INFLUENCE OF SALINITY AND AMMONIUM: NITRATE RATIO ON GROWTH,PHOTOSYNTHESIS, FATTY ACID AND THE ACTIVITY OF ANTIOXIDATIVE ENZYMES IN CANOLA

The effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity (0 and 200 mM) and ammonium (NH₄):nitrate (NO₃) ratios (100:0, 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25) on growth, photosynthesis, fatty acids and the activity of antioxidative enzymes were investigated in canola plants. Leaf area and fresh and dry weights of leaves were significantly reduced by the salinity. The reduction in vegetative characteristics varied in both salinized and unsalinized plants according to the NH₄:NO₃ ratios so that the lowest reduction was observed with the 50:50 (NH₄:NO₃) ratio. Increased NH₄ up to 50 percent (50:50) of total N, promotes the yield at both salinized and unsalinized plants. In both salinized and unsalinized plants, the increased NH₄ and NO₃ ratio in the nutrient solution reduced the photosynthetic (Pn) rate and stomatal conductance; however, the reduction in Pn rate was severely impaired at a higher ratio of NH₄ in the nutrient solution. In both salinized and unsalinized plants, the 75:25 ratio had the lowest potassium (K) and sodium (Na) content; however, the K/Na ratio was the highest in 50:50 ratio. An increase of NH₄ in the solution led to a significant increase in NH₄ content in both salinized and unsalinized plants. Salinity increased NH₄ content so that the salinized plant had nearly twice as high NH₄ content in the leaves. The activity of nitrate reductase was increased by increasing NH₄ from 0 to 50% and then reduced at a higher ratio of NH₄ in the solution. The activities of antioxidative enzymes increased in salinized plants regardless of the NH₄:NO₃ ratios. In salinized plants, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes were increased by 44.4 % and 97.5%, respectively. Within salinized and unsalinized treatments, the highest activities of all antioxidant were observed in 75:25 ratio, while they remained unchanged for all NH₄:NO₃ ratios. The increased NH₄ content in the solution increased the oil content and the maximum oil content in both salinized and unsalinized plant was obtained in both 50:50 and 75:25 ratios. The percentage of oleic acid was affected by both salinity and NH₄:NO₃ ratios. The ratios of NH₄:NO₃ had no effect on the protein content; however, salinity reduced the protein content by 20%.     

Effect of NO3:NH4 ratio and light intensity on nitrogen partitioning in pepper plants

Pepper plants were hydroponically grown in a growth chamber with two levels of light intensity (300 and 240 w/m²) and two NO₃:NH₄ ratios (100:0 and 80:20). Plants grown with both N forms (80:20) under high light regime displayed greater concentrations of free NH₄, organic soluble N and insoluble N than NO₃, treated plants, this effect was more pronounced for stem, petioles and root. By contrast, nitrate‐ammonium fed plants with light reduced over 25% presented similar concentrations of organic N (soluble and insoluble) as compared to plants supplied with NO₃ as sole source of N, however, the amount of free NH₄ in stem and root was increased. Results indicat that NH₄ supplied at low concentration was more deletereous for pepper plants grown under high light conditions, when light was reduced, plants presented an alleviation of toxic effect of NH₄ supply. Finally, nitrogen use efficiency is related to form of N nutrition and the light supplied to crop.     

Effects of NH4 + on the growth and K+ (86Rb) uptake of various ectomycorrhizal fungi in pure culture

As a result of considerable deposition of ammonium sulphate on vegetation and soil the NH₄/K ratios in the soil water extracts of pine forests in the Netherlands are increasing. Increasing the NH₄/K ratio from 1 to 40 in the solid nutrient medium of isolated ectomycorrhizal fungi will in general result in a 60 to 80% inhibition of the lateral growth. On increasing the NH4/K ratio the biomass of most of the fungi examined shows a maximum at ratios of approximately 10 to 20, although the colony diameter at those ratios remains rather small. NH₄ ⁺ also exerts a pronounced effect on the uptake rate of Rb⁺ inRhizopogon luteolus.At low Rb concentrations the inhibitory effect of NH₄ ⁺ is maximal, whereas on increasing the Rb+ concentration the inhibitory effect of NH₄ ⁺ is abolished. This means that NH₄ ⁺ competitively inhibits the Rb⁺ uptake inR. Iuteolus.     

利用gs1.1和gs1.2突变体研究外源蔗糖对高铵胁迫拟南芥碳氮代谢的影响

以拟南芥野生型Col-0、谷氨酰胺合成酶敲除突变体gs1.1和gs1.2为实验材料,采取土培试验,比较正常培养液(4 mmol/L NH4⁺)培养(CK)、正常培养液(4 mmol/L NH4⁺)下外源添加5%蔗糖(T1)、高NH4⁺胁迫(20 mmol/L)(T2)以及高NH4⁺胁迫(20 mmol/L)下外源添加5%蔗糖(T3)对拟南芥各株系各生理指标的影响;通过测定地上部分的鲜重、叶绿素、游离NH4⁺、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白、谷氨酰胺合成酶(GS)、谷氨酸脱氢酶(GDH)、矿质元素含量等指标,研究外源蔗糖对NH4⁺胁迫拟南芥碳氮代谢的影响。结果表明,高NH4⁺胁迫下,拟南芥生长受到严重的抑制,鲜重、GS、GDH酶活性降低,游离NH4⁺含量、叶绿素含量、可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量增加,植株的N、P、K、Ca的含量增加,Mg、Fe的含量减少,其中gs1.1和gs1.2在高NH4⁺处理下受到的抑制比Col-0更为显著。外源添加5%蔗糖显著缓解了高NH4⁺毒害,提高了可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量,提高了GS和GDH的活性,降低了叶绿素和游离NH4⁺的含量,提高了植株体内的N、P、K、Ca,Mg的含量,降低了植株Fe的含量,其中,外源蔗糖对gs1.1和gs1.2高NH4⁺毒害的缓解更为显著。     

不同氮源与钾水平对杂交组合及常规稻生长和养分吸收的影响

采用营养液培养法研究了不同氮源和钾水平对杂交稻及其亲本和常规稻生长、叶绿素含量、养分吸收的影响。结果表明 ,水稻生长、叶绿素的含量及养分吸收与氮源供应密切相关。在供钾充足的条件下 ,杂交稻上位叶的干物质产量以硝态氮营养的最高 ,其次为硝态氮与铵态氮混合营养 ;保持系与杂交稻的趋势一致。杂交稻下位叶和根系干物质积累量受 3种氮源的影响与恢复系相一致 ,即 :硝 +铵混合 硝态氮 铵态氮。硝态氮营养比硝 +铵混合及铵态氮更有效地提高杂交稻功能叶片中的叶绿素含量。杂交稻与其亲本植株地上部全氮含量受 3种氮源的影响为 :硝 +铵混合 硝态氮 铵态氮 ;然而杂交稻地上部的吸氮量受氮源的影响为硝态氮硝 +铵混合 铵态氮 ,与保持系的规律一致。杂交稻地上部钾含量及吸收量在 3种氮源处理间有差异 ,表现为硝态氮 硝 +铵混合 铵态氮 ,保持系的趋势一致 ,但与恢复系不同。研究结果还表明 ,杂交稻对硝态氮的营养特性具有明显杂种优势。 3种氮源对水稻生长、营养吸收的影响程度与钾营养状况及水稻品种有关 ;杂交水稻及其亲本较常规稻受影响更大。在高钾供应时 ,各项指标受到氮源影响的程度都明显高于低钾处理 ,其中以硝态氮为氮源更有利于杂交水稻生理及营养优势特性的发挥。     

外源蔗糖对高NH4+胁迫下拟南芥碳氮代谢的影响

以拟南芥野生型、amt1.1和amt1.3为实验材料，采取土培的方法，以正常培养液（4mmol/L NH4+）培养，在20mmol/L NH4+的胁迫下，通过在培养液中添加0%（T1）蔗糖、5%（T2）蔗糖，测定地上部分的鲜重，叶绿素，游离NH4+，可溶性糖，可溶性蛋白，谷氨酰胺合成酶（GS）、谷氨酸脱氢酶（GDH），矿质元素含量等指标，研究外源蔗糖对NH4+胁迫拟南芥碳氮代谢的影响。结果表明，T1处理下，拟南芥生长受到严重的抑制，鲜重，GS，GDH酶活性降低，游离NH4+含量，叶绿素含量，可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量增加，植株的N、P、K、Ca的含量增加，Mg、Fe的含量减少。其中col-0在T1处理下受到的抑制比amt1.1和amt1.3更为显著。与T1处理相比较，T2处理增加了拟南芥植株的鲜重，显著提高了可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量，提高了GS和GDH的活性；降低了叶绿素和游离NH4+的含量，提高了植株体内的N、P、K、Ca，Mg的含量，降低了植株Fe的含量，其中，外源蔗糖对col-0高NH4+毒害的缓解更为显著。     

Ammonium concentration in solution affects chlorophyll meter readings in tomato leaves

Abstract

Combinations of NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N usually result in higher tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yields than when either form of nitrogen (N) was used alone. Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf N content, but the effect of the NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratio on leaf greenness was not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N ratios on chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings, and evaluate the meter as a N status estimator and tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. Fruit yield and SPAD readings increased as the amount of NH₄‐N in solution increased up to 25%, while higher ratios of NH₄‐N resulted in a decline in both. The N concentration in tomato leaves increased as concentration of NH₄‐N in solution increased. Fruit yield increased as chlorophyll readings increased. SPAD readings, total N in leaves, fresh weight of shoots, and fruit yield all showed a quadratic response to NH₄‐N, reaching a peak at 25 or 50% of N as NH₄‐N. SPAD readings taken at the vegetative and flowering stages of growth had the highest correlation (r²=0.54) with N concentration in leaves, but this could not be used as a reliable estimate of N status and fruit yield. Lack of correspondence between high N concentration values and fruit yield indicated a detrimental effect of NH₄‐N on chlorophyll molecules or chloroplast structure. The SPAD readings, however, may be used to determine the optimum NH₄‐N concentration in solution to maximize fruit yield.     

Roles of glycine betaine in mitigating deleterious effect of salt stress on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

This study was conducted to evaluate the roles of glycine betaine (GB) in mitigating deleterious effect of salt stress on lettuce. Lettuce plants were subjected to two salinity (0 and 100 mmol l^?1 NaCl) and four GB levels (0, 5, 10, 25 mmol l^?1). Salinity resulted in a remarkable decrease in growth parameters, relative leaf water content and stomatal conductance. Plants subjected to salt stress exhibited an increase in membrane permeability (MP), lipid peroxidation (MDA), leaf chlorophyll reading value, H₂O₂ and sugar content. Exogenous foliar applications of GB reduced MP, MDA and H₂O₂ content in salt-stressed lettuce plants. Salt stress increased Na and generally decreased other nutrient elements. GB reduced Na accumulation, but significantly increased other element contents under salinity conditions. The study showed that gibberellic acid (GA) and salicylic acid (SA) content in salt-stressed plants were lower than those of nonstressed plants. However, salinity conditions generally increased the abscisic acid content. GB treatments elevated the concentrations of GA, SA and indole acetic acid (IAA) at especially 10 and 25 mmol l^?1 GB under salt stress conditions. It could be concluded that exogenous GB applications could ameliorate the harmful effects of salt stress in lettuce.     

Effects of Simulated Acid Rain on Pinus densiflora: Inhibition of Net Photosynthesis by the Pheophytization of Chlorophyll

This research addressed the effects of simulated acid rain on the chlorophyll contents of leaves of Pinus densiflora, on the net photosynthetic rate on a unit chlorophyll basis, and on chlorophyll degradation. When NO₃- concentrations in rain water increased, the chlorophyll_a+b contents of the leaves increased in parallel, even though the pH of the simulated rain decreased. The nitrogen content of the rain was sufficient to stimulate the production of chlorophyll and was able to override any degradative effect expected due to the H⁺ input from acid rain. The absorption spectrum of chlorophyll extracted from the leaves exposed to acid rain showed peaks at 665, 606 and 535 nm, characteristic of pheophytin a, indicating degradation of chlorophyll to pheophytin. Net photosynthetic rate on the basis of chlorophyll content was reduced by acid rain, even though the total chlorophyll content of the leaves was increased. The acid rain does, therefore, simultaneously increase chlorophyll content and reduce the efficiency of the use of chlorophyll in photosynthesis. This reduced efficiency may be linked to the increase in the rate of degradation of chlorophyll to pheophytin.     

Water Lettuce Pistia stratiotes L. Response to Lead Toxicity

The effects of one of the most toxic heavy metals, lead (Pb), applied in two different concentrations and combined with chelate application were investigated on the water macrophyte (Pistia stratiotes L.) physiology. The influences were observed by the chlorophyll and free amino acid content determination. Also the lead accumulation in macrophyte biomass was investigated to assess the potential efficiency of this plant for rhizofiltration of highly Pb-polluted water. Na EDTA and Na citrate were used as chelates and Pb(NO₃)₂ as lead supplement. The application of organic chelates simulated conditions of an induced phytoextraction process. Statistical analyses were performed as a one-way ANOVA with a subsequent Tukey HSD test at a level of P < 0.05. Pb contents in both root and leaf tissues gradually increased with increasing Pb concentrations in the nutrient solution. More lead was accumulated in leaves than in roots within all treatments. The total chlorophyll content decreased with increased Pb concentration and with a higher content of chelates. The chelate addition increased the total amino acid content in leaves but decreased the total amino acid content in roots. The addition of lead with chelates decreased the dry biomass weight. However, water macrophyte showed extremely high lead accumulation in biomass in the short term (up to 8 days) and this accumulation potential could be used for relatively fast and effective decrease of high concentration of this risk element in contaminated water or sewage.     

Tomato growth and nutrient uptake patterns as influenced by nitrogen form and light intensity 1

Tomato plants were grown in sand culture with NH₄ or NO₃ forms of N and at two levels of light. Plants were harvested at 0, 5, 9, or 12 days after starting treatments. NH₄‐N nutrition reduced growth, suppressed K, Ca, and Mg accumulation in shoot, increased P and N content and markedly reduced K, Ca, and Mg uptake per unit of root surface. Reduced light level decreased the toxic effects of NH₄ and markedly decreased NH₄ accumulation in shoots.     

Symbiosis of Trifolium subterraneum with mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobium trifolii as affected by ammonium sulphate and nitrification inhibitors

The symbioses between Trifolium subterraneum, mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizohium are affected by (NH₄)₂SO₄ and by the nitrification inhibitors 2-chloro-6 (trichloromethyl) pyridine (N-Serve) and 2-trichloromethyl pyridine (2TMP). At 50 μg · g^?1 soil N-Serve and 2TMP had toxic effects on plant growth, measured as leaf expansion, root length and dry weight. Lower concentrations of N-Serve also produced some toxic symptoms. The addition of (NH₄)₂SO₄ to the soil at 2 and 6 m-equiv NH⁺₄ per pot, resulted in reduced root length and nodulation. Shoot dry weight was reduced at 6 m-equiv NH⁺₄ per pot. In the presence of (NH₄)₂SO₄ the toxic effects of the nitrification inhibitors on plant growth were less.Both nitrification inhibitors reduced development of mycorrhizal entry-points and extent of root colonization (% infection). Percentage infection of the root system was also reduced by (NH₄)₂SO₄. Development of nodules on the lateral roots was increased in the presence of N-Serve at 5 and 15 μ · g^?1. This effect, however, was accompanied by a marked reduction in N₂ase activity. Smaller increases in nodulation were apparent with 2TMP and were associated with variable N₂ase activity.     

Effect of Organic Amendment Derived from Co-Composting of Chicken Slurry and Rice Straw on Reducing Nitrogen Loss from Urea

Co-composting of chicken slurry and rice straw with clinoptilolite zeolite and urea as additives was conducted to determine the characteristics of a compost and their effects on controlling ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃^?) losses from urea. Quality of the compost was assessed based on temperature, moisture content, ash, pH, electrical conductivity, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio, NH₄⁺, NO₃^?, macronutrients, heavy metals, humic acid, microbial population, germination index, and phytotoxicity test. Moisture content and C/N ratio of the compost were 43.83% and 15, respectively. Total N, humic acid, ash, NH₄⁺, NO₃^?, phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) increased after co-composting rice straw and chicken slurry. Copper, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and microbial biomass of the compost were low. The germination rate of Zea mays on distilled water and Spinacia oleracea growth on peat-based growing medium (PBGM) and compost were not significantly different. Urea amended with compost reduced N loss by retaining NH₄⁺ and NO₃^? in the soil.     

Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Flue-cured Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum L.) under Selenate-Se Stress

Selenate is chemically similar to sulfate and can be taken up and assimilated by plants. Although selenium (Se) has not been shown to be essential for higher plants, Se is toxic to many crops in excess. To obtain better insights into the effects of the possible mechanism of how plants alleviates the toxicity of selenate-Se stress, the growth, Se subcellular distribution of fresh leaves, antioxidant enzyme activities and photosynthetic traits of flue-cured tobacco (FCT) through a hydroponic experiment were studied. Results revealed that the growth of FCT reduced remarkably, meanwhile the content of proline and malonaldehyde (MDA) enhanced significantly with selenate-Se stress. Selenium was mainly stored in the cytoplasm and the cell wall in fresh leaves. Cell membrane of lipid peroxidation was aggravated, and it stimulated the improvement of the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and reduced the activity of peroxidase (POD) with the selenate-Se stress. The net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (G_s), transpiration rate (T_r), and intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i) of FCT were significantly reduced with selenate-Se treatments; whereas chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents (chlorophyll a + b) were not significantly difference between the treatments. The above declared that it had inhibitory effect on physiological characteristics and photosynthesis of FCT with selenate-Se stress. It was inferred that the reasons of photosynthesis reduction were the main limiting factors of stomatal closure and supplying of CO₂ deterioration of FCT with selenate-Se stress. Meanwhile, synthesized protein or/and amino acids storage in cytoplasm and fixed by cell wall of Se were the important methods to alleviate the toxicity and enhance the tolerance of selenate-Se stress to FCT.     

Effects of fertilization with MgSO4 and (NH4)2SO4 on soil solution chemistry,mycorrhiza and nutrient content of fine roots in a norway spruce stand

This paper focuses on the short-term reaction of fine root and mycorrhiza on changes in soil solution chemistry following application of MgSO₄ (Kieserite) and (NH₄)₂SO₄ (ammonium sulfate). The experiments were conducted within the ARINUS Experimental Watershed Area near Schluchsee in the Black Forest (SW Germany). Yellowing of the older needles as related to Mg deficiency was the typical symptom observed within this 45 yr old Norway spruce stand. On the N treated plot the relative mycorrhiza frequency declined and the percentage of nonmycorrhizal root tips increased, whereas in the Mg fertilized plot these parameters did not differ from the control. The observed changes cannot be caused by Al, because elevated concentrations of potentially toxic Al species and extremely low Ca/A1 molar ratios appeared in the soil solution of both treatments and did not result in reduced growth of long roots as reported from solution culture experiments. Moreover, the Al content of fine roots did not increase. Therefore, it is concluded that the thresholds for Al toxicity derived from solution culture experiments with nonmycorrhizal seedlings cannot be transferred to forest stands. A direct toxic effect of elevated NH₄ ⁺ concentrations on mycorrhiza is unlikely, but cannot be excluded. Enhanced root growth due to a higher uptake of NH₄ ⁺ from soil solution may provide a more plausible explanation for the observed increase in the percentage of nonmycorrhizal root tips after N application. Even though the N content of fine roots did not increase, the diminished K content gives some indirect indication for NH₄ ⁺ uptake by the roots. This is also consistent with reduced Mg content due to NH ₄ ⁺ /Mg²⁺ antagonism. On the MgSO₄ treated plot, Mg contents of the fine roots increased thus reflecting Mg uptake by the deficient stand.     

不同营养液对无土栽培黄瓜生长发育的影响及其经济效益分析

本试验研究了农用化肥代替化学试剂,做无土栽培营养液肥源的可行性。试验结果表明,利用普通化肥代替化学试剂配制营养液,不仅是可行的,而且能大幅度降低成本,经济效益显著。在春夏季试验中,适当增加营养液中氨态氮化肥的比例,明显地促进黄瓜早熟,提高早期产量。在秋冬季试验中,适当比例的氨态氮肥,能促进黄瓜总产量的提高。春秋两次试验还表明,若含硝态和酰胺态氮的化肥同时作氮源时,可不同程度地促进黄瓜的营养生长及生殖生长。此外本试验还研究了不同营养液对黄瓜叶片中叶绿素的含量,氨基酸的含量及光合作用的影响。     

不同形态氮素比例对不同小白菜品种生物量和硝酸盐含量的影响

利用NO-3 N∶NH 4 N为 10 0∶0、5 0∶5 0和 0∶10 0三个硝铵配比的营养液对 12个不结球小白菜品种进行水培试验。结果表明 :不同的硝铵配比对不同品种小白菜的生物量、叶绿素SPAD值、硝酸盐积累量等有着显著的影响 ,同一氮源培养下不同的小白菜品种间也表现出显著的差异 ;12个小白菜品种叶绿素SPAD值随营养液中的NH 4 N比例的增加而升高 ,两者间存在着显著的正相关 ;单株生物量除亮白叶 1号和五月慢在全硝培养中生物量较其他两种配比大外 ,其他 10个品种均在 5 0∶5 0硝铵营养液中表现最好 ;供试的 12个小白菜品种中有 9个品种的硝酸盐积累量随着NH 4 N比例的增加而下降 ,表明适当地配施铵态氮较纯硝营养液能获得更好的产量、更高的叶绿素SPAD值和较低的硝酸盐积累量。     

氮素形态对川芎生长、产量与阿魏酸和总生物碱含量的影响

采用田间试验研究了硝态氮、铵态氮、酰胺态及不同硝态氮与铵态氮配比对川芎生长发育和产量与品质的影响。结果表明,硝态氮、铵态氮、酰胺态及硝态氮与铵态氮配施均可在一定程度上促进川芎的生长,延长其根长,茎蘖数增加,干物质积累增加,从而显著提高川芎的产量以及阿魏酸和生物碱含量。在硝态氮、铵态氮和酰胺态氮单独施用时,以尿素的增产增收和改善品质的效果最好,硝态氮最差;硝态氮与铵态氮配施可增强其肥效,延长其肥效持续期。高产高效的最佳施肥方式是50%的硝酸钙与50%的碳酸铵配施;优质高产的最佳施肥方式是75%的硝酸钙与25%的碳酸铵配施。     

Ammonium increases the net rate of sodium influx and partitioning to the leaf of muskmelon

The influx and partitioning of sodium (Na) is controlled by potassium (K)/Na selectivity/exchange mechanisms. Since ammonium‐nitrogen (NH₄‐N) has been shown to inhibit K absorption and K/Na selectivity/exchange mechanisms control Na influx and partitioning, our objective was to observe if NH₄‐N affects Na influx and partitioning in muskmelon. Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were grown in a pH controlled nutrient solution with 100 mM NaCl in a complete nutrient solution containing either 10 mM nitrate‐nitrogen (NO₃‐N) or NH₄‐N. With NH₄‐N, Na accumulation and partitioning to the leaf blade increased while K absorption was almost completely inhibited. A second study omitted K to simulate the inhibition of K absorption by NH₄‐N and monitored Na accumulation and partitioning as K was depleted in the plant. Sodium accumulation and partitioning to the leaf increased as K decreased in the plant, mirroring the effect of NH₄‐N. Roots appeared healthy in both studies. Our work indicates that at a given level of NaCl stress, NO₃‐N reduces the level of stress experienced by muskmelon plants through reducing the net rate of Na influx and transport to the sensitive leaf blade, not by reducing chloride (Cl) absorption, thereby permitting these plants to “avoid”; this stress.     

Effects of different nitrogen forms on potato growth and development

The objective of this study was to test if the effects of different nitrogen forms on potato growth depend on the plant growth stage. Plants from different potato cultivars were treated with different forms of nitrogen before tuber initiation and after tuber formation. A nitrification inhibitor was used to prevent the transformation of ammonium (NH₄⁺) to nitrate (NO₃^?). Plant growth, tuber formation, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content, and tuber yield were assessed. The results obtained over 2 years indicate that plants treated with NO₃-nitrogen (N) before or at tuber initiation produced more tubers per plant than those treated with NH₄-N. However, plants treated with NH₄-N develop tubers earlier. Additionally, after tuber formation, plants treated with NH₄-N had better shoot growth than plants treated with NO₃-N. A larger leaf area with higher leaf chlorophyll content resulted in greater dry matter accumulation and higher tuber yield at harvest for plants treated with NH₄-N.