Phosphorus nutrition of white rose potato in relation to growth and minerals of leaf and root tissues

Abstract

White Rose potato plants (Solanum tuberosum, L.) were grown outdoors, without tuber formation, in a modified Hoagland's nutrient solution with 9 treatments of KH₂PO₄ ranging from 0 to 4.0 mmoles per liter. Deficiency symptoms ranged from very severe to none at harvest after 27 days of growth. Growth of the potato plants increased with increased P supply and was associated with an increased P content of the plant tissues. The critical H₂PO₄‐P concentration at a 10% reduction of top growth, based on a second leaf analysis, was about 1,000 ppm for the petiole and terminal bladelet and about 1,200 ppm for the lateral bladelet, dry weight basis.

Phosphorus nutrition had only a slight effect on the K, Na, Mg and NO₃‐N concentrations of the root tissues but Ca increased as phosphate increased which suggests a calcium phosphate precipitation. Phosphorus stress lowered the K, Na, Ca, Mg and NO₃‐N concentrations of the petiole tissues of the recently matured leaf which suggests that P increases salt accumulation. Phosphorus nutrition had only a slight effect on the concentrations of K, Na, Mg and Ca of the blade tissues of the recently matured leaf but NO₃‐N increased greatly with P supply.     

Growth and magnesium uptake of tall fescue clones with varying root diameters

Abstract

A cool season perennial grass with a root system capable of penetrating hardpans and which can accumulate adequate Mg to prevent deficiencies in forage is needed in the Coastal Plain region. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of magnesium (Mg) concentration in nutrient solution and root diameter on Mg uptake and growth of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Propagules of two fescue clones with large root diameter (LDR >1 mm), two clones with small root diameter (SDR <0.8 mm), and a single clone from ‘Kentucky 31’ (Ky‐31) were transferred into 12‐liter tanks containing Mg concentrations of 3, 21, 42, 125, 250, and 500 μM as MgSO₄ and grown for 39 or 70 days. Leaf Mg concentration was increased linearly with Mg solution concentration in LDR clones for a 39‐day growth period (Harvest 1), but increased according to a cubic equation in the SDR clones and the Ky‐31. Predicted leaf Mg concentration as a function of solution Mg followed a cubic equation for a 70‐day growth period (Harvest 2) in all clones. Predicted root Mg concentration was linearly related to Mg solution concentration for the LDR clones and the Ky‐31, but followed a cubic equation for the SDR clones for the first growth period. For the second growth period, the root Mg concentration of the SDR clones and the Ky‐31 was increased linearly, while the LDR clones followed a quadratic equation. Magnesium uptake followed a cubic equation with Mg solution concentration for both growth periods on all tall fescue clones. This nonlinear variation of Mg uptake and plant Mg concentration with respect to solution Mg concentration strongly suggests that a dual uptake mechanism might have been present in tall fescue clones. Root volume was greater in the SDR than LDR clones or Ky‐31 for both growth periods. The Ky‐31 had the greatest leaf and root dry weight for both growth periods, while the LDR clones had the lowest.     

Effect of Magnesium Deficiency on Pepper Growth Parameters: Implications for Determination of Magnesium‐Critical Value

Abstract

In order to improve determinations of nutrient critical levels using growth response curves, a detailed study of magnesium (Mg) deficiency on pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) biomass allocation was performed. For each growth parameter, data were fitted using the modified Mitscherlich's model and Mg‐critical level was calculated. Under Mg‐deficiency, pepper plants showed a decrease in their relative growth rate (RGR), total dry weight (DW), stem and root mass fractions (SMF and RMF), total leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), and unit leaf rate (ULR), whereas leaf mass fraction (LMF) and shoot to root ratio increased. Growth response coefficient (GRC) analysis indicated that the decrease in RGR was mainly due to a decrease in ULR. When the interval time between two harvests was ≥10 days, determination of Mg‐critical level (x _c ) using the modified Mitscherlich's model showed that the best growth parameter for early detection of Mg‐deficiency in pepper plants was total DW (x _c  ≈ 0.21%), whereas other parameters underestimated Mg‐critical level.     

Effect of Glomus etunicatum inoculation on aluminum,phosphorus, calcium,and magnesium uptake of two barley genotypes with different aluminum tolerance

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus Glomus etunicatum on growth, absorption, and distribution of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and aluminum (Al) in one Al‐tolerant and one Al‐sensitive barley cultivar. The plants were grown in sand daily irrigated with nutrient solution containing 0 or 600 μM Al at pH 4.8. Significant interaction (P=0.05) among variety, mycorrhiza, and aluminum (VxMxAl) were noted for both shoot and root dry matter (DM); shoot concentration and content of Al, P, Ca, and Mg; root concentration of Al, P, and Mg; and root content of Al, P, Ca, and Mg. With VAM inoculation: i) root colonization degree was about 50% in all treatment, ii) shoot DM yield increased between 30 and 70%, iii) Al concentration and content decrease down to a half both in shoots and roots of sensitive barley, iv) Ca concentration in shoots of sensitive barley showed a high increase at 600 μM Al, and v) P concentration and content in shoots of both varieties increased significantly.     

Boron nutrition and mobility,and its relation to the elemental composition of greenhouse grown root crops I. Rutabaga

Abstract

The nutrition and mobility of B, and its relation to the elemental composition of two cultivars of rutabaga (Brassica napus ssp. rapifera cv. Laurentian and Wilhelmsberger) plants were investigated in greenhouse experiments. Laurentian exhibited a greater response than Wilhelmsberger to continuing B deficiency as indicated by the severity in the roots of brown heart, of external roughness and elongation and of the decrease in B concentration. Signs of B deficiency were not found when the B contents of the root and young leaves were 27 and 56 ug g‐1 DM respectively. Root B levels of 14 and 17–20 μg g^‐1 gave moderate and slight internal signs of brown discoloration. Foliar applications of B partially restored the B concentrations of the roots; however, the mechanism of movement was unclear. The Mg, Mn and Zn contents of roots were the only elements that consistently increased and accumulated under B deficiency. The relative element composition of the root compared to the mature leaves is consistent with the root being supplied predominantly with nutrients by the phloem. Nutrient retranslocation was assessed from the ratio of element concentration in the roots or young leaves to that in the mature leaves. Although Mg, Mn and B exhibited limited mobility under adequate B nutrition they were translocated from mature leaves to younger tissues under B starvation. It is concluded that Wilheimsberger is by virtue of its greater capacity for the retranslocation of B to roots, less sensitive to B deficiency and the brown heart disorder.     

Effects of Rhizobium inoculation and magnesium application on growth and nodulation of soybean (Glycine max L.)

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is one of the major nutritional problems in tropic and subtropic areas, where the most soils are acidic. In this study, the effects of Mg application and Bradyrhizobium inoculation on growth, nodulation, symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation as well as N nutrition status in soybean (Glycine max L.) were investigated in hydroponics under greenhouse conditions. With the increase of Mg up to 0.75?mM at low N and up to 0.5?mM at high N solutions, the dry weights of shoots, roots, and pod grain yield in soybean were increased, while further increase in Mg supply inhibited soybean growth. The availability of Mg was found to entail an improved uptake of N by plants and nodulation process in the root by Bradyrhizobium. Inoculation with rhizobial inoculants not only formed many nodules, but also increased soybean shoot, root biomass and yield, as well as plant N nutrient status.     

Maize growth and mineral acquisition on acid soil amended with flue gas desulfurization by‐products and magnesium

Abstract

The large amounts of coal combustion by‐products (CCBs) generated by coal burning power plants must be utilized or discarded, and beneficial use of these materials are desired. One beneficial use of CCBs could be application to agricultural land. Information about the use of one kind of CCB (flue gas desulfurization by‐product, FGD‐BP) on soil is limited. Maize (Zea mays L.) was grown (greenhouse) on an acid soil [Umbric Dystrochrept, pH_Ca (1:1, soil: 10 mM CaCl₂) 4.2] amended with two high CaSO₄ FGD‐BPs (5 and 15 g#lbkg^‐1 soil) and CaCQ₃ (2.5 and 5.0 g#lbkg^‐1 soil) at varied calcium/magnesium (Ca/Mg) equivalency ratios (0/0, 1/0, 1/0.01, 1/0.05, 1/0.1, and 1/0.5) to determine treatment effects on growth traits [shoot and root dry matter (DM) and total and specific root length (RL)], mineral concentrations in leaves, and soil pH and electrical conductivity [(EC) 1:1, soil:water]. Magnesium deficiency symptoms were induced on leaves of plants grown with and without low Mg, and the Mg to Ca ratio in each amendment needed to be about 1 to 20 to alleviate Mg deficiency. Shoot and root DM and total RL of plants grown with FGD‐BPs became higher as Mg increased. Specific RL (total RL/root DM, root fineness) was not affected by FGD‐BP and only slightly by Ca/Mg ratio. Shoot concentrations of Mg increased; Ca, phosphorus (P), and manganese (Mn) decreased; and potassium (K), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) remained relatively constant as amendment and Mg increased. On unamended soil, aluminum (A1) and Mn concentrations in shoots were above normal. Enhancement of growth was closely related to increased soil pH compared to added Mg for CaCO₃ amended soil and to increased Mg compared to increased soil pH for FGD‐BP amended soil. Except at the highest level of Mg where soil pH increased, added FGD‐BPs and Mg had only limited effect on increasing soil pH. Soil EC increased from added FGD‐BPs but not from added Mg, and EC was not sufficiently high to be detrimental to plants. Maize grown on this acid soil amended with FGD‐BPs received benefits when caution was used to alleviate mineral deficiencies/toxicities inherent in the soil.     

Interaction Between Salinity Stress and Verticillium Wilt Disease in Three Pistachio Rootstocks in a Calcareous Soil

ABSTRACT

The interaction between soil salinity and infection caused by Verticillium dahliae was studied in pistachio (Pistacia vera) in a greenhouse experiment. Treatments consisted of 0, 1400, 2800, and 4200 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^{? 1} soil and three rootstocks (Sarakhs, Badami, and Qazvini cultivars). They were gradually exposed to salinity stress before and/or after root inoculation with a water suspension of 10⁷ conidia/mL of a pistachio isolate of V. dahliae. Salt stress significantly increased rootstock shoot and root colonization by V. dahliae. All rootstocks were susceptible to V. dahliae, but symptoms of the disease appeared earlier in Sarakhs, a salt sensitive cultivar. Moreover, salinity and V. dahliae interaction increased the concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K) and chloride (Cl), but decreased the K/Na ratio in all rootstocks. Shoot and root tissues of inoculated Sarakhs and Qazvini (a salt tolerant) contained the highest and the lowest concentrations of Na, K,and Cl, respectively. In salinity treatments, shoot and root dry weight of all rootstocks decreased as compared with controls. Sarakhs showed smaller shoot and root dry weight than Qazvini and Badami. Also, increasing the NaCl level increased accumulation of Na, K, and Cl in shoot and root of the rootstocks. Sarakhs showed higher concentrations of ions in the shoot and root. Based on shoot and root dry weights and ion accumulation, Sarakhs and Qazvini were susceptible and tolerant to salinity, respectively.     

A comparison of two modified Kjeldahl digestion techniques for multi‐element plant analysis with conventional wet and dry ashing methods

Abstract

The efficiency of two modified Kjeldahl procedures (H₂SO₄‐H₂‐O₂‐Li₂SO₄‐Se and H₂SO₄‐Na₂SO₄) for digestion of plant tissue for analysis of P, K, Ca and Mg contents was compared with a conventional wet (HNO₃‐HClO₄) and a dry ashing procedure. Six plant tissues were chosen as test material: leaves of Malus pumila Mill., Medicago sativa L., Dactylis glomerata L., fruit and wood tissue of M. pumila and Nothofagus mensiesii Oerst. leaf litter. Apart from low P contents of M. pumila wood tissue by dry ashing, the mean P, K, Ca and Mg contents as determined after the four digestion procedures were in good agreement. Furthermore, the precision of the data for each element was generally quite similar for each of the digestion methods. The N contents determined by the two modified and a conventional Kjeldahl procedure (H₂SO₄‐K₂SO₄‐CuSO₄‐Se) also agreed closely.     

Cadmium and lead affect the status of mineral nutrients in alfalfa grown on a calcareous soil

ABSTRACT

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are toxic trace elements which are not essential for plants but can be easily taken up by roots and accumulated in various organs, and cause irreversible damages to plants. A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the individual and combined effects of Cd (0, 10, 20 mg kg^?1) and Pb (0, 500, 1000 mg kg^?1) level in a calcareous soil on the status of mineral nutrients, including K, P, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn, in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants. Soil Pb level considerably (P ≤ 0.05) affected the concentrations of more elements in plants than soil Cd level did, and there were combined effects of soil Cd level and Pb level on the concentrations of some nutrients (Ca, Mg, and Cu) in plants. The effects of soil Cd level and Pb level on plant nutrient concentrations varied among plant parts. Cd and Pb contamination did not considerably affect the exudation of carboxylates in the rhizosphere. An increase in rhizosphere pH and exudation of significant amounts of carboxylates (especially oxalate) in the rhizosphere might contribute to the exclusion and detoxification of Cd and Pb. Neither shoot dry mass nor root dry mass was significantly influenced by soil Cd level, but both of them were considerably reduced (by up to 25% and 45% on average for shoot dry mass and root dry mass, respectively) by increasing soil Pb level. The interaction between soil Cd level and Pb level was significant for root dry mass, but not significant for shoot dry mass. The results indicate that alfalfa is tolerant to Cd and Pb stress, and it is promising to grow alfalfa for phytostabilization of Cd and Pb on calcareous soils contaminated with Cd and Pb.     

Nutrient availability and corn growth in a poultry litter biochar‐amended loam soil in a greenhouse experiment

Nutrient‐rich biochar produced from animal wastes, such as poultry litter, may increase plant growth and nutrient uptake although the role of direct and indirect mechanisms, such as stimulation of the activity of mycorrhizal fungi and plant infection, remains unclear. The effects of poultry litter biochar in combination with fertilizer on mycorrhizal infection, soil nutrient availability and corn (Zea mays L.) growth were investigated by growing corn in a loam soil in a greenhouse with biochar (0, 5 and 10 Mg/ha) and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer (0, half and full rates). Biochar did not affect microbial biomass C or N, mycorrhizal infection, or alkaline phosphomonoesterase activities, but acid phosphomonoesterase activities, water‐soluble P, Mehlich‐3 Mg, plant height, aboveground and root biomass, and root diameter were greater with 10 Mg/ha than with no biochar. Root length, volume, root tips and surface area were greatest in the fully fertilized soil receiving 10 Mg/ha biochar compared to all other treatments. The 10 Mg/ha biochar application may have improved plant access to soil nutrients by promoting plant growth and root structural features, rather than by enhancing mycorrhizal infection rates.     

Seasonal changes in the major nutrient content of vicia faba plants

Abstract

The changes with time in the growth and total content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S in the whole above‐ground part of Vioia faba plants have been studied throughout their development. These bean plants were indeterminate and fruit growth commenced before shoot extension growth ceased. The total dry weight of mature fruit (pods plus beans) exceeded that of the combined leaves and stems at any time. The distribution patterns of the elements fell into two groups; with N, P, K and S the fruit content was large and dominant, while only a modest proportion of the Ca and Mg was in the fruit. There was evidence that some N, P, K and S was re‐distributed from other tissues, but by far the greatest part moved directly into the bean during their expansion stage. These results are discussed in relation to previous reports of the origin of the nutrients of other grain legumes, with particular emphasis on the differences between indeterminate and determinate species.     

Upland rice,common bean,and cowpea response to magnesium application on an oxisol

Abstract

Even though Mg is an essential nutrient. the response of upland rice, common bean, and cowpea to Mg application has not been adequately documented in Brazilian oxisols. This study was conducted to examine the influence of Mg application on growth and nutrient uptake by upland rice (Oryza sativa L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) on an oxisol. Magnesium levels in the soil were created at sowing by application of MgO at rates of 0.30, 1.05, 1.15, 1.33, 3.52, and 6.22 cmol Mg/kg of soil. Application of Mg did not have a significant beneficial effect on dry weight of roots and tops of rice and cowpea. Common bean root and top dry weights were increased with Mg applications up to 1 cmol Mg/kg of soil. Uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn by the three crops was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased by increasing Mg levels in the soil. Results related to changes in chemical properties of soil with the application of Mg are also presented.     

Biomass and Phosphorus Uptake Responses of Maize to Phosphorus Application in Three Acid Soils from Southern Cameroon

Abstract

A phosphorus (P) greenhouse experiment was carried out with maize (Zea Mays L.) using surface horizons of three contrasted acid soils from southern Cameroon. The objectives were (i) to assess causal factors of maize differential growth and P uptake and (ii) to explore plant–soil interactions in acid soils under increasing P supply. Shoot and root dry‐matter yield and P uptake were significantly influenced by soil type and P rate (P<0.000), but the interaction was not significant. Soil properties that significantly (P<0.05) influenced maize growth variables were available P, soil pH, exchangeable bases [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg)], and exchangeable aluminium (Al). Data ordination through principal‐component analysis highlighted a four‐component model that accounted for 88.1% of total system variance (TSV) and summarized plant reaction in acid soil condition. The first component, associated with 36.1% of TSV, pointed at increasing root–shoot ratio with increasing soil acidity and exchangeable Al. The second component (24.6% of TSV) highlighted soil labile P pool increase as a function of P rate. The third and fourth components reflected nitrogen (N) accumulation in soils and soil texture variability, respectively.     

A comparison between the H2SO4‐H2O2‐Li2SO4‐Se oxidation method and alternative digestion procedures for plant nutrient analysis.

Abstract

Ca, Mg, Na, K and P contents of 3 plant tissues obtained by H₂SO₄‐H₂O₂‐Li₂SO₄‐Se peroxidation digestion were compared with those determined by mixed acid (HNO₃‐H₂S0₄‐HC10₄) and dry ashing procedures. Differences between methods were not consistent between elements or tissue types but the mixed acid digestion generally yielded higher Ca, Mg and P values than did dry ashing and peroxidation. Tissue K contents estimated by both wet digestion techniques were not significantly (P ≤0.05) different. Differences in Na values between digestion methods were highly inconsistent between tissue types and the precision of the Ma data was poor. N contents determined by peroxidation digestion and a conventional Kjeldahl method agreed closely.     

Gypsum and water management interactions for revegetation and productivity improvement of brackish marsh in Louisiana

Abstract

A field study evaluating the effects of gypsum and water management on the survival, yield, and protein content of selected species of marsh vegetation was conducted on an open area inundated by brackish water near Hackberry, Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The overall growth and yield response of four species of marsh vegetation: joint grass (Paspalum vaginatum SW.), marsh hay cordgrass (Spartina patens Muh L.), salt grass (Distichlis spicata L.), and American three square (Scirpus americanus Pers.) to gypsum addition (0 versus 7 Mg/ha) and water management (flooded versus non‐flooded plots) were statistically evaluated.

Soil drying was detrimental to the overall growth and yield of all marsh vegetation. There was zero plant survival in the non‐flooded plots except the marsh hay cordgrass with a survival rate of 32.8 %.

Plots receiving 7 Mg gypsum/ha had significantly higher dry matter production than the control. Gypsum application increased dry yield of joint grass (5.44 to 8.08 Mg/ha), marsh hay cordgrass (1.90 to 6.91 Mg/ha), salt grass (0.97 to 2.79 Mg/ha) and three‐square (1.55 to 2.84 Mg/ha) in flooded plots. The yield of marsh hay cordgrass, the only surviving species in the non‐flooded plots, produced a yield increase of 0.40 Mg/ha in response to gypsum. Significantly higher survival rates were observed in flooded plots treated with gypsum than in the non‐flooded plots receiving no gypsum. The mean survival rate for the gypsum‐ treated plots was 68.2%, as opposed to 21.9% for the untreated plots.     

Response of four woody ornamental species to superphosphate and controlled‐release fertilizers

Abstract

Shoot dry weights of Ilex vomitoria Ait. ‘Schellings Dwarf’, Pittosporum tobira Thunb., and Juniperus chinensis L. ‘Blue Vase’ fertilized with Sref 20N‐2P‐8K and Step (micronutrient formulation) or Osmocote 18N‐3P‐10K and Micromax (micronutrient formulation) were not different when grown in a 1 sedge peat: 1 cypress sawdust: 1 cypress shavings (v/v/v) medium with or without superphosphate. Photinia X fraseri Dress shoot and root dry weights decreased if supersphosphate was added to the growing medium and fertilized with Sref and Step, but were not different when fertilized with Osmocote and Micromax. Shoot tissue P levels of P. X fraseri and P. tobira increased with the addition of superphosphate regardless if Osmocote and Micromax or Sref and Step were used, but there was no corresponding increase in shoot dry weight. Water soluble P levels of the superphosphate amended medium with Sref and Step decreased about 70 ppm during the 6‐month experimental period.     

Sample size influences estimation of cotton dry matter,nitrogen accumulation,and lint yield

Abstract

Accurate estimates of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) dry matter accumulation and nitrogen content are important for both production and environmental reasons. One of the important factors in estimate accuracy is sample size. The objective of this investigation was to determine the cotton sample size necessary for acceptable estimates of cotton dry matter, lint yield, and shoot N per 100 kg of lint ratio (NLR) values. Three cotton cultivars (DeltaPine 90, DeltaPine 5415, and Stoneville 474) were planted on 13 May 1997 in an Eunola loamy sand (fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Aquic Hapludult) in 9.3‐m² subplots of a split‐split plot design. Split plots were four sampling dates. Split‐split plots were four sampling techniques [a) four randomly selected plants (4RP), b) 0.3 meter of row (0.3‐m), c) one meter of row (1‐m), and d) two meters of row (2‐m)]. Each entire subplot was harvested on each sampling date after sampling by the four techniques. Shoot dry matter for the whole plot was 7.2 Mg ha^‐1, and lint yield was 1.46 Mg ha^‐1. Cotton shoot dry matter and NLRs were significantly overestimated by both the 4RP and 0.3‐m techniques, but not by the 1‐ and 2‐m techniques. The NLRs of cultivar subplots varied with cultivar from 9.1 to 11.4. The earliest maturing cultivar, DeltaPine 90, had the lowest NLR and the latest maturing cultivar, Stoneville 474, had the highest NLR. Accurate estimates of cotton dry matter accumulation and N content will likely require 1‐m samples, and 2‐m samples should further improve precision. The NLRs were similar to data (NLR <15) that suggest 1.6 Mg ha^‐1 (3‐bale/acre) cotton lint yields can be achieved with less than 250 kg ha^‐1 of shoot‐accumulated N.     

Aluminium toxicity with sorghum genotypes in nutrient solutions and its amelioration by magnesium

Effects of Al toxicity and interaction of Al and Mg on growth of twelve sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) genotypes have been studied in nutrient solutions (pH 4.2). Aluminium at 30 μM decreased biomass (dry matter yield) of the individual genotypes by factors between 1.27 and 7.36, with identical sensitivity grouping of genotypes as obtained in an earlier pot experiment with an acid soil. Resembling acid-soil stress, Al toxicity was simultaneously expressed in two independent ways, i.e. impairment of root development and induced Mg deficiency. The effect of Al on total dry matter production of the genotypes was correlated more closely with changes in specific root length (m g⁻¹ dry root) than with changes in internal Mg status. Increased Mg concentrations in the solutions (2.5 and 7.5 instead of 0.25 mM) not only decreased Al-induced Mg deficiency but also reduced the concentrations of Al in/on the roots and its damaging effect on root development. Therefore, the sorghum genotypes were less sensitive to Al at the higher Mg levels. At a high Mg concentration in the solution (7.5 mM) dry matter yield of two genotypes was even stimulated by Al.     

Aluminum tolerance,mineral nutrition,and growth of ‘Helleri’ holly in solution culture

‘Helleri’ holly (Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Helleri') plants were grown in solution culture at aluminum (Al) concentrations of 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 mg.L^‐1 for 116 days. Aluminum did not affect root or crown index, stem length growth, plant dry weight, or leaf area. Aluminum treatments significantly increased Al uptake and reduced nutrient uptake of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) on some sampling dates. Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) uptake decreased on most sampling dates but increased on some with Al treatments. Potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and boron (B) uptake were significantly affected by Al, decreasing and increasing at different sampling dates. Although plants preferentially took up ammonium‐nitrogen (NH₄ ⁺‐N) in all treatments (including 0 Al controls), neither NH₄ ⁺‐N nor nitrate‐nitrogen (NO₃ ‐N) uptake were affected by Al. Tissue concentrations of P, K, B, Zn, and Al increased with Al treatment; whereas tissue Ca, Mg, and Cu concentrations decreased with increasing Al. Iron and Mn tissue concentrations exhibited increases and decreases in different tissues. Results indicated that ‘Helleri’ holly was tolerant of high concentrations of Al.