Diagnosis of zinc deficiency in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) by plant analysis

Abstract

Critical values of zinc (Zn) concentration in young leaves Here established for the diagnosis of Zn deficiency in peanut by examining the relationship of Zn concentration in leaves to shoot dry matter (DM) at two growth stages of plants grown in pots of Zn deficient sand at seven levels of Zn supply (0, 67, 133, 200 267, 533, and 1067 μg Zn/kg soil). Zinc deficient peanut accumulated reddish pigments in stems, petioles and leaf veins in addition to the more common symptoms of Zn deficiency in plants. Zinc concentrations increased with increasing Zn supply in the blades of the youngest fully expanded leaf (YFEL) and in the blades of the leaves immediately older (YFEL+1) and younger (YFEL‐1) than it: they also increased with increasing Zn supply in the petioles of the YFEL+1 and YFEL and in the basal stem internode but their Zn concentrations Here always much lower than those in the blades. Critical Zn concentrations in the blades of the YFEL and YFEL+1 Here 8–10 mg Zn/kg DM at early pegging and mid pod filling: values for YFEL‐1 were similar but more variable. The blade of the YFEL is recommended for diagnosis of Zn deficiency in peanut and 8–10 mg Zn/kg DM as its critical value.     

Tissue Nitrogen as a Base for Recommendations of Additional Nitrogen to Spring Wheat in Southern Finland

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) deficiency has become more common in the traditional wheat cultivation areas of southern Finland as yield potentials have increased. Based on data for the period studied (1968-88) a grain protein concentration below 11.2% in spring wheat (Triticun aestivum L.) is an indicator of N deficiency. The mean of maximum grain yield obtained was 4655 kg ha^?1 when grain protein concentration exceeded 11.2%. The estimation of plant tissue N content could be an effective diagnostic tool for identifying N status in the early growth stages of spring wheat. To address the feasibility of this test, the present study was conducted in 1990-91 to determine the critical plant tissue N concentrations of three plant parts at the early double-ridge stage (Stage 2), at the stage when stigmatic branches of the carpel begin to form (Stage 7) and at pollination (Stage 10). Nitrogen was applied at rates of 0 and 110 kg N ha^?1 as granular ammonium nitrate and granular slow-release-nitrogen fertilizers to establish a wide range of plant tissue N levels, grain yields and grain protein concentrations. Critical plant N levels were calculated for the different plant parts using the Cate-Nelson procedure. From this study it can be concluded that the critical N level recommended for Stage 2 is 43 g of N kg^?1 dry matter of the whole plant. Critical N levels recommended for Stage 7 are 28 g of N kg^?1 dry matter of the whole plant, 30 g of N kg^?1 of the leaves and 13 mg total N in dry matter. Critical N levels recommended for Stage 10 are 12 g of N kg^?1 of the whole plant, 23 g of N kg^?1 of the leaves and 15 mg total N in dry matter.     

Calibration of the mehlich 3 soil test for potassium using leaf analyses and potassium deficiency symptoms in cotton plants

Abstract

A new calibration of the Mehlich 3 soil test for potassium (K) is proposed for the Mississippi Delta area, based on leaf analyses and K deficiency symptoms in cotton plants. The calibration reflects the need to supply adequate K concentrations to plants during the fruiting period of greatest K demand. The lowest levels and highest percent of sites exhibiting K‐deficiency symptoms were associated with the fifth week of flowering; or at the peak bloom stage of plant growth. The fifth week of flowering was selected to base soil and plant evaluations for K needs. A 1.5% leaf K level was selected as the critical leaf K level (the level that plants experience a nutrient deficiency and yield reductions), based on visual leaf K‐deficiency symptoms observed in plants 95% of the time. Leaf K concentrations below 1.51% identifies K‐deficiency symptoms in the upper leaves through eight weeks of flowering. A simplified equation [Topsoil K (lb/A) = 480 + 5 x CEC (Milliequivalents/100g soil)] defines critical soil test K concentrations with respect to the cation exchange capacity (CEC) in soils. This equation can be used to determine present topsoil K needs for cotton in the Mississippi Delta area based on a 1.5% critical leaf K level during the fifth week of flowering.     

Diagnosis of zinc deficiency in canola by plant analysis

Abstract

Canola plants (Brassica napus cv. Eureka) were grown in soil culture with seven levels of zinc (Zn) supply (0, 67, 133, 200, 267, 533, and 1,067 μg Zn/kg soil) for 39 days. Critical Zn concentrations in young leaf blades and petioles were established for the diagnosis of Zn deficiency in canola plants during vegetative growth by assessing the relationship between the Zn concentration in the leaves and shoot dry matter on 22 and 39 days after sowing (DAS). Zinc concentrations in leaf blades and petioles increased with increasing Zn supply, but Zn concentrations were always 50% higher in the youngest open leaf (YOL) than in the youngest mature leaf (YML). The relationship between shoot dry matter and Zn concentrations in leaf petioles exhibited Piper‐Steenbjerg curvature, indicating their unsuitability for Zn‐deficiency diagnosis either alone or by inclusion with leaf blades. By contrast, inclusion of leaf mid‐ribs with leaf blades did not alter the relationship between shoot dry matter and Zn concentrations, nor the critical Zn concentration. Critical Zn concentrations in the YOL, YOL+1, and YOL+2 blade on 39 DAS, corresponding with the stem elongation stage, were 15–17, 9–10, and 7–8 mg Zn/kg dry matter, respectvely. In comparison, the critical Zn concentration in the YOL+2 leaf blades with mid‐ribs was 7–8 mg Zn/kg dry matter. In conclusion, during the vegetative stage up to stem elongation, YOL+2 leaf blades which are also the YML are recommended for the diagnosis of Zn deficiency in canola plants with the critical Zn concentration being 7–8 mg Zn/kg dry matter.     

Effect of sulfur deficiency and excess on yield and sulfur accumulation in tomato plants

Abstract

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. var. hybrid 6C‐204) plants were grown for 95 days after germination until each one bore 6 ripe clusters in a greenhouse using nutrient solutions with nine added sulfate levels ranging from 0 to 105 me/1.

Sulfur‐deficiency symptoms and characteristics of plants growing under hign SO₄‐S levels were observed and described. Fruit yields were negatively affected by both S‐deficiency and high SO₄‐S concentrations. Top growth was affected more than root growth by changes in the amount of SO₄‐S supplied. The critical SO₄‐S concentration in the growth media ranged from 2 a 22.5 me/1.

Leaf sulfate‐S increased gradually in leaves and roots as SO₄‐S supply in the nutrient solution increased while organic‐S remained relatively constant. Leaf sulfate‐S critical value was growth stage dependent. Maximum yields at flowering were associated with leaf concentrations of 0.48–1.2% SO₄‐S and 0.25–0.35% organic‐S.     

Nitrogen nutrition of white rose potato in relation to vegetative growth and mineral content of leaves and roots

Abstract

White Rose potato plants were transplanted to nutrient solutions provided vith nine treatments of Ca(NO₃)₂ ranging from 0 to 64 mmoles per liter. Eighteen days later, symptoms of N‐deficiency ranging from very severe to none vere observed. The plants at this time were harvested, and leaves were sampled, oven dried, ground, and then analysed for K, Na, Ca, Mg, NO₃‐N, and acetic acid soluble H₂PO₂‐P.

Shoot and fibrous root growth increased with nitrate supply to an optimum, and then decreased with increased nitrate supply, suggesting nitrate toxicity due to the high nitrate supply of the nutrient solution. The nitrate content of the tissues increased with increased nitrate supply. Toxicity due to excess nitrate was associated with a very high nitrate content of the leaf tissues.

The critical NO₃‐N concentration at a 10% reduction in vegetative growth due to N‐deficiency is about 2000 ppm (0.2%) on a dry basis for the petioles and about 300 ppm (0.03%) for the blades of recently matured leaves.     

Plant analysis diagnostic indices for phosphorus nutrition of sunflower,mungbean, maize,and sorghum

Abstract

The relationship between nutrient concentration and yield of plant forms the basis of using plant analysis to assess nutrient status of plants. This study determined critical levels of phosphorus (P) in diagnostic plant parts of four grain crops. The crops were grown in greenhouse using a P‐deficient Typic Ustochrept fertilized with 0, 10, 30, 90, and 270 mg P/kg soil. Crop sensitivity to P deficiency was: sorghum > maize > sunflower > mungbean. Fertilizer requirements (mg P/kg soil) for near‐maximum grain yield were: sunflower, 89; and maize and mungbean, 74. Fertilizer requirement of sorghum was much greater than the other species. Critical P concentrations in whole shoots (≤30 cm tall) were: mungbean, 0.30%; sunflower, 0.29%; and maize, 0. 24%. Equivalent values for diagnostic leaves were: mungbean, 0.33%; sunflower, 0.31%; and maize, 0.26%. Critical P concentrations in mature seeds were: mungbean, 0.34%; maize, 0.29%; and sunflower, 0.20%.     

Critical potassium concentration and potassium/ calcium plus magnesium ratio in potato petioles associated with maximum tuber yields

In order to establish critical potassium (K) concentration levels and K/calcium (Ca) plus magnesium (Mg) [K/Ca+Mg] ratios in potato petioles associated to maximum total tuber yields, an experiment was conducted under Brazilian conditions. Six K levels (0, 60, 120, 240, 480, and 960 kg K₂O/ha as potassium sulphate) were applied in a randomized complete block design experiment with four replications. Baraka potato tubers were seeded, spaced 0.8 x 0.3 m, following the agronomic cultural practices recommended for the crop. After 48 days from plant emergence, plant tissue samples was collected from each plant, the youngest fully expanded leaves (YFEL) and the oldest but not senescent leaves (ONSL). Petioles from these leaves were analysed to their K, Ca, and Mg contents. At harvest, total, high grade, and weight tuber yields were increased to 733, 719, and 660 g/plant for the 353, 335, and 384 kg K₂O/ha levels, respectively. These yields are double the Brazilian potato yield average. Petiole Ca and Mg concentrations were decreased by the K fertilizer treatments, whereas the opposite occurred with the K/Ca+Mg ratio. Potassium concentrations in the petioles from the YFEL and ONSL increased up to 10.44 and 7.13 g K/100 g petiole dry matter at the 672 and 654 kg K₂O/ha levels, respectively. The K petiole gradient concentration was not affected by K fertilization. The K/Ca+Mg ratio for YFEL associated with the maximum total tuber yield was 7.24, while the K concentrations were 8.91 and 6.16 g K/100 g dry matter in petioles for the YFEL and ONSL, respectively.     

Leaf analysis as a guide to sulfur fertilization of legumes

Abstract

Tissue analysis is a diagnostic tool which can be used in identifying S deficiencies and predicting S fertilizer requirements of crops. A water extraction procedure for removal and measurement of inorganic sulfate in plant leaves was developed and assessed as a measure of S availability in four legume crops. Relationships between sulfate concentration and yield were determined for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), faba bean (Vicia faba) and lentil (Lens culinaris) grown on two Saskatchewan soils, with five rates of S fertilizer supply, in a growth.chamber experiment The sulfate concentration in the leaf tissue was measured at the time of seventh leaf and early flowering stages to estimate the current S status of the plants. The results showed significant relationships between the water extractable sulfate in the leaf and the supply of available S in the soils. The water extraction procedure is recommended for routine analyses because of its simplicity and sensitivity.     

Micronutrient deficiencies and toxicities of cassava plants grown in nutrient solutions. I. Critical tissue concentrations

The programmed nutrient addition technique was used in a series of 5 experiments to determine the response in growth and micronutrient content of cassava (Manihot esaulenta Crantz) cv. M Aus 10, to 8 supply levels of boron, copper, iron, manganese and zinc respectively. The experiments were of 9 weeks duration and utilized 22 litre pots of nutrient solution. The supply levels for each micronutrient covered the range from severe deficiency to toxicity. Critical tissue concentrations for deficiencies determined by relating total dry matter production to the nutrient concentration in the youngest fully expanded leaf blades were (μg/g): boron 35, copper 6, manganese 50, and zinc 30. Likewise, critical concentrations for toxicities in the same index tissue were (μg/g): boron 100, copper 15, manganese 250, and zinc 120. In the iron experiment, the data were too variable to allow precise determination of critical concentrations for deficiency and toxicity. Critical micronutrient concentrations in the petioles of the youngest fully expanded leaves were also determined, but offered no advantage over the leaf blades.     

Phosphorus and sulphur requirements of blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon R.BR.) seedlings

Abstract

The effects of varying phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) supply on the dry matter production, height growth, foliage type, nutrient content and nutrient composition of blackwood seedlings were examined in a fractional, factorial experiment with 12 levels each of P and S in 29 treatments.

Regressions of final height at age 6 months, and seedling dry weight respectively on P and S supply level gave quadratic response surfaces with maxima occurring at the combinations P_15.1 S_12.7 and P_15.8 S_14.6 (where P₁ S₁ = a total dose of 5 mg each of P and S). This result suggests that requirement for s is closely comparable to that for P in blackwood seedlings. Interaction (P × s) was not significant for any variable.

At harvest, seedlings grown with the P‐S treatment combination closest to the predicted optimum supply for maximum productivity had concentrations of 2.7% N, 0.23% P, and 0.16% S in their tops, or 2.4% N, 0.20% P. and 0.17% S in the whole seedling. These seedlings were well proportioned with a tops:roots dry weight ratio of 1.2. In seedlings raised with only a token supply of P or S, top growth suffered at the expense of root growth and the ratio was always < 1.

The results of the trial suggest that superphosphate with its balanced P and S content (N‐P‐K‐S rating: 0–10–0–11) would be the most cost effective fertiliser for use in nursery production of blackwood where a need for supplementary P and S exists.     

Calcium nutrition of white rose potato in relation to growth and leaf minerals

Abstract

White Rose potato plants were grown in nutrient solutions containing Ca from 0 to 20 meq/l. After 32 days of growth, 16 plant parts were taken for analysis. The critical level for the immature to the recently matured leaf was determined to be about 0.15% Ca for the petiole and the blade tissues at the breaking point of the transition zone. Ca concentrations of petioles and blades (dry basis) increased with leaf age with the greatest increase in the blade tissues. The petioles of recently matured leaves under severe Ca deficiency were higher in Na, Mg, and PO₄‐P, lower in N0₃‐N and about the same in K concentration in comparison with non‐deficient petioles while the corresponding blades did not differ appreciably. Calcium deficiency has no major effect on the uptake of these minerals since all values were in the adequate range.     

Effect of Molybdenum Foliar Sprays on Yield,Berry Size,Seed Formation,and Petiolar Nutrient Composition of “Merlot” Grapevines

Abstract

Field experiments with irrigated “Merlot” vines were carried out at 3 sites in the Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia over 3 years to examine the effects of molybdenum (Mo) foliar sprays on bunch yield, berry size, and nutrient composition of petioles. Bunches were divided into different size grades for black and green berries. Basal petioles were sampled at flowering and veraison for nutrient analyses. In year 3, seed number per berry was assessed at sites 2 and 3. Two Mo foliar sprays (each spray contained 118 g Mo as sodium molybdate/ha in 410–800 L/ha of water) applied before flowering increased yield per vine and bunch weight in all experiments in year 2 and at site 3 in year 3. Yield responses ranged from 221% at site 1 to 750% at site 2 in year 2 and 70% for site 3, year 3. Average bunch weight increased from 243% at site 2 to 425% at site 1 for year 2 and by 69% at site 3 in year 3, and was the main yield component affected by Mo application. In year 1, the application of Mo did not affect yield or bunch weight at any site. In year 2, the application of Mo increased the yield of 5–15 mm colored berries by 301, 499, and 258% at sites 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and by 70% at site 3, year 3. Mo application increased the percent of berries, which had one or more functional seeds (when assessed at sites 2 and 3 in year 3). Molybdenum concentrations in petioles sampled at flowering and veraison increased in response to applied Mo in all years. Petiolar Mo concentrations in unsprayed vines were consistently higher in year 1 compared with other years. The effect of applied Mo on the concentration of other nutrients in basal petioles sampled at flowering and veraison were small and of little practical importance. Nitrate-N did not accumulate in the petioles of unsprayed plants in any year. Changes in petiolar Mo concentrations between flowering and veraison were dependent on supply. Nitrate-N, total-N, and phosphorus (P) concentrations declined with time, while calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) tended to increase. At flowering, Mo concentrations in basal petioles of 0.05–0.09 mg/kg were associated with significant bunch yield response to applied Mo. Molybdenum deficiency can be a major factor in the occurrence of berry development disorders such as shot berry formation and hens and chickens (millerandage) in “Merlot” grapevines. The increased percent of colored berries with one or more functional seeds and the decrease in the proportion of green berries suggests that Mo application affected pollination and/or fertilization, and thereafter berry development.     

Effects of Sodium on Potassium Nutrition in Three Tropical Root Crop Species

The potassium (K) nutrition and high K requirement of tropical root crops may be affected by their sodium (Na) status, as has been observed in a number of plant species. Solution culture was used to study the effects of K and Na supplies in tannia [Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott.], sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] and taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott]. At low K supply, Na ameliorated symptoms of K deficiency and increased growth in tannia, and to a lesser extent in sweet potato, but not in taro. None of the species responded to Na at adequate K supply. Differences in response to Na were attributed to differences in Na translocation to plant tops. At maximum Na supply, the Na concentration in index leaves averaged 1.82% in tannia, 0.205% in sweet potato, and 0.0067% in taro. An increase in the supply of Na resulted in a shift in the critical K concentration for deficiency (i.e., 90% of maximum yield) in index leaves from 2.9% to 1.2% in tannia, and from 4.8% to 2.5% in sweet potato. The critical K concentration in taro was 3.3%, irrespective of Na supply. To overcome the problem in tannia and sweet potato of determining the critical concentration relevant to a leaf sample of unknown K status, a relationship was established for each species relating the critical K concentration to the concentration of Na in the index leaves.     

Critical nitrate levels for squash,cucumber and melon plants

Abstract

Squash (Cucurbita pepo), cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and sweet melon (Cucumis dudain) plants were grown in sand culture with N as the variable and were harvested at the early flowering stage. The plants at this time showed a definite gradation of symptoms from severe to no deficiency of N. The tops were separated into leaves and stems. Leaves were separated into young, mature and old and then subdivided respectively into petioles and blades. The petioles were analyzed for NO₃‐N. The critical NO₃‐N concentration for squash, cucumber and melon on a dry basis was 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm, respectively. A relatively high concentration of NO₃‐N in the nutrient solution decreased the growth of squash and cucumber plants significantly, but had no effect on melon plants. Melon plants can tolerate relatively high concentrations of N0,‐N in the plant tissues, while squash and cucumber cannot.     

Genotypic Variation of Sweetpotatoes Grown Under Low Potassium Stress

Abstract

Ninety‐four sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) genotypes were compared under low potassium (K) stress (35 mg kg^?1 dry soil) over two growing seasons. Potassium utilization efficiency ratio (KER), defined as the dry matter weight/K content, was significantly different among genotypes. Genotypes were divisible into four KER categories: high efficient, efficient, fairly efficient and inefficient with most of the genotypes falling in the efficient and fairly efficient groups. The K contents varied significantly within individual plants. Potassium concentration on a dry weight basis was greatest in the petioles followed by leaves, stems, and roots. On a total plant basis, K content in roots was greatest followed by stems, leaves, and petioles. Several genotypes (including 602 × 81‐3, Zhe15‐47 and Xushu18) were selected as most suitable for growth on soils low in available K due to their appreciable yields and higher KER under low K stress.     

Effect of Potassium Supplies on the Nutritional Status of Maize (Zea mays L.)

The effect of soil potassium (K) supplies on the yield and nutritional status of maize and on interactions between the nutrients was examined in a long-term mineral fertilization experiment on maize. The experiment was set up in 1989 in Hungarian Great Plain, Szarvas on chernozem meadow soil calcareous in the deeper layers, with four levels each of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) supplies. The present paper describes the results of K fertilization in the 7–19th years of the experiment, from 1996 to 2008. The ammonium (NH₄)-lactate (AL) potassium oxide (K₂O) content of the ploughed layer ranged from 200 to 550 mg kg^–1 depending on the K fertilization level. No significant yield surpluses were recorded in any of the 13 years in response to the better K supplies ensured by K fertilizer. The results of leaf analysis indicated that the K concentrations representing satisfactory K supplies at a grain yield level of 10–14 t ha^–1 were 2.3–4.3% at the 5–6-leaf stage and 1.5–2.6% at the beginning of tasselling. When the AL-K₂O content of the soil was above 200–320 mg kg^–1, K– calcium (Ca), K–magnesium (Mg) and K–copper (Cu) antagonism was observed in the nutrient concentrations of the maize leaves in most years. The limit values of satisfactory nutrient supplies for maize in the 5–6-leaf stage and at the beginning of tasselling were 0.25–0.60% for Ca, 0.15–0.40% for Mg, and 7–11 mg kg^–1 and 2–11 mg kg^–1, respectively, for Cu. In dry years the iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentrations of maize leaves declined at higher soil K supply levels.     

Evaluation of extraction procedures on determination of critical soil and foliar levels of boron and zinc in coffee plants

Abstract

Six‐month‐old coffee plants were grown in the greenhouse in pots containing a Dark Red Latosol (Orthox), to study the effect of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on growth and leaf content of these micronutrients. Boron was added at levels of 0, 1, 3, and 5 mg kg^‐1, whereas Zn was added in proportions of 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg kg^‐1. Boron application affected total dry matter, height and diameter of stem, length and number of plagiotropic branches, number of leaves, ratio between total leaf area and number of leaves (ULA), ratio between total leaf area and total dry matter (LAR), leaf moisture, and index of potential yield (IPY). The IPY, defined as the ratio of dry matter of developed flowering buds plus flowers to the dry matter of underdeveloped flower buds and flowers, proved to be the an excellent parameter to assess B levels. Leaf B, well correlated with IPY, varied from 50 to 60 mg kg^‐1. Available B in soils, in nig kg^‐1, ranged from (with the critical levels between parentheses): 0.2 to 0.3 (0.2), as determined in a saturation paste, 0.6 to 1.0 (0.9), as determined in a hot water extract, 0.9 to 1.3 (1.2), with monocalcium phosphate in acetic acid, 1.1 to 1.4 (1.3), by Mehlich 1 method, 2.1 to 2.4 (2.4), by 0.05N HC1, 2.2 to 2.4 (2.4), by 0.1N HCl. Zinc additions caused a decrease in growth when B supply was limiting. On the other hand, B had no effect on dry matter yield when Zn was not added. Adequate Zn soil levels in mg kg^‐1 were 4.4, as determined by 0.05N HCl extraction, 4.2, by 0.1N HC1, 3.9, by Mehlich 1, 2.7, by EDTA extraction, and 2.1, in DTPA extracts. Leaf Zn, not affected by Zn additions, was between 12–14 mg kg^‐1.     

Growth response of cabbage plants to lithium,sodium, and rubidium under water culture conditions

Cabbage (B. oleracea L. var. capitata L.) plants wore grown for 79 days in cuture solutions obtaining 4 levels of lithium, 0, 0.1, 1. 10 mel) sodium (0, 0.2. 2, 20, or rubidium , 0, 0.05, 0.5) combined with a low or high supply of potassium(0.2 or 2 mcf/l, and the effects of the cations supplied on the growth and ration composition of the plants were studied.

The total dry weight of the plants decreased at higher levels of the cations, especially Li in the culture solution, concurrent with an increaie in the contents of each cation in the plants. The decrease in the dry weight at higher levels was smaller in the high K supply, than in the low supply, causing a decrease in the contents of the cations. The critical contents of Li, Na, and which resulted in a 50° decrease in the dry weight or inner leaves due to excess injury were estimated to be about 0.07, 2.5, and 3.0% on a dry basis in the outer leaves and 0.05, 2.0, and 3.0% in the roots, respectively, regardless of the K supply.