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.     

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.     

Selecting Rice Genotypes Tolerant to Zinc Deficiency and Sodicity: Differences in Concentration of Major Cations and Sodium/Potassium Ratio in Leaves

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a major nutritional problem for rice under sodic conditions. Seedlings (35-d old) of 30 rice genotypes were transplanted in pots at pH₂ 9.8 [diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA) Zn 1.8 ppm] to identify genotypes tolerant to both sodicity and Zn deficiency. Ten genotypes (group A) showed potential to tolerate both the stresses. Sixteen genotypes (group B) were sensitive to Zn deficiency. However, some of the seedlings of group B genotypes were normal (without Zn deficiency symptoms). Four genotypes (group C) were sensitive to sodicity. Leaves and their leaf sheaths were analyzed at 33 d after transplanting for Ca, Mg, K, and Na. Group A genotypes (CSR-88IR15, CSR-89IR14, IR4630-22-2-5-1-2, and Trichi) had significantly less Na concentrations in their leaves and the leaf sheaths compared to group B genotypes (CSR10, CSR23, CSR-88IR1, 89H1-931098, and IR47538-3B-9-3B-1). The concentration of Na was invariably higher in the leaf sheath than its leaf in both the groups, but reverse was true for Ca, Mg, and K. Zinc deficient plants had relatively higher concentrations of Ca and Mg in their leaves and the leaf sheaths than group A. Concentration of K was somewhat better in group A than group B genotypes. Higher Na/K ratio in group B genotypes compared to group A may be attributed to increased concentrations of Na rather than decreases in K concentrations. Further studies are needed to understand the processes associated with differential uptake of Na and K by Zn deficient plants of group B genotypes resulting in higher Na/K ratio compared to group A genotypes.     

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.     

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.     

Zinc nutrition affects alfalfa responses to water stress and excessive moisture

The interactive effect of applied zinc (Zn) and soil moisture on early vegetative growth of three alfalfa (lucerne) (Medicago sativa L.) varieties was investigated in a sand‐culture pot experiment to test whether there is link between Zn nutrition and soil moisture stress or excessive moisture tolerance in alfalfa plants. Three varieties (Sceptre, Pioneer L 69, and Hunterfield) with differential Zn efficiency (ability of a variety to grow and yield well in a Zn deficient soil is called a Zn‐efficient variety) were grown at two Zn levels (low Zn supply: 0.05 mg Zn kg^‐1 of soil, adequate Zn supply: 2.0 mg Zn kg^‐1 of soil) and three levels of soil moisture (soil moisture stress: 3% soil moisture on soil dry weight basis; adequate soil moisture: 12% soil moisture on soil dry weight basis; excessive soil moisture: 18% soil moisture on soil dry weight basis) in a Zn deficient (DTPA Zn: 0.06 mg kg^‐1 soil) siliceous sand. Zinc treatments were applied at planting, while soil moisture treatments were applied three weeks after planting and continued for two weeks. Plants were grown in pots under controlled temperature conditions (20°C, 12 h day length; 15°C, 12 h night cycle) in a glasshouse. Plants grown at low Zn supply developed Zn deficiency symptoms, and there was a severe solute leakage from the leaves of Zn‐deficient plants. Adequate Zn supply significantly enhanced the leaf area, leaf to stem ratio, biomass production of shoots, and roots, succulence of plants and Zn concentration in leaves. At low Zn supply, soil moisture stress and excessive moisture treatments significantly depressed the shoot dry matter, leaf area and leaf to stem ratio of alfalfa plants, while there was little impact of soil moisture treatments when supplied Zn concentration was high. The detrimental effects of soil moisture stress and excessive soil moisture under low Zn supply were less pronounced in Sceptre, a Zn‐efficient alfalfa variety compared with Hunterfield, a Zn‐inefficient variety. Results suggest that the ability of alfalfa plants to cope with water stress and excessive soil moisture during early vegetative stage was enhanced with adequate Zn nutrition.     

Zinc toxicity symptom development and partitioning of biomass and zinc in peanut plants 1

High soil zinc (Zn) concentrations can cause Zn toxicity in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), which decreases productivity and can be fatal to the plants. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the optimal sampling time and plant part for diagnosis of Zn toxicity in peanuts, 2) to relate toxicity symptoms to plant Zn concentrations and calcium:zinc (Ca:Zn) ratios, and 3) to model the distribution of Zn and biomass into plant parts in relation to Zn concentration in the whole plant. A greenhouse study utilized four soils (Lakeland sand, Tifton loamy sand, Greenville sandy clay loam, and Greenville sandy clay) with Zn applications of 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg Zn/kg soil. Plants were sampled for analysis of nutrient concentrations, and Zn toxicity ratings were recorded biweekly. Toxicity symptoms became visible 4–8 weeks after planting, with stunting appearing at four weeks, horizontal leaf growth and leaflet folding at six weeks, and stem splitting at eight weeks. Optimal sampling time for diagnosis of Zn toxicity using plant Zn concentrations in peanuts was 6–10 weeks after planting. Zinc toxicity ratings were more highly correlated with plant Zn concentration in stems (r = 0.84) than leaves (r = 0.79). However, the Zn concentration in the total aboveground plant had a correlation coefficient (r = 0.83) almost as high as for the stems alone and is more convenient to measure. Zinc toxicity symptoms occurred with Zn concentration in plant shoots >240 mg/kg, and Ca:Zn ratios <35. Increases in total plant Zn concentration were partitioned into peanut stems more than into leaves. Zinc toxicity also reduced stem biomass accumulation to a greater degree than leaf biomass.     

不同水分状况下施锌对玉米生长和锌吸收的影响

选择潮土(砂壤)和土(粘壤)两种质地不同的土壤,进行盆栽试验,研究不同土壤水分条件下施锌对玉米生长和锌吸收的影响。结果表明,施锌显著增加了玉米植株根、茎、叶以及整株干物质重;缺锌条件下玉米植株根冠比、根叶比和根茎比趋向增大。施锌显著提高了玉米植株各器官中锌的浓度和吸收量,并明显促进锌向地上部运移。干旱胁迫抑制了玉米植株生长,根冠比、根茎比、根叶比增大;随着土壤水分供应增加,植株生长加快,各器官生物量以茎和叶增加大于根。水分胁迫下,在潮土上玉米叶片中锌浓度上升;在土上叶片中锌浓度下降。但增施锌后,根和茎锌浓度增加幅度较大,叶片增加幅度较小;施锌和水分胁迫对根和茎锌浓度的交互作用极显著。水分胁迫下,玉米植株对锌的吸收总量减少。水分胁迫和锌肥施用对玉米叶片、茎锌吸收量的交互作用十分显著,但对根锌吸收量的交互影响不显著。     

不同土壤水分供应下锌对玉米叶片超微结构的影响

选择 土为供试土壤, 进行盆栽玉米试验, 设定0和5.0 mg·kg^-1两个锌处理, 按土壤饱和持水量的40%~45%和70%~75%在玉米的4叶1心期实施干旱和正常水分处理。生长50 d后, 测定不同土壤水分与锌供应状况下植株生物量和锌含量, 利用透射电子显微镜观察完全伸展新叶的超微结构变化, 以期揭示不同土壤水分供应下, 植物对施锌的响应机理。结果表明: 土壤水分供应充足条件下, 与不施锌相比, 施锌玉米地上部生物量和总干重分别增加78%和52%, 根系和地上部锌含量和锌吸收量增加较多; 而干旱条件下, 施锌对玉米生物量无显著影响。干旱条件下缺锌玉米叶片维管束鞘细胞中叶绿体结构基本保持完好, 淀粉粒和基质片层清晰可见, 但叶肉细胞中叶绿体膜受损, 基质片层结构出现皱缩, 基粒片层减少; 施锌玉米叶片维管束鞘细胞中叶绿体结构保持完好, 叶绿体周围的线粒体数目较多, 叶肉细胞中叶绿体中脂肪颗粒增多, 叶片维管束鞘细胞与叶肉细胞之间可见清晰的胞间连丝。土壤水分充足处理下, 缺锌叶片细胞膜出现皱缩, 维管束鞘细胞叶绿体淀粉粒增多, 片层结构受损, 严重时维管束鞘细胞中内溶物消失, 残存的叶绿体中仅有淀粉粒和少许片层; 叶肉细胞中叶绿体可见淀粉粒, 但片层结构少, 有些出现断裂、收缩。土壤水分充足条件下, 施锌玉米维管束鞘核叶肉细胞结构清晰, 叶绿体结构完整。结论认为: 锌对干旱胁迫下玉米叶片细胞结构的破坏有一定的缓解作用; 但土壤水分正常供应下, 缺锌导致细胞结构受损程度比干旱情况下更严重。     

Carboanhydrase-Aktivität und extrahierbares Zink als Maßstab für die Zink-Versorgung von Pflanzen

Carboanhydrase activity and extractable zinc as indicator of the zinc supply of plants 1. Maize, millet, tobacco, sugar-beet and vine were grown under controlled environmental conditions with different zinc concentrations in the substrate. Plant growth, zinc and phosphorus content of the dry matter, extractable zinc and carbonic anhydrase activity in the leaves were measured. 2. Increasing supply of zinc to strongly zinc deficient plants resulted in a marked increase of growth, whereas total zinc content of the leaf dry matter was only slightly and carbonic anhydrase activity was strongly affected. In extremely zinc deficient plants carbonic anhydrase activity was close to zero even though the zinc content of the dry matter was higher than 10 μg/g. Therefore carbonic anhydrase activity appears to reflect the amount of physiologically active zinc in the leaf tissue. It seems to be useful to decide critical cases even at latent zinc deficiency. 3. The P/Zn ratio is also an indicator of zinc supply when plants are extremely zinc deficient, but not under latent deficiency. Moreover the P/Zn ratio can vary in a wide range when plants are well supplied with zinc. 4. The zinc concentration of aqueous leaf extracts increased with increasing level of zinc. 2-3 μg Zn/ml extract were found to be sufficient for all plant species used and all conditions of growth applied. Apparently, the Zn-concentration of the aqueous leaf extract is a better parameter of zinc supply than total zinc or carbonic anhydrase activity which, in addition, is much more difficult to determine.     

Spatiotemporal changes of nitrate and Vc contents in hydroponic lettuce treated with various nitrogen-free solutions

Abstract

Nowadays, off-season leafy vegetables are generally characterized by low vitamin C (Vc) content and high nitrate accumulation due to low light intensity inner protected systems and high-level nitrogen supply. A glasshouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three kinds of nitrogen-free solution treatments before harvest on Vc and nitrate contents in expanded leaf blades, expanded leaf petioles and old leaves of hydroponic lettuce. The results showed that using nitrogen-free solutions could decrease nitrate contents of expanded leaf blades, expanded leaf petioles and old leaves, also nitrate contents in above parts reduced increasingly with treatment time extending. In addition, three nitrogen-free solution treatments increased the Vc content of expanded leaf blades instead of expanded leaf petioles and old leaves. There were instead of significant positive correlations between nitrate contents but Vc contents of expanded leaf blades, expanded leaf petioles and old leaves. To conclude, nitrogen disruption treatment before harvest could effectively reduce nitrate contents in edible parts of lettuce, and also improve Vc content in expanded leaf blade.     

Diagnosis of zinc deficiency in cotton

The diagnosis of Zn deficiency in cotton by means of total analysis or the appearance of deficiency symptoms is unsatisfactory. In order to obtain a better understanding of the development of Zn deficiency symptoms in relation to Zn content cotton plants were cultivated in waterculture under reproducible environmental conditions and Zn deficiency induced by different means. It was observed that deficiency symptoms developed equally, regardless of the inducing factors such as low Zn in the nutrient solution, high nutrient solution pH, high Ca and high Fe supply. High amounts of P in the nutrient solution did not induce Zn deficiency symptoms. Zn deficiency symptoms appeared first as interveinal chlorosis in the medium-aged leaves. The internodes remained short. Later red spots appeared on the leaf blades. The leaves suffering from deficiency were thicker because of enlarged palisade cells. The total Zn content of the leaves did not correlate with the symptoms. Different fractions of the Zn in the leaf (extractable with water, NaCl solution, hydrochloric acid) gave no better results. The analytically determined and calculated Zn fractions are discussed in relation to Zn deficiency inducing conditions.     

Zinc‐boron interaction effects in oilseed rape

The interaction effect of applied zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on early vegetative growth and uptake of Zn and B by two oilseed rape (canola) (Brassica napus L.) genotypes was investigated in a sand culture experiment under controlled environmental conditions. Two genotypes (Yickadee and Dunkeld) were grown at three Zn levels (0.05, 0.25, and 2.0 mg kg^‐1 soil) and two B levels (0.05 mg kg^‐1 soil and 0.5 mg kg^‐1 soil). Dunkeld produced significantly higher shoot and root dry matter than Yickadee at low Zn and low B supply indicating the superiority of Dunkeld over Yickadee for tolerance to both low Zn and low B supply. Chlorophyll content of fresh leaf tissue was increased significantly by an increase in Zn and B supply. Zinc deficiency enhanced B concentration in younger and older leaves. Boron concentration was higher in older leaves than in the younger leaves irrespective of B deficiency and sufficiency indicating immobility of B in two oilseed rape genotypes tested. Zinc concentration was higher in younger leaves than in the older leaves indicating mobility of Zn. An increased supply of Zn enhanced B uptake under high boron supply only. Zinc uptake in Dunkeld was enhanced significantly with an increased rate of B supply under high Zn supply, while the effect was not significant in Yickadee. Dunkeld proved to be more efficient in Zn and B uptake than Yickadee.     

Differential response of two taro cultivars to aluminum: II. Plant mineral concentrations

Abstract

One proposed mechanism of aluminum (Al)‐tolerance involves the ability of plants to maintain uptake of essential mineral elements in the presence of Al. To examine this hypothesis, taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] cultivars (cv.) Lehua maoli and Bun long were grown in hydroponic solution at six initial Al levels (0, 110, 220, 440, 890, and 1330 μM Al), and plant mineral concentrations were determined after 27 days. Increasing Al levels significantly increased Al concentrations in taro leaf blades, petioles, and roots. This increase in Al concentrations in the leaf blades as solution Al levels increased was greater for Al‐sensitive cv. Bun long compared to cv. Lehua maoli, resulting in significant interaction between Al and cultivar effects. However, no significant cultivar differences were found for Al concentrations in the petioles or roots. Increasing Al levels in solution significantly depressed concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) in taro leaf blades, and significantly depressed concentrations of Ca, Mg, copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in taro roots. Aluminum‐induced Ca deficiency appeared to be one possible mechanism of Al phototoxicity in taro, becvasue Ca concentrations in the leaf blades and roots at the higher Al levels were within the critical deficiency range reported for taro. Significant cultivar differences were found, in which Al‐tolerant cv. Lehua maoli had significantly greater Ca and Cu concentrations in the roots, and significantly greater potassium (K) concentrations in the leaf blades across all Al levels. Our results show that Al‐tolerance in taro cultivars is associated with the ability to maintain uptake of essential mineral nutrients, particularly Ca and K, in the presence of Al.     

供硫水平对花生叶片硫素含量与形态的影响

采用盆栽方法研究了供硫水平对花生不同叶龄叶片的硫酸盐、谷胱甘肽和蛋白态硫含量及其形态的影响。结果表明,叶片谷胱甘肽含量随叶龄增大而减少,硫酸盐含量却相反。当硫素供应充足时,幼叶谷胱甘肽含量占总硫 4.6%,蛋白态硫含量占 91%,其余以硫酸盐形式存在;中龄叶及老叶的硫酸盐含量占总硫的60%~80%,而谷胱甘肽含量不到1%。当硫素供应不足时,幼叶和中龄叶含硫化合物总量减少,尤其是硫酸盐。因此,在缺硫时,谷胱甘肽不是植株硫的主要来源,且低氮加重缺硫症状发生。不同叶龄叶片对缺硫反应不同,幼叶对缺硫反应更为敏感。     

Sulfur composition of soybeans as affected by macronutrient deficiencies

Abstract

Results of solution culture experiments on effects of N, P, and K deficiencies on S constituents of leaf blades, total S concentrations, and S uptake by soybean plants are reported. Nitrogen deficiency decreased the concentration of soluble protein S, had little effect on nonsoluble S, and increased concentrations of soluble nonprotein S, sulfate S, reduced non‐protein S, and total S of soybean leaf blades. Soluble protein and S content of soluble protein decreased under N‐deficient conditions. For whole plants, S concentration and S uptake increased while dry weight was unaffected by N deficiency.

Phosphorus deficiency did not significantly affect S constituents of soybean leaf blades or whole plants. However, S concentrations and S uptake tended to decrease when P was deficient.

Potassium deficiency increased nonsoluble S concentrations in leaf blades and total S concentrations in whole plants but lowered dry weight per plant. Other S fractions of the leaf blades and S uptake per plant were not significantly affected.     

Iron deficiency and zinc toxicity in soybean grown in nutrient solution with different levels of sulfur

A typical symptom of iron (Fe) deficiency in plants is yellowing or chlorosis of leaves. Heavy metal toxicity, including that of zinc (Zn), is often also expressed by chlorosis and may be called Fe chlorosis. Iron deficiency and Zn toxicity were evaluated in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) at two levels each of Zn (0.8 and 40 μM), Fe (0 and 20 μM), and sulfur (S) (0.02 and 20 mM). Reduction in dry matter yield and leaf chlorosis were observed in plants grown under the high level of Zn (toxic level), as well as in the absence of Fe. Zinc toxicity, lack of Fe, and the combination of these conditions reduced dry matter yield to the same extent when compared to the yield of the control plants. The symptoms of Zn toxicity were chlorosis in the trifoliate leaves and a lack of change in the orientation of unifoliate leaves when exposed to light. The main symptoms of Fe deficiency were chlorosis in the whole shoot and brown spots and flaccid areas in the leaves. The latter symptom did not appear in plants grown with Fe but under Zn toxicity. It seems that Fe deficiency is a major factor impairing the growth of plants exposed to high levels of Zn. Under Zn toxicity, Fe and Zn translocation from roots to shoots increased as the S supply to the plants was increased.     

利用螯合–缓冲营养液对小麦苗期磷–锌关系的研究

采用螯合缓冲营养液培养技术（Chelator-buffer culture solution）,对小麦幼苗植株的磷锌营养进行了探讨。结果表明,高磷条件下小麦出现的缺锌黄化与磷中毒症状之间存在着明显区别,本研究结果支持高磷条件下作物出现的黄化是锌缺乏症状而非磷中毒的观点。与缺磷相比,正常供磷促进了小麦的生长,但过量磷对小麦生长有阻碍作用,而且锌的供应加剧了促进或抑制的程度。正常供应磷、锌条件下,小麦幼苗根系或地上部的磷、锌含量、吸收量及转运率均处于相对较高的水平,其余各处理则因为磷或锌供应量不适宜而使植株的磷、锌营养受到不同程度的影响。另外,磷锌相互拮抗的作用方式及大小程度不同:磷主要影响小麦根系对锌的吸收,而锌对小麦磷营养的影响主要是通过对其从根系向地上部转运的抑制来实现的;磷对锌的影响要明显大于锌对磷的影响,磷素水平在小麦的磷、锌营养平衡中起着更为重要的作用。磷锌拮抗作用只在双方供应不适宜的情况下发生,而且相互作用的方式及程度存在明显差异。     

Diagnosing zinc deficiency in rapeseed and mustard by seed analysis

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in crops, including rapeseed and mustard, is a widespread nutritional disorder especially in alkaline soils. However, plant analysis diagnostic criteria for interpreting Zn analysis in rapeseed and mustard are scarcely reported in the literature. Use of seeds for diagnosing Zn fertility status of soils has certain advantages over foliar analysis—ease of sampling, processing, and chemical analysis. Despite this, mature seeds of these species were hardly evaluated as an index tissue for this purpose. Our study determined Zn requirement in foliar tissues and also evaluated Zn composition of mature seeds as an index of Zn status of soils and plants. Zinc concentration in mature seeds of the test crops reflected the Zn status of the soil where plants were grown. In fact, the range of Zn concentration in grains was almost comparable with the ranges in foliar plant parts. Critical Zn concentration (mg/kg) in diagnostic plant parts of rapeseed was: whole shoots, 29; leaves, 33; and seeds, 29; while the Zn requirement of mustard was a little higher: whole shoots, 35; leaves, 41; and seeds, 33.     

Zinc Fertilization Impact on Irrigated Cotton Grown in an Aridisol: Growth,Productivity, Fiber Quality,and Oil Quality

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is widespread in calcareous soils. Therefore, we conducted a 2-year field experiment to investigate the impact of graded Zn levels on growth, yield, and fiber and oil quality of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., cv. CIM-473) grown in a calcareous Aridisol having 0.54 mg diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Zn kg^?1 soil. Zinc use increased boll bearing, boll weight, seed index, and seed cotton yield (P ≤ 0.05). Maximum yield increase was 15%, with 7.5 kg Zn ha^?1; however, greater Zn levels depressed yield. Leaf chlorophyll, membrane permeability, seed protein, and oil content and quality improved (P ≤ 0.05), and fiber quality remained unaffected with Zn use. Critical Zn concentration in cotton leaves was 36 mg kg^?1. Positive relationships of leaf Zn concentration were observed with boll weight, protein content, total unsaturated fatty acids, and fiber characteristics. Thus, Zn fertilization of low-Zn Aridisols is suggested for improving cotton productivity and seed quality.