营养液对鸭儿芹幼苗生长、抗氧化酶活性及叶绿素荧光参数的影响

为了探索适合鸭儿芹幼苗生长的营养液浓度,分别研究了6种山崎营养液浓度（1/12s、1/10s、1/8s、1/4s、1/2s和1s)对鸭儿芹幼苗生长及叶绿素荧光参数的影响。结果表明,在1/8s浓度下,鸭儿芹幼苗的各生长因子（株高、单株叶面积、茎粗、地上部鲜重、干重,地下部鲜重、干重,株鲜重、干重）均达到最大。壮苗指标随着营养液浓度的增大出现先上升后降低的趋势,在1/8s浓度下亦达到最大,且显著高于其它处理(P 0. 05)。在1/12s～1/8s的浓度变化下,随着营养液浓度的增大,POD、CAT以及SOD活性在逐渐上升,MDA含量在逐渐降低,而在1/8s~1s的浓度变化下,随着营养液浓度的增大,POD、CAT以及SOD活性在逐渐降低,MDA含量在逐渐上升,在1/8s浓度下POD、CAT以及SOD活性达到最大,MDA含量达到最小。叶绿素a、叶绿素b及叶绿素总量出现先上升后下降的趋势,在1/8s浓度下均达到最大。1/4s～1s浓度,初始荧光（Fo）值均高于1/12s～1/10s处理,而最大荧光（Fm）、PSⅡ的潜在活性（Fv/Fo）、PSⅡ最大光化学效率（Fv/Fm）值分别低于1/12s～1/10s处理;1/8s浓度的Fo值达到最小,而Fm、Fv/Fo、Fv/Fm值达到最大。实验表明了营养液浓度对鸭儿芹幼苗具有双重作用,即低浓度下随浓度的升高,营养胁迫逐渐减低,促进幼苗生长;高浓度下随浓度的升高,营养胁迫逐渐增强,抑制幼苗生长。结果得出,采用1/8浓度的山崎配方是鸭儿芹幼苗生长的最适营养液浓度。     

谷胱甘肽对自毒作用下辣椒叶片光合特性的影响

以当地辣椒(Capsicum annuum L.)主栽品种"陇椒5号"和"七寸红"为试材,研究自毒作用下不同浓度外源谷胱甘肽(GSH)对辣椒幼苗叶绿素含量、光合参数和叶绿素荧光参数的影响,以探讨GSH对辣椒自毒作用的缓解效果和生理作用机制。结果表明:单一叶浸提液处理(CK2)后,2个品种辣椒叶片的叶绿素含量、净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、PSII最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、PSII有效光能转化效率(Fv’/Fm’)和实际光化学效率(ФPSII)均较清水处理(CK1)降低,初始荧光(Fo)升高,胞间CO2浓度(Ci)则先升后降。说明辣椒叶浸提液引起的自毒作用导致光合作用的下降主要是由于非气孔因素引起的。含有不同浓度GSH的叶浸提液处理后,叶绿素含量、Pn、Gs、Tr、Fv/Fm、Fv’/Fm’和ФPSII与单一辣椒叶浸提液处理相比均有一定程度的回升,Ci和Fo均较叶浸提液处理的降低。说明外源GSH能够提高自毒作用下辣椒幼苗叶片CO2的利用率,降低非气孔因素的伤害,进而缓解自毒物质对辣椒幼苗的毒害。研究表明,适合缓解陇椒5号和七寸红自毒作用的GSH浓度分别为50和30mg.L-1。     

两种不同基因型玉米苞叶叶绿素荧光特性差异分析

在大田条件下,以郑单958和农大364玉米为研究材料,测定了苞叶的叶绿素含量,并对叶绿素荧光动力学及光合参数进行了比较分析。结果表明,两种不同基因型间玉米苞叶总叶绿素含量、叶绿素a含量、叶绿素b含量存在差异。抽丝-灌浆期,郑单958显著高于农大364,说明此时郑单958苞叶的叶绿素更有利于获取更多的光能为光合作用所利用,但农大364苞叶的叶绿素降低速率要低于郑单958,这样有利于其保持更持久的光合能力。两种不同基因型间玉米苞叶叶绿素荧光参数(Fo、Fm、Fv、Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo等)存在较大差异。郑单958高于农大364,说明郑单958具有潜在高生物产量的生理生化基础。两种不同基因型间玉米苞叶净光合速率(Pn)和水分利用效率(WUE)存在显著差异。抽丝-灌浆期,虽然郑单958的苞叶叶绿素含量高于农大364,但净光合效率较低,说明玉米的净光合速率是其生理生态因素对环境变化适应的结果。     

兰州南北两山主要水土保持造林树种荧光特性比较

在兰州南北两山,以自然分布的柽柳（Tamarix chinensis）、柠条（Caragana intermedia）、红砂（Reaumuria soongorica）为研究对象,在生长季利用PAM-2000便携式叶绿素荧光分析仪对其叶绿素荧光参数及其环境因子进行了测定。结果表明:3种植物叶片的初始荧光（Fo）、最大光化学转换效率（Fv/Fm）、光化学淬灭系数（qP）、非光化学淬灭系数（qN）、光合有效辐射（PAR）、叶温（TMP）的日变化较明显。其中Fv/Fm和qP均呈反正态分布曲线日进程,在13:00强光下降低至最低值;Fo,qN,PAR和TMP则呈正态分布曲线日进程,在13:00达到最大值。3种植物的Fv/Fm在中午呈降低趋势,在13:00左右达到的最低值分别为0.778（柽柳）,0.676（柠条）和0.65（红砂）,表明均发生光抑制现象,但红砂受到的胁迫最大。     

铜胁迫对芥菜光合特性及叶绿素荧光参数的影响

通过水培试验研究了铜胁迫对芥菜叶片光合特性与叶绿素荧光参数的影响。结果表明,所有铜浓度处理均能降低芥菜胞间CO2浓度（Ci）和光化学淬灭系数（qP）。低浓度的Cu^2＋（≤1μmol·L^-1）能提高芥菜叶片叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量以及净光合速率（Pn）、气孔导度（Cs）和蒸腾速率（Tr）;高浓度的Cu^2＋（≥10μmol·L^-1）使得芥菜叶片叶绿素（Chl）、类胡萝卜素（Car）含量以及净光合速率（Pn）、气孔导度（Cs）和蒸腾速率（Tr）下降。叶绿素荧光分析表明,当铜浓度低于1μmol·L。时,PSⅡ的最大光化学效率（Fv／Fm）和子叶产量（Yield）升高,当铜浓度高于10μmol·L^-1时降低,而最小荧光（Fo）和非光化学淬灭系数（qN）变化趋势与之相反。叶绿素a／b值在铜浓度低于10μmol·L。时升高,但比值随胁迫继续加剧而下降,两者间呈显著负相关（P〈0．05）;Car／Chl值在铜浓度小于50μmol·L-。时随浓度的增加而增大,之后则随铜浓度的增加而下降,两者呈极显著负相关（P〈0．01）。铜浓度与叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量、Fv／Fm、qP和Yield均呈极显著负相关（P〈0．01）,与Pn、Cs、Tr呈显著负相关（P〈0．05）,而铜浓度与Fo和qN分别呈显著和极显著正相关。     

不同光强和缺镁胁迫对黄瓜叶片叶绿素荧光特性和活性氧产生的影响

不同光强和镁离子浓度对黄瓜叶片叶绿素荧光特性和活性氧产生的影响研究发现 ,在强光和缺镁胁迫下 ,黄瓜叶片发生了明显的光抑制 ,主要表现为Pn下降 ,叶绿素荧光参数Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo、qP和 qN降低 ;活性氧超氧阴离子产生速率和H2O2以及膜脂过氧化产物MDA增加。这些结果表明 ,缺镁黄瓜叶片在强光下qP和 qN的降低使叶片吸收的过剩光能通过光化学反应途径和非辐射能量途径耗散受阻 ,从而增加了过剩光能所激发的电子用来生成活性氧的比例 ,这在一定程度上可缓解光抑制 ;但其不能被及时清除掉时 ,会加剧光抑制 ,甚至引起光氧化对光合机构造成破坏 ,最终导致叶片的失绿坏死。适当遮荫有利于提高PSII的光化学效率 ,减轻光抑制。     

Changes in mineral nutrient concentrations and C‐N metabolism in cabbage shoots and roots following macronutrient deficiency

The responses of metabolic networks to mineral deficiency are poorly understood. Here, we conducted a detailed, broad‐scale analysis of macronutrient concentrations and metabolic changes in the shoots and roots of cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) plants in response to N, P, K, Ca, and Mg deficiency in nutrient solution. To standardize individual macronutrient‐deficient treatments, the concentrations of the other nutrients were maintained via substitution with other ions. Individual nutrient deficiencies had various effects on the uptake and accumulation of other mineral nutrients. Phosphorus deficiency had relatively little effect on other mineral nutrient levels compared to the other treatments. Cation deficiency had little effect on N and P concentrations but had a somewhat negative effect on the uptake or concentrations of the other nutrients. Primary metabolic pathways, such as energy production and amino acid metabolism, were greatly affected by mineral nutrient deficiency. Compared to the control treatment, soluble sugar levels increased under –N conditions and decreased under –Ca and –Mg conditions. The levels of several organic acids involved in glycolysis and the TCA cycle decreased in response to –N, –P, or –K treatment. The levels of most amino acids decreased under ‐ N treatment but increased under –P, –K, –Ca, or –Mg treatment. Mineral depletion also led to the activation of alternative biochemical pathways resulting in the production of secondary metabolites such as quinate. Notable changes in metabolic pathways under macronutrient deficiency included (1) a quantitative increase in amino acid levels in response to Mg deficiency, likely because the restriction of various pathways led to an increase in protein production and (2) a marked increase in the levels of quinate, a precursor of the shikimate pathway, following cation (K, Ca, and Mg) deficiency. These findings provide new insights into metabolic changes in cabbage in response to mineral deficiency and pave the way for studying the effects of the simultaneous deficiency of more than one macronutrient on this crop.     

低氮胁迫对耐低氮玉米品种苗期光合及叶绿素荧光特性的影响

【目的】叶绿素荧光参数经常用来评价光合器官的功能和环境压力的影响,不同玉米基因型耐低氮胁迫能力差异较大,与光合及叶绿素荧光特性对低氮胁迫的响应机制有关。本文以耐低氮能力差异较大的4个玉米杂交种为试验材料,研究了低氮胁迫对不同耐低氮性玉米品种苗期光合及叶绿素荧光特性的影响,以期明确耐低氮胁迫玉米品种的光合机制。【方法】采用二因素完全随机设计盆栽试验,因素A为不同耐低氮性玉米品种:‘正红311’、‘成单30’和不耐低氮品种‘先玉508’、‘三北2号’;因素B为不同氮素水平:正常氮CK(霍格兰完全营养液,N 15 mmol/L)、低氮胁迫LN1(N 0.5 mmol/L)、极低氮胁迫LN2(N 0.05 mmol/L)。测定了苗期单株干物质积累量,单株氮素积累量,叶片叶绿素含量与荧光特性,以及光合效率指标。【结果】低氮胁迫下玉米苗期单株干物质积累量、单株氮素积累量、叶片叶绿素含量等生理指标显著下降,但耐低氮品种的下降幅度显著低于不耐低氮品种;低氮胁迫下玉米苗净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、蒸腾速率(Tr)显著降低,胞间CO2浓度(Ci)显著升高,净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)和蒸腾速率(Tr)的降幅及胞间CO2浓度(Ci)的增幅耐低氮品种均显著低于不耐低氮品种;低氮胁迫下可变荧光(Fv)、最大荧光(Fm)、PSⅡ潜在活性(Fv/F0)、PSⅡ最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、PSⅡ有效光量子产量(Fv'/Fm')和光化学猝灭系数(q P)等叶绿素荧光特性也均显著降低,耐低氮品种下降幅度显著低于不耐低氮品种;低氮胁迫下耐低氮品种PSⅡ实际光量子产量(ΦPSⅡ)降低,不耐低氮品种有所增加;而耐低氮品种非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)升高,不耐低氮品种有所降低。【结论】耐低氮玉米品种能够减缓低氮胁迫对植株光合系统的影响,进而保证植株较高的氮素积累,提高叶片叶绿素含量,维持较高的PSⅡ有效光量子产量(Fv'/Fm')和光化学猝灭系数(q P),为光合作用提供充足的光能;从而保持了较高的净光合速率(Pn),保证了耐低氮品种在低氮条件下保持较高的干物质生产。     

基于U弦长曲率的番茄氮肥调控目标区间获取方法

针对中国现有设施番茄生产中氮肥施用量过高,利用率低,环境污染严重等问题,该研究面向设施番茄精量施肥需求,提出一种基于叶绿素荧光技术的设施番茄生长氮素浓度适宜区间获取方法。该研究利用不同氮浓度水培液进行番茄栽培,获取叶片荧光参数和干物质等生理指标,采用最大互信息系数值（Maximum Information Coefficient,MIC）筛选叶绿素荧光参数,确定最适的荧光参数进行水培液氮调控研究目的是区间确定。结果表明,叶绿素荧光参数Fv/Fo（光系统潜在活性）的整体表现效果较优。以Fv/Fo的响应曲线提出基于U弦长曲率特征点为分界点的适宜氮素浓度区间获取技术。采用此方法的番茄生长的适宜氮素浓度区间为7.2~9.8 mmol/L,同时干物质等生理指标都保持在较高水平,变异系数最小。与日本园试营养液对照组相比,番茄干质量平均提高33.8%,叶片磷浓度平均提高10.2%,叶片钾浓度平均提高11.3%,叶片氮浓度平均降低0.8%,而氮肥用量减少了51.4%。因此,基于U弦长曲率特征点的方法是确定番茄施氮目标区间调控有效的技术。     

钾营养对棉花苗期生长和叶片生理特性的影响

在田间试验条件下,研究了施钾对棉花苗期生长和功能叶片生理特性的影响。试验设2个品种,4个施钾量。结果表明,施钾增加了棉花株高和单株叶片数,而对单株叶面积的影响不同,当施钾(K2O)量为180.kg/hm2时,叶面积达最大值,继续增施钾肥叶面积减小;施钾促进了叶绿素的合成,同时增加了叶绿素荧光动力学参数Fv/Fo、Fv/Fm和qP值,降低了qN值,增加了PSⅡ的实际量子效率(ФPSⅡ)和光合电子传递速率(ETR),从而提高了棉花功能叶的光合功能;施钾还增加了叶片中生长素(IAA)、玉米素核苷(ZR)、赤霉素(GA3)的含量,降低了脱落酸(ABA)的含量,提高了IAA/ABA、ZR/ABA、GA3     

干旱胁迫对水土保持先锋植物类芦光合特性的影响

以水土保持先锋植物类芦为研究材料,通过4个不同梯度干旱胁迫的盆栽试验,测定类芦的光合色素、叶绿素荧光参数和光合参数.研究干旱胁迫对类芦的光台特性的影响.结果表明:中度、轻度干旱胁迫类芦叶绿素含量增加,叶绿素a/b比值下降,干旱胁迫下叶绿素荧光参数F0、Fm,Fv提高,Fv/Fm、Fv/F0下降.类芦叶片的胞问CO2浓度随千旱程度加重而逐渐增加,日变化表现为上午缓慢上升,下午快速上升,到16:00达到最高.净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率日变化均表现为"单峰型",为先升后降,12:00达到高峰,日均值随着干旱程度加重而逐渐下降.中度、轻度干旱胁迫下WUE提高,重度干旱WUE稍有下降,类芦具有较强的耐干旱能力.     

基于叶绿素叶面分布特征的黄瓜氮镁元素亏缺快速诊断

为了快速、无损诊断作物氮(N)、镁(Mg)营养亏缺,该研究提出一种以叶绿素叶面分布特征诊断黄瓜N、Mg元素亏缺的方法。在设施栽培模式下精确控制N、Mg营养元素的供给,培养黄瓜缺N、缺Mg及对照植株(营养元素正常植株),然后采集对应的高光谱图像并结合化学计量学方法快速、无损检测叶绿素分布。与对照组叶片叶绿素分布相比,缺N叶片的叶绿素含量在整个叶面区域偏低,缺Mg叶片叶绿素在叶脉之间区域含量偏低。鉴于此,提取叶绿素叶面分布特征(叶片所有像素点对应的叶绿素含量均值及标准差)对N、Mg营养元素亏缺进行诊断,对预测集N、Mg元素亏缺正确诊断率达90%。研究结果表明叶绿素叶面分布特征可作为一种黄瓜N、Mg元素亏缺诊断依据。     

不同供磷水平对温州蜜柑叶片光合作用的影响

用营养液培养的方法 ,研究了不同供磷水平对温州蜜柑叶片光合作用的影响。结果表明 ,在缺磷培养条件下 ,叶片中无机磷含量 (Pi)、Rubisco活性、RuBP再生速率、表观量子效率 (AQY)、光化学效率 (Fv/Fm)及电子传递速率 (ETR)下降 ,光呼吸速率 (Pr)与净光合速率 (Pn)之比升高 ,光系统Ⅱ反应中心可逆失活 ,但对叶片叶绿素含量影响不显著。给缺磷培养的植株叶片喂KH2PO4,Pn、Rubisco活性、RuBP再生速率、光化学效率、光系统Ⅱ反应中心的活性及Pr/Pn比值可得到迅速恢复。在营养液磷浓度过高条件下 ,叶片中的Pi升高 ,Pn、Rubisco活性及RuBP再生速率下降 ,对叶绿素含量、Pr、AQY、叶绿素荧光参数及ETR影响不大     

Genotypic variation in foliar nutrient concentrations, δ13C,and chlorophyll fluorescence in relation to tree growth of radiata pine clones in a serpentine soil

This study investigated the genotypic variation in foliar nutrient concentrations, isotopic signature (δ¹³C), and chlorophyll fluorescence (F_v/F_m) and tree growth of 40 radiata pine clones grown on a New Zealand serpentine soil, and the relationships between growth and physiological traits of these clones from improved and unimproved groups. Genotypic variation in growth and physiological traits existed within (i.e., clonal) and between groups, with larger variation among clones. The clonal repeatabilities were greater for foliar nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), boron (B) concentrations, δ¹³C, and Ca : Mg ratio (0.35–0.64) than for growth traits (0.14–0.27) and other physiological traits (0.08–0.24). Significant phenotypic correlations were found between growth traits and foliar phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), and K : Mg and Ca : Mg ratios and F_v/F_m (positive), and foliar Mg (negative). This study indicates that the trees on this serpentine soil generally suffered from multiple nutrient deficiencies and imbalances and the clonal variation in growth performance was more related to their capabilities of acclimation to nutrient than water stresses. Overall, the clones that absorbed more P, K, S, and Fe and less Mg from the soil grew better on this serpentine soil. For unimproved clones, the most limiting nutrients for tree growth were foliar K and Fe, while for improved clones it was foliar K.     

Differential response of citrus rootstocks to aluminum levels in nutrient solutions: II. Plant mineral concentrations 2

The objective of this study was to determine relations between Al effects and mineral concentrations in citrus seedlings. Six‐month‐old seedlings of five citrus rootstocks were grown for 60 days in supernatant nutrient solutions of Al, P, and other nutrients. The solutions contained seven levels of Al ranging from 4 to 1655 μM. Al and similar P concentrations of 28 μM P. Aluminum concentrations in roots and shoots increased with increasing Al concentration in the nutrient solution. Aluminum concentrations in roots of Al‐tolerant rootstocks were higher than those of Al‐sensitive rootstocks. When Al concentrations in nutrient solution increased from 4 to 178 μM, the K, Mg, and P concentrations in roots and the K and P levels in shoots increased. Conversely, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe in the roots and Ca, Mg, Cu, and Fe in the shoots decreased. The more tolerant rootstocks contained higher Fe concentrations in their roots than did the less tolerant ones when Al concentrations in solution were lower than 308 μM. Concentrations of other elements (Ca, K, P, Mg, Zn, and Mn) in roots or shoots exhibited no apparent relationship to the Al tolerance for root or shoot growth of the rootstocks. Calcium, K, Zn, Mn, and Fe concentrations in roots and Mg and K concentrations in shoots of all five rootstocks seedlings had significant negative correlations with Al concentrations in corresponding roots or shoots.     

钾、镁交互作用对橡胶幼苗生长及养分吸收的影响

  【目的】  我国植胶区砖红壤钾、镁缺乏现象日益突出，研究钾、镁缺乏对橡胶幼苗根系形态和养分吸收的影响，可为橡胶平衡施肥和优质高产栽培提供理论依据。  【方法】  选用‘热研7-33-97’橡胶 (Hevea brasiliensis) 幼苗为研究材料，在人工气候箱内用营养液培养。采用二因素二水平的析因试验设计，设置4个处理:对照 (CK)、缺钾 (–K)、缺镁 (–Mg) 和缺钾镁 (–K-Mg)，培养3个月后，取样测定橡胶幼苗干物质量、根系构型参数、根系活力和养分含量等指标。  【结果】  1) 与CK相比，–K和–K-Mg处理显著降低了单株干物质量和根冠比，干物质量降幅分别为8.4%和27.5%，根冠比降幅分别为20.4%和26.9%，而–Mg处理对干物质量和根冠比均无显著影响；K、Mg交互作用对茎干、根和单株干物质量及根冠比均有显著影响 (P < 0.05)。2) 与CK相比，各缺素处理均显著降低了橡胶幼苗吸收根 (直径 < 2 mm) 的根长、根表面积、根体积、总根尖数及根系活力等根系构型参数，而不同程度增加了平均根粗。方差分析结果表明，K、Mg交互作用对吸收根的根长、根表面积、根体积及总根尖数有极显著影响 (P < 0.01)。3) 各处理下氮和镁、磷和钾以及钙分别在叶片、根系以及茎皮中的平均分配比例高于其他器官。各缺素处理下，地上部的养分占比呈增加趋势。4) 与CK相比，–K处理显著增加了橡胶幼苗单株氮、磷和镁的积累，–K-Mg处理则显著降低了单株氮积累，各缺素处理均显著增加了单株钙的积累；K、Mg交互作用对氮、磷、钙和镁的积累有显著或极显著影响。  【结论】  钾、镁营养显著影响橡胶幼苗对养分的吸收，缺钾、缺镁显著抑制橡胶幼苗特别是根系的生长发育，同时缺钾缺镁加重抑制效果。因此，橡胶生产上不仅要保证培养基质或土壤的矿质营养充足，还要重视钾、镁元素间平衡关系。     

低温胁迫对茄子幼苗叶片叶绿素荧光特性和能量耗散的影响

以茄子幼苗为试材,研究了其在低温胁迫下叶绿素荧光参数的变化。结果表明,随着低温胁迫加剧,最大荧光（Fm）、PSII最大光化学效率（Fv/Fm）、PSII潜在活性（Fv/Fo）、PSII实际光化学效率（ФPSII）和电子传递速率（ETR）、光化学荧光猝灭系数（qP）都表现出降低的趋势,初始荧光（Fo）、非光化学荧光猝灭系数（qN）上升;光化学反应的能量（P）在叶片所吸收的光能中所占的比例也逐渐减少,天线色素耗散的能量（D）和非光化学反应耗散的能量（E）表现出和P相反的趋势。茄子叶片ФPSII及ETR对光强（PFD）的响应曲线表明,ФPSII随PFD的升高而下降,低温下生长的叶片ФPSII下降幅度较正常温度下的大;低温下生长叶片的电子传递速率的光饱和点低于正常生长的叶片,相应的饱和电子传递速率也较低。表明低温胁迫下,茄子幼苗PSII反应中心受到损伤,光合电子传递过程受到抑制。     

The Rhizofiltration of Sodium from Hydroponic Fluid using Scented Geraniums

The ability of two scented geraniums, Pelargonium sp. `Frensham' and Pelargonium sp. `Citrosa' to tolerate and accumulate salt was assessed in a hydroponic system under greenhouse conditions. Rooted cuttings were exposed to a range of salt concentrations (0 to 200 mM NaCl) over a two-week period. No visible signs of phytotoxicity were observed on scented geranium plants grown in solutions up to 100 mM sodium chloride. Tolerance to salt exposure was assessed with chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. A significant decline in the efficiency of the photosystem (Fv/Fm) was observedin Frensham plants exposed to 200 mM NaCl for 14 days. The numberand size of active reaction centers (Fv/Fo) declined with increasing NaCl treatments in both species. Total chlorophyll content of both species decreased with increasing salt treatmentas a result of significant reductions in the chlorophyll acontent. At higher levels of sodium chloride treatment, salt extrusion was observed on the petioles and the leaf lamina. An accumulation in excess of 3.7 and 2.6% of the dry weight of Frensham plants as sodium was observed in shoots and roots, respectively. The effect of the accumulated sodium on the physiology of scented geraniums was assessed through biochemicalanalysis. The determination of amino nitrogen and stress-relatedmarkers revealed an initial increase in 4-aminobutyrate, proline,asparagine, glutamine, and alanine in the root tissues. Shoot analysis showed gradual increases in asparagine, aspartate, andalanine. These data provide the first evidence for the salt tolerating and accumulating potential of Pelargonium sp. and demonstrate the efficacy of this plant species for the remediation of salt contaminated hydroponic solutions.     

EARLY FLOODING OF TWO CULTIVARS OF TROPICAL MAIZE. II. NUTRITIONAL RESPONSES

The level of oxygen in soils affects the bio-availability of nutrients as well as the ability of root systems to uptake and transport water and mineral nutrients. However, efforts addressing management practices to reduce yield losses after transient flooding have had limited success. Since after-drainage nitrogen (N) fertilization has been proposed to mitigate crop damage, a closer examination of plant nutrient acquisition during this period is required. In this work, we compare the short-term changes in the tissue levels of macronutrients [N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)] in two varieties of tropical maize differing in tolerance to poor soil drainage, after a six day period under water saturated conditions, early during the vegetative growth. Two Venezuelan varieties, one labeled as tolerant and the other as susceptible to limited soil drainage, were planted in 10-kg pots and flooded at the seventh-leaf-tip (V4) stage. Treatments included a post-drainage N fertilization. Plant responses were compared to corresponding non-flooded plants. Flooding the soil reduced concentrations of macronutrients in shoots, compared to well aerated plants. Calcium and Mg levels were also reduced in roots, whereas K concentrations increased. After a post-drainage recovery period, nutrient concentration in shoots of flooded plants were above those of non-flooded ones, due to higher uptake rates. The only exception was P, where reduced acquisition appears to limit plant recovery. A post-flood N-urea fertilization increased the concentrations of N, Ca and Mg in shoots, but failed to increase shoot growth after 15 days. Differences in the pattern of Ca accumulation suggested a possible role of Ca nutrition in the tolerance of maize to flooding.     

Critical nutrient concentrations and DRIS analysis of leaf and grain from high‐yielding corn

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to optimize fertilizer inputs for maximizing the yield of irrigated com (Zea mays L.). This report is a summary of the nutrient composition of leaf and grain samples from the highest yielding treatment in the experiment. The experiment had 15 treatments replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. The N rate treatments were 45,100, 200, 300, and 400 kg N/ha with and without 50 kg P/ha, 67 kg K/ha, and 22 kg S/ha. The plant populations were 74,000 plants/ha (30,000 plants/A) and 100,000 plants/ha. The highest corn yield was 15.6 Mg/ha (250 bu/A with 15.5% moisture) which was produced with 300 kg N/ha combined with complete N, P, K, and S fertilization. It is assumed that samples of corn leaf and grain from a plot yielding that high would have nutrient concentrations in the sufficiency range. Many of the nutrient concentrations from these arbitrarily designated sufficiency ranges are close to the critical ranges and concentrations reported in the literature. It can be concluded that established critical concentrations and ranges could be useful for diagnosing high‐yielding corn. Furthermore, the negative DRIS indices for N, P, K, S, and Cu indicate that these nutrients are most likely to be limiting based on the published norms.