of salt stress (100, 200, and 400 mM NaCl, equivalent to 5850, 11700, and 23400 mg L^{? 1} sodium chloride, respectively), using Hoagland solution in a hydroponics system. Ammonium sulfate [(¹⁵NH₄)₂SO₄], 53% ¹⁵N (atom percent ¹⁵N) was used to enrich the plants. Plant shoots were harvested weekly, oven-dried at 60°C, and the dry weights measured. At each harvest, both shoot and root lengths were also measured. During the last harvest, plant roots were also harvested and oven-dried, and dry weights were determined and recorded. All harvested plant materials were analyzed for total N and ¹⁵N. The results showed that shoot and root lengths decreased under increasing salinity levels. However, both shoot fresh and dry weights significantly increased at 200 mM NaCl salinity relative to the control or to the 400 mM NaCl level. Shoot succulence (fresh weight/dry weight) also increased from the control (no salt) to 200 mM NaCl, then declined. The root dry weights at both 200 mM and 400 mM NaCl salinity levels were significantly higher than under the control. Concentrations of both total-N and ¹⁵N in the shoots were higher in NaCl-treated plants relative to those under the control. Shoot total-N and ¹⁵N contents were highest in 200 mM NaCl-treated plants relative to those under the control and 400 mM salinity.     

P and N deficiency change the relative abundance and function of rhizosphere microorganisms during cluster root development of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.)

We studied microbe-plant interactions of white lupin, a cluster root-forming plant, under low P and N conditions to examine increased nutrient acquisition by plants either by a shift to a more specialized microbial community or changes in microbial enzyme production. White lupin plants were grown in rhizoboxes filled with either P- or N-deficient soil; fertilized soil was used as control. After cultivation of plants in a glasshouse for 41 d, plant growth (shoot and roots) and P and N accumulation in shoots were measured. Microbial functions were analyzed by P- and N-cycling enzymes. The microbial community structure was estimated by fingerprinting (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) and sequencing techniques. P deficiency induced the released citrate and acid phosphomonoesterases from cluster roots and stimulated the production of microbe-derived alkaline phosphomonoesterase in the rhizosphere. P deficiency decreased microbial diversity in the cluster root rhizosphere. Increased relative abundance of Burkholderiales in the rhizosphere of P deficient plants might be responsible for the degradation of different organic P fractions such as phytates. N deficiency induced an increase of the number of nodules and P concentration in shoot as well as roots of white lupin. We clarified that high release of citrate from cluster roots might be the preferred mechanisms to meet the P demand of nodulated plants under N deficiency. In addition, the high abundance of Rhizobiales and Rhodospirillales in the rhizosphere of cluster roots showed that the importance of N-fixing microorganisms under N deficiency. The contribution of rhizosphere microorganisms due to similar activities of N-cycling enzymes under the two different N treatments is less important for N nutrition of plants. Further understanding of the regulation of cluster roots under N-deficiency will provide new information on the interactions between P and N nutrition.     

Elemental leaf content and deficiency symptoms in rabbiteye blueberries: 1. Nitrogen

Rabbiteye blueberries grown in sand culture were subjected to varying levels of N fertilization (0 ‐ 81 mg N/liter) applied in aqueous solution at the rate of 250 ml/plant daily. Essential elements other than N were kept constant. Shoot growth and leaf concentration of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, B, Zn, Co, and Al were determined. Shoot growth and percent leaf N increased with increased N levels. Shoot growth increased little at N fertilization levels of 0 ‐ 9 mg/ liter but increased rapidly at higher rates. N content in leaves followed a quadratic curve, with % N in leaves increasing more rapidly from 0 to 27 mg N/liter than from 27 to 81 mg N/liter fertilization levels. Leaf concentration of K, Ca, Mg, Mn, B, and Ca decreased linearly as N levels increased. Total content of all elements increased as N fertilization increased. Visual N deficiency became increasingly evident as % N content decreased below 1.4% N.

Nitrogen, the most utilized element in plants, is usually the first to become deficient in sandy soils low in nutrient content (1). Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade) are often grown on acidic, sandy, upland coastal plains soils that are low in cation exchange capacity, organic matter content, and available nutrients. In these acidic soils, NH₄N is more available than in neutral soils (2). The NH₄N source appears to be more suitable for blueberry growth, resulting in greater nutrient uptake, plant growth, and % N of leaf tissue than did the NO₃N sources (5,6).

Nitrogen deficiency symptoms in rabbiteye blueberries are characterized by small, yellow and/or red leaves and stunted plants (3). Since young rabbiteye plants are very sensitive to fertilizer, similar chlorosis symptoms (yellowing or reddening of leaves) can be associated with over‐fertilization, possibly due to root damage (7). Cain (2) found that leaves from healthy container‐grown highbush (V. corymbosum L.) blueberry plants contained about 2% N and higher levels of K and Ca than field‐grown plants. Greenhouse and Field studies indicate that leaf N content in rabbiteye blueberries is usually lower, ranging from about 1.5 to 1.8 (3,7,8). Increased N fertilization decreased the nutrient uptake of other essential elements (Ca and Mg) in rabbiteye blueberries (6). In highbush, Popenoe (4) indicated that a depression of P and K might occur under conditions of high N levels.

This study was initiated to ascertain the effect of NH₄N fertilization levels on uptake patterns of essential elements and to determine the relationships of N fertilization, leaf N content, plant growth, and visible deficiency symptoms.     

Rhizosphere dynamics under nitrogen‐induced root modification: The interaction of phosphorus and calcium

Optimizing root phosphorus (P) acquisition to reduce intensive fertilizer use is a crucial pathway for sustainable agriculture, particularly as P is an important plant macronutrient, often limiting in a majority of soils worldwide. Although many studies have assessed plant growth and P acquisition, few studies have investigated the interactive effects of nitrogen (N)‐induced root modification on soil P processes or the understudied effects of soil calcium (Ca) dynamics on soil P bioavailability. In this study, we investigate soil P and Ca response in the rhizosphere of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. spp. durum). Wheat grown under controlled conditions preloaded for 20 d with two N treatments [preloaded low N (1 mmol KNO₃ plant^?1) and preloaded high N (2 mmol KNO₃ plant^?1)] were transferred to rhizoboxes for 12 d [days after transfer (DAT)]. Shoot and root biomass, P and Ca concentration, and plant‐available P and extractable Ca were determined every three days (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 DAT). Significantly higher root mass (P = 0.7%), root length (P = 1.8%) and total biomass (P = 2.2%) were found at the end of the experiment but exclusively for high N preloaded wheat. This greater root biomass was associated with lower root P concentration, suggesting a dilution response, while little difference was observed in shoot P concentration over the 12 d. However, Ca accumulated in both roots and shoots under both preloading N levels. Concurrently, soil‐extractable Ca declined, and plant‐available P increased (r = –0.62; P = 0.03%), presumably due to a promoting effect of Ca uptake on soil P availability; lower soil Ca in turn increased the repulsive forces between P ions and the negatively charged soil surface, resulting in an increased P availability in the soil solution. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex interplay between multi‐nutrient dynamics within the rhizosphere.     

Ability of various water‐insoluble fertilizers to supply available phosphorus in hydroponics to plant species with diverse phosphorus‐acquisition efficiency: Involvement of organic acid accumulation in plant tissues and root exudates

Previous studies describe the suitability of a new type of phosphorus (P) fertilizer, called “rhizosphere‐controlled fertilizer” (RCF), to supply available P to plants while reducing soil phosphorus fixation. In order to explore the involvement of organic acid root exudation in P uptake from RCF, we investigated the relationship between shoot and root P concentrations, and the concentration of the main polycarboxylic organic acids in roots, shoots, and plant exudates. Plant species with different P‐acquisition efficiency (low: maize; medium: chickpea; high: lupin) were grown in hydroponics with three different P fertilizers: The water‐insoluble P fraction of RCF (RCF); Phospal, a slow‐release source of phosphate composed of calcium and aluminum phosphates (PH); monopotassiumphosphate (KP), and a control treatment without P (P–). RCF was as efficient as KP in supplying P to plants in the case of chickpea and lupin, and slightly less efficient than KP in maize. However, P from PH was not available for maize and less available compared to KP and RCF in chickpea and lupin. This variation reflects the different efficiencies in P acquisition for the three plant species. Except in the case of maize, plants receiving KP presented the lowest concentration of organic acids in roots and exudates, while those plants suffering severe P deficiency (P– and PH) showed the highest organic acid concentration. However, RCF had a high concentration of organic acids in roots and exudates, as well as a high P concentration in the shoot indicating that P uptake from RCF is enhanced due to root release and action of specific organic acids.     

Effects of phosphorus and potassium deficiency treatment on roots secretion of wheat and rice seedlings

Abstract

Firstly, the secretion of sugars, protein and acid phosphatase from wheat and rice roots into surrounding medium under conditions of P and K deficiency stresses were studied. Secondly, Sephadex elution patterns of wheat root exudates labeled with ¹⁴C under N, P and K deficiency treatments were compared.

P deficiency treatment induced acid phosphatase activity in medium, in spite of the decrease in the secretion of total sugars and pro tein from roots into medium, whereas no such increase was observed in K deficiency stress.

Secretion of high molecular fraction of ¹⁴C compounds from roots was accelerated by P deficiency stress, probably being associated with the presence of phosphatase activity in the medium.

Activity of acid phosphatase secreted from P-deficient roots corresponded to nearly one half of the rate of P absorption by normal plant.     

Root to shoot translocation of macronutrients in relation to shoot demand in maize (Zea mays L.) grown at different root zone temperatures

Root growth and nutrient uptake rates of maize (Zea mays L.) are decreased at low root zone temperatures (RZT) and thus, shoot growth may be limited by nutrient deficiency. The objectives of this research were to characterize the shoot demand for nutrients per unit root at suboptimal RZT and to relate net translocation rates of N, P, K, and Ca from the roots to the shoot to shoot demand. Maize plants were grown for 11 days in soil or 8 days in nutrient solution at uniform shoot (24°/20°C, day/night) but different RZT (12°, 18°, and 24°C). The shoot base of the plants (apical shoot meristem and zone of leaf extension) was either kept within or above the cooled root zone. Shoot and root growth were significantly reduced at suboptimal RZT (12°, 18°). Lifting the shoot base above the cooling zone increased shoot growth markedly, whereas root growth was not significantly influenced. Thus, the shoot fresh weight increment day^?1 g^?1 root fresh weight (i.e. the shoot demand per unit root) was increased by a factor of up to 9 for plants with their shoot base above as compared to within the cooling zone. At suboptimal RZT, translocation rates of N, K, and Ca to the shoot remained low in plants with the shoot base in the cooling zone but were higher than in 24°C-grown plants, when the shoot base was above the cooling zone. In both nutrient solution- and soil-grown plants translocation rates of N, K, and Ca were closely correlated with the shoot demand per unit root but less to RZT. In contrast, the translocation rate of P was mainly affected by RZT but insensitive to shoot demand and, therefore, was always higher at a RZT of 24° than of 12°C. From these results it is suggested, that at low RZT the root-to-shoot translocation rates of N, K, and Ca are mainly determined by the shoot demand, whereas the translocation rate of P, regardless of the shoot demand, is reduced by a direct effect of low temperature on the roots.     

Responses of directly seeded wetland rice to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation

The mycorrhizal enhancement of plant growth is generally attributed to increased nutrients uptake. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on the growth and nutrient uptake of directly seeded wetland rice. Seeds were germinated and inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or left uninoculated. The plants were grown at 60% of ‐0.03 MPa to establish the mycorrhizas. After 5 weeks, half of the pots were harvested and the rest were flooded with deionized water to maintain 3–5 cm of standing water until harvesting (122 days after sowing). Mycorrhizal fungal colonization of rice roots was 36.2% at harvest. Mycorrhizal fungi inoculated rice seedlings grew better compared to uninoculated seedlings and had increased grain yield (10%) at the harvesting stage. Shoot and root growth were effectively increased by AMF inoculation at the harvesting stage. The nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) acquisition of direct seeding wetland rice were significantly increased by AMF inoculation. The AMF enhanced N and P translocation through the hyphae from soils to roots/shoots to grains effectively.     

Nitrogen,Phosphorus and Potassium Interactions in Upland Rice

Upland rice is an important crop in South America, including Brazil. Nutrient interactions are important in determining crop yields. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate interaction among nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in upland rice production. The treatments applied to upland rice grown on an Oxisol were three levels of N (N₀, N₁₅₀ and N₃₀₀ mg kg^?1), three levels of P (P₀, P₁₀₀ and P₂₀₀ mg kg^?1) and three levels of K (K₀, K₁₀₀ and K₂₀₀ mg kg^?1). These treatments were tested in a 3 × 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Grain yield, shoot dry weight, plant height, root dry weight, maximum root length, panicle number, 1000-grain weight, and grain harvest index were significantly influenced by N, P, and K treatments. The treatment that did not receive P fertilization did not produce panicle or grain. Hence, P was most yield-limiting nutrient compared to two other nutrients. At the N₀P₀K₀ treatment, rice did not produce grains, indicating severe deficiency of these nutrients in Brazilian Oxisols. Maximum grain yield was obtained with the N₃₀₀P₂₀₀K₂₀₀ treatment. Grain yield had significant positive association with plant height, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, maximum root length, 1000-grain weight, panicle number, and grain harvest index. Among these growth and yield components, shoot dry weight had the highest positive association with grain yield and root length minimum positive association with grain yield. Hence, adopting adequate soil and crop management practices can improve growth and yield components and increase grain yield of upland rice.     

Variable inhibition of iron uptake by oat phytosiderophore in five soybean cultivars

Abstract

Greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant growth, and nutrient uptake in saline soils with different salt and phosphorus (P) levels. The following treatments were included in this experiment: (i) Soil A, with salt level of 16.6 dS m^?1 and P level of 8.4 mg kg^?1; (ii) Soil B, with salt level of 6.2 dS m^?1 and P level of 17.5 mg kg^?1; and (iii) Soil C, with salt level of 2.4 dS m^?1 and P level of 6.5 mg kg^?1. Soils received no (control) or 25 mg P kg^?1 soil as triple super phosphate and were either not inoculated (control) or inoculated with a mixture of AM (AM1) and/or with Glomus intraradices (AM2). All pots were amended with 125 mg N kg^?1 soil as ammonium sulfate. Barley (Hordeum vulgar L., cv. “ACSAD 6”) was grown for five weeks. Plants grown on highly saline soils were severely affected where the dry weight was significantly lower than plants growing on moderately and low saline soils. The tiller number and the plant height were also lower under highly saline condition. The reduced plant growth under highly saline soils is mainly attributed to the negative effect of the high osmotic potential of the soil solution of the highly saline soils which tend to reduce the nutrient and water uptake as well as reduce the plant root growth. Both the application of P fertilizers and the soil inoculation with either inoculum mixture or G. intraradices increased the dry weight and the height of the plants but not the tiller number. The positive effect of P application on plant growth was similar to the effect of AM inoculation. Phosphorus concentration in the plants was higher in the mycorrhizal plant compared to the non mycorrhizal ones when P was not added. On the other hand, the addition of P increased the P concentration in the plants of the non mycorrhizal plants to as high as that of the mycorrhizal plants. Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) uptake increased with AM inoculation. The addition of P had a positive effect on micronutrient uptake in soil with low level of soil P, but had a negative effect in soil with high level of soil P. Micronutrient uptake decreases with increasing soil salinity level. Inoculation with AMF decreases sodium (Na) concentration in plants grown in soil of the highest salinity level but had no effect when plants were grown in soil with moderate or low salinity level. The potassium (K) concentration was not affected by any treatment while the K/Na ratio was increased by AM inoculation only when plant were grown in soil of the highest salinity level.