Soybean nodulation and nitrogen fixation on soil previously amended with sewage sludge

Summary A greenhouse study was conducted to examine the residual effects of sewage sludge on soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr., nodulation, and N fixation. Nodulating and nonnodulating isolines of Clark soybean were grown to the R2 stage in soils (Typic Paleudults) obtained from plots where heat-treated sludge had been applied in 1976 at rates equal to 0, 56,112, and 224 Mg ha^–1 high (7.0) and low (6.2) soil pH regimes were established by CaCO₃ additions. Sludge and soil pH treatments resulted in clearly defined differences in metal uptake by soybean shoots. Plant Zn, Cd, and Ni concentrations were greater on pH 6.2, sludge-amended soil than on the pH 7.0, amended soil. At low soil pH, soybean Zn and Cd concentrations, respectively, increased from 41 and 0.19 mg kg^–1 (control) to 120 and 0.58 mg kg^–1 at the 224 Mg hat sludge rate. At the high soil pH and 224 hg hat sludge rate, Zn and Cd concentrations were 45 and 0.15 mg kg^–1, respectively.Symbiotic N fixation provided 90% of the total N accumulation. Total N accumulation, shoot N concentration, dry matter, and N fixation by nodulating soybeans exhibited a significant linear increase with sludge rate. Total N accumulation, dry matter, and N fixation were significantly greater at high soil pH. For high and low soil pH, respectively, N fixation increased from 422 and 382 mg N per plant (control) to 614 and 518 mg N per plant at the 224 Mg ha^–1 sludge rate. While soybean nodulation also increased linearly on sludge-amended soil, a significant rate times pH interaction for nodule number indicated that nodulation was less strongly enhanced by sludge at low soil pH.     

Inoculation of field-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum) with Azospirillum spp. in Brazil

Summary Three field experiments with wheat were conducted in 1983, 1984, and 1985 in Terra Roxa soil in Paraná, the major Brazilian wheat-growing region, to study inoculation effects of various strains of Azospirillum brasilense and A. amazonense. In all three experiments inoculation with A. brasilense Sp 245 isolated from surface-sterilized wheat roots in Paraná produced the highest plant dry weights and highest N% in plant tops and grain. Grain yield increases with this strain were up to 31 % but were not significant. The application of 60 or 100 kg N ha^–1 to the controls increased N accumulation and produced yields less than inoculation with this strain. Another A. brasilense strain from surface-sterilized wheat roots (Sp 107st) also produced increased N assimilation at the lower N fertilizer level but reduced dry weights at the high N level, while strain Sp 7 + Cd reduced dry weights and N% in the straw at both N levels. The A. amazonense strain isolated from washed roots and a nitrate reductase negative mutant of strain Sp 245 were ineffective. Strains Sp 245 and Sp 107st showed the best establishment within roots while strain Cd established only in the soil.     

Effect of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae and zinc application on dry matter and zinc uptake of greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

Summary In a greenhouse study we examined the effects of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) inoculation, using Glomus macrocarpum and of Zn application on dry matter production and Zn uptake by greengram in two mollisols. The VAM inoculation significantly increased the dry weight of different plant parts and the Zn uptake in both soils. Inoculated plants showed a greater response to the application of Zn at 2.5 and 5.0 mg kg^-1 soil in a Zn deficient clay loam soil. The inoculated plants also absorbed — more water than the uninoculated plants. Mass flow and diffusion were the principal processes by which Zn reached the plant roots; mass flow was particularly important in the absence of VAM in a sandy soil fertilized with higher Zn doses (5 and 10 mg kg^-1 soil). The greater supply of Zn to inoculated roots was attributed to an apparent diffusion process rather than to mass flow of Zn.     

Genotypic differences in uptake and translocation of cadmium in bean and maize inbred lines

For better understanding of mechanisms responsible for genotypic differences in uptake and translocation of cadmium (Cd) in different plant species, two maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines (B37 and F2) and a bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar (Saxa) were grown in a complete nutrient solution with additional 0.5 μM Cd and 250 μM buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of PC synthesis, alone or in combination. The maize line B37 had a much higher Cd content in shoots (116.2 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt.) than F2 (32.7 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt.) and bean (1.83 in leaves, and 2.85 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt. in stems), whereas in roots the Cd content was much higher in bean (602.6 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt.) than in maize (427.1 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt. in B37, and 428.2 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt. in F2). Application of BSO markedly decreased Cd contents in roots of bean and maize lines, and also Cd contents in shoots and stem basis of both maize lines, while Cd contents in leaves, stems and stem basis of bean were not reduced by BSO. In root extracts (Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0) the proportion of Cd in the soluble fraction was much lower in bean (29.6%) than in the maize lines B37 (58.6%) and F2 (60.1%). Compared with the whole root tissue, Cd contents in the stele of the roots were much lower, especially in bean, and decreased by BSO in both maize lines, but not in bean. Gel-chromatography of root extracts strongly suggested that in the soluble fraction about 80% of the Cd was present as Cd-phytochelatin (PC) complexes in B37, whereas in F2 this Cd fraction accounted for about 50%, and in bean only for a few percent in the soluble fraction, Our results suggest that Cd-PC complexes constitute a mobile form in plants. The lower proportion of Cd in the soluble fraction as well as lower PC production in roots of bean compared to maize lines may be the main reasons for the very low Cd translocation from roots to shoots in bean plants.     

Cadmium accumulation and distribution in sunflower plant

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation and distribution was studied in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., public line HA‐89) plant. From an uncontaminated sandy loam brown forest soil with 162 μg kg^‐1 HNO₃/H₂O₂ extractable Cd the HA‐89 sunflower public line accumulated 114 ug kg^‐1 Cd in its kernels under open field conditions. This value is rather low as compared to data found by others. Sandy loam brown forest soil was treated with 0, 1 or 10 mg kg^‐1 of Cd to study the interaction of this heavy metal with young sunflower plants in a greenhouse pot experiment. The fresh weight and dry matter accumulation of sunflower plant organs (roots, shoots, leaves or heads) was unaffected by cadmium treatment of soil. The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), or zinc (Zn) uptake of sunflower plant organs was not influenced by lower or higher Cd‐doses, except sunflower heads where 10 mg kg^‐1 of Cd treatment of soil significantly reduced the uptake of Ca, Fe, and Mn. Although Cd reduced the Zn uptake of roots, its rate was statistically not significant. Cadmium was accumulated prevalently in roots (1.21 mg kg^‐1,4.97 mg kg^‐1, or 13.69 mg kg^‐1 depending on Cd‐dose), and its concentration increased also in shoots or leaves. In spite of the short interaction time, elevated concentrations of cadmium (0.78 mg kg^‐1, 1.34 mg kg^‐1, or 3.02 mg kg^‐1 depending on Cd‐dose) were detected in just emerged generative organs (heads) of young sunflower plants.     

植物根际钾富集及钾分布的基因型差异

Plant genotypic difference of potassium-enrichment capability and potassium (K) distribution at root-soil interface of different plant genotypes were studied by using seven plant species and eight varieties of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). The results indicated that K enrichment capability was: Ethiopian guizotia (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.)>feather cockscomb (Celosia argentea L.)>alligator alternanthera (Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb.)> tobacco>sesbania (Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Pers.)>wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)>broadbean (Vicia faba L.). Ethiopian guizotia showed very high K-enrichment capability at different soil K levels, and the K content in its dry matter was over 110 mg kg^-1 when soil K was fully supplied, and about 60 mg kg^-1 when no K fertilizer was applied. For alligator alternanthera, the capability to accumulate K was closely related with its growth medium. When it was grown on soils, both the K content and K uptake rate of the plant were similar to those of tobacco. Evident K depletion was observed in the rhizosphere of all plant species, and the depletion rate was related to the capability of K enrichment of plant.     

Influence of cadmium,copper, and pentachlorophenol on growth and sexual development of Eisenia andrei (Oligochaeta; Annelida)

Summary In the existing guidelines for earthworm toxicity testing, mortality is the only test criterion. Mortality is, however, not a very sensitive parameter, and from an ecological point of view growth and reproduction are more important for a proper risk assessment of chemicals in soil. In this study the growth and sexual development of juvenile earthworms were considered as test criteria in a standardized earthworm toxicity test. The effect of Cd, Cu, and pentachlorophenol on the growth and sexual development of juveniles of the species Eisenia andrei was studied in an artificial soil substrate. Two tests with Cd were carried out to study the effects of the mode of application of the food source (cow dung). EC₅₀ (50% effective concentration) values for the effect of Cd, Cu and pentachlorophenol on the growth of E. andrei were 33–96, >100, and >32 mg kg^-1 dry soil, respectively, and there was no observed effect at 18–32, 56, and 32 mg kg^-1 dry soil, respectively. Sexual development of the earthworms was inhibited at 10 mg Cd kg^-1 and 100 mg Cu kg^-1 dry soil, but was not affected at the highest pentachlorophenol concentration tested (32 mg kg^-1 dry soil). The results were the same whether the food was applied in a hole in the middle of the soil or mixed homogeneously through the soil.     

Effect of heavy metals contamination on root-derived and organic matter-derived CO2 efflux from soil planted with Zea mays

The CO₂ efflux from loamy Haplic Luvisol and heavy metal (HM) uptake by Zea mays L. were studied under increased HM contamination: Cd, Cu, and Ni up to 20, 1000, and 2500 mg kg⁻¹ soil, respectively. Split-root system with contrasting HM concentrations in both soil halves was used to investigate root-mediated HM translocation in uncontaminated soil zones. To separate root-derived and soil organic matter (SOM)-derived CO₂ efflux from soil, ¹⁴CO₂ pulse labeling of 15-, 25-, and 35-days-old plants was applied. The CO₂ evolution from the bare soil was 10.6 μg C–CO₂ d⁻¹ g⁻¹ (32 kg C–CO₂ d⁻¹ ha⁻¹) and was not affected by HM (except 2500 mg Ni kg⁻¹). The average CO₂ efflux from the soil with maize was about two times higher and amounted for about 22.0 μg C–CO₂ d⁻¹ g⁻¹. Portion of assimilates respired in the rhizosphere decreased with plant development from 6.0 to 7.0% of assimilated C for 25-days-old Zea mays to 0.4–2.0% for 45-days-old maize. The effect of the HM on root-derived ¹⁴CO₂ efflux increased with rising HM content in the following order: Cd < Cu < Ni. In Cu and Ni contaminated soils, shoot and root dry matter decreased to 70% and to 50% of the uncontaminated control, respectively. Plants contained much more HM in the roots than in the shoots. A split-root system with contrasting HM concentrations allowed to trace transport of mobile forms of HM by roots from contaminated soil half into the uncontaminated soil half. The portion of mobile HM forms in the soil (1 M NH₄NO₃ extract) increased with contamination and amounted to 9–16%, 2–6% and 1.5–3.5% for Cd, Cu, and Ni, respectively. Corresponding values for the easily available HM (1 M NH₄OAc extract) were 22–52%, 1–20% and 5–8.5%. Heavy metal availability for plants decreased in the following order: Cd > Cu ≥ Ni. No increase of HM availability in the soil was found after maize cultivation.     

Soybean nodulation and nitrogen fixation on soil amended with plant residues

Residues from some tree species may contain allelopathic chemicals that have the potential to inhibit plant growth and symbiotic N₂-fixing microorganisms. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] was grown in pots to compare nodulation and N₂-fixation responses of the following soil amendments: control soil, leaf compost, red oak (Quercus rubra L.) leaves, sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh) leaves, sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.) leaves, black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) leaves, rye (Secale cereale L.) straw, and corn (Zea mays L.) stover. Freshly fallen leaves were collected from urban shade trees. Soil was amended with 20 g kg^-1 air-dried, ground plant materials. Nodulating and nonnodulating isolines of Clark soybean were grown to the R2 stage to determine N₂-fixation by the difference method. Although nodulation was not adversely affected, soybean grown on leaf-amended soil exhibited temporary N deficiency until nodulation. Nodule number was increased by more than 40% for soybean grown on amended soil, but nodule dry matter per plant generally was not changed compared with control soil. Nonnodulating plants were severely N deficient and stunted as a consequence of N immobilization. Nodulating soybean plants grown on leaf or crop residue amended soil were more dependent on symbiotically fixed N and had lower dry matter yields than the controls. When leaves were composted, the problem of N immobilization was avoided and dry matter yield was not reduced. No indication of an allelopathic inhibition on nodulation or N₂-fixation from heavy application of oak, maple, sycamore, or walnut leaves to soil was observed.     

Effect of nitrogen levels and Rhizobium strains on symbiotic N2 fixation and grain yield of Phaseolus vulgaris L. genotypes in normal and saline-sodic soils

Summary Following screening, selection, characterization, and symbiotic N₂ fixation with 12,5, 25.0, and 40.0 mg N kg^–1 in normal and saline-sodic soils, only two Phaseolus vulgaris genotypes (HUR 137 and VL 63) and two Rhizobium spp. strains (ND 1 and ND 2) produced maximum nodulation, nitrogenase activity, plant N contents, and grain yields in saline-sodic soil, with 12.5 mg N kg^–1, compared with the other strains. However, interactions between strains (USDA 2689, USDA 2674, and ND 5) and genotypes (PDR 14, HUR 15, and HUR 138) were significant and resulted in more nodulation, and greater plant N contents, nitrogenase activity, and grain yields in normal soils with 12.5 mg N kg^–1 compared with salt-tolerant strains. Higher levels of N inhibited nodulation and nitrogenase activity without affecting grain yields. To achieve high crop yields from saline-sodic and normal soils in the plains area, simultaneous selection of favourably interacting symbionts is necessary for N economy, so that bean yields can be increased by the application of an active symbiotic system.     

The influence of phosphate fertilizer application levels and cultivars on cadmium uptake by Komatsuna (Brassica rapa L. var. perviridis)

Cadmium (Cd) is a common impurity in phosphate fertilizers and application of phosphate fertilizer may contribute to soil Cd accumulation. Changes in Cd burdens to agricultural soils and the potential for plant Cd accumulation resulting from fertilizer input were investigated in this study. A field experiment was conducted on Haplaquept to investigate the influence of calcium superphosphate on extractable and total soil Cd and on growth and Cd uptake of different Komatsuna (Brassica rapa L. var. perviridis) cultivars. Four cultivars of Komatsuna were grown on the soil and harvested after 60 days. The superphosphate application increased total soil Cd from 2.51 to 2.75?mg?kg^?1, 0.1?mol?L^?1 hydrochloric acid (HCl) extractable Cd from 1.48 to 1.55?mg?kg^?1, 0.01?mol?L^?1 HCl extractable Cd from 0.043 to 0.046?mg?kg^?1 and water extractable Cd from 0.0057 to 0.0077?mg?kg^?1. Cd input reached 5.68?g?ha^–1 at a rate of 240?kg?ha^–1 superphosphate fertilizer application. Superphosphate affected dry-matter yield of leaves to different degrees in each cultivar. ‘Nakamachi’ produced the highest yield in 2008 and ‘Hamami No. 2’ in 2009. Compared with the control (no phosphate fertilizer), application of superphosphate at a rate of 240?kg?ha^–1 increased the Cd concentration in dry leaves by 0.14?mg?kg^?1 in ‘Maruha’, 1.03?mg?kg^?1 in ‘Nakamachi’, 0.63?mg?kg^?1 in ‘SC8-007’ in 2008, and by 0.19?mg?kg^?1 in Maruha’, 0.17?mg?kg^?1 in ‘Hamami No. 2’, while it decreased by 0.27?mg?kg^?1 in ‘Nakamachi’ in 2009. Field experiments in two years demonstrated that applications of different levels of calcium superphosphate did not influence Cd concentration in soil and Komatsuna significantly. However, there was a significant difference in Cd concentration of fresh and dry Komatsuna leaves among four cultivars in 2008 and 2009. The highest Cd concentration was found in the ‘Nakamachi’ cultivar (2.14?mg?kg^?1 in 2008 and 1.91?mg?kg^?1 in 2009). The lowest Cd concentration was observed in the ‘Maruha’ cultivar (1.51?mg?kg^?1?dry weight (DW)) in 2008 and in the ‘Hamami No. 2’ cultivar (1.56?mg?kg^?1?DW) in 2009. A decreasing trend in Cd concentration was found in ‘Nakamachi’, followed by ‘SC8-007’, ‘Hamami No. 2’ and ‘Maruha’ successively. It is necessary to consider a low-uptake cultivar for growing in a Cd polluted soil. In these two years’ results, ‘Maruha’ cultivar was the lowest Cd uptake cultivar compared to the others.     

Variation for cadmium uptake among Nicotiana species

Fifty nine species of Nicotiana were tested for the potential to take up cadmium from soil either with a natural cadmium content of 0.15 ppm or enriched with 8 mg Cd per 1 kg soil added as Cd(NO₃)₂. When grown on the soil with natural cadmium content the highest leaf absorbers of cadmium were N. raimondii (6.15 ppm), N. bigelovii (5.47 ppm) and the botanical varieties of N. tabacum (3.92 – 5.75 ppm); the highest root absorber was N. rosulata (3.17 ppm). On the soil with an addition of 8 mg cadmium/kg the highest leaf cadmium contents were in N. langsdorfii (116.28 ppm), N. plumbaginifolia (99.49 ppm), N. setchellii (94.16 ppm) N. debneyi (69.12 ppm), N. velutina (62.15 ppm) and the highest root cadmium contents in N. miersii (32.2 ppm), N. clevelandii (30.45 ppm) and N. nudicaulis (30.45 ppm). Significant differences between sections were most frequently shown for the cadmium enriched soil and rarely for the control treatments. No significant differences were found between the botanical varieties of the same species when grown on the cadmium enriched vs. natural cadmium soil.     

Metal uptake in maize, willows and poplars on impoldered and freshwater tidal marshes in the Scheldt estuary

Foliar Cd and Zn concentrations in Salix, Populus and Zea mays grown on freshwater tidal marshes were assessed. Soil metal concentrations were elevated, averaging 9.7 mg Cd kg^?1 dry soil, 1100 mg Zn kg^?1 dry soil and 152 mg Cr kg^?1 dry soil. Cd (1.1–13.7 mg kg^?1) and Zn (192–1140 mg kg^?1) concentrations in willows and poplars were markedly higher than in maize on impoldered tidal marshes (0.8–4.8 mg Cd kg^?1 and 155–255 mg Zn kg^?1). Foliar samples of maize were collected on 90 plots on alluvial and sediment‐derived soils with variable degree of soil pollution. For soil Cd concentrations exceeding 7 mg Cd kg^?1 dry soil, there was a 50% probability that maize leaf concentrations exceeded public health standards for animal fodder. It was shown that analysis of foliar samples of maize taken in August can be used to predict foliar metal concentrations at harvest. These findings can therefore contribute to anticipating potential hazards arising from maize cultivation on soils with elevated metal contents.     

Functional and Structural Changes associated with Cadmium in Mustard Plant: Effect of Applied Sulphur

Abstract

The effect of cadmium (Cd) and sulphur (S) on dry weight, biochemical parameters and anatomical features of mustard (Brassica campestris L. cv. Pusa Bold) plant was investigated in a pot culture experiment using Cd (25, 50, and 100 mg kg^?1 of soil), S (40 mg kg^?1 of soil), and the combination of Cd+S (25+40 mg kg^?1 of soil, 50+40 mg kg^?1 of soil, and 100+40 mg kg^?1 of soil). Sulphur treatment was given at sowing and Cd treatment was given when seedlings were fully established. Observations were recorded at the flowering stage. A significant and antagonistic interaction of Cd and S was observed. Compared to the control, leaf dry weight, total chlorophyll content, sugar content, nitrate reductase activity, and protein content decreased significantly with each Cd treatment, whereas the reverse was observed with S treatment. Combined treatments of Cd+S also reduced these parameters, but this reduction was less than the one observed with Cd treatments alone. However, nitrate accumulation in the leaves was 2.35 times higher with treatment of 100 mg Cd+40 mg S kg^?1 of soil than in the controls, whereas it was 3.5 times higher with Cd (100 mg kg^?1 of soil) alone. The relative proportion of vasculature in the stem, stoma length and width, and stomata length and width were inhibited with Cd treatments, whereas the combined treatments mitigated the adverse effect caused by Cd. Thus, S could alleviate the Cd induced impairment of biochemical and anatomical features of the plant and the enhancement of nitrate accumulation in the leaves.     

Transformation and Bioavailability of Selenate and Selenite Added to a Nicotiana tabacum L. Planting Soil

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient for humans and is beneficial for plant growth. To investigate the transformation and bioavailability of Se in tobacco planting soil, selenite and selenate were applied. A pot experiment and sequential extraction scheme were used to investigate the Se contents in different forms in soils treated with Se. A series of equations were applied to model the transformation behavior of Se in this study. The results showed that the forms of selenium were increased significantly by applying the different valence state of water-soluble selenium. The carbonate-bound and iron-manganese (Fe-Mn) oxide–bound species were improved in selenite-added soil, whereas the soluble and exchangeable forms were increased in selenate-added soil. Michaelis-Menten equation fitting results indicated that estimated maximal selenium contents of leaves, stems, and roots in selenate-added soils were 1.83, 15.81, and 20.98 times larger than in selenite-added soils. The utilization levels of selenate were 4.3 to 7.9 times larger than selenite for Nicotiana tabacum L. In conclusion, the bioavailability and mobility of selenate were greater than selenite in Nicotiana tabacum L. planting soil.     

Aspects of the evolution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nicotiana tabacum</Emphasis> L. and the status of the United States <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nicotiana</Emphasis> Germplasm Collection

The genus Nicotiana is a member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family, and is comprised of 70 currently recognized, naturally occurring species. Genetic variability within N. tabacum L., the species of primary economic importance, was likely affected by several genetic bottlenecks. Nicotiana tabacum is a classic amphidiploid that arose after chance interspecific hybridization between N. sylvestris Spegazinni et Comes and a member of section Tomentosae, likely N. tomentosiformis Goodspeed, N. otophora Grisebach, or an introgressive hybrid between the two. Only a fraction of the genetic variability that existed in the diploid progenitor gene pools probably entered into N. tabacum. Genetic drift, coupled with natural and human selection, subsequently resulted in the formation of narrow genetic pools corresponding to modern commercial market classes. Genetic variability in Nicotiana has gained increased attention in recent years because of investment in Nicotiana genomics research, interest in development of tobacco products with reduced harm characteristics, and concentration on using Nicotiana species for plant-based production of commercially useful proteins. A storehouse of genetic diversity for N. tabacum is available in approximately 1,900 accessions maintained by the United States Nicotiana Germplasm Collection. Seeds of 224 accessions representing 59 wild Nicotiana species are also maintained. The collection is currently maintained by North Carolina State University and is part of the United States National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). The collection’s curator satisfies hundreds of seed requests made annually by scientists using Nicotiana germplasm for basic biological investigations and by researchers in the area of applied tobacco science.     

ROOT GROWTH OF UPLAND RICE GENOTYPES AS INFLUENCED BY NITROGEN FERTILIZATION

The plant root system is an important organ which supplies water and nutrients to growing plants. Information is limited on influence of nitrogen fertilization on upland rice root growth. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate influence of nitrogen (N) fertilization on growth of root system of 20 upland rice genotypes. The N rate used was 0 mg kg^?1(low) and 300 mg kg^?1(high) of soil. Nitrogen X genotype interactions for root length and root dry weight were highly significant (P < 0.01), indicating that differences among genotypes were not consistent at two N rates. Overall, greater root length, root dry weight and tops-roots ration were obtained at an N fertilization rate of 300 mg kg^?1compared with the 0 mg N kg^?1soil. However, genotypes differ significantly in root length, root dry weight and top-root ratio. Nitrogen fertilization produced fine roots and more root hairs compared with absence of N fertilizer treatment. Based on root dry weight efficiency index (RDWEI) for N use efficiency, 70% genotypes were classified as efficient, 15% were classified as moderately efficient and 15% were classified as inefficient. Root dry weight efficiency index trait can be incorporated in upland rice for improving water and nutrient efficiency in favor of higher yields.     

Interaction of 15N-labelled ammonium nitrate,urea and ammonium sulphate with soil N during growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under field conditions

The effects of ¹⁵N-labelled ammonium nitrate, urea and ammonium sulphate on yield and uptake of labelled and unlabelled N by wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Mexi-Pak-65) were studied in a field experiment. The dry matter and N yields were significantly increased with fertilizer N application compared to those from unfertilized soil. The wheat crop used 64.0–74.8%, 61.5–64.7% and 61.7–63.4% of the N from ammonium nitrate, urea and ammonium sulphate, respectively. The fertilizer N uptake showed that ammonium nitrate was a more available source of N for wheat than urea and ammonium sulphate. The effective use of fertilizer N (ratio of fertilizer N in grain to fertilizer N in whole plant) was statistically similar for the three N fertilizers. The application of fertilizer N increased the uptake of unlabelled soil N by wheat, a result attributed to a positive added N interaction, which varied with the method of application of fertilizer N. Ammonium nitrate, urea and ammonium sulphate gave 59.3%, 42.8% and 26.3% more added N interaction, respectively, when applied by the broadcast/worked-in method than with band placement. A highly significant correlation between soil N and grain yield, dry matter and added N interaction showed that soil N was more important than fertilizer N in wheat production. A values were not significantly correlated with added N interaction (r=0.719). The observed added N interaction may have been the result of pool substitution, whereby added labelled fertilizer N stood proxy for unlabelled soil N.     

Differences in mycorrhizal infection and P uptake of sweet potato cultivars (Ipomoea batatas L.) during their early growth in three soils

Summary Mycorrhizal infection in the roots of 10 sweet potato cultivars was assessed 7 weeks after planting in three soils collected from Ibadan, Fashola and Onne in southern Nigeria, three soils which contained 21.0, 7.8 and 54.8 mg P kg^–1, respectively. Mycorrhizal infection averaged 17% in the soil from Ibadan, 24% in the soil from Fashola and 7% in the acid soil from Onne. The plants grown in the Fashola soil contained the same percentage of P as plants grown in the Onne soil. Although the percentage of P in sweet potato was lowest in the Ibadan soil, shoot dry weights were 35% higher in this soil than in the other two soils. There was no correlation between the level of mycorrhizal infection and plant dry weight in the partially sterilized soil from Ibadan. Sweet potato inoculated in this soil with infected roots of Leucaena leucocephala showed a higher level of mycorrhizal infection than uninoculated plants. Dry-matter production was, however, the same for all treatments. The sweet potato cultivars differed in their level of mycorrhizal infection and in their response to applied P. Cultivars TIS 2498 and TIS 70357 consistently showed the lowest percentage of infection; and TIb 4, TIS 8441 and TIS 8524 showed infection levels above 20% in the Fashola and Ibadan soils. When the low-yielding cultivar, TIb 4, and an improved clone, TIS 9265, were grown in the presence of 50 and 100 mg single superphosphate per kg soil, TIb 4 produced more dry matter in the presence of P fertilizer than it did without the fertilizer. Growth and mycorrhizal infection of TIS 9265 were not affected by the fertilizer.     

Interaction of the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae of maize with extractable soil phosphorus levels and nitrogen-potassium fertilizers

Summary A field experiment was conducted for 3 years to determine whether increasing extractable soil P levels would affect vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) of maize (Zea mays L.) and the subsequent uptake of P and production of dry matter. Five levels of extractable soil P were established on an Aquic Dystrochrept soil with high and low NK fertilization. The results show that as extractable soil-P levels increase the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae of maize decrease, but P concentrations in both leaf and root tissue increase. There was a significant interaction between the extractable soil-P levels and NK treatment. At the low soil-P level NK fertilization increased mycorrhizae, while at the high soil-P levels NK fertilization reduced mycorrhizae. Dry-matter production generally paralleled extractable soil-P levels from 1.0 mg P kg^–1 to a maximum at 10 mg P kg^–1 soil (by ammonium acetate, pH 4.8). The reduction in vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae at the highest levels of extractable soil P apparently was not critical to either P uptake or dry-matter production.Scientific contribution No. 1196 Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station