Uptake of Iron (59Fe) Complexed to Water‐Extractable Humic Substances by Sunflower Leaves

Abstract

A research was carried out to evaluate the leaves' ability to utilize Fe supplied as a complex with water‐extractable humic substances (WEHS) and the long‐distance transport of ⁵⁹Fe applied to sections of fully expanded leaves of intact sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants. Plants were grown in a nutrient solution containing 10 µM Fe(III)‐EDDHA (Fe‐sufficient plants), with the addition of 10 mM NaHCO₃ to induce iron chlorosis (Fe‐deficient plants). Fe(III)‐WEHS could be reduced by sunflower leaf discs at levels comparable to those observed using Fe(III)‐EDTA, regardless of the Fe status. On the other hand, ⁵⁹Fe uptake rate by leaf discs of green and chlorotic plants was significantly lower in Fe‐WEHS‐treated plants, possibly suggesting the effect of light on photochemical reduction of Fe‐EDTA. In the experiments with intact plants, ⁵⁹Fe‐labeled Fe‐WEHS or Fe‐EDTA were applied onto a section of fully expanded leaves. Irrespective of Fe nutritional status, ⁵⁹Fe uptake was significantly higher when the treatment was carried out with Fe‐EDTA. A significant difference was found in the amount of ⁵⁹Fe translocated from treated leaf area between green and chlorotic plants. However, irrespective of the Fe nutritional status, no significant difference was observed in the absolute amount of ⁵⁹Fe translocated to other plant parts when the micronutrient was supplied either as Fe‐EDTA or Fe‐WEHS. Results show that the utilization of Fe complexed to WEHS by sunflower leaves involves an Fe(III) reduction step in the apoplast prior to its uptake by the symplast of leaf cells and that Fe taken up from the Fe‐WEHS complexes can be translocated from fully expanded leaves towards the roots and other parts of the shoot.     

IRON EFFICIENCY IN KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS NOT RELATED TO PHYTOSIDEROPHORE RELEASE

Some Kentucky bluegrass (KBG; Poa pratensis L.) is susceptible to iron (Fe)-deficiency chlorosis. Under Fe-deficiency stress, phytosiderophore is produced and released by the roots of many grasses to solubilize soil Fe and enhance uptake. In other species, quantifying phytosiderophore screens for Fe-deficiency resistant cultivars. A hydroponic study was conducted at 1 and 10 μM solution Fe to variously stress ‘Baron’, ‘Award’, ‘Limousine’, and ‘Rugby II’ KBG cultivars. One μM Fe solution produced more Fe-deficiency stress in all cultivars compared to 10 μM, resulting in greater chlorosis and phytosiderophore release but reduced shoot and root Fe concentrations and shoot weight. Of the four cultivars, Baron was the most susceptible to Fe deficiency and exhibited severe Fe chlorosis and low shoot Fe but, surprisingly, produced the most phytosiderophore. These results imply that Fe-deficiency susceptibility in KBG may be less related to phytosiderophore release and more related to inefficient uptake or utilization mechanisms.     

Iron deficiency stress response of various c‐3 and c‐4 grain crop genotypes: Strategy II mechanism evaluated

The relative amount of phytosiderophore produced by various Strategy II plants has been categorized as follows: barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) > wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) > oat (Avena byzantina C. Koch.) > rye (Secale cereale L.) >> corn (Zea mays L.) >> sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) > rice (Oryza sativa L.). With the exception of rice, these plants developed under oxidized soil conditions, and the C‐3 species produce more phytosiderophore than C‐4 species under Fe‐deficiency stress. Iron‐efficient Coker 227 oat produced phytosiderophore in response to Fe‐deficiency stress, while Fe‐inefficient TAM 0–312 oat did not. Although Fe‐efficient WF9 corn and Fe‐inefficient ys₁ corn differed in their ability to obtain Fe, neither produced sufficient quantities of phytosiderophore to explain these differences. The objectives of this research were to determine: (a) if phytosiderophore production of Fe‐deficiency stressed C‐4 species millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and corn is low or absent compared to identically stressed C‐3 species oat and barley, and (b) if native, inbred and hybrid corn cultivars differ in ability to produce and utilize phytosiderophores.

Although release of phytosiderophore for Fe‐stressed corn and millet was generally lower than oat, quantity of release was not always related to obtaining Fe and maintaining green plants. Barley maintained high leaf Fe and low chlorosis with a minor release of phytosiderophore. Oat with increased release acted similarly to barley, whereas a relatively high release of phytosiderophore from White maize did not effect Fe uptake or greening. Likewise, small amounts of phytosiderophore were produced by all corn types, but corn was generally unable to obtain adequate Fe from the growth medium. Two of the native corns, Coneso and Tepecintle, maintained relatively low chlorosis, but they differed in phytosiderophore release. Thus, it appears that the C‐4 plants studied herein generally release a lower amount of phytosiderophore than do C‐3 species, but overcoming Fe‐deficiency chlorosis is not guaranteed by such release. The Strategy II mechanism of mere release of phytosiderophore and consequential Fe acquisition appears simplistic. There is a need for understanding what other factors are involved.     

Aluminum and iron(III) species in the soil solution including organic complexes with citrate and humic substances

The solubility of Al and Fe in soil is of relevance for their toxicity and availability, respectively, to plant roots. Humic substances as the main part of stable soil organic matter and citrate which is often excreted by P deficient plants are strong complexants of Al and Fe(III). Therefore, equations were developed to calculate the Al and Fe(III) species distribution in the soil solution in the presence of humic substances and citrate as organic ligands. Calculations in the pH range 4.0–7.0 showed that at higher pH humic-Al complexes were the most important species whereas AlOH-citrate^? dominated between pH 4.0 and 5.4. Free monomeric Al and AlSO₄⁺ were of minor relevance. Iron(III) species calculations showed that humic-Fe complexes were the main species in the pH range 4.0–7.0. But if mugineic acid, a Fe complexing phytosiderophore released into the rhizosphere by graminaceous plant species, was present in the soil solution (10^?6 M), Fe-mugineic acid complexes accounted for most of the Fe in solution. Fe-citrate^? was relevant at lower pH but contributed little to Fe(III) species at pH > 6.0. The results demonstrate the strong importance of the considered organic ligands for Fe and Al in the soil solution.     

Crystallization of single and binary iron‐ and aluminum hydroxides affect phosphorus desorption

In acidic soils, phosphorus availability is affected by its strong affinity for mineral surfaces, especially Fe‐ and Al‐hydroxides. Plant roots have developed adaptive strategies to enhance the availability of phosphorus, including producing and exuding low molecular weight organic acids with a high affinity for phosphorus that competes with high molecular weight organic ligands formed during humification and mineralization. The aim of this study was to characterize the kinetics and mechanism of phosphorus desorption from Fe‐ and Al‐hydroxides of variable crystallinity, as well as binary Fe:Al‐hydroxide mixtures. Long‐term desorption experiments (56 days) were conducted with CaCl₂, CaSO₄, citric acid, and humic acid as competitive sorptives. CaCl₂ and CaSO₄ were selected as general inorganic sorptives and citric and humic acids were selected as organic ligands produced by organisms in the rhizosphere or following humification. The cumulative phosphorus desorption increased following the order CaCl₂ < CaSO₄ < humic acid < citric acid. Amorphous ferrihydrite and Fe‐rich Fe:Al‐hydroxides exhibited much less desorption when exposed to inorganic solutions than the crystalline and Al‐rich Fe:Al‐hydroxide mixtures. Models of the desorption data suggest phosphorus desorption with citric acid is diffusion‐controlled for ferrihydrite and Fe‐rich amorphous Fe:Al‐hydroxides. When humic acid was the sorptive, metal‐organic complexes accumulated in the solution. The results suggest organic compounds, especially citric acid, are more important for liberating phosphorus from Fe‐ and Al‐minerals than inorganic ions present in the soil solution.     

Iron inefficient and efficient oat cultivars. II. Characterization of phytosiderophore released in response to Fe deficiency stress

Abstract

Iron‐inefficient TAM 0–312 and Fe‐efficient Coker 227 oats (Strategy II plants) differ in their release of phytosiderophore in response to iron‐deficiency stress—the Fe‐efficient Coker 227 releases a phytosiderophore whereas the Fe‐inefficient TAM 0–312 does not. The phytosiderophore released by Coker 227 oats in response to Fe‐deficiency stress does not appear to transport Fe into the plant as Fe phytosiderophore. When the Fe‐inefficient TAM 0–312 and Fe‐efficient Coker 227 oats were subjected to Fe supplied as Fe²⁺(BPDS)₃, Fe³⁺HEDTA, as Fe³⁺EDDHA, Coker 227 utilized the Fe more efficiently than TAM 0–312 in every case. Both cultivars reduced Fe³⁺ as FeCl₃ to form Fe²⁺(BPOS)₃ and responded better to this form of Fe than Fe supplied as the ferric chelate. Reduction of Fe³⁺ at the root appears to be a factor that facilitates iron uptake by Coker 227 oats and the release of a phytosiderophore appears to make more Fe available at the root that can be reduced and transported to plant tops.     

Factors related to iron uptake by dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. I. pH and reductant

Some plants respond to Fe‐deficiency stress by inducing Fe‐solubilizing reactions at or near the root surface. In their ability to solubilize Fe, dicotyledonous plants are more effective than monocotyledonous plants. In this study we determined how representative plants differ in their response when subjected to Fe‐deficiency stress in a calcareous soil and in nutrient solutions. Iron‐inefficient genotypes of tomato, soybean, oats, and corn all developed Fe chlorosis when grown in soil, whereas Fe‐efficient genotypes of these same species remained green. The same genotypes were grown in complete nutrient solutions and then transferred to nutrient solutions containing N (as NO₃ ^‐) and no Fe.

The T3238 FER tomato (Lycopersican esculentum Mill.) Fe‐efficient) was the only genotype that released significant amounts of H from the roots (the pH was lowered to 3.9) and concomitantly released reductants. Under similar conditions, Hawkeye soyhean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] released reductants but the solution pH was not lowered. Both Fe‐inefficient and Fe‐efficient genotypes of oats (Avena sativa L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) released insufficient H or reductant from their roots to solubilize Fe; as a result, each of these genotypes developed Fe‐deficiency (chlorosis).

The marked differences observed among these genotypes illustrate the genetic variability inherent within many plant species. A given species or genotype may accordingly not be adapted to a particular soil. Conversely, a given species or genotype may be found (or developed) that is precisely suited for a particular soil. In this event, the need for soil amendments may be reduced or eliminated.     

Effect of zinc deficiency in wheat on the release of zinc and iron mobilizing root exudates

The effect of Zn deficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Ares) on the release of Zn mobilizing root exudates was studied in nutrient solution. Compared to Zn sufficient plants, Zn deficient plants had higher root and lower shoot dry weights. After visual Zn deficiency symptoms in leaves appeared (15–17 day old plants) there was a severalfold increase in the release of root exudates efficient at mobilizing Zn from either a selective cation exchanger (Zn-chelite) or a calcareous soil. The release of these root exudates by Zn deficient plants followed a distinct diurnal rhythm with a maximum between 2 and 8 h after the onset of light. Re-supply of Zn to deficient plants depressed the release of Zn mobilizing root exudates within 12 h to about 50%-, and after 72 h to the level of the control plants (Zn sufficient plants). The root exudates of Zn deficient wheat plants were equally effective at mobilizing Fe from freshly precipitated Fe^III hydroxide as Zn from Zn-chelite. Furthermore, root exudates from Fe deficient wheat plants mobilized Zn from Zn-chelite, as well as Fe from Fe^III hydroxide. Purification of the root exudates and identification by HPLC indicated that under Zn as well as under Fe deficiency, wheat roots of the cv. Ares released the phytosiderophore 2′-deoxymugineic acid. Additional experiments with barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Europa) showed that in this species another phytosiderophore (epi-3-hydroxymugineic acid) was released under both Zn and Fe deficiencies. These results demonstrate that the enhanced release of phytosiderophores by roots of grasses is not a response mechanism specific for Fe deficiency, but also occurs under Zn deficiency. The ecological relevance of enhanced release of phytosiderophore also under Zn deficiency is discussed.     

Partial replacement of Fe(o,o‐EDDHA) by humic substances for Fe nutrition and fruit quality of citrus

The most widely used Iron (Fe) fertilizer in calcareous soils is the synthetic chelate Fe(o,o‐EDDHA). However, humic substances are occasionally combined with Fe chelates in drip irrigation systems in order to lower costs. We investigated the effect of various mixtures of Fe(o,o‐EDDHA) and a commercially available humic substance on Fe availability in a calcareous soil from Murcia, Spain (in vitro experiment) and on leaf Fe content and fruit‐quality attributes of Citrus macrophylla (field experiment). In the in vitro experiment, a calcareous soil was incubated for 15 d with solutions of sole Fe(o,o‐EDDHA) and humic substance and of a mixture of humic substance and Fe(o,o‐EDDHA) to determine the dynamics of available Fe. While the mixture did not significantly increase the available soil Fe, it did decrease the rate of Fe retention in the surface soil compared to sole Fe(o,o‐EDDHA). In the field experiment, the substitution in the application solution of 67% of Fe(o,o‐EDDHA) by commercial humic substance increased leaf P in lemon trees from 0.19% with sole Fe(o,o‐EDDHA) to 0.30% and leaf Fe from 94 mg kg^–1 to 115 mg kg^–1. Some quality parameters like vitamin C content and peel thickness were also improved with a partial substitution of Fe(o,o‐EDDHA) by humic substances. We conclude that a partial substitution of commercial Fe chelates by humic substance can improve crop Fe uptake and may thus be economically attractive. The underlying physiological mechanisms and ecological implications require further studies.     

Zinc‐efficient wild grasses enhance release of phytosiderophores under zinc deficiency

The effect of the zinc (Zn) nutritional status on the rate of phyto‐siderophore release was studied in three wild grass species (Hordeum murinum, Agropyron orientale, and Secale cereale) grown in nutrient solution under co‐trolled environmental conditions. These wild grasses are highly “Zn‐efficient”; and grow well on severely Zn‐deficient calcareous soils in Turkey (DTPA‐extractable Zn was 0.12 mg/kg soil and CaCO₃ was 37%). In all wild grasses studied, Zn deficiency reduced shoot growth but had no effect on root growth. Low amounts of phytosiderophores were released from roots of all wild grasses adequately supplied with Zn. In plants grown without Zn, release of phytosiderophores progressively increased with the onset of visual Zn deficiency symptoms, such as inhibition of shoot elongation and appearance of chlorotic and necrotic patches on leaves. Compared to Zn‐sufficient plants, phytosiderophore release increased 18–20‐fold in deficient plants. HPLC analysis of root exudates showed that the dominating phytosiderophore in Zn‐deficient Agropyron and Hordeum was 3‐epi‐hydro‐xymugineic acid (epi‐HMA) and was 3‐hydroxy‐mugineic acid (HMA) in Secale. Besides HMA, epi‐HMA and mugineic acid (MA) were also detected in exudates of Zn‐deficient Secale. The results indicate the importance of phytosiderophores in adaptation of wild grasses to Zn‐deficient calcareous soils. Phytosiderophores might enhance mobilization of Zn from sparingly soluble Zn pools and from adsorption sites, both in the rhizosphere and within the plants.     

Phytosiderophore release as a criterion for genotypic evaluation of iron efficiency in oat

Iron (Fe) deficiency in small grains grown on calcareous soils results in reduced yields, is difficult and expensive to treat with fertilizer, and is complicated to overcome by genetic field screening due to heterogeneous soil and environmental conditions. Recently, phytosiderophore release has been linked to ability of species and genotypes to resist Fe‐deficiency chlorosis. We propose a laboratory technique to measure phytosiderophore release by Fe‐deficient oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes as a selection method for Fe‐deficiency chlorosis resistance in oat. Plants were grown in Fe‐limiting nutrient solution and phytosiderophore release was measured on 11 days. Summations of daily phytosiderophore release by 17 oat genotypes correlate well with Fe‐deficiency chlorosis scores in the field (r = ‐0.70, p = 0.01). The proposed method consistently identified the genotypes most susceptible to Fe deficiency but did not clearly separate the moderately susceptible genotypes. In these latter genotypes, other factors such as active uptake sites, root growth rate, utilization of acquired Fe, or soil interactions may be modifying factors to phytosiderophore in Fe efficiency. Quantification of phytosiderophore provides a useful selection criterion for oat by eliminating the most inefficient types and with refinement, may become a powerful tool for identifying Fe efficiency in grass crops.     

Plant Uptake of Iron Chelated by Humic Acids of Different Molecular Weights

Abstract

Mobilization of iron (Fe) chelated by humic acids (HA) of low (HA_10,000) and high molecular weight (HA_100,000) fractions and its uptake by plants were investigated in growth experiments with sunflower seedlings. The iron chelates (labeled with ⁵⁹Fe) contained in dialysis bags (mw. cutoff=3500) were placed in minus iron Hoagland solutions as the Fe source and at the same time fulvic acid (FA), EDTA, and low and high molecular weight HA fractions were added in the solutions as mobilizators. Characterization of FA, HA_10,000, and HA_100,000 were performed by infrared spectroscopy and chemical analysis, e.g., total acidity, COOH, and phenolic‐OH content. Roots and leaves were harvested, dried, and ground for Fe activity determination. Iron contents and pH in the nutrient solutions were measured before and after treatments. The supply of Fe to the plants was apparently sufficient, because no Fe deficiency has been detected in the test plants but during the whole absorption period, the pH of the nutrient solution was about 4.5. The Fe contents in leaves indicated that part of the Fe was rapidly transported from roots to leaves. Judging from the Fe contents in leaves, it was assumed that the small size HA_10,000 and EDTA were the most efficient in affecting transport of Fe from root to leaf tissue. FA, HA_10,000, and especially HA_100,000 were unable to penetrate the dialysis bags and, hence, were effective in Fe mobilization only after the Fe, dissociated from the Fe‐HA chelate, has passed the dialysis membrane into the nutrient solutions. In contrast, the small size EDTA was expected to have penetrated the dialysis bags, permitting mobilization of chelated Fe by ligand exchange inside the bags, and transporting the Fe to the roots. The results suggested that the humic substances used in this study were able to form with the Fe³⁺ ion complexes that maintained the iron available to the sunflower plants. In the chemical form of Fe.L, where L was FA o HA, the iron within the bags or in solution or in the roots free space, was available for exchange reactions with the natural sunflower plant chelators for its transport to the leaves.     

Degradation and humification of maize straw in soil microcosms inoculated with simple and complex microbial communities

Microbial communities are responsible for soil organic matter cycling and thus for maintaining soil fertility. A typical Orthic Luvisol was freed from organic carbon by thermal destruction at 600°C. Then the degradation and humification of ¹⁴C‐labelled maize straw by defined microbial communities was analysed. To study the role of microbial diversity on the humification of plant material, microcosms containing sterilized soil were inoculated with a natural microbial community or with microbial consortia consisting of bacterial and fungal soil isolates. Within 6 weeks, 41 ± 4% of applied ¹⁴C‐labelled maize straw was mineralized in the soil microcosms containing complex communities derived from a soil suspension, whilst the most efficient communities composed of soil isolates mineralized less than 35%. The humification products were analysed by solution state ¹³C‐NMR‐spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The analyses of humic acids extracts by solution state ¹³C‐NMR‐spectroscopy revealed no difference in the development of typical chemical functional groups for humic substances during incubation. However, the increase in specific molecular size fractions of the extracted humic acids occurred only after inoculation with complex communities, but not with defined isolates. While it seems to be true that redundancy in soil microbial communities contributes to the resilience of soils, specific soil functions may no longer be performed if a microbial community is harshly affected in its diversity or growth conditions.     

Transformation of organic matter from maize residues into labile and humic fractions of three European soils as revealed by 13C distribution and CPMAS-NMR spectra

The dynamics of incorporation of fresh organic residues into the various fractions of soil organic matter have yet to be clarified in terms of chemical structures and mechanisms involved. We studied by ¹³C‐dilution analysis and CPMAS‐¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy the distribution of organic carbon from mixed or mulched maize residues into specific defined fractions such as carbohydrates and humic fractions isolated by selective extractants in a year‐long incubation of three European soils. The contents of carbohydrates in soil particle size fractions and relative δ¹³C values showed no retention of carbohydrates from maize but rather decomposition of those from native organic matter in the soil. By contrast, CPMAS‐¹³C‐NMR spectra of humic (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) extracted by alkaline solution generally indicated the transfer of maize C (mostly carbohydrates and peptides) into humic materials, whereas spectra of organic matter extracted with an acetone solution (HE) indicated solubilization of an aliphatic‐rich, hydrophobic fraction that seemed not to contain any C from maize. The abundance of ¹³C showed that all humic fractions behaved as a sink for C from maize residues but the FA fraction was related to the turnover of fresh organic matter more than the HA. Removal of hydrophobic components from incubated soils by acetone solution allowed a subsequent extraction of HA and, especially, FA still containing much C from maize. The combination of isotopic measurements and NMR spectra indicated that while hydrophilic compounds from maize were retained in HA and FA, hydrophobic components in the HE fraction had chemical features similar to those of humin. Our results show that the organic compounds released in soils by mineralization of fresh plant residues are stored mainly in the hydrophilic fraction of humic substances which are, in turn, stabilized against microbial degradation by the most hydrophobic humic matter. Our findings suggest that native soil humic substances contribute to the accumulation of new organic matter in soils.     

Adsorption and desorption of cadmium by synthetic and natural organo-clay complexes

Tracer levels of ¹⁰⁹Cd were used to study the adsorption and desorption of Cd by synthetic and natural organo—clay complexes. Synthetic organo—clay complexes were made by adsorbing humic acid extracted from soil to various forms of < 2 μm diameter montmorillonite (Na, Ca, Al, and Fe saturated and Ca-montmorillonite coated with Al or Fe hydroxide). Natural organo—clay complexes were fractionated from the clay fraction of a Captina silt loam by density-gradient centrifugation in a large-scale zonal rotor.To evaluate the influence of humic acid on adsorption of Cd, Cd was adsorbed to the various forms of montmorillonite before and after humic acid adsorption. No appreciable difference in Cd adsorption was noted except in the case where montmorillonite was coated with Al or Fe hydroxides. Cadmium was found to be strongly bonded to clays coated with Al or Fe hydroxides; however, Cd adsorption to these clays after humic acid adsorption was considerably less. Data indicated Cd and humic acid adsorption sites on Al or Fe coated clays were either identical or prior adsorption of humic acid simply covered available Cd sites.Cadmium adsorption to clay density fractions showed that greatest adsorption was to fractions containing high quantities of organic matter or sesquioxides. Desorption of Cd with 0.01 M Ca (NO₃)₂ showed that Cd was adsorbed more tenaciously to the sesquioxides than organo—clay fractions.     

MAIZE HYBRIDS DIFFER IN THEIR 24-H PATTERNS OF PHYTOSIDEROPHORE RELEASE

Iron (Fe) chlorosis tolerant gramineous species respond to Fe-deficiency stress by releasing phytosiderophores. The objective of this study was to characterize the diurnal pattern of phytosiderophore release from Fe-chlorosis tolerant and susceptible maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids. Phytosiderophore was collected from individual, Fe-deficient maize plants in 10 mg L^?1 Micropur solution during 4-h collection periods. The diurnal pattern of phytosiderophore release differed among maize hybrids. Similar levels of phytosiderophore were released during light and dark conditions for three hybrids. Greater phytosiderophore release was measured from a fourth hybrid when the collection procedure began 2-h after the initiation of light compared to 2-h before the initiation of dark. When a single plant was used for six consecutive collection periods, phytosiderophore release declined during the final 8- to 12-h of collection. The decline in phytosiderophore release was attributed to dissolution of apoplastic Fe and deactivation of the Fe-stress response mechanism.     

Responses by iron-efficient and inefficient oat cultivars to inoculation with siderophore-producing bacteria in a calcareous soil

Rhizosphere bacteria may enhance plant uptake of Fe by producing siderophores that chelate sparingly soluble Fe³⁺ in calcareous soils. To evaluate the extent to which plants benefit from colonization of the roots by prolific siderophore-producing bacteria, we inoculated two oat cultivars with six strains of bacteria that produced high concentrations of siderophores under Felimiting conditions in vitro. Oat cv Coker 227, an Fe-efficient cultivar, which produces the phytosiderophore avenic acid, and cv TAM 0-312, and Fe-inefficient cultivar, which does not produce the phytosiderophore, were grown in a calcareous soil (Weswood silt loam) on a light bench in the laboratory. Half of the plants were fertilized with a nutrient solution containing 5 mM Fe and half with a nutrient solution containing no Fe. After 6 weeks of growth, we compared colonization of the roots by the inoculant bacteria and the dry weight and Fe content of roots and shoots. Three species of Pseudomonas colonized the roots of both oat cultivars in high numbers (10⁶ cells g^-1 root dry weight), whereas the remaining bacteria colonized the roots in substantially lower numbers (10⁴ cells g^-1 root dry weight). Plants fertilized with 5 mM Fe were larger and supported greater numbers or rhizosphere bacteria per gram of root than plants not supplied with Fe. Comparisons of the Fe content and dry weight of roots and shoots revealed few significant differences between inoculated and uninoculated plants, or among the plants inoculated with the different strains of siderophore-producing bacteria. The differences that were observed revealed no consistent response to inoculation. We conclude that inoculation of the roots of the two oat cultivars with bacteria that produce high concentrations of siderophores in response to an Fe deficiency had little or no effect on Fe acquisition by the plants.     

麦根酸的分泌及其对土壤中铁的有效性的影响

Large amounts of phytosiderophore are detected from both the solution and the rhizosphere soil when cereal crops are under Fe deficiency stress.The extension of phytosiderophore in the rhizosphere soil is found only within 1 mm apart from the root surface.The rate of phytosiderophore secretion is negatively related to chlorophyll content in young leaves and positively related to the Fe-solubilizing capacity.Results from in vitro experiments whow 10 μmoles mugineic acid can dissolve 501 μg Fe from iron hydroxide and 146 ug from strengite.Thus,phytosiderophore can considerably enhance the soil iron availability by increasing the solubility of amorphous iron hydroxide and iron phosphate,and active Fe is consequently accumulated in the plant rhizosphere,43% higher than in the bulk soils There is evidence to support that mugineic acid chelates with Fe%3 at a rate of 1:1 in the acid condition.In addition,we observe mugineic acid has certain effects on mobilization of P as well as Fe by dissolving the insoluble iron phosphate,And phytosiderophore seems to be an effective remedy for the chlorosis of dicotyledonous plants.     

Diurnal variations in absorption and translocation of a ferrated phytosiderophore in barley as affected by iron deficiency

The release of phytosiderophore (PS) from roots of Fe-deficient graminaceous plants follows a distinct diurnal rhythm with maximum release rates occurring usually 3 to 4 hours after the onset of light. However, it remains to be determined whether absorption of the PS-Fe³⁺ complex shows a diurnal rhythmicity similar to that of PS release, Barley plants grown with or without 10 µM FeEDTA for 7 days were fed with ferreted PS (10 µM labelled with ⁵⁹Fe) at 4-h intervals to study the diurnal variations in the absorption and transloca tion of ⁵⁹Fe, The absorption of ⁵⁹Fe, irrespective of the Fe nutritional status of the plants, was higher during the day and lower during the night but did not show any peak throughout the day-night cycle. On the other hand, the translocation of ⁵⁹Fe into shoots of Fe-deficient plants was lower than that of Fe-sufficient plants, while the Fe nutritional status of the plants did not affect the absorption of ⁵⁹Fe by roots, The formation of root apoplastic ⁵⁹Fe was lower during the day and higher during the night, regardless of the Fe nutritional status of plants. Our results showed that the absorption of the PS-Fe³⁺ complex by roots did not follow the PS release pattern.     

The involvement of iron and aluminum in the bonding of phosphorus to soil humic acid

Abstract

With a peat soil similar amounts of phosphorus (P) were coprecipitated with humic acid from alkali extracts over a limited range of strongly acidic pH, whereas with a mineral soil the amount was pH dependent. The difference between the two soils relates to the much greater total amounts of inorganic P and aluminum (Al) present in the extract of the mineral soil. In this acid mineral soil, Al rather than iron (Fe) may be involved in the formation of metal bridges in humic acid‐metal‐inorganic P complexes. Neither Al or Fe were implicated in binding of organic P to humic acid. The P species observed in humic acids was dependent on the pH at which they were precipitated from the alkali extracts. In the peat soil the inorganic P was an order of magnitude lower than the organic P.