Soil Aluminum Effects on Growth and Nutrition of Cacao

In acid soils, Al toxicity and nutrient deficiencies are main constraints for low yield of cacao ( Theobroma cacao L.). A controlled growth chamber experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of three Al saturations (0.2, 19, and 26%) adjusted by addition of dolomitic lime on growth and nutrient uptake parameters of cacao. Overall, increasing soil Al saturation decreased shoot and root dry weight, stem height, root length, relative growth rate, and net assimilation rate. However, increasing soil Al saturation increased leaf area, specific leaf area (total leaf area/total leaf dry wt), and leaf area ratio (total leaf area/shoot+root wt). Increasing soil Al saturation decreased uptake of elements. Nutrient influx (IN) and transport (TR) decreased significantly for K, Ca and Mg, and showed an increasing trend for S and P as soil Al saturation increased. However, increasing soil Al saturation significantly increased nutrient use efficiency ratio (ER, mg of shoot weight produced per mg of element in shoot) of Ca, Mg and K and decreased ER for other elements. Reduction of soil acidity constraints with addition of lime and fertilizers appear to be key factors in improving cacao yields in infertile, acidic, tropical soils.     

Soil Aluminum Effects on Growth and Nutrition of Cacao

In acid soils, Al toxicity and nutrient deficiencies are main constraints for low yield of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). A controlled growth chamber experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of three Al saturations (0.2, 19, and 26%) adjusted by addition of dolomitic lime on growth and nutrient uptake parameters of cacao. Overall, increasing soil Al saturation decreased shoot and root dry weight, stem height, root length, relative growth rate, and net assimilation rate. However, increasing soil Al saturation increased leaf area, specific leaf area (total leaf area/total leaf dry wt), and leaf area ratio (total leaf area/shoot+root wt). Increasing soil Al saturation decreased uptake of elements. Nutrient influx (IN) and transport (TR) decreased significantly for K, Ca and Mg, and showed an increasing trend for S and P as soil Al saturation increased. However, increasing soil Al saturation significantly increased nutrient use efficiency ratio (ER, mg of shoot weight produced per mg of element in shoot) of Ca, Mg and K and decreased ER for other elements. Reduction of soil acidity constraints with addition of lime and fertilizers appear to be key factors in improving cacao yields in infertile, acidic, tropical soils.     

Phosphorus‐use efficiency by corn genotypes

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a principal yield‐limiting factor for annual crop production in acid soils of temperate as well as tropical regions. The objective of this study was to screen nine corn (Zea mays L.) genotypes at low (0 mg P kg^‐1), medium (75 mg P kg^‐1), and high (150 mg P kg^‐1) levels of P applied in an Oxisol. Plant height, root length, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, shoot‐root ratio, P concentration in shoot and root, P uptake in root and shoot, and P‐use efficiency parameters were significantly (P<0.01) influenced by P treatments. Significant genotype differences were found in plant height, shoot and root dry weight, P uptake in root and shoot, and P‐use efficiency. Based on dry matter production and P‐use efficiency, genotypes were classified as efficient and responsive, efficient and nonresponsive, nonefficient and responsive, and nonefficient and nonresponsive.     

Influence of Nitrogen on Growth,Yield, and Yield Components and Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency in Dry Bean Genotypes

Dry bean is an important legume and nitrogen (N) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting factors in most of the bean-growing regions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to determine influence of N on growth, yield, and yield components and N uptake and use efficiency of 23 dry bean genotypes. Straw yield, grain yield, yield components, maximum root length, and root dry weight were significantly increased with the addition of N but varied with genotypes. The N × genotype interactions were also significant for most of these traits, indicating variation in responses of genotypes with the variation in N levels. There was significant difference in N uptake and use efficiency among genotypes. Most of growth and yield components were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified into efficient, moderately efficient, or inefficient group in N-use efficiency. Nitrogen concentration was greater in grain compared to straw, indicating greater N requirement of dry bean genotypes.     

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.     

EXPLOITATION OF GENETIC VARIABILITY AMONG WHEAT GENOTYPES FOR TOLERANCE TO PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY STRESS

Forty six wheat genotypes from different origins were tested at stress (25 μM P) and adequate (250 μM P) levels of phosphorus (P) developed in a modified Johnson's nutrient solution. Response of wheat genotypes for tolerance to P deficiency stress was measured at two growth stages in terms of growth, P uptake, and P utilization efficiency. Substantial differences in shoot and root growth were observed among genotypes at both stress and adequate P levels in the growth medium. Reduction in shoot biomass due to P deficiency varied from >50% to 27%. Similarly P concentration in shoot and root, P uptake, specific absorption rate of P, and P utilization efficiency varied significantly at both levels of applied P. A significant negative correlation between P stress factor and root dry weight (r = ?0.396**), shoot P uptake (r = ?0.451**), and specific absorption rate of P (r = ?0.281**, P < 0.01) suggested that the genotypes with greater root biomass, higher P uptake potentials in shoots, and absorption rate of P were generally more tolerant to P deficiency in the growth medium. Wheat genotypes were grouped according to the ranking order of investigated plant characteristics and shoot dry matter yield per unit of P absorbed. Genotypes Inqlab-91, SARC-II, SARC-IV, Chakwal-86, 90627, 89626, and Parvaz-94 were P efficient, while genotypes Pak-81, Pato, 88042, 88163, 89295, 4072, 89313, and 91109 were P inefficient. All other genotypes were intermediate in P use efficiency.     

不同磷效率小麦对低铁胁迫的基因型差异

用营养液培养方法研究了不同磷效率小麦幼苗对低铁胁迫的基因型差异。结果表明,低铁胁迫(-Fe)对磷高效基因型小麦生长的抑制作用显著大于对磷低效基因型。低铁处理下,磷高效基因型81(85)-5-3-3-3、Xiaoyan54和Taihe-5025的植株地上部干重平均比正常供铁(+Fe)处理下降55.2%;磷低效基因型Jinghe90-Jian-17、NC37和Jing41平均33.0%。低铁胁迫显著降低了磷高效基因型小麦的叶片叶绿素含量,3个磷高效基因型的叶绿素a、叶绿素b和叶绿素a+b含量分别降低了35.6%、35.3%和35.3%,磷低效基因型分别降低了16.8%、7.7%和11.9%。低铁胁迫对小麦的根系生长、根系吸磷量和磷利用效率均未产生明显的影响,但显著降低了磷高效基因型小麦的植株地上部吸磷量和根效率比。与正常供铁的处理相比,磷高效和磷低效基因型小麦的地上部吸磷量和根效率比在低铁处理中平均降低了55.0%、54.9%和32.5%、36.4%。磷高效基因型小麦植株体内积累的磷量明显高于磷低效基因型,这是磷高效基因型不耐低铁的主要原因。磷效率越高,对低铁的反应越敏感。     

Response of Upland Rice Genotypes to Nitrogen Fertilization

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for upland rice production in Brazilian Oxisol soils. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years at the National Rice and Bean Research Centers Experimental Station Capivara with the objective to evaluate 10 promising genotypes of upland rice for N-use efficiency. The N rates used were 0 kg ha^?1 (low) and 100 kg ha^?1 (high). Plant height, shoot dry weight, grain yield, panicle number, and 1000-grain weight were significantly influenced by N and genotype treatments. Nitrogen × genotype interactions were not significant for most of the growth, yield, and yield components, indicating that differences among genotypes were consistent across N rates. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as N efficient or inefficient. Among 10 genotypes, four genotypes were efficient and six were moderately efficient in N use in the first year. In the second year, three genotypes were efficient and seven were moderately efficient in N use. Genotype BRA 052015 was classified as efficient in N use in both the years. Grain harvest index and GYEI had significant linear relationships with grain yield.     

Yield,Potassium Uptake,and Use Efficiency in Upland Rice Genotypes

Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for higher plants. Information on K uptake and use efficiency of upland rice under Brazilian conditions is limited. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate influence of K on yield, K uptake, and use efficiency of six upland rice genotypes grown on Brazilian Oxisol. The K rate used was zero (natural soil level) and 200 mg K kg^–1 of soil. Shoot dry weight and grain yield were significantly influenced by K level and genotype treatments. However, K × genotype interactions were not significant, indicating similar responses of genotypes at two K levels for shoot dry weight and grain yield. Genotypes produced grain yield in the order of BRS Primavera > BRA 01596 > BRSMG Curinga > BRS 032033 > BRS Bonança > BRA 02582. Potassium concentration in shoot was about sixfold greater compared to grain, across two K levels and six genotypes. However, K utilization efficiency ratio (KUER) (mg shoot or grain yield / mg K uptake in shoot or root) was about 6.5 times greater in grain compared to shoot, across two K level and six genotypes. Potassium uptake in shoot and grain and KUER were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. Soil calcium (Ca), K, base saturation, acidity saturation, Ca saturation, K saturation, Ca/K ratio, and magnesium (Mg)/K ratio were significantly influenced by K application rate.     

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY IN UPLAND RICE GENOTYPES

Nitrogen (N) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients in upland rice growing regions word wide. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate nineteen upland rice (Oryza sativa. L.) genotypes for N use efficiency. The soil used in the experiment was an Oxisol and two N levels used were without N application (low level) and an application of 400 mg N kg^?1 of soil (high level). Grain yield and yield components and N uptake parameters were significantly affected by N and genotype treatments. Regression analysis showed that plant height, shoot dry weight, number of panicles per pot, number of grains per panicle, grain harvest index, N uptake in shoot and grain were having significant positive relation with grain yield. Nitrogen concentration of 6.4 g kg^?1 in the shoot is established as deficient level and 9.5 g kg^?1 as sufficient level at harvest. Agronomic efficiency of N (grain yield/unit of N applied) and N utilization efficiency (physiological efficiency X apparent recovery efficiency) were significantly different among genotypes. These two N use efficiencies were having significant quadratic relationship with grain yield. Soil pH, exchangeable soil Ca and base saturation were having significantly positive association with grain yield. However, soil extractable phosphorus (P), potassium (K), hydrogen (H⁺), aluminum (Al) and cation exchange capacity were having significantly negative association with grain yield.     

Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency in Upland Rice under Two Nitrogen Sources

Upland rice is an important crop in South America, including Brazil. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients in upland rice production in Brazil. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate N uptake and use efficiency as influenced by N sources. The soil used in the experiment was an Oxisol. The N sources were ammonium sulfate and urea, and N rates were 0, 50, 100, 150, 300, and 400 mg kg^?1 of soil. Nitrogen concentrations in the root, shoot, and grain were significantly influenced by N sources. The N rate and N source significantly influenced the N uptake in root, shoot, and grain. Similarly, nitrogen rate by N source interaction was also significant for N uptake in the root, shoot, and grain, indicating N source has a significant influence on uptake of N. Overall, concentration (content per unit dry weight) of N was greater in the grain, followed by root and shoot. Agronomical efficiency, apparent recovery efficiency, and utilization efficiency of N were significantly influenced by N rate and varied with N sources. However, physiological and agrophysiological efficiencies were only influenced significantly by N sources. Overall, N recovery efficiency was 33% for ammonium sulfate and 37% for urea. Hence, the large amount of N lost from soil–plant system may be by denitrification or voltilization.     

Differential Growth Response of Wheat Genotypes to Ammonium Phosphate and Rock Phosphate Phosphorus Sources

ABSTRACT

A solution culture experiment was conducted to determine the response of 15 wheat genotypes for growth, phosphorus (P) uptake, and P utilization efficiency, and their adaptability to P stress conditions using adequate [250 μM P in nutrient solution as ammonium phosphate (NH₄H₂PO₄)] and stress (powdered rock phosphate suspended in nutrient solution) P supply levels. Shoot dry matter (SDM) and total plant DM (shoot + root) and P uptake were generally higher for most genotypes in adequate P than stress P level treatment, but the opposite was true for root dry matter (RDM), root: shoot ratio (RSR), and root P uptake. Relative reduction in SDM due to P deficiency stress ranged from none to 54%. Genotypes Kohinoor 83, PB 85, Parvaz 94 and 4770 did not respond to P deficiency stress for SDM production, while genotypes FSD 83, Chakwal 86, Pasban 90, 4072, 4943, 5039, 6529-11, and 6544-6 were highly responsive to P application for SDM. Shoot P uptake in genotypes at adequate P level was about 3-times higher than those genotypes grown at stress P level. Differences in P concentration of shoot ranged between 2.00 to 3.06 mg P g^?1 in stress P level treatment, and had a significant positive correlation with P harvest index (PHI) (r = 0.558?, P < 0.05) and root efficiency ratio (RER) (r = 0.611?, P < 0.05) and negative correlation with P efficiency ratio (PER) (r = ?0.909??, P < 0.01). A significantly positive correlation of P utilization index (PUI) and SDM (r = 0.784??, P < 0.01) and non-significant negative correlation (r = ?0.483) of PUI with P concentration in shoot implies that wheat genotypes with higher PUI may be selected for P deficient milieu. Genotypes with higher PUI (>0.8 g mg^?1 P) in rook phosphate treatment were Inqlab-91, Pak-81, Lu 26s, Parvaz 94, 4072, 4770, 4943, and 5039. There was no interrelationship observed between shoot P uptake and P efficiency in stress P level treatment. However, highly significant and positive correlation (r = 0.720??, P < 0.01) between PHI and RER suggested that shoot P uptake depended upon root efficiency and it increased with the increase in P uptake per unit RDM. Consequently, this resulted in increased SDM which is evident from the significant positive correlation (r = 0.833??, P < 0.01) between SDM and shoot P uptake. In summary, the findings suggest that PUI and RER may be used for selecting P efficient wheat genotypes (e.g., 4072, 4770, 4943, Pak 81, and Inqlab 91) for dry matter production and P use.     

Growth of Tropical Legume Cover Crops as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilization and Rhizobia

Tropical legume cover crops are important components in cropping systems because of their role in improving soil quality. Information is limited on the influence of nitrogen (N) fertilization on growth of tropical legume cover crops grown on Oxisols. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of N fertilization with or without rhizobial inoculation on growth and shoot efficiency index of 10 important tropical cover crops. Nitrogen treatment were (i) 0 mg N kg^?1 (control or N₀), (ii) 0 mg N kg^?1 + inoculation with Bradyrhizobial strains (N₁), (iii) 100 mg N kg^?1 + inoculation with Bradyrhizobial strains (N₂), and (iv) 200 mg N kg^?1 of soil (N₃). The N?×?cover crops interactions were significant for shoot dry weight, root dry weight, maximal root length, and specific root length, indicating that cover crop performance varied with varying N rates and inoculation treatments. Shoot dry weight is considered an important growth trait in cover crops and, overall, maximal shoot dry weight was produced at 100 mg N kg^?1 + inoculation treatment. Based on shoot dry-weight efficiency index, cover crops were classified as efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient in N-use efficiency. Overall, the efficient cover crops were lablab, gray velvet bean, jack bean, and black velvet bean and inefficient cover crops were pueraria, calopo, crotalaria, smooth crotalaria, and showy crotalaria. Pigeonpea was classified as moderately efficient in producing shoot dry weight.     

不同氮效率玉米根系时空分布与氮素吸收对氮肥的响应

【目的】 研究玉米根系时空分布对不同供氮水平的响应及其与植株氮素吸收的关系,对于充分挖掘氮高效基因型,探讨氮高效栽培途径具有重要意义。 【方法】 以氮高效玉米品种 (郑单 958、金山 27) 和氮低效玉米品种 (蒙农 2133 、内单 314) 为材料,以不施氮为对照 (N0),施氮 300 kg/hm2 为适量处理 (N300)、450 kg/hm2 为过量处理 (N450),进行了两年田间试验,调查了玉米根重、根长的时空分布及其与植株氮素吸收量的关系。 【结果】 对照 (N0) 和适量施氮 (N300) 条件下,氮高效品种的根系生物量显著高于氮低效品种,过量施氮 (N450) 条件下二者在吐丝前无显著差异,吐丝后氮高效品种根重降低缓慢,根系生物量高于氮低效品种。N0 和 N300 条件下,氮高效品种 0—100 cm 土层根长均显著高于氮低效品种,吐丝期到乳熟期,N0 处理 0—20 cm 耕层和 40 cm 以下土层内,氮高效品种的根系降低比率显著低于氮低效品种;施氮条件下,两类型品种 0—40 cm 土层内根系降低比率无显著差异,但 40 cm 以下土层氮高效品种根系降低比率显著低于氮低效品种。吐丝前氮素吸收量在 N0 和 N300 条件下,单位根长氮吸收速率对氮素吸收的直接作用较大,直接通径系数是 0.590 和 0.649,在 N450 条件下,根长对于氮素吸收的直接作用较大,直接通径系数是 0.536;吐丝后氮素吸收量在 N0 和 N300 条件下,根长对氮素的吸收直接作用较大,直接通径系数是 1.148 和 0.623,在 N450 条件下,单位根长氮吸收速率对氮素吸收的直接作用较大,直接通径系数是 0.858。 【结论】 不同氮效率玉米品种根系分布和氮素吸收对氮肥的响应存在明显差异。在低氮和适量施氮条件下,氮高效品种较氮低效品种表现出较高的根系生物量、根长和较低的根系衰老速率,其吐丝前氮素吸收主要与单位根长氮吸收速率有关,吐丝后则主要与根长有关;过量施氮条件下,其吐丝前氮素吸收主要受根长影响,吐丝后则主要与单位根长氮吸收速率有关。      

Effect of root morphological traits on zinc efficiency in Iranian bread wheat genotypes

Zinc (Zn) has a vast number of functions in plant metabolism, the lack of which had dramatic effects on growth and yield of plants. Plants have morphological and biochemical responses to enhance mineral solubility in the soil and facilitate uptake, such as root plasticity, secretion processes and symbioses. Root architecture modification is an important plant response to nutrient availability. The aim of this study was to identify root morphological reactions to Zn efficiency in Iranian bread wheat genotypes. Soil and solution cultures were used to survey Zn efficiency. In soil culture, six and seven genotypes with high and low Zn contents were selected among 110 Iranian bread wheat genotypes, respectively. The solution culture experiments were set up in a completely randomized block design and plants fed with Johnson’s grass solution. All traits were assessed at 30 and 60 DAPs (days after planting). Our results showed a significant difference between two groups of efficient and inefficient genotypes only at 60 DAP, and Zn-efficient genotypes showed 1.63-, 1.50-, 1.69- and 1.92-fold increases in root diameter, surface area density, shoot and root dry weight, respectively, compared to inefficient genotypes. In contrast, Zn-inefficient genotypes had 1.20- and 2.62-fold more root length and fineness, respectively, than efficient genotypes. The positive significant correlations were observed between shoot and Zn uptake as well as root dry weight and Zn uptake at both stages. Furthermore, shoot and root dry weight showed a significant correlation with root fineness, diameter and surface area density at both stages. The path analysis showed indirect effects on Zn uptake through root traits. Our results showed that roots have a major role in Zn efficiency. Therefore, the better growth and greater Zn uptake in efficient genotypes, compared to inefficient ones, can be attributed to greater root diameter and surface area density, and lower root fineness in these genotypes.     

玉米根系形态对光照、氮水平反应的基因型差异

用溶液培养的方法 ,研究了光照、以及氮水平对不同氮效率玉米自交系根系形态养分吸收的影响 ,研究结果表明 ,提高光照水平有助于光合产物向根系分配 ,表现为总根长、根体积、根系重量等显著增加。在不同光照水平低氮胁迫时 ,氮低效品种白瓷与其它三个品种相比 ,根系的形态指标均有不同程度的降低。在高光强 ,0 .4 mmol/ L氮水平胁迫时 ,与氮高效品种 4 78相比 ,根系体积减少 2 7.54% ,根干重减少 2 1.2 4 % ,并降低了根系的吸收效率 ,同时也表明 ,光照与氮水平对光合产物的分配具有耦合效应     

Nitrogen-Use Efficiency in Lowland Rice Genotypes under Field Conditions

Rice is staple food for more than 50% of the world's population. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for lowland rice production around the world. Two field experiments were conducted at two locations for two consecutive years to evaluate N-use efficiency of 12 lowland rice genotypes. Growth, grain yield, and yield components were significantly influenced by N as well as genotype treatments. Location?×?year?×?genotype and location?×?year?×?N interactions were significant for most of the growth, yield, and yield components, indicating influence of these factors on yield and yield components. Overall, the most N-efficient genotypes measured in terms of grain yield were BRA 031032, BRA 031044, and BRA 02654 and the most inefficient genotypes were BRS Jaçana, BRS Fronteira, and BRA 02674. Genotypes had linear and quadratic responses to added N in the range of 0 to 200 kg ha^?1. Nitrogen significantly influenced plant height, shoot dry weight, panicle number, and 1000-grain weights. Nitrogen-use efficiency (kg grain per kg N applied) varied from 33 to 49 kg grain per kg N applied, with an average value of 40 kg grain per kg N applied. The genotype BRA 031044 produced the greatest N-use efficiency, and the lowest N-use efficient genotype was BRS Fronteira. There was a significant linear association between N-use efficiency and grain yield.     

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY IN DRY BEAN GENOTYPES

Dry bean is an important legume crop for Latin American people and nitrogen is one of the most yields limiting nutrients for bean crop. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate nitrogen (N) use efficiency of 20 dry bean genotypes. Genotypes were grown on an Oxisol and two N levels used were without N application (low level) and an application of 400 mg N kg^?1 (high level). Shoot dry weight, grain yield and yield components, N concentration and uptake in shoot and grain were significantly affected by N and genotype treatments. Grain yield had a highly significant (P < 0.01) association with shoot dry weight, pod number, grains per pod and 100 grain weight. Among the 20 genotypes tested, Perola, CNFR 7847, CNFR 7865, CNFP 7777 and CNFM 6911 were found to produce reasonably good yield at low N rate as well as responded well to applied N. Whereas, some genotypes like BRS Radiante, CNFP 7624, CNFM 7875, CNFM 7886, CNFC 7813, CNFC 7827, CNFP 7677 and CNFP 7775 produced very good yields at higher N rate but very low yields at lower N rate. Hence, these genotypes are good for farmers using higher technology. Nitrogen concentration and uptake were higher in dry bean grains compared with shoot and 63% of N accumulated at zero N rate and 75% N accumulated at 400 mg N rate were translocated to grain across 20 genotypes. Nitrogen uptake efficiencies were having highly significant (P < 0.01) quadratic relationship with grain yield. This indicates that improving N uptake in dry bean plants can increase grain yield.     

Genotypic variation for potassium efficiency in wild and domesticated watermelons under ample and limited potassium supply

Potassium (K) is an important nutrient for watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb. Matsum. & Nakai). However, there is little knowledge about genetic variations in K efficiency in watermelon. Sixty‐four watermelon genotypes were grown under conditions of ample (6 mM) and limited (0.1 mM) K supply in a glasshouse. Thirty‐eight wild genotypes (C. lanatus var. citroide) and 26 domesticated genotypes (C. lanatus var. lanatus) were cultivated hydroponically for 30 d. Shoot dry weight, shoot K concentration, K uptake, K‐use index (shoot dry weight / shoot K concentration), relative shoot dry weight (shoot dry weight under limited K / shoot dry weight under ample K), and relative shoot K concentration (shoot K concentration under limited K / shoot K concentration under ample K) were determined. Significant differences were observed among genotypes. The K efficiency was classified based on a medium‐efficiency interval which is equivalent to the 95% confidence interval of the mean relative shoot dry weight and relative shoot K concentration. Genotypic data above or below this interval were classified as either K‐efficient or K‐inefficient. We identified eight K‐efficient genotypes, of which four were wild types. Thus, wild watermelons can be used in breeding programs to improve the K efficiency of domesticated watermelons.     

NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND USE EFFICIENCY BY TROPICAL LEGUME COVER CROPS AT VARYING PH OF AN OXISOL

Oxisols comprise large soil group in tropical America. These soils are acidic and have low fertility. Use of tropical legume cover crops in cropping systems is an important strategy to improve fertility of these soils for sustainable crop production. Data are limited on nutrient uptake and use efficiency of tropical cover crops under different acidity levels. The objective of our study was to evaluate growth and nutrient uptake parameters of sixteen tropical legume cover crops under three soil pH (5.1, 6.5, and 7.0) of an Oxisol. Shoot dry weight was influenced significantly by pH and cover crop treatments and their interactions, indicating that cover crops used had differential responses to changing soil pH levels. Overall, shoot dry weight decreased when soil pH was raised from 5.1 to 7.0, indicating acidity tolerance of cover crops. Nutrient concentration (content per unit of dry weight), uptake (concentration X dry weight), and nutrient use efficiency (dry weight of shoot per unit of nutrient uptake) varied significantly among cover crops. The variation in nutrient uptake and use efficiency among cover crop species was associated with variation in shoot dry matter production. Significant variation among crop species in dry matter production and low C/N ratios (average value of 14.25) suggest that cover crops which produced higher dry matter yield like white jack bean, gray mucuna bean, black mucuna bean, mucuna bean ana, and lablab are important choices for planting in tropical soils to recover large amount of macro and micronutrients, and to prevent such nutrient leaching in soil plant systems.