Effects of Cadmium on the Content,Accumulation, and Translocation of Nutrients in Bean Plant Cultivated in Nutritive Solution

The effects of increasing dosages of cadmium (Cd) on the content, accumulation, and translocation of macronutrients and micronutrients in different parts of bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are reported. Plants were cultivated in Clark's nutritive solution and submitted to 0 to 0.5 mg L^?1 of Cd. Experiments were built using an entirely randomized, statistical arrangement, and measurements were performed after 60 days of exposure to Cd. Inclusion of Cd in solution decreases the contents of nutrients in bean plants, except phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) in fruits, sulfur (S) in root, and copper (Cu) in fruits and root. Also, accumulation of nutrients in all parts of plant was reduced, as was the the translocation index for the following nutrients: potassium, calcium, and S in fruits and Cu in shoots. Overall, this work can serve as a template study to evaluate the effects of cadmium on bean plant nutrition.     

Effects of excess aluminum on mineral uptake in mycorrhizal sorghum

Soil acidity is often associated with toxic aluminum (Al), and mineral uptake usually decreases in plants grown with excess Al. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Al (0, 35, 70, and 105 μM) on Al, phsophorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn,) and copper (Cu) uptake in shoots and roots of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, cv. SC283] colonized with the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi isolates Glomus intraradices UT143–2 (UT143) and Glomus etunicatum UT316A‐2 (UT316) and grown in sand (pH 4.8). Mycorrhizal (+VAM) plants had higher shoot and root dry matter (DM) than nonmycorrhizal (‐VAM) plants. The VAM treatment had significant effects on shoot concentrations of P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn; shoot contents of P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu; root concentrations of P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Zn, and Cu; and root contents of Al, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. The VAM effects on nutrient concentrations and contents and DM generally followed the sequence of UT316 > UT143 > ‐VAM. The VAM isolate UT143 particularly enhanced Zn uptake, and both VAM isolates enhanced uptake of P and Cu in shoots and roots, and various other nutrients in shoots or roots.     

Gehalte von Baumwurzeln an chemischen Elementen einschließlich Schwermetallen aus Luftverunreinigungen

Concentrations of chemical elements in tree roots including heavy metals from air pollution Total concentrations of P, S, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were measured in roots from beech, spruce, ash, maple and a forest herb (Mercurialis perennis). The root samples were taken from a site with an acid soil type (Saure Braunerde) and from a site with calcareous soil (Rendzina). All elements except Mn, Zn and Pb (on acid soils) and Ca (on calcareous soils) showed higher concentrations in finest roots (<1 mm diameter) compared to fine roots (1–2 mm). In the case of the toxic heavy metals, this is interpreted as a consequence of reduced root uptake due to physiological processes or to organic complexing, followed by an accumulation at the root surface. Compared with aboveground plant parts, roots show accumulation of Al, Pb, Cd and Zn, indicating reduced translocation from roots to shoots. Roots from acid soil show higher concentrations of P, Mn, and Pb than in calcareous soil. The concentrations of Al and heavy metals in the roots are considered to be a consequence of the contamination of the investigated forest sites by long-range transported air pollutants, i.e. acid precipitation and deposition of heavy metals.     

Nutrient Availability in the Soil and Its Absorption,Transport, and Redistribution in Vines

Abstract

This study was to determine the concentration, accumulation, redistribution, and export of nutrients by Rubi grape. Ten branches with leaves and fruit were collected; the vegetable matter (stem, leaf, and fruit) was washed, dried, weighed, and analyzed so as to determine the concentration of nutrients in the plant. The nutrients most absorbed were nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca), and the best absorption time started after the berry ripening. Phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) were less demanded by the grape although they had the same behavior in relation to the period of greater absorption. The best absorbed nutrient was manganese (Mn), and its absorption increased gradually and steadily, according to the plant growing phases. The absorption of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) was minimal up to the ripening of berries, but increased from then on. The greatest absorption and accumulation of nutrients occurred during the ripening of the fruits. The leaves had greater absorption of Ca, Mg, S, Mn, and Cu, whereas the fruit absorbed more K (61%), P (56%), N (38%), and B (56%). The stem presented similarly in the proportion of all macronutrients, and it accumulated more Zn.     

Effects of Lead and EDTA-Assisted Lead on Biomass, Lead Uptake and Mineral Nutrients in Lespedeza chinensis and Lespedeza davidii

The ability of Lespedeza chinensis G. Don and Lespedeza davidii France of the family Fabaceae for Pb tolerance and accumulation in the presence and absence of the chelating agent EDTA was studied. Plants were cultured in soils containing different concentrations of Pb and Pb plus EDTA for 75 days. In the absence of EDTA, Pb supplement had no negative influence on plant growth of both species, however, stimulated the increase of shoot and root biomass of L. chinensis and L. davidii. Correspondingly, Pb accumulation in plants was low, and most of Pb was accumulated in roots, even though high doses of Pb had been supplied in soils. In the presence of EDTA, the Pb accumulation in all parts of both species was promoted, especially the translocation from roots to leaves. Regarding the influences of Pb and Pb plus EDTA treatment on the mineral nutrients, such as Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in plants, Pb supplement resulted in both increase and decrease of mineral nutrients in L. chinensis and L. davidii in the absence of EDTA. In the presence of EDTA, the accumulation of mineral nutrients in plants was facilitated with the exception of Mn. The present results indicate that L. chinensis and L. davidii are Pb tolerant. Both plants can be used as potential species for chelate-assisted Pb phytoremediation. L. davidii has greater potential for phytoremediation of Pb than L. chinensis.     

Effect of treated sewage water on vegetative and reproductive growth of date palm

Abstract

The effect of treated sewage water on the vegetative and reproductive growth of date palms was assessed. Leaves and fruits samples were collected from locations irrigated with treated sewage (TSW), desalinised, and well water. Samples were analysed for their calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) content by atomic absorption spectro‐photometry and for sodium (Na) and potassium (K) by flame photometry. The Mg, Fe, and Zn content of fruits and Na in the leaves were not found to be significantly different. Treated sewage water from University campus utilities significantly increased the Na, K, and Cu and reduced Ca in leaves and Zn in fruits of date palms. But no significant effect was observed on the K, Ca, Mg, and Na contents in fruits of the same palms. The different concentrations of Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn in the fruits of date palms grown along the same TSW line were attributed to variations in the soil; however, those in Pb content of leaves could be attributed to motor vehicle combustion. The general trend indicated that fruits contained higher K, Na, and Fe contents, but lower Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, and Pb contents than the leaves. Furthermore, leaves of date palms irrigated with desalinised and well water contained higher Ca and Zn, but lower K, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, and Pb contents than those of palms irrigated with treated sewage water. Desalinised water reduced the K, Ca, Na, and Zn contents, but it increased the Mg, Fe, Cu, and Pb content of leaves compared to well water. None of the examined metals were found to reach toxic level to man or plant.     

Seasonality of nutrients vis-à-vis fruit quality of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa on vertisol

The temporal changes of nutrient concentration in leaves and their accumulation in fruit are good indicators of plant nutrient demand for each developmental stage. Seasonality of nutrients in leaves and fruits of pomegranate and their relation with fruit quality was evaluated in commercial orchards using cv. “Bhagwa.” The concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) in leaves decreased while calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) concentration increased during fruit growth and development. Total nutrient accumulation increased gradually in fruit and translated into growth of arils, and increase in juice content and total soluble solids, however as the biomass accumulation in fruit was much faster than nutrient accumulation, concentration of majority nutrients except Mg decreased rapidly, followed by slow and continuous decrease till maturity. During fruit enlargement, demand for N, P, K, Fe, Cu and Zn was high while requirement for Ca, Mg and S was high during fruit development.     

A comparative analysis of element composition of roots and leaves of barley seedlings grown in the presence of toxic cadmium,molybdenum, nickel,and zinc concentrations 1

Barley seedlings were grown in hydroponic culture in the presence of toxic concentrations of cadmium (Cd), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) and analyzed for element composition [boron (B), calcium (Ca), Cd, iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), and Zn]. In a first survey, heavy metal concentrations were selected which resulted in a similar inhibition of root growth. Toxic concentrations of Cd, Mo, Ni, and Zn revealed both similar and distinct effects on specific leaf and root element contents. Examples for such responses were decreasing contents in root Mn and Mg at elevated levels of all heavy metals, including Mo, in the medium. In contrast, changes in root contents of B were specific for the applied type of heavy metal stress. The heavy metal dependent changes in B, Ca, Mg, and Mn contents were studied in more detail. In some cases, severe heavy metal toxicity caused excessive accumulation or depletion of nutrient elements that may be deleterious to the plants in addition to other primary damages caused by the heavy metal ions.     

Aluminum toxicity in maize: Biomass production and nutrient uptake and translocation

The effect of increasing aluminum (Al) concentrations on root nutrient contents along with the concurrent translocation to the shoot of C₄ plants prompted this study. Two‐week‐old maize (Zea mays cv XL‐72.3) plants were therefore submitted for 20 days to Al concentrations ranging from 0 to 3.00 mM in a medium with low ionic strength were used as a test system. Aluminum concentrations in root tissues showed a 3‐fold increase between 0 and 3.00 mM Al treatment, and was not detected in the shoot. Root plasma membrane‐H⁺ ATPase activity decreased after the 0.33 mg L^‐1 Al treatment, while membrane permeability increased up to 1.00 mM Al treatment. Root and shoot biomass decreased after the 0.33 mM Al treatment. All elements in the roots, except potassium (K), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were highest for plants treated with 0.33 mM Al. Potassium increased continuously between 0 and 3.00 mM Al treatments, and iron (Fe) decreased above 0.33 mM. Only a slight decrease in nitrogen (N) was observed. All the measured nutrients in shoots, except N, Mn, and Fe decreased above 0.33 mM, but calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) had little variation as Al varied. Data indicated that maximum net uptake for mineral nutrients, except Mn, occurred up to 0.33 mM Al. Translocation of phosphorus (P), K, Mn, and Zn decreased above 0.33 mM Al, N, and Ca decreased when any Al was added, and no clear trend was observed for Mg and Fe. Between the 0 and the 3.00 mM Al treatments, electrolytic conductance did not increased significantly indicating that the observed inhibitions of translocation from roots to shoots were not directly related to increasing membrane degradation.     

Effects of Extraction Conditions on the Content of Anthocyanins and Bioelements in Berry Fruit Extracts

Abstract

Two methods for extracting anthocyanins and bioelements [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe)] from black chokeberry, black currant, strawberry, and bilberry fruits were compared in this study. Correlations between the content of anthocyanins and bioelements in fruit extracts were determined using method A [extraction with hydrochloric acid (HCl)] and method B [extraction with water (H₂O)]. Relationships between the content of anthocyanins and particular nutrients, as well as between Mg and Ca and between Zn and Fe, in fruit extracts obtained by method A and by method B were also established.

The mean content of anthocyanins and bioelements (Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe) was the highest in black chokeberry fruits, regardless of the extraction method used. Bilberry fruits had the lowest nutrient content, despite a high anthocyanin content. The mean content of anthocyanins and bioelements was higher in fruit extracts obtained by method A than method B. The coefficients used to recalculate method A into method B were anthocyanins, 5.1; Ca, 1.1; Mg, 1.2; and Zn, 2.2. The statistical analysis showed that the effect of a given extraction method on the content of anthocyanins and bioelements (except for Ca) in fruit extracts depended on fruit species. The correlations between the content of anthocyanins, Ca, Mg and Zn in fruit extracts obtained by method A were found to be positive and highly significant, in comparison with method B. There was no correlation between the content of anthocyanins and particular nutrients in fruit extracts obtained by method A and by method B. The Mg content of fruit extracts was highly significantly higher than the Ca content, irrespective of the extraction method applied.     

Improved Nutrient Uptake Enhances Cotton Growth and Salinity Tolerance in Saline Media

Two experiments were conducted to determine if improved nutrient uptake increases salinity tolerance of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). A transgenic cotton line (CMO3) with increased salt tolerance and its wild line (SM3) were grown in pots containing substrate (peat:vermiculite = 1:1, v/v) in the first experiment, while cotton (‘SCRC 28’) was cultured in hydroponics with a split-root system in the second experiment. Contents of essential nutrient elements and Na⁺ in plant tissues, leaf photosynthesis (Pn) and chlorophyll (Chl) concentration and plant biomass were determined after salinity [sodium chloride (NaCl)] treatment in both experiments. In the first experiment, salinity stress with 150 mM NaCl reduced plant biomass and photosynthesis (Pn) of both SM3 and CMO3 compared with their non-stressed controls, but the CMO3 suffered significantly lower reductions than SM3, suggesting an increased salinity tolerance of CMO3 relative to SM3. Total uptake and contents of main nutrient elements [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)] in CMO3 were higher than those in SM3. Also, less sodium (Na⁺) accumulation and lower extreme ratios of Na/N, Na/P, Na/K, Na/Ca, Na/Mg, Na/Fe, Na/Mn, Na/Cu, and Na/Zn were observed in CMO3 than in SM3. Increased salt tolerance in transgenic AhCMO cotton was probably attributed to its superior nutrient uptake compared with SM3. In the second experiment, the non-stressed root half fed with moderate level of nutrient solution and salt-stressed half fed with low level of nutrient solution (CMN/SLN) exhibited higher salinity tolerance than salt-stressed root half fed with moderate level of nutrient solution and non-stressed root half fed with low nutrient solution (CLN/SMN). Plants absorbed more nutrients but less Na⁺ under CMN/SLN than CLN/SMN. The overall results suggest that improved nutrient uptake played an important role in the enhanced salt tolerance of cotton.     

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.     

Effects of zinc fungicides and different zinc fertilizer application methods on soluble and total zinc in potato plant shoots

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of fungicides [with or without zinc (Zn)] and different Zn fertilizer application methods (no fertilizer; soil application; shoot application; soil plus shoot application) on the soluble and total Zn in the dry matter of potato shoots. Zinc fertilizer was applied to the shoots at 20 and 45 days after plant emergence (DAE), immediately before plant sampling. At 25 DAE, Zn fungicide increased soluble and total Zn in the fourth leaf. The same occurred, at 45 DAE, with the Zn fertilizer applied to the shoots. It were not observed significant increases on both soluble and total Zn contents in the fourth leaf of plants that received soil Zn fertilization. Even in the leaves with 262 mg Zn kg^‐1, there was no phytotoxicity symptoms. The total Zn concentration at 20 DAE was the best index correlated to potato tuber yield reaching 50.9 mg Zn kg^‐1 in the fourth leaf of plants at the highest marketable tuber yield treatment. Plant nutrient element contents [phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn)] were not affected by the treatments.     

养殖废水灌溉下施用生物质炭和果胶对土壤养分和重金属迁移的影响

【目的】 养殖废水中含有丰富的养分,但也含有一定的重金属。本文研究了生物质炭和果胶对养殖废水灌溉下的土壤–植物系统养分和重金属迁移规律的影响,以利用养殖废水中的养分,并对其重金属进行调控。 【方法】 选取新乡市郊区农田土壤为供试土壤,采用根箱试验方法种植玉米。设置根箱土壤中添加1%的生物质炭和果胶,分别灌溉蒸馏水和养殖废水发酵产生的沼液。测定了土壤中养分和重金属的含量,探讨了其在土壤–植物系统的迁移规律。 【结果】 沼液灌溉的植株地上部生长与蒸馏水灌溉无显著差异。果胶相比于生物质炭可以促进植株生长。沼液灌溉时,果胶处理的根系和地上部生物量分别比对照增加了25.38%和31.21%。沼液灌溉普遍降低了根际和非根际土壤的pH,生物质炭处理和果胶处理与对照根际和非根际土壤的pH均无显著差异。沼液灌溉增加了非根际土壤的电导,生物质炭相比于果胶增加了土壤的电导。沼液灌溉增加了土壤全氮、有效磷、速效钾和有机质含量。果胶根际土壤的全磷、碱解氮、有效磷、有效Fe、有效Mn均高于生物质炭处理,生物质炭处理根际和非根际土壤的全钾和速效钾含量均高于果胶处理。沼液灌溉相比于蒸馏水灌溉,增加了植株根、茎中N含量和Ca含量。生物质炭处理植株根茎叶N含量、根茎P含量、茎K含量、根茎叶Ca含量、根茎Mg含量高于果胶处理,但果胶处理养分的转运系数较高。养殖废水灌溉增加了根际和非根际土壤中有效Cu和Zn尤其是Zn的含量。与对照相比,生物质炭降低了根际土壤Cu、Pb、Ni的含量,而果胶增加了它们的含量。沼液灌溉增加了植株根茎叶中Cu、Zn、Pb含量,果胶处理植株根系Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Ni含量最高,但向地上部转运较少。 【结论】 在北方碱性土壤灌溉养殖废水发酵产生的沼液时,施用生物质炭和果胶可以提高土壤肥力和植株养分含量,生物质炭通过减少土壤中有效态重金属含量以减少重金属在植物体内累积,果胶虽然增加土壤有效态重金属含量,但可以降低其向地上部的转运,避免了重金属在植物体内的累积。      

Solution concentrations required for near maximum yield in ryegrass and white clover when grown in a low ionic strength solution: Preliminary results

In a series of preliminary experiments, the effect of varying solution concentrations of several nutrients on yield in ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv Grasslands Nui) or white clover (Trifolium repens cv Grasslands Huia) were investigated using a still low ionic strength (2.7 x 10^‐3M) nutrient solution culture technique. The concentration of the nutrients in the basal solution was (μM): 500 calcium (Ca); 100 magnesium (Mg); 300 potassium (K); 600 nitrogen (N) [150 ammonium (NH₄), 450 nitrate (NO₃)]; 2.5 phosphorus (P); 600 sulfur (S); 3 boron (B); 2.5 iron (Fe); 0.5 zinc (Zn); 0.5 manganese (Mn), and 0.1 copper (Cu) at pH 4.7. The solution concentrations required for 95% maximum yield in ryegrass (μM) were: < 240 for total N, 2 for P, < 240 for S, < 40 for Mg, < 200 for Ca, and < 100 for K. The < symbol indicates that yield did not decrease nor increase, suggesting that the lowest solution concentration used (shown after < symbol) was adequate for 95% maximum yield. In white clover, solution concentrations required for 95% maximum yield (μM) were: < 38 for NH₄, 10 for P,< 150 for S, 150 for Mg, < 125 for Ca, and 300 for K. Yield also declined for white clover when additional trace nutrients [Mn, Zn, Cu, iron (Fe), and boron (B)] were added, although the trace nutrient that was toxic could not be determined.     

Interactive effects of aluminum and chromium stresses on the uptake of nutrients and the metals in barley

Aluminum (Al) and chromium (Cr) stresses often occur simultaneously in agricultural soils, and pose a great damage to crop growth, yield formation and product safety. In the current study, the influence of combined Al and Cr stresses on plant biomass, metal and nutrient contents was determined in comparison with that of Al or Cr stress alone. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of pH, Al and Cr in the medium solution on the uptake of mineral elements as well as Al and Cr in the two barley genotypes differing in Al tolerance. Aluminum sensitive genotype Shang 70-119 had significantly higher Cr and Al contents in plants than Al-tolerant genotype Gebeina. Barley roots had much higher Al and Cr contents than above-ground plant parts. Chromium contents were much higher in the solution with pH 4.0 than in that with pH 6.5. Aluminum stress reduced phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) contents in roots and restrained potassium (K) and iron (Fe) from being translocated into shoots and leaves. Chromium stress resulted in reduced P, K, Mg, S, Fe, Zn and Mn contents in roots at pH 6.5 and P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn and Mn contents at pH 4.0. Translocation of all nutrients from roots to upper parts of plants was inhibited except Ca in pH 6.5 with Cr addition. Lower contents of all nutrients were observed at pH 4.0 as compared to pH 6.5. Combined stress of Cr and Al, on the whole, caused further reduction in mineral content in all plant parts of the two barley genotypes as compared to Al or Cr stress alone. Moreover, the reduction was more pronounced in Al sensitive genotype Shang 70-119.     

Effects of excess manganese on mineral uptake in mycorrhizal sorghum

Associations between vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and manganese (Mn) nutrition/toxicity are not clear. This study was conducted to determine the effects of excess levels of Mn on mineral nutrient uptake in shoots and roots of mycorrhizal (+VAM) and non‐mycorrhizal (‐VAM) sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench, cv. NB9040]. Plants colonized with and without two VAM isolates [Glomus intraradices UT143–2 (UT1 43) and Gl. etunicatum UT316A‐2 (UT316)] were grown in sand irrigated with nutrient solution at pH 4.8 containing 0, 270, 540, and 1080 μM of added Mn (as manganese chloride) above the basal solution (18 μM). Shoot and root dry matter followed the sequence of UT316 > UT143 > ‐VAM, and shoots had greater differences than roots. Shoot and root concentrations and contents of Mn, phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu were determined. The +VAM plants generally had higher mineral nutrient concentrations and contents than ‐VAM plants, although ‐VAM plants had higher concentrations and contents of some minerals than +VAM plants at some Mn levels. Plants colonized with UT143 had higher concentrations of shoot P, Ca, Zn, and Cu and higher root Mg, Zn, and Cu than UT316 colonized plants, while UT316 colonized plants had higher shoot and root K concentrations than UT143 colonized plants. These results showed that VAM isolates differ in enhancement of mineral nutrient uptake by sorghum.     

Genotypic differences in effects of cadmium on growth and nutrient compositions in wheat

Abstract

A solution culture study was conducted to determine the genotypic difference in the effects of cadmium (Cd) addition on growth and on the uptake and distribution of Cd and other 11 nutrients in wheat plants. Cadmium addition at a rate of 1 mg L^?1 significantly reduced root and shoot dry matter production, shoot height, root length, chlorophyll content, and tillers per plant. On the average of 16 wheat genotypes used in study, Cd concentrations of Cd‐treated plants were 48.1 and 459 μg g^?1 dry weight (DW) in shoots and roots, respectively, and retained 77.91% of total Cd taken up in the roots. On the whole, Cd addition reduced the concentration of sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), and boron (B), and increased iron (Fe), irrespective of the plant parts. The effect of Cd on the concentration of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and copper (Cu) differed in shoots and roots. The significant difference existed among 16 wheat genotypes in their response to Cd in terms of growth and nutrient concentrations. Genotype E81513, which showed relatively less inhibition in growth, had the lowest shoot Cd concentration and more Cd accumulation in roots, while Ailuyuang had the highest Cd concentration and accumulation in shoot with lower Cd concentration in root. The significant interaction was found between Cd treatment and genotype for all nutrient concentrations in both shoot and root, except S and Zn in root.     

Productivity,Quality and Soil Health as Influenced by Organic,Inorganic and Biofertilizer on Field Pea in Eastern Himalaya

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 to study the effect of biofertilizers in conjunction with organic and inorganic sources of nutrient management on productivity, quality and soil health on field pea at ICAR RC for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre Jharnapani, Nagaland, India. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with five nutrient sources in main plots and four treatment of biofertilizers with zinc in sub plots. Results indicated that the application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) through inorganic + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through vermicompost significantly improved root nitrogen (N) content, cation exchange capacity (CEC) of roots, NA activates, seed yield (1153 and 1262 kg ha^?1), straw yield (2182 and 2332 kg ha^?1) in the year of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012, respectively. Nutrients (N, P, K, S and Zn) uptake by seed and straw, protein content, protein harvest, soil organic carbon (SOC), available N, P, K, S, Zn and economics significantly higher with 100% RDF through inorganic + 50% RDN through vermicompost during both the years. Seed inoculation with biofertilizers along with 5 kg Zn ha^?1 markedly enhanced the root N content, CEC of roots, nitrogenase activities (NA), seed yield (1080 and 1193 kg ha^?1), straw yield (1978 and 2128 kg ha^?1), nutrients [N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S) and zinc (Zn)] uptake, soil organic carbon (SOC) (%), and available N, P, K, S, and Zn of pea in both the years, respectively. These sources also give more income and benefit cost ratio per rupees invested.     

Floral Analysis and Seasonal Dynamics of Mineral Levels in Carob Tree Leaves

The mineral concentration of flowers and the seasonal fluctuation of macro- [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)] and micronutrients [iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] in leaves of male, female, and hermaphroditic carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua L.) were studied. The nutrient dynamics were linked not only to phenological events, but also to the gender of the trees. The females were able to allocate more nutrients to leaves than male trees, even though male flowers were richer in particular elements such as N and Zn. The hermaphrodites supported the development of both inflorescences and fruits with a lower seasonal variation and a lower leaf nutrient concentration, as compared to the other genders, which may indicate a more efficient use of resources. Flowers had, in general, a higher concentration of N, P, and K, and a lower Mn concentration than in leaves. Flowers of the females had a lower nutrient concentration compared to males or hermaphrodites.