Tolerance of rice cultivars to iron toxicity

Iron toxicity is an important growth‐limiting factor for flooded rice production in various parts of the world, including Brazil. Data related to the reaction of rice cultivars to iron concentrations are limited, especially for large numbers of cultivars. Forty rice cultivars were grown in a greenhouse in nutrient solutions containing 0.09, 0.89, and 1.78 mM Fe (5, 50 and 100 ppm Fe). The effects of excess iron were measured on plant height, root length, and root and shoot dry weight. Root and shoot dry weight were found to be more sensitive to excess iron concentration. Based on dry matter yield, reduction of shoots at higher Fe concentrations compared to the optimum or control treatment, rice cultivars were classified as tolerant, moderately tolerant, moderately susceptible or susceptible.

The effect of Fe concentrations on concentrations and contents of other nutrient was also investigated. Higher concentration of Fe in the nutrient solution exerted an inhibiting effect on the concentrations and contents of almost all macro and micronutrients.     

The effect of temperature regime and substrate Mn on growth and manganese concentrations in rice

Three rice cultivars, IR712, M1–48 and E425 were grown in solution culture for 10 weeks in temperature controlled glasshouses at IRRI, Los Baños, Philippines. Treatments consisted of two Mn levels, 0.5 and 50 μg.cm^‐3 and two temperature regimes, 35/27 and 20/20 (day/night) in °C. Dry matter and Mn concentrations were determined at 2‐week intervals. In a second experiment, the M1–48 cultivar was grown in solutions containing 0.5, 1, 40 and 80 μg.cm^‐3 Mn at 35/27, 29/21 and 20/20 °C (day/night) temperatures.

It was concluded that rice is more sensitive to excess Mn under cool conditions and that the concentration of Mn in the tissue at which toxicity symptoms appear or growth is decreased depends on the age of the tissues and the environmental conditions under which the plant is growing. Growth of two‐day old seedlings exposed to excess Mn was decreased to a greater degree than was that of 2‐week old seedlings. It is suggested that in screening rice cultivars for tolerance to excess Mn the environmental conditions should be rather rigidly controlled.     

Varietal tolerance of zinc toxicity in peanuts

Peanuts (Arachishypogaea) are more susceptible to zinc (Zn) toxicity than other crops. However, there is potential for rapid evolution of Zn tolerance in many species. The objectives of this study were to test a nutrient solution screening procedure for identifying Zn tolerant cultivars and to identify plant characteristics and cultivars which have potential for Zn tolerance. Florunner was used as the test cultivar to determine the optimum Zn and pH levels for the nutrient solution cultivar screening test. The screening test showed that VA 81B and NC 6 (both virginia‐type peanuts) were more Zn sensitive than Florunner and that N. M. Valencia C and McRan (both valencia‐type peanuts) were more tolerant than Florunner. Field tests were carried out at three locations in Tift County, Georgia: Gibbs Farm (1986–87), Richards Farm (1991), and Stephens Farm (1992). Two out of four field tests did not have adequate soil Zn levels to test Zn tolerance; soil pH between 5.0 and 5.5 and Mehlich 1 soil Zn level ranging from 15–20 mg/kg should be adequate for cultivar screening in the field. Spanish‐type cultivars (Pronto, Spanco, and Starr) had the lowest toxicity ratings and highest yields (Gibbs, 1987), but yields were not economically viable for any cultivars. Aboveground plant Zn or calcium (Ca): Zn ratio were not good indicators of cultivar tolerance. However, low hull Zn concentration, high hull Ca: Zn ratio, and high plant Zn: root Zn ratio correlated well with high yield and low toxicity rating. Minimization of Zn uptake by the hulls would evidently be beneficial in aiding peanut plants in tolerating high soil Zn levels while producing economic yields.     

Elemental composition of the rice plant as affected by iron toxicity under field conditions

Abstract

Iron (Fe) toxicity is a major nutrient disorder affecting the production of wetland rice in the humid zone of West Africa. Little attention has been given to determining the macro‐ and micronutrient composition of rice plants grown on wetland soils where Fe toxicity is present although results from such study could provide useful information about the involvement of other nutrients in the occurrence of Fe toxicity. A field experiment was conducted in the 1997 dry season (January‐May) at an Fe toxic site in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, to determine the elemental composition of Fe tolerant (CK 4) and susceptible (Bouake 189) lowland rice varieties without and with application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn). For both Fe‐tolerant and susceptible varieties, there were no differences in elemental composition of the whole plant rice tops, sampled at 30 and 60 days after transplanting rice seedlings, except for Fe. All the other nutrient element concentrations were adequate. Both Fe‐tolerant and susceptible cultivars had a high Fe content, well above the critical limit (300 mg Fe kg^‐1 plant dry wt). These results along with our observations on the elemental composition of rice plant samples collected from several wetland swamp soils with Fe toxicity in West Africa suggest that “real”; iron toxicity is a single nutrient (Fe) toxicity and not a multiple nutrient deficiency stress.     

Ratios of Nutrients in Lowland Rice Grown on Two Iron Toxic Soils in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Iron (Fe) toxicity is a widespread nutritional soil constraint affecting rice production in the wetland soils of West Africa. Critical levels of total iron in plant causing toxicity is difficult to determine as different rice cultivars respond to excessive Fe^{2 +} in various ways in what is called “bronzing” or “yellowing” symptoms (VBS). An investigation was conducted to evaluate the relationship between plant growth and nutrient ratios at four iron levels (1000, 3000, 4000 μ g L^?1) and control. This involved two rice cultivars (‘ITA 212’ and ‘Suakoko 8’), and two soil types (Aeric Fluvaquent and Aeric Tropaquept). The experimental design was a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial in a completely randomized fashion with four replications. The results showed that nutrient ratios [phosphorus (P)/Fe, potassium (K)/Fe, calcium (Ca)/Fe, magnesium (Mg)/Fe, and manganese (Mn)/Fe), Fe content, and Fe uptake vary widely with the iron levels as well as with the age of the cultivars. The iron toxicity scores expressed as VBS increased with increasing Fe^{2 +} in the soils, resulting in simultaneous reduction of the following variables: plant height, tiller numbers/pot, relationships grain yield (GY) and dry matter yield (DMY). There were no significant difference between nutrient ratios, Fe contents, Fe uptake, the GY and DMY of both rice cultivars on both soil types. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that Fe uptake and Fe contents contributed 42% and 17% respectively to the variation in the grain yield of ‘ITA 212’ on Aeric Tropaquept. On both soil types and cultivars, Fe uptake and Fe content contributed between 26 and 68% to the variation in the DMY, while the nutrient ratios (P/Fe, K/Fe, Ca/Fe, and Mn/Fe) contributed between 3% and 13% DMY. Thus, it could be concluded that iron toxicity in rice is more a function of a single nutrient (Fe) rather than nutrient ratios.     

Micronutrient deficiencies in rainfed calcareous soils of Pakistan. I. Iron chlorosis in the peanut plant

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is susceptible to iron (Fe) chlorosis, however, plant analysis diagnostic criteria are lacking for determining the intensity of chlorosis in this crop. As total Fe content is a misleading index of Fe nutritional status of plants, determination of physiologically active Fe fraction (Fe²⁺) is suggested for the purpose. In a nutrient indexing survey of the chlorosis‐affected peanut crop grown in the rainfed Potohar plateau of Pakistan, o‐phenanthroline extractable Fe²⁺ concentration in plants decreased with increasing severity of chlorosis and thus proved an effective technique for determining the intensity of Fe chlorosis. Green plants contained 40.1 to 67.3 mg Fe²⁺/kg, mildly chlorotic 32.1 to 40.0 mg Fe²⁺/kg, moderately chlorotic 28.0 to 32.0 mg Fe²⁺/kg, and severely chlorotic <28.0 mg Fe²⁺/kg. The minimum Fe²⁺ requirement in green plants was estimated to be 40 mg/kg on dry weight basis. In rainfed field experiments on a calcareous Typic Hapludalfs soil, foliar sprays of 1% solution of sequestrene (NaFeEDDHA) proved superior to the foliar sprays of 0.5% FeSO₄.7H₂O in correcting Fe chlorosis in two cultivars of peanut. Maximum increase in pod yield with sequestrene was 42% in cv. BARD‐92 and 27% in cv. BARD‐699 over the respective control yields. Ferrous concentration in plants increased with both the Fe sources, however, a substantial increase was recorded only with sequestrene. As peanut is a low‐input high‐risk rainfed crop, correction of Fe chlorosis by using sequestrene may not be economically feasible. Thus, development and/or screening of peanut varieties tolerant to Fe chlorosis is suggested by employing Fe²⁺ analysis technique.     

An agar nutrient solution technique as a screening tool for tolerance to zinc deficiency and iron toxicity in rice

Abstract

Studies examining iron (Fe) toxicity and zinc (Zn) deficiency in rice have shown that screening experiments in nutrient solutions are of limited use because the rankings of genotypes as tolerant or intolerant can be very different from the results obtained in field-screening experiments. A possible reason for such deviation is that crucial rhizosphere processes cannot be reproduced in nutrient solutions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of low-concentration agar nutrient solutions (ANS) as an alternative screening tool. Agar was dissolved in boiling water and mixed with nutrient solution to achieve a final agar concentration of 0.1% (w/v). Zinc deficiency was induced by supplying Zn at a low concentration (0.1 × 10^?3 µmol L^?1), while Fe toxicity was induced by supplying excess Fe²⁺ (200 mg L^?1). Three-week-old seedlings were transplanted into this medium. Symptoms of Zn deficiency and Fe toxicity developed more rapidly in ANS compared with conventional nutrient solutions (CNS). For Zn deficiency this was probably because of the development of Zn depletion zones as a result of the reduced convection in the viscous agar medium. In the case of Fe toxicity we observed far less Fe precipitation in ANS compared with CNS. Genotypic comparisons showed that the tolerance rankings obtained in ANS were very similar to the field tolerance rankings, whereas this was not the case in CNS. This was particularly evident with regard to the considerable root growth inhibition detected in intolerant genotypes when stress treatments were imposed in ANS.     

Effects of endophytic Bacillus spp. on accumulation and distribution of iron in the shoots of lowland rice grown under iron toxic conditions

Background

The tolerance of plants against abiotic stresses can be greatly influenced by their interaction with microbes. In lowland rice (Oryza sativa) production, the iron toxicity of the soils constitutes a major constraint. Although there are tolerant cultivars, the mechanisms underlying the tolerance against excess iron are not fully understood. Even less is known about the role of microbes in the response to iron toxicity.

Aim

In the study presented here, the effects of different Bacillus isolates on the accumulation and distribution of iron within the shoots of different rice cultivars grown under iron toxicity were analyzed.

Methods

Three lowland rice cultivars with contrasting tolerance to iron toxicity (IR31785-58-1-2-3-3, Sahel 108, Suakoko 8) were inoculated with three Bacillus isolates (two B. pumilus and one B. megaterium) and, after 1 week, exposed to excess iron (1,000 ppm) for 8 days. Tolerance was evaluated by leaf symptom scoring.

Results

Bacterial inoculation mitigated leaf symptoms in the sensitive cultivar IR31785-58-1-2-3-3 despite no significant differences in shoot iron concentration between inoculated and noninoculated plants. In the tolerant excluder cultivar, Suakoko 8, leaf symptoms were exacerbated when inoculated with B. pumilus Ni9MO12. While the total shoot Fe concentration was not affected in this bacteria × cultivar combination, the distribution of iron within the shoot was clearly disturbed. Tolerance to iron toxicity of the tolerant includer cultivar, Sahel 108, was not affected by Bacillus inoculation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our results show that Bacillus inoculation can affect the tolerance of lowland rice to iron toxicity and that the effects strongly depend on the bacteria × cultivar combination.     

Acute toxicity of water soluble fractions derived from a coal liquid (SCR-II) to three aquatic organisms

Acute toxicity screening tests were conducted with water soluble fractions (WSFs) of a solvent refined coal (SRC-II) liquid from a pilot plant and three reference organisms: the cladoceran Daphnia magna, the fathead (FH) minnow Pimephales promelas, and larvae of the midge fly Chironomus tentans. Stock WSFs typically contained 900 to 1100 mg l^?1 total carbon (TC) and 700 to 800 mg l^?1 total dye complexable phenolics, with lower concentrations of aromatic and saturate hydrocarbons and N compounds. Under standard test conditions (temperature 20 °C, pH 7.3 to 8.2 and hardness 65 to 80 mg l^?1 CaCO₃), mean LC50 values in mg l^? TC were 3.3 for daphnia, 11.l for FH minnow, and 13.7 for midge larvae. Acute toxicity was also examined under other water quality conditions (temperature 10 or 25 °C, pH 6.0 or 6.5, and hardness ? 180 to 220 mg 1^?1 CaCO₃). The coal liquid was less toxic to daphnids at 10 °C than at 20 or 25 °C, but response of other organisms at different temperatures varied. The pH of the liquid had little effect on toxicity values. All organisms were less susceptible in hard water. Chemical compositions of stock WSFs were similar, suggesting that temperature, pH, and hardness had little effect on solubility of major synfucl components. Dilution indexes for stock WSFs were higher than for petroleum oils, and reflect the greater solubility of chemicals from the liquified coal in freshwater.     

IRON EFFICIENCY IN KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS NOT RELATED TO PHYTOSIDEROPHORE RELEASE

Some Kentucky bluegrass (KBG; Poa pratensis L.) is susceptible to iron (Fe)-deficiency chlorosis. Under Fe-deficiency stress, phytosiderophore is produced and released by the roots of many grasses to solubilize soil Fe and enhance uptake. In other species, quantifying phytosiderophore screens for Fe-deficiency resistant cultivars. A hydroponic study was conducted at 1 and 10 μM solution Fe to variously stress ‘Baron’, ‘Award’, ‘Limousine’, and ‘Rugby II’ KBG cultivars. One μM Fe solution produced more Fe-deficiency stress in all cultivars compared to 10 μM, resulting in greater chlorosis and phytosiderophore release but reduced shoot and root Fe concentrations and shoot weight. Of the four cultivars, Baron was the most susceptible to Fe deficiency and exhibited severe Fe chlorosis and low shoot Fe but, surprisingly, produced the most phytosiderophore. These results imply that Fe-deficiency susceptibility in KBG may be less related to phytosiderophore release and more related to inefficient uptake or utilization mechanisms.     

Mutual Effects of Boron and Zinc on Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Growth and Mineral Nutrition

The mutual effects of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on growth, total chlorophyll (Chl), membrane permeability (MP), and nutrient content were investigated in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The soil was treated with five levels of B (0, 4, 8, 16, 32 mg kg^?1) and three levels of Zn (0, 10, 20 mg kg^?1). Plant growth was progressively depressed with increasing of B. However, Zn addition had an inhibitory effect on B toxicity and decreased growth reduction caused by excess B. In Zn-untreated plants, B and Zn contents were enhanced by increasing of B; moreover, both Zn and B addition enhanced Zn content. The Chl content decreased and MP increased, resulting from B toxicity; however, Zn addition partially ameliorated the adverse effects of B toxicity on Chl and MP. Increasing B enhanced phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), Zn, copper (Cu), and sodium (Na) contents in peanut shoots.     

Interaction of Different Iron Chelates with an Alkaline and Calcareous Soil: A Complementary Methodology to Evaluate the Performance of Iron Compounds in the Correction of Iron Chlorosis

Abstract

A great number of studies have shown that the stability of iron chelates as a function of pH is not the unique parameter that must be considered in order to evaluate the potential effectiveness of Fe‐chelates to correct iron chlorosis in plants cultivated in alkaline and calcareous soils. In fact, other factors, such as soil sorption on soil components or the competition among Fe and other metallic cations for the chelating agent in soil solution, have a considerable influence on the capacity of iron chelates to maintain iron in soil solution available to plants. In this context, the aim of this work is to study the variation in concentration of the main iron chelates employed by farmers under field conditions—Fe‐EDDHA (HA), Fe‐EDDHMA (MA), Fe‐EDDHSA (SA), Fe‐EDDCHA (CA), Fe‐EDTA (EDTA), and Fe‐DTPA (DTPA)—in the soil solution of a calcareous soil over time. To this end, soil incubations were carried out using a soil:Fe solution ratio corresponding to soil field capacity, at a temperature of 23°C. The soil used in the experiments was a calcareous soil with a very low organic matter content. The variation in concentration of Fe and Fe‐chelates in soil solution over time were obtained by measuring the evolution in soil solution of both the concentration of total Fe (measured by AAS), and the concentration of the ortho‐ortho isomers for Fe‐EDDHA and analogs or chelated Fe for Fe‐EDTA and Fe‐DTPA (measured by HPLC). The following chelate samples were used: a HA standard prepared in the laboratory and samples of HA, MA, SA, CA, Fe‐EDTA, and Fe‐DTPA obtained from commercial formulations present in the market. The percentage of iron chelated as ortho‐ortho isomers for HAs was: HA standard (100%); HA (51.78%); MA (60.06%); SA (22.50%); and CA (27.28%). In the case of Fe‐EDTA and Fe‐DTPA the percentages of chelated iron were 96.09 and 99.12, respectively. Results show that it is possible to classify the potential effectiveness of the different types of iron chelates used in our experiments as a function of two practical approaches: (i) considering the variation of total iron in soil solution over time, MA is the best performing product, followed by HA, CA, SA, DTPA, EDTA, and ferrous sulfate in the order listed and (ii) considering the capacity of the different iron chelates to maintain the fraction of chelated iron (ortho‐ortho isomers for HA, MA, SA, and CA and total chelated iron for EDTA and DTPA) in soil solution, the order is: SA > CA > HA > MA > EDTA ≈ DTPA. This result, that is related to the nature of the chelate and does not depend on the degree of chelated Fe in the products, indicates that SA and CA might be very efficient products to correct iron chlorosis. Finally, our results also indicate the suitability of this soil incubation methodology to evaluate the potential efficiency of iron compounds to correct iron chlorosis.     

Effect of calcium nitrate foliar spray on the calcium content,growth and freezing tolerance of Forsythia × Intermedia cultivars

Abstract

In many northern regions frost hardiness of new cultivars of woody plants and perennials is fundamental for nursery production and the greenery industry. This study was conducted to determine the effect of calcium fertilization on frost resistance of Forsythia sp. cultivars. Plants were sprayed five times at four week intervals with calcium nitrate 1?g of (Ca(NO₃)₂). 100?ml H₂O^?1 per shrub. Shoots were frozen at three temperatures: –20, –25, and –30?°C. In all cases the chlorophyll content index in the leaves, and the calcium (Ca²⁺) content in leaves and stems of forsythia cultivars were significantly higher when calcium nitrate supplementation was provided. The Ca²⁺content in the roots was not affected. The freezing temperature had a great effect on the stem frost damage of tested forsythia cultivars. The greatest damage was observed after freezing at –30?°C. However, tissue damage of plants that were sprayed with calcium nitrate was considerably less evident, and cross sections of stems looked significantly better. At the lowest temperatures (–25 and –30?°C) a positive effect of calcium fertilization on lower electrolyte leakage was observed in all tested cultivars. Fertilization with finely ground calcium nitrate increased stem freezing tolerance of forsythia tested cultivars, especially new ones which have stems that are more susceptible to frost damage.     

IRON STRESS INDUCES PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MICRONUTRIENT STRESSES IN HIGH YIELDING TROPICAL RICE

Two indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, viz. ‘Swarna’ and ‘Kalinga III’ were compared for their response to iron (Fe) stress. The cultivars were raised with four Fe levels viz. 0.05, 1, 5, 10 mg L^?1 in hydroponic culture. Plant growth, soluble protein, chlorophyll content and phytoferritin of leaves increased significantly with increase in Fe concentration up to 5 mg L^?1, but decreased at 10 mg L^?1. In contrast, lipid peroxidation, decreased up to 5 mg L^?1 then increased at 10 mg L^?1. However, at 10 mg L^?1 of Fe these parameters were more adversely affected in ‘Swarna’ than ‘Kalinga III’. The later also accumulated relatively more Fe, zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) from the growing medium. Zinc concentrations of the tissue, on the other hand, exhibited the opposite trend. Iron stress may, thus lead to secondary metallic ion stresses and under such situations cultivars like ‘Kalinga III’ will perform better than ‘Swarna’.     

花生耐低铁性的基因型差异及其生理特性研究

通过田间试验对16个花生品种在石灰性土壤上的耐低铁性进行了评价。不同花生品种耐低铁能力存在显著的基因型差异,这种差异表现在生长过程中叶片活性铁含量、叶绿素含量以及最终的荚果产量上。溶液培养试验结果表明,根系Fe3+还原力提高是抗缺铁花生品种适应缺铁胁迫的主要机制,抗缺铁品种铁还原力高峰出现期早于铁敏感品种,且峰值远高于铁敏感品种。同时缺铁胁迫下介质pH值、新叶过氧化氢酶活性也存在显著的基因型差异。     

Sensitivity of soft red winter wheat cultivars to chlorate‐induced toxicity

The use of chlorate as a nitrate analogue to screen soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars for differences in nitrate reductase activity (NRA) was studied by adding potassium chlorate to a hydroponic nutrient solution in which wheat seedlings were growing. After 14 days, leaf symptoms indicating chlorate‐induced toxicity were rated. It was hypothesized that wheat plants which were susceptible to chlorate‐induced toxicity reduced chlorate and nitrate more rapidly than did resistant plants. In experiments testing the potential of this assay, wheat and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars previously reported to have low NRA were less susceptible to chlorate‐induced toxicity than were cultivars reported to have high NRA. The assay was used to screen 15 soft red winter wheat cultivars for differences in sensitivity to chlorate‐induced toxicity. Variable toxic reactions were observed both among and within the cultivars. To determine whether the within‐cultivar variation was environmental or genetic, single plant selections for contrasting chlorate response were made, and bulked progeny were rescreened. In eight of 15 cultivars, the contrasting selections were different for chlorate‐induced toxic response, indicating heterogeneity for this trait within these eight cultivars. These chlorate‐selected lines may also be near‐isogenic lines for NRA. Seedling screening of wheat for chlorate response may be useful for identification of high NRA breeding lines.     

Diagnosis and Amelioration of Iron Deficiency under Aerobic Rice

ABSTRACT

Iron (Fe) deficiency is one of the serious nutritional disorders in aerobically grown rice on upland alkaline and calcareous soils, which leads to a decline in productivity. With a view to resolve the Fe-deficiency syndrome in aerobic rice, the influence of soil moisture regimes, farmyard manure (FYM) and applied Fe on the release of Fe was assessed under an incubation study. A field experiment was also conducted to evaluate the relative effectiveness of soil and foliar applications of Fe in alleviating Fe deficiency using four rice cultivars (‘IR 36’, ‘IR 64’, ‘IR 71525-19-1-1’ and ‘CT 6510-24-1-2’). Results of incubation study indicated that the application of FYM marginally improved the diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-Fe status of soil over control. However, application of iron sulfate (FeSO₄ · 7H₂O) at 14 mg Fe/kg with FYM released as much Fe as did the application of 27 mg Fe/kg as FeSO₄ 7H₂O alone. Comparatively higher amounts of Fe were released under water saturation than that under drier soil moisture regimes and the effect of incubation period in releasing Fe was pronounced only under water saturation.

Under field study, supplementation of Fe through integrated or inorganic source caused improvement in the DTPA and ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) extractable Fe similar to that recorded under incubation. The foliar application of Fe (3% FeSO₄ 7H₂O solution, thrice at 40, 60, and 75 days after sowing of rice, i.e., 45 kg FeSO₄.7H₂O/ha) was most effective and economical in correcting Fe deficiency in aerobic rice, followed by soil application of 150 kg FeSO₄.7H₂O + 10 t FYM/ ha and 305 kg FeSO₄.7H₂O/ha. Among the rice cultivars, ‘CT 6510-24-1-2’ and ‘IR 71525-19-1-1’ performed better under aerobic condition compared to ‘IR 36’ and ‘IR 64’. Differential response of rice cultivars to applied Fe was not related to Fe-nutrition; rather it was apparently related with inherent ability of cultivars to grow under water-stress condition. Ferrous iron (Fe^II) content in rice plants proved to be a better index of Fe-nutrition status compared to total plant Fe and chemically extractable soil Fe. The Fe^II concentration of ≥ 37 mg kg^?1 in plants (on dry weight basis) appeared to be an adequate level at 60 days after sowing for direct seeded rice grown under upland aerobic condition.     

Phosphorus Efficiency in Sunflower Cultivars and Its Relationships with Phosphorus,Calcium, Iron,Zinc and Manganese Nutrition

ABSTRACT

Phosphorus (P) efficiency (shoot dry weight at low P/shoot dry weight at high P) of a cultivar is the ability to produce a high yield in a soil that is limited in that element for a standard genotype. The large variation in P efficiency of different crops provides opportunities for screening crop species that perform well on low phosphorus soil. To explain the differences in P efficiency of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars a glasshouse pot experiment was conducted by using P-deficient soil [0.5 M sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)-extractable P 8.54 mg kg^?1] treated with 0 (low P) and 100 mg P kg^?1 soil (high P). The relationship between P efficiency and P, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) nutrition and anthocyanin accumulation was investigated in ten sunflower cultivars. Phosphorus deficiency resulted in significant decreases in the shoot and root yield. Phosphorus-efficient cultivars have the ability to produce higher yield than the inefficient cultivars in a limited P conditions. Our results showed that P-efficient cultivars had lower P concentrations, but higher P content in low P conditions. Phosphorus-efficient cultivars also have lower Ca and Fe concentrations in low P conditions but not in P-sufficient conditions. Applied P resulted in significant decreases in Zn concentrations in the shoots of the cultivars. Anthocyanin concentrations showed an accumulating pattern in all cultivars under P deficiency. The results demonstrated that phosphorus efficiency of the sunflower cultivars depends on their ability to produce higher yield and take up more P, and lower the concentration of Ca and Fe in shoots under low P conditions.     

Effects of Postharvest Elevated‐Temperature Exposure on Rice Quality and Functionality

Rapid drying with high‐temperature air has gained interest in the rice industry, but the effects of elevated‐temperature exposure on physicochemical properties of rice are of concern. This study investigated the effects of exposing rough rice to elevated temperatures for various durations without removing moisture. Physicochemical property response was evaluated in terms of head rice yield (HRY), germination rate (GR), milled‐rice yellowing, pasting properties, and gelatinization temperatures. Two long‐grain cultivars (pure‐line Wells and hybrid CL XL729) at initial moisture contents (IMCs) of 17.9 and 18.6%, respectively, and dried moisture content (DMC) of 12.5%, were hermetically sealed and exposed to 40, 60, and 80°C for various durations. Exposure to 80°C of IMC samples of Wells and CL XL729 resulted in a significant (2.3–2.5 percentage point) reduction in the HRYs. A 2 hr exposure of both cultivars at IMC level to 60°C completely inhibited GR, and exposure to 80°C of the cultivars at both moisture content (MC) levels immediately inhibited GR. Exposure to 80°C for almost all durations and 60°C for durations over 4 hr produced significant yellowing in both cultivars at IMC. Significant yellowing in both cultivars at DMC was also observed during a 28 day storage following 80°C exposure. In general, peak viscosities of both cultivars at IMC increased only after extended exposure to 40 and 60°C, but peak viscosities of the cultivars exposed to 80°C increased sharply and immediately upon exposure. No significant differences were observed in gelatinization temperatures of either cultivar at either MC level from elevated‐temperature exposure. Results from this study suggest that extreme‐temperature exposure of rough rice affects HRY, GRs, yellowing, and pasting properties of rice, but the extent of impact is MC dependent.