Involvement of Excess Cadmium on Oxidative Stress and Other Physiological Parameters of Eggplant

To examine tolerance of cadmium (Cd) by eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) cv. ‘Hybrid PK 123’, plants were grown in refined sand in complete nutrient solution for 52 days in a glasshouse at ambient temperature. Cadmium sulfate was superimposed on day 53, at variable levels: nil, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.5 mM. Influence of excess Cd was discernible after 5 days of metal supply at 0.4 and 0.5 mM Cd as depression in growth. At these levels, foliar symptoms were initiated as paling of young leaves at the base progressing upward. With increase in age, affected leaves turned golden yellow and these effects spread to lower leaves. Leaf size and floral initiation were very much restricted. These types of phenotypes induced leaf senescence. Excess Cd reduced the biomass and fruit yield of plants. At higher levels (>0.1 mM) of Cd, fruit formation was completely inhibited and fruits formed at 0.05 and 0.1 mM Cd were smaller in size. Besides this, excess Cd disturbed the metabolism of eggplant by reducing the concentration of chlorophyll (a and b), protein, Hill reaction activity, and activity of antioxidant enzymes—catalase and ascorbate peroxidase; whereas the activity of peroxidase and ribonuclease increased in leaves of eggplant. Cadmium excess reduced the concentration of Fe and Zn and Cd increased that of proline, lipid peroxidation, phenols, reducing sugars and Cd concentration in leaves of eggplant.     

Evaluation of Toxicity Level of Nickel on Growth,Photosynthetic Efficiency,Antioxidative Enzyme,and Its Accumulation in Cauliflower

A study was conducted to determine the toxicity level of nickel using cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) cv. Snowball grown in refined sand with complete nutrient solution for 79 days. At day 80, plants were separated into three lots. One lot was treated as the control (0.0001 mM Ni) while other two lots were supplied with excess nickel (Ni) at 0.1 and 0.5 mM. The toxicity symptoms of Ni appeared as chlorosis of young leaves. No curd was formed at 0.5 mM Ni supply. Excess Ni decreased biomass, chlorophyll, Hill reaction activity, and carbohydrate fraction, and enzyme activities of catalase, peroxidase, and acid phosphatase in leaves. Excess Ni increased concentration of starch, phenol, and nonprotein nitrogen and decreased protein nitrogen in leaves. Increase in Ni supply increased Ni concentration in all parts of cauliflower, whereas the concentration of phosphorus, sulfur, iron, and manganese decreased significantly.     

Nitrogen uptake efficiency of finger millet grown in hydroponic culture

The optimum nitrogen requirement along with nitrogen uptake efficiency of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) for obtaining plants of a high phenotypic quality was studied in this research using hydroponic culture. 20 days old seedlings were transferred in nutrient solution containing all the essential macro and micro nutrients. Plants were subjected to three treatments of nitrate viz. 0.05 mM, 0.1 mM and 0.5 mM by dissolving it in the nutrient solution. Plants grown in nutrient solution devoid of nitrate were treated as control. Plants grown in 0.5 mM nitrate conc. attained more height compared to other low nitrogen treatments (0.1 mM and 0.05 mM). Similarly plants of 0.5 mM nitrate treatments possessed more number of lateral roots, surface area of leaves, dry weight of plants and chlorophyll content compared to other low nitrogen treatments. Specific activity of nitrate reductase in plants treated with 0.5 mM concentration was found nearly 3 times higher than that of control plants; similarly, specific activity of nitrite reductase in 0.5 mM treated plants was also high compared to other low nitrogen treatments followed by control. The results of the present investigation therefore indicate that nitrogen uptake efficiency as revealed by the activities of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase was high in 0.5 mM nitrate treatment. It also shows that 0.5 mM nitrate is optimum nitrogen concentration for the growth of finger millet in hydroponic condition.     

Response of Hibiscus Rosa‐Sinensis L. to varying levels of potassium fertilization: Growth,gas exchange and mineral element concentration

Little is known about the effect of varying levels of potassium (K) on the mineral element concentration, growth, and gas exchange, characteristics of woody ornamental plants. The commercially important woody ornamental species Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L. cv. Leprechaun was evaluated for K response in a series of three experiments with full strength Hoagland's nutrient solution, which supplied 0 to 10 mM K. Plants grown with 4 mM K in nutrient solution (2.4% leaf tissue K) had the greatest shoot growth and root extension. Gas exchange rates (net photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance) were also highest at 4 mM K compared to the control (0 mM K /0.6% leaf tissue K), 0.2, 2.0 and 10 mM K treatments. The application of 4 mM K increased net photosynthesis and tranpiration by 2.1 fold and stomatal conductance by 4.5 fold over 0 mM K controls. Increasing K in nutrient solution correlated positively with tissue K, manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), but negatively with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). There was a stronger sink for K in yonger leaves (the first to fourth fully expanded leaf from the shoot apex) which had higher K concentration than older leaves (the eighth to twelfth fully expanded leaf from the shoot apex). However, with increasing K in nutrient solution, K concentration in leaf tissue increased regardless of leaf age, and the difference between the younger and older leaf was constant. Daily application of 10 mM K resulted in 6.9% leaf tissue K and caused a decrease in plant total dry matter, net photosynthesis, compared to 4 mM K treated plants. However, these parameters remained higher in 10 mM K plants, which retained high ornamental quality than in 0 mM controls. Plants fertilized with 10 mM K, had the highest leaf tissue K and Zn, but lowest P, Ca, Mg, iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and boron (B). Nevertheless, the 10 mM K treated plants exhibited no morphological differences or deficiency symptoms; rather those plants had similar vegetative vigor and flower bud formation rate as those at 4 mM K.     

Boron toxicity in kiwifruit plants (Actinidia deliciosa), treated with nitrate,ammonium, and a mixture of both

The objective of this research was to study the effects of nitrogen (N) forms (NO₃^–, 2.6 mM; NH₄⁺, 2.6 mM; NO₃^–, 1 mM + NH₄⁺, 1.6 mM) on the growth and mineral composition of kiwifruit plants exposed to three boron (B) levels (0.025, 0.1, 0.3 mM). The kiwifruit plants were grown in a 1:1 sand : perlite mixture and irrigated daily with nutrient solutions. Shoot height, mean shoot dry weight, the number of leaves, mean leaf dry weight, and N concentration of NH₄‐treated plants were significantly higher compared to the NO₃^– treatment at all B levels. The concentration of 0.3 mM B significantly reduced shoot height for all N treatments. Boron toxicity symptoms appeared 14 days after starting the experiment, when plants were treated with 0.1 and/or 0.3 mM B. The nitrate supply reduced the B concentration of roots, but B levels of different leaf parts were hardly affected by the N form. Furthermore, the NH₄‐N form significantly reduced the Mg concentration of the leaves.     

Excess Copper‐Induced Oxidative Damages and Changes in Radish Physiology

Abstract

To identify the detrimental effects of excess copper in radish (Raphanus sativus) cv. Jaunpuri, plants were grown in refined sand at control (0.001) and 0.1 and 0.2 mM (excess) copper (Cu) supplied as Cu sulphate. Previously plants were maintained for 24 days in complete nutrient solution and on the 25th day, excess Cu was superimposed. After 6 days of metal supply, the visible effects of excess Cu appeared as retardation in growth and interveinal chlorosis of young leaves; chlorosis intensified later with the development of irregular brown spots on lamina. Excess Cu not only reduced the size of leaves but also affected adversely the root development. In radish, Cu toxicity decreased the fresh weight, biomass, root weight, concentrations of total and active iron, chlorophyll, activities of antioxidative enzymes catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX), starch phosphorylase (ST) and acid phosphatase (AP) with concomitant increase in Cu accumulation in different parts. These effects were more pronounced at 0.2 than 0.1 mM Cu.     

Micronutrient toxicity in buffalograss

The growth responses of buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.] to elevated micronutrient levels in the fertilizer solution were investigated. Seedling plants established in peat‐lite mix in 11‐cm (0.6 L) pots in the greenhouse were irrigated with solutions containing 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 mM of boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), or zinc (Zn). The control solution contained (in μM): 20 B, 0.5 Cu, 40 Fe, 10 Mn, 0.5 Mo, and 4 Zn. A standard macronutrient concentration was used for all treatment solutions. Boron and Mo induced visual toxicity symptoms more readily than other micronutrients. Boron toxicity was characterized by chlorosis often accompanied by bleached leaf tips, while Mo toxicity resulted in leaf necrosis. The lowest levels that induced visual foliar toxicity were 0.5 mM B, 2 mM Cu, 4 mM Fe, 6 mM Mn, 1 mM Mo, and 4 mM Zn. Chloride did not induce foliar abnormalities in the concentration range tested. Biomass yield was reduced when the nutrient solution contained 2 mM B, 6 mM Cu, or 2 mM Mo. Elevated levels of Cl, Fe, Mn, and Zn did not alter dry matter yield. The relationship between the nutrient and tissue concentrations was determined for each microelement.     

INFLUENCE OF ELEVATED PHOSPHORUS LEVELS IN NUTRIENT SOLUTION ON MICRONUTRIENT UPTAKE AND DEFICIENCY SYMPTOM DEVELOPMENT IN STRAWBERRY CULTURED WITH FERTIGATION SYSTEM

The relationship between the total amount of micronutrients absorbed by the above-ground plant tissue and the occurrence of visible micronutrient deficiency symptoms in two strawberry cultivars as influenced by elevated phosphorus (P) levels in fertigation solution was investigated. The plants were cultured with a fertilizer solution containing 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, or 6 mM P and tissue nutrient content were determined at 120 days after transplanting. Young leaves of the plants grown with nutrient solution P levels higher than 4 mM and 2 mM, respectively, in ‘Keumhyang’ and ‘Seonhong’, developed interveinal chlorosis. Tissue concentrations (mg·kg^?1 dry weight) of metallic micronutrients [iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)] in both cultivars did not decrease, but the total amount absorbed by the aboveground plant tissue decreased in the treatments in which nutrient deficiencies were observed. These results indicate that total amount of micronutrients is a better indicator of P-induced micronutrient deficiency.     

Nitric oxide improves high zinc tolerance in maize plants

A short-term experiment was carried out to study the effects of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on some growth parameters and mineral nutrients of maize grown at high zinc (Zn). Maize seedlings were planted in pots containing perlite and subjected to 0.05 or 0.5 mM Zn in nutrient solution. Nitric oxide (0.1 mM) was sprayed to the leaves of maize seedlings. High Zn reduced total dry matter, chlorophyll (Chl.) content and leaf relative water content (RWC), but increased proline content and membrane permeability. Foliar application of NO significantly increased chlorophyll content, RWC and growth of plants treated with high Zn, and significantly reduced their membrane permeability and proline contents. High Zn resulted in increased leaf and root Zn, but lower concentrations of leaf phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe). Foliar application of NO lowered leaf and root Zn and increased leaf and root nitrogen (N) and leaf Fe in the high Zn plants. These results clearly demonstrated that externally-applied NO induced growth improvement in maize plants was found to be associated with reduced membrane permeability under high zinc. Results can be concluded that NO may be involved in nutritional and physiological changes in plants subjected to high Zn.     

Chromium Alters Iron Nutrition and Water Relations of Spinach

Spinach (Spinacea oleracea L. cv. ‘Banarasi’), known to be responsive to potentially toxic elements, was investigated for chromium (Cr^{6 +}) effect on iron metabolism and water relations. After 40 days growth in sand culture, a set of plants was supplied with 100 and 400 μM Cr^{6 +} (potassium dichromate, K₂Cr₂O₇), superimposed over the complete nutrient solution (control). Excess Cr^{6 +} produced visual symptoms of toxicity and increased accumulation of Cr, more in roots than in leaves. Decreased concentration of chlorophylls and the activities of heme enzymes, catalase and peroxidase in excess Cr^{6 +} may suggest interference of Cr in iron metabolism of plants. These changes associated with decrease in iron (Fe) accumulation in Cr^{6 +} treated plants, indicate that by reducing absorption of Fe, Cr^{6 +} impairs the Fe requiring steps of chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis. In spite of lower water saturation deficit, the leaves of Cr^{6 +} treated plants showed a decrease in leaf water potential, associated with increase in diffusive resistance and lowering of transpiration rate along with proline accumulation indicates water stress. The changes observed in water stress parameters in Cr^{6 +} treated plants indicate that excess supply of Cr^{6 +} reduces the physiological availability of water.     

Einfluß von Bikarbonat auf die subzelluläre Verteilung von blatt- und wurzelappliziertem Eisen bei Sonnenblumen (Helianthus annuus L.)

Influence of bicarbonate on the subcellular distribution of iron applied to roots or leaves of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) 18 days old sunflower seedlings were transferred and cultivated for 9 days ( untill chlorosis appeared) in nutrient solutions. After that Fe concentration of roots and shoots and the subcellular distribution of Fe in the cytoplasm of the young leaves was determined. Bicarbonate in the nutrient solution with Fe reduced the concentration of Fe and chlorophyll in the young leaves of the plants, also the concentration of Fe and protein in the chloroplast fraction of the cytoplasm, but the subcellular distribution for Fe remained unchanged compared with the control. Leaf spray with Fe-EDTA to plants in nutrient solution without Fe + bicarbonate resulted in higher Fe but unchanged chlorophyll concentrations in the young leaves, while the cytoplasm fractions of these leaves had higher concentrations of iron and protein compared with the control. An inactivation of leaf iron by bicarbonate in the nutrient medium could not be demonstrated. There was no significant lowering of the concentration of disolved Fe in the nutrient solution by bicarbonate, indicating a disturbance of Fe-up-take rather than an insufficient Fe-supply as a factor for iron chlorosis. The physiological activity of leaf applied Fe was not diminished by bicarbonate in the nutrient solution. This observation too points to a primary effect of bicarbonate in the root area. The pH of the cytoplasm from young leaves remained unchanged after leaf spraying with Fe-EDTA. In spite of this there might be a local effect of sprayed solution (with pH 5,1) on the pH of solutes in the apoplast, influencing the mobility of leaf applied Fe.     

Uptake of Boron by Kiwifruit Plants Under Various Levels of Shading and Salinity

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted. In the first one, kiwifruit plants were grown in sand/perlite mixtures and irrigated with modified Hoagland's nutrient solutions containing two boron (B) concentrations (0.025 and 0.2 mM) combined with four levels of salinity (0.75, 2, 4, and 6 dS m^?1). Certain growth parameters and B concentration of the various plant parts were investigated. The highest level of salinity imposed was toxic for kiwifruit plants. Significant correlations (significance 0.000***) were found between B and salinity levels of the nutrient solutions and shoot height, mean shoot fresh weight, number of new leaves, mean leaf fresh weight, B concentration of upper leaves, basal leaves, 2-year old shoots and roots of kiwifruit plants. By increasing salinity level, the B concentration of leaves decreased when B concentration in solution was 0.2 mM. In another experiment, the nutrient solutions contained three B concentrations (0.025, 0.15, and 0.3 mM) and the plants were subjected to shading (100, 70, and 30% of full sunshine). Regression analysis indicated that significant correlations were found between B and shading (independent variables) and shoot height, mean shoot fresh weight, number of new leaves, B concentration of various plant organs (significance 0.000***) and mean leaf fresh weight (significance 0.018*).     

The Effect of Al and Mg on the Transpiration Rate of Young Maize Plants

In a nutrient solution experiment with two Al (0 and 0.1 mM) combined with two Mg treatments (0.1 and 0.5 or 0.75 mM resp.) Al induced Mg deficiency in maize. Growth of maize responded to Mg only in the presence of Al, but did not attain the same level as without Al. Without Al in the nutrient solution 0.1 mM Mg was adequate. Contrary to growth the transpiration rate per unit leaf area was increased at the higher Mg concentration irrespective of the absence or presence of Al but was at an overall lower level in the latter case. It is assumed that Al acted through reducing Mg uptake and impeding root function with respect to water uptake.     

MITIGATION EFFECTS OF SILICON ON TOMATO PLANTS BEARING FRUIT GROWN AT HIGH BORON LEVELS

Interactive effects of silicon (Si) and high boron (B) on growth and yield of tomato (Lycopercison esculentum cv. ‘191 F1’) plants were studied. Treatments were: 1) control (B1), normal nutrient solution including 0.5 mg L^?1 B (boron), 2) B1 +Si treatment: 0.5 mg L^?1 boron plus 2 mM Si, 3) B2 treatment: 3.5 mg L^?1 B, 4) B2 +Si treatment: 3.5 mg L^?1 B plus 2 mM Si, 5) B3 treatment: 6.5 mg L^?1 B, and 6) B3 +Si: 6.5 mg L^?1 B plus 2 mM Si. High B reduced dry matter, fruit yield and chlorophyll (Chl) in tomato plants compared to the control treatment, but increased the proline accumulation. Supplementary Si overcame the deleterious effects of high B on plant dry matter, fruit yield and chlorophyll concentrations. High B treatments increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (POD; EC. 1.11.1.7) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC 1.10.3.1). However, supplementary Si in the nutrient solution containing high B reduced SOD and PPO activities in leaves, but POD activity remained unchanged. These data suggest that excess B-induced oxidative stress and alterations in the antioxidant enzymes. Boron (B) concentrations increased in leaves and roots in the elevated B treatment as compared to the control treatment. Concentrations of calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) were significantly lower in the leaves of plants grown at high B than those in the control plants. Supplementing the nutrient solution containing high B with 2 mM Si increased both nutrients in the leaves. These results indicate that supplementary Si can mitigate the adverse effects of high B on fruit yield and whole plant biomass in tomato plants.     

Salinity tolerance in tomato: Implications of potassium,calcium, and phosphorus

Abstract

The effect of salinity on the growth and yield of tomato plants and mineral composition of tomato leaves was studied. Five tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) cultivars, Pearson, Strain B, Montecarlo, Tropic, and Marikit, were grown in sand nutrient culture. The nutrient solutions applied consisted of a modified half‐strength Hoagland solution with 50 mM sodium chloride (NaCl), 3 mM potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄), 1.5 mM orthophosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), and 10 mM calcium sulphate (CaSO₄). Stem height and number of leaves of tomato plants were not found to be significantly different but leaf and stem dry weight were reduced significantly in plants irrigated with saline nutrient solution in contrast with control plants. The total yield was reduced in plants that received saline treatments, but there was no significant difference in fruit number and fruit set percentage. The fruit electrical conductivity and total soluble solids were increased in plants irrigated with saline nutrient solution. Fruit pH was not found to be significantly different among salinity treatments. Mineral composition of tomato leaves were increased by addition of potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) to the saline nutrient solution. The addition of K to the solution resulted in an increase in sodium (Na) leaf content. The amounts of K and magnesium (Mg) were not significantly different among salinity treatments. Calcium content was increased when CaSO₄ was added. Application of H₃PO₄ resulted in the highest amount of P in tomato leaves under saline conditions. The present study revealed that application of K, P, and Ca under saline conditions improved fruit electrical conductivity and total soluble solids. Sufficiency levels of the mineral nutrients K and P were obtained in tomato leaves when the appropriate nutrient was used in the saline solution.     

Silicon modulates the metabolism and utilization of phenolic compounds in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) grown at excess manganese

Cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Chinese long) were grown in nutrient solution with increasing manganese (Mn) concentrations (0.5, 50, and 100 µM) with (+Si) or without silicon (–Si) supplied as silicic acid at 1.5 mM. High external Mn supply induced both growth inhibition of the whole plant and the appearance of Mn‐toxicity symptoms in the leaves. The application of Si alleviated Mn toxicity by increasing the biomass production. Although the total Mn concentration in the leaves did not differ significantly between +Si and –Si plants, symptoms of Mn toxicity were not observed in Si‐treated plants. The concentrations of phenolic compounds, particularly in the leaf extracts of cucumber plants grown at high external Mn concentrations, differed from those of plants grown without Si. The increased tissue concentrations of phenols (e.g., coniferyl alcohol, coumaric and ferulic acids) were in agreement with enhanced enzymes activities, i.e., peroxidases (PODs) and polyphenol oxidases (PPO) in the tissues of –Si plants. The activities of both enzymes were kept at a lower level in the tissue extracts of +Si plants grown at high external Mn concentrations. These results suggest that Si nutrition modulates the metabolism and utilization of phenolic compounds mainly at the leaf level, most probably as a consequence of the formation of Si‐polyphenol complexes.     

Effects of phosphate,nitrate and chloride on calcium,magnesium and manganese content of cigar‐wrapper tobacco

Abstract

Nutrient solutions containing three levels of phosphate, nitrate, and chloride were applied to cigar‐wrapper tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants growing in sand culture for a period of 18 days. Concentrations of other nutrient elements in the nutrient solutions were held constant and the solutions were applied to pots as needed to maintain favorable moisture conditions for plant growth. Plants were in the two leaf stage when transplanted and were maintained on a single nutrient solution for 38 days before treatments were started. At the end of an eight weeks growing period, plant leaves were harvested and analyzed for Ca, Mg, and Mn. Dry matter yield was significantly (P=0.01) increased when 2 mM/1 of Ca(NO₃)₂ replaced an equivalent amount of Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ or CaCl₂ in the nutrient solution. Nitrate significantly (P=0.05) increased Ca and Mg content and decreased Mn concentration in leaf tissue in comparison to chloride. Calcium and Mg content were significantly (P=0.05) decreased and Mn content of tobacco leaves was increased by phosphate in comparison to nitrate and chloride.     

Effects of root-zone acidity on utilization of nitrate and ammonium in tobacco plants

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cv. 'Coker 319') plants were grown for 28 days in flowing nutrient culture containing either 1.0 mM NO3- or 1.0 mM NH4+ as the nitrogen source in a complete nutrient solution. Acidities of the solutions were controlled at pH 6.0 or 4.0 for each nitrogen source. Plants were sampled at intervals of 6 to 8 days for determination of dry matter and nitrogen accumulation. Specific rates of NO3- or NH4+ uptake (rate of uptake per unit root mass) were calculated from these data. Net photosynthetic rates per unit leaf area were measured on attached leaves by infrared gas analysis. When NO3- [correction of NO-] was the sole nitrogen source, root growth and nitrogen uptake rate were unaffected by pH of the solution, and photosynthetic activity of leaves and accumulation of dry matter and nitrogen in the whole plant were similar. When NH4+ was the nitrogen source, photosynthetic rate of leaves and accumulation of dry matter and nitrogen in the whole plant were not statistically different from NO3(-) -fed plants when acidity of the solution was controlled at pH 6.0. When acidity for NH4(+) -fed plants was increased to pH 4.0, however, specific rate of NH4+ uptake decreased by about 50% within the first 6 days of treatment. The effect of acidity on root function was associated with a decreased rate of accumulation of nitrogen in shoots that was accompanied by a rapid cessation of leaf development between days 6 and 13. The decline in leaf growth rate of NH4(+) -fed plants at pH 4.0 was followed by reductions in photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area. These responses of NH4(+) -fed plants to increased root-zone acidity are characteristic of the sequence of responses that occur during onset of nitrogen stress.     

Leaf Potassium Accumulation in Olive Plants Related to Nutritional K Status,Leaf Age,and Foliar Application of Potassium Salts

Four separate experiments were carried out in greenhouse conditions from spring of 2001 to summer of 2003. The aim of this research was to study the effect of factors such as leaf age, salt type and concentration, number of foliar applications, and the nutritional status on the efficiency of foliar applications of potassium (K) in olive plants. In all experiments, mist-rooted ‘Picual’ olive plants growing in 2 L pots containing perlite were fertigated with a complete nutrient solution containing 0.05 mM or 2.5 mM potassium chloride (KCl). In one experiment, plants received two foliar applications with five concentrations of KCl (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8%) at 63 and 84 days after transplanting. Foliar KCl applications at 2% or 4% increased shoot lengths and the K content of plants fertigated with 0.05 mM KCl (poor K nourished), while foliar KCl application did not have any influence on the growth or K content of plants fertigated with 2.5 mM KCl (normal K nourished). When the number of foliar applications was increased, the results showed that two foliar applications were enough to increase leaf K concentration in olive plants above the sufficiency level. Leaf age could influence the efficiency of foliar K application. Leaf K concentration were higher in young leaves than in mature ones. All K-salts studied as foliar sprays [KCl, potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), potassium nitrate (KNO₃), potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), and potassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄)] were effective in increasing leaf K concentration. The results obtained in the present study indicate that foliar applications of K effectively increase K content in K-deficient olive plants, and that foliar applications might be more effective on young leaves. Two foliar applications of 4% KCl or the equivalent for other salts are enough to increase leaf K concentration.     

Root and Leaf Ferric Chelate Reductase Activity in Pond Apple and Soursop

Abstract

Root and leaf ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity in Annona glabra L. (pond apple), native to subtropical wetland habitats and Annona muricata L. (soursop), native to nonwetland tropical habitats, was determined under iron (Fe)-sufficient and Fe-deficient conditions. One-year-old seedlings of each species were grown with 2, 22.5, or 45 µM Fe in a nutrient solution. The degree of tolerance of Fe deficiency was evaluated by determining root and leaf FCR activity, leaf chlorophyll index, Fe concentration in recently mature leaves, and plant growth. Root FCR activity was generally lower in soursop than in pond apple. Eighty days after plants were put in nutrient solutions, leaf FCR activity of each species was lower in plants grown with low Fe concentrations (2 µM) than in plants grown with high (22.5 or 45 µM) Fe concentrations in the nutrient solution. Leaves of pond apple grown without Fe became chlorotic within 6 weeks. The Fe level in the nutrient solution had no effect on fresh and dry weights of soursop. Lack of Fe decreased the leaf chlorophyll index and Fe concentration in recently matured leaves less in soursop than in pond apple. The rapid development of leaf chlorosis in low Fe conditions and low root and leaf FCR activities of pond apple are probably related to its native origin in wetland areas, where there is sufficient soluble Fe for adequate plant growth and development. The higher leaf FCR activity and slower growth rate of soursop compared to pond apple may explain why soursop did not exhibit leaf chlorosis even under low Fe conditions.