水氮梯度对饲用甜高粱生长和水分利用效率的影响

【目的】探究不同灌溉量和施氮水平对饲用甜高粱生长特性、单株耗水规律以及水分利用效率的影响,为确定饲用甜高粱适宜种植密度、优化水氮管理措施以及提高栽培生产潜力提供理论支撑。【方法】在温室条件下进行二因素三水平随机区组试验,供试饲用甜高粱品种为‘大力士’。设置了3个灌溉量,分别为达到田间持水量的30%～50%(I1)、50%～70%(I2)、70%～90%(I3);设置了3个施氮水平,分别为0 kg/hm² (N0)、200kg/hm² (N1)、400 kg/hm² (N2)。在饲用甜高粱拔节期取样,测定甜高粱株高、茎粗、鲜重与干重。同时,采用自动称重式蒸渗仪测定单株耗水动态,计算了干物质水分利用效率。【结果】1)增加灌溉量显著增加了饲用甜高粱株高和茎粗,与I1相比,I2、I3灌溉量下甜高粱株高分别提高了20.0%和34.5%,茎粗分别增加了18.0%和36.6%。施氮对株高和茎粗无显著影响。2)增加灌溉量显著提高甜高粱植株茎、叶及地上部鲜重和干重,施氮水平仅显著影响叶的鲜重和茎的干重。与I1相比,I2、I3灌溉量下地上部...     

混合施用微咸水和氮肥对甜高粱生物量和产糖量的影响

Soil salinization and non-point source pollution are among the most important and widespread environmental problems in European Mediterranean regions. Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. saccharatum) is a moderate to high salinity tolerant crop with low water and nutrient needs, seen as an alternative to grow in the water scarce regions. A three-year multifactorial study was conducted in southern Portugal to evaluate the combined effects of saline water and nitrogen application on the dry biomass (total, stems, and leaves), sugar content (total reducing sugars and sucrose contents), and sugar yield (here defined as the product of total reducing sugars and stems dry biomass) functions of sweet sorghum. Sorghum dry biomass and sugar yield showed diminishing returns for each incremental change of nitrogen. The use of saline irrigation waters also led to yield reduction. Exception was sucrose content which increased with increasing levels of sodium in the soil. Nitrogen need decreased as the amount of sodium applied increased. Stem dry biomass, sucrose content, and sugar yield progressively increased with progress in the experiment. The effect could be attributed to the increase of the amount of irrigation applied throughout the years, thus increasing the leaching fraction which promoted salt leaching from the root zone, reduced the salinity stress, increased plant transpiration, nitrogen uptake and biomass yield.     

Effects op high rates op fertilizer N,P, and K on corn,Zea Mays L., leaf nutrient concentrations

Abstract

The leaf concentrations of N, P, and K were primarily influenced by the respective fertilizer nutrient, except P, vhich also was influenced by the fertilizer N. Increasing rates of the nutrients well above those recommended for normal corn production increased the leaf nutrient concentrations, but not yields after the first increment of fertilizer. The effect of dry veather reduced yields 0.7 quintals per hectare per day and also vas negatively correlated with the leaf N and leaf P concentrations (0.01 probability level).     

氮素对NaCl胁迫下甜高粱种子萌发及芽苗生长与生理的影响

为了研究NaCl胁迫下氮肥对甜高粱种子萌发及芽苗生长和生理特性的影响,探索提高甜高粱耐盐能力的措施,室内设置不同盐分浓度、不同氮源及浓度条件下甜高粱萌芽试验。结果表明:NaCl胁迫和不同氮源对甜高粱发芽和芽苗生长的影响各有不同。NaCl浓度对甜高粱种子萌发有显著影响,在甜高粱芽苗生长阶段,通过提高保护酶活性和渗透调节物质而增强耐盐伤害能力是有限的。100 mmol.L 1NaCl胁迫下,根系POD活性最低,而叶片MDA积累量、可溶性糖含量、POD活性最高,受盐害程度最大。没有盐胁迫情况下增加不同氮源及氮量对甜高粱根叶生理特性的影响差异显著,当氮浓度在20 mmol.L 1时,细胞受伤害程度最低,生长最好。不同形态氮源对甜高粱发芽和幼苗生长的影响差异明显,NH4Cl的促进效果优于KNO3。在100mmol.L 1的NaCl胁迫下,施加铵态氮或硝态氮源均可以增强甜高粱芽苗期的POD活性,减少MDA积累,从而缓解盐胁迫带来的伤害。研究表明采取适当的氮肥调控措施可以提高甜高粱的耐盐能力。     

Growth and nutrient uptake in grain sorghum grown under mulch

Mulches can alter plant growth by changing the soil environment, but their effects on mineral uptake in grain sorghum are unknown. A 3‐year study was conducted to measure nutrient uptake in plants grown under 0, 2200, 4400, and 8800 kg/ha mulch. Plants were irrigated to insure that moisture was not limiting. Dry‐matter production, total mineral uptake and concentrations were determined at 7‐ to 9‐leaf, late boot, soft dough, and physiological maturity growth stages. Mulches altered sorghum growth by delaying plant maturity and by increasing dry‐matter yields. Nutrient uptake increased with increased dry‐matter production although elemental concentrations declined. Hybrid reaction to mineral uptake was dependent on the specific environment created by the mulch. Hybrids did not respond the same to given mulch rates each year. Management considerations for soil fertility under mulch conditions should be made on the basis of expected dry‐matter yields for the specific environment.     

Yield Comparison of Nonstructural Carbohydrates in Sweet Sorghum and Legume-Based Cropping Systems

Field experiments were conducted during dry (2009/10) and wet (2010) seasons to evaluate sweet sorghum–legume-based cropping systems for soluble sugars and starch production. Treatments were composed of two types of legumes (mung bean, soybean), two planting patterns (alternate single rows, alternate double rows), and two times of seeding (simultaneous, staggered) together with three monocrop treatments of sweet sorghum, mung bean, and soybean in randomized complete block design. Key observations indicated that the average yields of soluble sugars and starch were significantly reduced in intercropping systems in both seasons, due to partial or interactive influence of treatments considered. Yields of soluble sugars and starch were increased by 6 and 11% in the dry season and by 5 and 19% in the wet season in sweet sorghum–soybean and sweet sorghum–mung bean associations, respectively, when established with staggered seeding compared to those in simultaneously seeded combination or in monocropping of sweet sorghum.     

Leaf mineral element concentrations and growth of sweet sorghum subjected to acid soil stress

Abstract

The nutritional profile of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars grown under acid soil field stress conditions is a critical consideration when developing plants which are adapted to these infertile soils. Uptake and accumulation of macro‐ and micronutrients vary among genotypes and ultimately Influence plant growth and development. This study compared fourteen sweet sorghum germplasm lines and varieties for their Individual patterns of leaf nutrient concentrations and productivity when grown under acid soil field conditions (pH 4.45 to pH 4.85) at three locations over a two‐year period. Significant year x location interactions were found for Fe, K, and Ca concentrations at both Blairsville and Calhoun and for Mn and P levels at Blairsville and Calhoun, respectively. Data from Calhoun on plant height, dry weight, visual stress ratings, and rainfall indicate a possible association between drought tolerance and acid soil tolerance in sorghum. No significant differences in A1 concentrations were found among these sweet sorghum lines and varieties, which indicate that their acid soil tolerance mechanisms are probably not related to A1. MN 1054 accumulated the highest levels of Mn in the three acid soils. The highest concentrations of Mg and P were found in Brandes. MN 960 had the highest visual stress ratings (highest susceptibility) while Brandes, Ramada, Roma, and Wray were the most tolerant. All fourteen cultivars apparently have some tolerance to acid soil stress conditions.     

SUSTAINABLE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PACKAGE FOR COST-EFFECTIVE BIOENERGY BIOMASS PRODUCTION

Commercial fertilizer (particularly nitrogen) costs account for a substantial portion of the total production costs of cellulosic biomass and can be a major obstacle to biofuel production. In a series of greenhouse studies, we evaluated the feasibility of co-applying Gibberellins (GA) and reduced nitrogen (N) rates to produce a bioenergy crop less expensively. In a preliminary study, we determined the minimum combined application rates of GA and N required for efficient biomass (sweet sorghum, Sorghum bicolor) production. Co-application of 75 kg ha^?1 (one-half of the recommended N rate for sorghum) and a modest GA rate of 3 g ha^?1 optimized dry matter yield (DMY) and N and phosphorus (P) uptake efficiencies, resulting in a reduction of N and P leaching. Organic nutrient sources such as manures and biosolids can be substituted for commercial N fertilizers (and incidentally supply P) to further reduce the cost of nutrient supply for biomass production. Based on the results of the preliminary study, we conducted a second greenhouse study using sweet sorghum as a test bioenergy crop. We co-applied organic sources of N (manure and biosolids) at 75 and 150 kg PAN ha^?1 (representing 50 and 100% N rate respectively) with 3 g GA ha^?1. In each batch of experiment, the crop was grown for 8 wk on Immokalee fine sand of minimal native fertility. After harvest, sufficient water was applied to soil in each pot to yield ～1.5 L (～0.75 pore volume) of leachate, and analyzed for total N and soluble reactive P (SRP). The reduced (50%) N application rate, together with GA, optimized biomass production. Application of GA at 3 g ha^?1, and the organic sources of N at 50% of the recommended N rate, decreased nutrient cost of producing the bioenergy biomass by ～$375 ha^?1 (>90% of total nutrient cost), and could reduce offsite N and P losses from vulnerable soils.     

Ensiling properties of sweet sorghum

Abstract

Sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars have been bred for high sugar content; with accompanying adequate forage yield, the crop may offer potential for ensiling. “Wray”; sweet sorghum, a good sugar producer, was grown under field conditions to determine nutritional quality and subsequent animal performance of silage from the yield. In one experiment, “Wray”; was compared to “FS‐5”;, medium‐tall forage sorghum, at four reproductive stages of growth, in regard to agronomic characteristics and chemical composition. In another study, the “Wray”; sweet sorghum was harvested in early and late reproductive stages and stored in experimental silos. Ensiling losses were measured; in addition, the silages were offered to sheep to determine in vivo digestibility (IVODMD) and intake. In the first experiment, dry matter yields of both sweet and forage sorghum increased during the reproductive period, from 6.2 to 11.9 and 7.7 to 13.9 Mg/ha, respectively; at maturity, grain yields were 651 and 3,526 kg/ha, respectively. Total available carbohydrates tended to be higher in the forage type (23.4%) than in the sweet sorghum (19.9%). Average in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) was similar for both sorghums at 60.2%, but sweet sorghum IVDMD tended to be higher than forage sorghum at the hard‐dough stage (61.4 versus 55.1%) . In the second experiment, intake was greater when lambs were offered hard‐dough stage silage (1,240 g/lamb/day) versus bloom‐stage silage (878 g/lamb/day), even though IVODMD was similar (average 60.6%) at both harvest stages. The silages appeared to be properly ensiled, as silage pH was less than 4.0; however, effluent and dry matter losses were greater with bloom‐stage silage. These differences probably were due to the slight dry matter differential between the two <22.3 and 26.6%, respectively). To maximize yield, sweet sorghum should be ensiled at the hard‐dough stage. Resulting silage may be higher in digestible dry matter than that of medium‐tall forage sorghums, which produce grain.     

Sweet Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] Biomass Production for Biofuel and the Effects of Soil Types and Nitrogen Fertilization

This research aimed to determine the optimum nitrogen fertilization rate on three soils for producing biomass sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor cultivar M81E) and corn (Zea mays cultivar P33N58) grain yield and to compare their responses. The research was conducted in Missouri in rotations with soybean, cotton, and corn. Seven rates of nitrogen (N) were applied. Sweet sorghum dry biomass varied between 11 and 27.5 Mg ha^?1) depending on year, soil type, and N rate. Nitrogen fertilization on the silt and sandy loam soils had no effect (P > 0.05) on sweet sorghum yield grown after cotton and soybean. However, yield increased in the clay soil. Corn grain yielded from 1.3 to 12.9 Mg ha^?1, and 179 to 224 kg N ha^?1 was required for maximum yield. Increasing biomass yield required N application on clay but not on silt loam and sandy loam in rotations with soybean or cotton.     

A flood-free period combined with early planting is required to sustain yield of pre-rice sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Abstract

Understanding the responses of sweet sorghum to flooding and the characters associated with flooding tolerance may be a useful strategy for pre-rice production and help meet demand for biofuel feedstock. Three sweet sorghum genotypes (Bailey, Keller and Wray) and five flooding treatments including non-flooding control, continuous flooding extended from 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after emergence to harvest were conducted under greenhouse conditions. Flooding decreased leaf dry weight (22–60%), leaf area (10–70%), number of node per stalk (1–5%), shoot dry weight (5–20%) and stalk yield (2–22%) with highest reduction in 30 days after emergence flooding treatment. Flooding later than 30 days after emergence did not significantly affect shoot growth, yield and yield components. Brix value, sucrose content and total sugar content were not significantly affected. All studied cultivars had similar shoot growth response. Flooding induced development of roots in water; root length, root dry weight, nodal root and lateral root number and interconnection of aerenchyma spaces from roots in flooded soil to stalk base above water level but suppressed root growth in flooded soil. The acclimation traits were highest in Keller, flooding from 30 days after emergence but there was a lack of root development in 75 days after emergence flooding treatments. These findings indicate the effect of waterlogging on sweet sorghum growth and yield strongly depends on the growth stage at which it occurs. There were genetic variations in root morphological and anatomical responses to flooding of sweet sorghum. The development of nodal and lateral roots and aerenchyma formation from flooded plant parts to stalk bases above water level may distribute to flooding tolerance in sweet sorghum. Based on the results, a flood-free period of at least 30 days after emergence is required to sustain yield of pre-rice sweet sorghum and early planting is highly recommended.     

EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND SOIL ZINC APPLICATION ON GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PISTACHIO SEEDLINGS

The effects of four salinity levels [0, 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^?1 soil] and three zinc (Zn) levels [0, 5, and 10 mg kg^?1 soil as zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄.7 H₂O)] on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L.) cv. ‘Badami’ were studied in a calcareous soil under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with three replications. After 26 weeks, the dry weights of leaves, stems and roots were measured and the total leaf area determined. Salinity decreased leaf, stem, and root dry weights and leaf area, while this effect diminished with increasing Zn levels. Zn fertilization increased leaf, stem and root Zn concentrations, leaf potassium (K) concentration, and stem and root sodium (Na) concentrations, while decreased leaf Na concentration, and stem and root K concentrations. Salinity stress decreased leaf, stem, and root Zn concentrations, and leaf K concentration, while salinity increased leaf, stem and root Na concentrations, and stem and root K concentrations. Proline accumulation increased with increasing salinity levels, whereas the reverse trend was observed for reducing sugar contents. Zn application decreased proline concentration but increased reducing sugar contents. These changes might have alleviated the adverse effects of salinity stress.     

Effect of potash fertilizer on leaf nutrients and their relationships to tuber yields of sweet potato

Abstract

The fourth, fully‐expanded leaves at sweet potato vine tips were sampled at harvest from two separate but similar experiments on njala upland soils after 7 years bush fallow to study the effects of timing and rates of K fertilizers on leaf nutrients and their relationships to sweet potato tuber yields. Potash showed significant effects on leaf P, leaf Zn, leaf Ca, leaf Mn, leaf K/P and leaf Ca/Mg. K x timing interaction affected leaf K/Mg and leaf K/P but timing of Z application did affect significantly neither leaf nutrients nor leaf nutrient ratios. Significant quadratic effect of K on tuber yields as well as significant cubic K x timing interaction effect on tuber yields were observed. There were significant negative correlations between tuber yields and leaf N and between tuber yields and leaf P, indicating that increases in either leaf N or leaf P depressed yields. On the basis of coefficient of determination, increases in leaf N contributed significantly more to yield variation than increases in leaf P. Analysis of covariance and multiple regression studies showed lack of significance of 10 nutrients on tuber yields. Sweet potato tissue which reflects differential nutrient levels with significant effect on tuber yields must be sought. Apart from the added fertilizer, the total effect of ether factors which affect nutrient status and crop performance must be considered.     

Nitrogen application effects on forage sorghum production and nitrate concentration

Abstract

Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important annual forage crop but prone to high nitrate concentration which can cause toxicity when fed to cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus). Two field experiments were conducted over six site-years across Kansas to determine the optimum nitrogen (N) rate for no-till forage sorghum dry matter (DM) yield and investigate the effect of N fertilization on sorghum forage nitrate content. A quadratic model described the relationship between sorghum DM and N rate across the combined site-years. Maximum DM yield of 6530?kg ha^?1 was produced with N application rate of 100?kg N ha^?1. The economic optimum N rate ranged from 55 to 70?kg N ha^?1 depending on sorghum hay price and N fertilizer costs. Crude protein concentration increased with N fertilizer application but N rates beyond 70?kg N ha^?1 resulted in forage nitrate concentrations greater than safe limit of 3000?mg kg^?1. Nitrogen uptake increased with N fertilizer application but nitrogen use efficiency and N recovery decreased with increasing N fertilizer rates. In conclusion, forage sorghum required 55–70?kg N ha^?1 to produce an economic optimum DM yields with safe nitrate concentration.     

Effects of phosphorus and water stress levels on growth and phosphorus uptake of bean and sorghum cultivars

Primary determinants of crop production in arid/semiarid regions are lack of moisture and infertility, especially phosphorus (P) deficiency or unavailability. The effects of P and water stress (WS) levels on shoot and root dry matter (DM), leaf area, root volume, total root length, and shoot and root P concentrations and contents were determined in two bean [Phaseolus acutifolius Gray, cv ‘Tepary #21’ ("drought‐resistant") and P. vulgaris L., cv “Emerson’ ("drought‐sensitive")] and two sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, cv SA7078 ("drought‐resistant") and ‘Redlan’ ("drought‐sensitive")] cultivars grown in nutrient solution. Plants were grown with different levels of P (20 and 100 μM for bean and 20, 80, and 160 μM for sorghum) when seedlings were transferred to nutrient solution, and WS levels of 0, 13.8, and 1 6.4% polyethylene glycol (PEG‐8000) introduced after plants had grown in solution 23 days (bean) and 31 days (sorghum). All growth traits were lower when bean and sorghum plants were grown with WS and low P. Growth traits were higher in cultivars grown with high compared to low P regardless of WS. Root P concentration and content and shoot content, but not shoot P concentration, were lower when bean plants were grown with WS compared to without WS. Tepary #21 bean had higher shoot DM, leaf area, total root length, and shoot P concentration than Emerson when plants were grown with WS at each level of P. Sorghum shoot and root P concentrations were higher as P level increased regardless of WS, and WS had little effect on shoot P concentration, but root P concentration was higher. Contents of P were similar for SA7078 and Redlan regardless of P or WS treatment, but SA7078 had greater P contents than Redlan over all P and WS treatments. “Drought‐resistant”; cultivars generally had better growth traits, especially total and specific root lengths, than “drought‐sensitive”; cultivars.     

Comparison between analytical results of plant sap analysis and the dry ashing method for tomato plants cultured hydroponically

Tomato plants (Lycopersicon. esculentum Mill cv. Momotaro) were cultured in nutrient solutions of varying concentrations or of varying nitrate (NO₃) levels. The leaf blades and the main petioles including rachis were collected from the mixture of three successive leaves below each fruit truss at two growth stages. Comparisons were made between the nutrient concentration in the leaf blade and the petiole determined by plant sap analysis, and that in the leaf blade determined by the dry ashing method. Closely correlated relationships were found to exist between the phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in the leaf blade and the petiole determined by plant sap analysis, and those in the leaf blade determined by the dry ashing method at two growth stages. For the concentration of potassium (K), there was no correlation between results of plant sap analysis and those determined by the dry ashing method at either growth stage.     

Marandu Palisadegrass Mineral Nutrition and Production Related to Nitrogen and Potassium Supply

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization play a key role in forage crops and can significantly increase yields of ‘Marandu’ palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. exA. Rich.) Stapf.], one of the most important forage crops in Brazil. This study aimed to identify the concentrations of total N and K, nitrate (NO₃^?), and ammonium (NH₄⁺), chlorophyll meter readings (SPAD), and nitrate reductase activity (At-RNA) required to maximize yield. Plants were grown in quartz substrate and treated with nutrient solutions that ranged from 2 to 33 mmol L^?1 for N and 0.5 to 11 mmol L^?1 for K. Dry matter production and At-RNA increased with increasing N and K supplies. SPAD readings correlated strongly with N leaf concentration and dry matter production and can be used to assess the N status of this species. The supply of N and K in the fertilization promoted high yield and adequate N and K concentration for plant metabolism.     

Effect of Salinity and Nitrogen Application on Growth,Chemical Composition and Some Biochemical Indices of Pistachio Seedlings (Pistacia Vera L.)

To study the effect of nitrogen and salinity on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (cv. ‘Badami’), a greenhouse experiment was conducted. Treatments consisted of four salinity levels [0, 800, 1600, and 2400 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^?1 soil], and four nitrogen (N) levels (0, 60, 120, and 180 mg kg^?1 soil as urea). Treatments were arranged in a factorial manner in a completely randomized design with three replications. The highest level of nitrogen and salinity decreased leaf and root dry weights. Nitrogen application significantly increased the concentration of shoot N and salinity suppressed shoot N concentration. Salinity and nitrogen fertilization increased shoot and root sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations. Nitrogen application increased proline concentration and reducing sugar content. Although salinity levels increased proline concentration a specific trend on reducing sugars content was not observed.     

Response of Pepper Plants to Different Rates of Mineral Fertilizers After Soil Biofumigation and Solarization

ABSTRACT

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the effect of using three different rates (zero, low-input, and high-input) of a mineral fertilizer (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) on growth and yield of pepper cultivated in a soil after biofumigation (with horse manure at the rate of 4 kg· m^{? 2}) and solarization. Several physiological traits related with pepper plant development (leaf mineral concentration, net photosynthesis rate, transpiration, leaf sugar, and chlorophyll concentration) and fruit yield were determined. In T-1, chlorophyll was significantly lower and sugar concentration was significantly higher than in those where mineral fertilizers had been added (T-2 and T-3). There were no significant differences in photosynthetic rate among treatments. Increasing mineral fertilizer rates increased vegetative growth at the expense of fruit yield. Leaf nutrient concentrations most affected by the treatments were the N-fractions, and changes in the other parameters measured are discussed on the basis of these differences.     

Seasonal dynamics of mineral nutrients and carbohydrates by walnut tree leaves

The dry weight accumulation per leaf as well as the concentration per gram of dry weight and the accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were determined in walnut tree leaves (Juglans regia L.) during a complete life cycle. Additionally, the dynamics of plant nutrient concentration in leaf petiole sap and carbohydrate accumulation in leaves were studied in relation to the main life cycle events of the walnut tree. Total N, P, K, Cu, and Zn concentrations decreased, whereas that of Ca, Mg, and Mn increased during the season. Iron concentration fluctuated around a mean value. Total N, P, K, Mg, and Cu concentrations detected in younger mature leaves were at the sufficient level, whereas Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations were at higher levels as compared to those previously reported. All the detected nutrient accumulations increased abruptly during leaf ontogeny and leaf maturation until a maximum level was attained in the younger mature leaves. Similarly, sucrose, glucose, and fructose accumulation were observed at the same period. The rates of total N, P, Cu, and Zn accumulation were lower than the rates of the observed dry matter accumulation and nutrient concentration dilution. Potassium and Mn accumulation rates were almost equal, whereas those for Ca and Mg were higher as compared to the dry matter accumulation rate. The fast embryo growing phase resulted in a considerable decrease in dry weight, total N, P, K, Cu, Zn, and carbohydrate accumulation, and to a lesser degree in Ca, Mg, and Mn accumulation. Nutrient accumulation reduction in leaves by the influence of the growing fruits were estimated to be: total N 52%, K 48%, P 29.5%, Mg 16.3%, Ca 15%, Fe 51.2%, Cu 55.2%, Zn 37.3%, and Mn 5.4% of the maximum nutrient value of the younger mature leaves. Old leaves preserved nutrients before leaf fall as follows: total N 25.4%, P 45%, K 31%, Ca 74.8%, Mg 76.5%, Mn 89.2%, Fe and Zn 50%, and Cu 37%. Nutrient remobilization from the senescing old leaves before leaf fall were: total N 22.6%, P 25.5%, K 21%, Ca 10.2%, Mg 7%, Fe 3.2%, Mn 5.4%, Cu 8%, and Zn 13.3% of the maximum value in the younger mature leaves. In early spring, the absorption rates of N, P, and Ca were low while those of Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were high. During the fast growing pollen phase, the N, P, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations were reduced. Calcium concentration is supposed to be more affected by the rate of transpiration rather than during the growing of embryo. Calcium and Mg concentrations in the sap were negatively correlated. The detected K concentration level in the sap was as high as 33 to 50 times that of soluble N, 12 to 21 times to that of P, 5 times to that of Ca, and 10 to 20 times to that of Mg. The first maximum of starch accumulation in mature leaves was observed during the slow growing embryo phase and a second one after fruit ripening. Old senescing leaves showed an extensive carbohydrate depletion before leaf fall.