Developing PGPR consortia using novel genera Providencia and Alcaligenes along with cyanobacteria for wheat

A pot experiment was undertaken using unsterile soil supplemented with the recommended dose of chemical fertilizers in order to investigate the effect of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-producing proteo- and cyanobacterial strains on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum variety PBW343). Two proteobacterial (WRB4 Providencia sp. and WRB10 Alcaligenes sp.) and two cyanobacterial (WRC3 Anabaena oscillarioides and WRC4 Anabaena torulosa) strains were used individually and in combination. The treatment in which proteobacteriumWRB4 (Providencia sp.) was inoculated showed significantly higher values in comparison with controls for various plant-growth parameters recorded, i.e. shoot length, root length, shoot weight, root weight and crop biomass, followed by the treatment in which the WRC3 (Anabaena oscillarioides) was used. A positive interaction among the proteo- and cyanobacterial strains, in particular WRC3 and WRB4, was also observed by way of enhancement of plant-growth parameters. Significant enhancement in soil microbiological activities such as fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis and dehydrogenase activity were recorded in the treatments, particularly in those inoculated with cyanobacterial strains, when compared with fertilizer controls. This is a first-time report on the potential of selected combinations of proteobacterial genera such as Providencia and Alcaligenes and cyanobacteria such as Anabaena as plant growth-promoting organisms in wheat crop.     

Rice residue incorporation and nitrogen application: effects on yield and micronutrient transformations under rice–wheat cropping system

Abstract

Despite being a major domain of global food supply, rice–wheat (RW) cropping system is questioned for its contribution to biomass burning in Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). Enhancing the yield and soil quality properties in this system is therefore necessary to reduce environmental degradation and maintain agricultural productivity. A field experiment evaluated the effects of soil management practices such as rice residue (RS) incorporation, and nitrogen (N) application on crop yield and micronutrients transformations in a RW cropping system of north-western India. The results revealed that N application (120?kg N ha^?1) and RS incorporation (7.5 t ha^?1) significantly increased micronutrients cations and crop yield compared with no-residue (RS₀). Irrespective of N application, crop grain yield under RS incorporation (Rs_7.5 t ha^?1) was significantly higher than RS₀ incorporation. Significant increase in all the micronutrient transformations was recorded in N₁₂₀/Rs_7.5 t ha^?1 compared with RS₀. Among different fractions, crystalline Fe bound in Zn, Mn, and Cu and amorphous Fe oxide in Fe fractions were the dominant fractions under N application (N₁₂₀) and RS incorporation (RS_7.5) treatment. Our study showed that application of N₁₂₀ followed by RS_7.5 can be more sustainable practice under RW cropping system for improvement in micronutrients availability and crop yield. This practice also provides an opportunity to incorporation of crop residues as an alternative to burning, which causes severe air pollution in the RW cropping system in the IGP.     

Effects of bacterial inoculants and sources of phosphorus on yield and phosphorus uptake of wheat

Phosphorus (P) mobilizing bacteria play an important role in the availability of soil and fertilizer P for all crops including wheat. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of six P mobilizing bacterial strains and three P sources tricalcium phosphate {[Ca₃(PO₄)₂], calcium hydrogen phosphate [CaHPO₄.2H₂O] and rock phosphate} on yield and P uptake of wheat. All the bacterial inoculants increased grain yield significantly over control in one greenhouse experiment while only three strains produced significantly higher grain yield over control in a second experiment. Difference among P sources were not significant in acquiring grain yield in experiment 1 while Ca₃(PO₄)₂ and CaHPO₄.2H₂O produced significantly higher grain yield over rock phosphate in experiment 2. The differential pattern in results in two experiments might be due to difference in growth conditions. More greenhouse studies as well field experiments are recommended to confirm the beneficial effects of these P mobilizing bacterial strains on wheat.     

我国主要麦区小麦氮素吸收及其产量效应

【目的】掌握小麦氮素的吸收特征及区域差异性有利于指导小麦区域合理施肥,提高氮肥肥效,维持小麦增产稳产。本研究旨在探讨我国小麦氮素吸收特征的区域性差异及其产量效应。【方法】收集了2000年以后我国小麦田间试验产量、 籽粒和秸秆氮含量的文献数据,统计分析了黄淮海冬麦区、 西北冬春兼播麦区和长江中下游麦区的小麦产量、 地上部氮吸收、 籽粒氮含量、 秸秆氮含量、 100 kg籽粒需氮量的区域差异,并进一步分析了小麦不同产量水平下100 kg籽粒需氮量、 籽粒氮含量和秸秆氮含量。【结果】小麦产量、 籽粒氮含量、 秸秆氮含量、 地上部吸氮总量和生产100 kg籽粒需氮量的波动范围大,变异性较高,存在明显的区域差异。我国田间试验的小麦平均产量为6.18 t/hm2(n=5484,变异系数34.37%),其中以黄淮海冬麦区最高(7.06 t/hm2),西北冬春兼播麦区最低(4.71 t/hm2),长江中下游冬麦区居中(5.60 t/hm2); 生产100 kg籽粒需氮量的全国平均为2.87 kg (n=5073,变异系数25.43%),其中以黄淮海冬麦区最高(2.98 kg),长江中下游冬麦区和西北冬春兼播麦区偏低(分别为2.60 kg和2.84 kg); 籽粒氮含量、 秸秆氮含量、 地上部吸氮总量全国平均分别为2.17%(n=3456)、 0.55%(n=2460)、 180.9 kg/hm2(n=4962),变异系数分别为23.96%、 38.18%、 44.50%。籽粒氮含量、 秸秆氮含量、 地上部吸氮总量均以黄淮海麦区居高,分别为2.24%、 0.56%、 211.1　kg/hm2,长江中下游冬麦区和西北冬春兼播麦区偏低,分别为1.92%、 0.5%、 146.7 kg/hm2和2.14%、 0.53%、 138.0 kg/hm2。生产100 kg小麦籽粒需氮量、 籽粒氮含量和秸秆氮含量随小麦产量水平的增加而呈增加趋势,产量范围4.5、 4.5~6.5、 6.5~8.5、 8.5~10.5、 10.5 t/hm2,生产100 kg籽粒需氮量分别为2.79、 2.80、 2.91、 3.03和3.05 kg, 对应的籽粒氮含量分别为2.01%、 2.11%、 2.27%、 2.26%和2.40%,秸秆氮含量分别为0.46%、 0.53%、 0.58%、 0.61%和0.63%。【结论】温度、 水分等气候条件、 土壤类型、 主栽品种及田间管理技术等差异,造成了小麦氮素吸收特性的区域间差异,因此小麦施肥应根据各区域的小麦产量、 小麦氮素需求规律因地制宜地科学施肥。     

Amelioration of drought stress in wheat by combined application of PGPR,compost, and mineral fertilizer

Among various abiotic stresses, global drought reduces global growth and yield of wheat. Present research has been designed to ameliorate the adverse effects of drought stress on wheat by combined application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), compost, and mineral fertilizers. In this experiment, the role of fertilizer, compost, and PGPR inoculation to ameliorate drought stress was studied in two wheat varieties at vegetative stage. Water stress adversely affects morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of the wheat plant. Inoculated seed with compost and mineral fertilizer grown in drought condition showed 43% increase in relative water content (RWC) of 9.39% in Membrane Stability Index and 82.20% in chlorophyll as compared to control. Drought affected the accumulation of osmolytes, but PGPR in combination with compost and mineral fertilizer under drought stress triggered higher accumulation of soluble sugar and proline content, i.e., 28.96% and 73.91%, respectively. It is concluded from this research that PGPR in combination with compost and mineral fertilizer considerably reduces the effect of drought on wheat by enhancing the physiological (RWC, membrane stability, chlorophyll content, and water potential) and biochemical (proline and sugar) aspects of the plant.     

Effects of bacterial inoculant biofertilizers on growth,yield and nutrition of rice in Australia

Inoculant biofertilizer application increased fertilizer nitrogen (N) use efficiency in Vietnam in some previous field experiments. Similar results may be obtained in Australia. With this view in mind, a greenhouse experiment and two field experiments were conducted using a Vietnamese inoculant biofertilizer (BioGro) and several other plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria. In the greenhouse trial, bacterial inoculations increased shoot and root weights of rice plants significantly. In the field experiments, particularly with Rhizobium leguminosarum, similar effects including significant differences in nitrogen uptake in vegetative matter were observed at the panicle initiation (PI) stage. However, these effects were not significant on grain yield at harvest and it is concluded that the much longer period of growth for Australian rice may allow compensation between treatments. Re-inoculation of plants at the PI stage, and lower application rates of N fertilizer in at least two splits are suggested for future field experiments.     

Effect of cadmium toxicity on micronutrient concentration,uptake and partitioning in seven rice cultivars

Heavy metal uptake, translocation and partitioning differ greatly among plant cultivars and plant parts. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effect of cadmium (Cd) levels (0, 45 and 90 mg kg^?1 soil) on dry matter yield, and concentration, uptake and translocation of Cd, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu in seven rice cultivars. Application of 45 mg Cd kg^?1 soil decreased root and shoot dry weight. On average, shoot and root Cd concentrations and uptake increased in all cultivars, but micronutrients uptake decreased following the application of 45 mg Cd kg^?1. No significant differences were observed between 45 and 90 mg kg^?1 Cd levels. On average, Cd treatments resulted in a decrease in Zn, Fe and Mn concentrations in shoots and Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations in roots. Differences were observed in Cd and micronutrient concentrations and uptake among rice cultivars. Translocation factor, defined as the shoot/root concentration ratio indicated that Cu and Fe contents in roots were higher than in shoots. The Mn concentration was much higher in shoots. Zinc concentrations were almost similar in the two organs of rice at 0 and 45 mg Cd kg^?1. A higher Cd level, however, led to a decrease in the Zn concentration in shoots.     

Use of Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Seed Inoculation as Alternative Fertilizer Inputs in Wheat and Barley Production

In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on seed incubation of spring wheat and barley. Three bacterial strains were applied singly and in combinations. Seed inoculation with strains significantly affected grain yield (GY), straw (SWY), total yield (TY), and plant nutrient element (PNE) content. In field trials, compared to the control, single inoculations gave GY, SWY, and TY increases by 27.5–31.9%, 1.1–5.3%, and 1.3–11.3% in wheat and 15.1–27.8%, 10.8–15.5%, and 14.5–18.5% in barley, respectively, but mixtures of strains gave increases in GY, SWY, and TY by 54.7%, 2.1%, and 6.7% in wheat and 57.8%, 14.6%, and 17.5% in barley, respectively. According to the results, it was concluded that seed inoculations with PGPR and mixture inoculation might satisfy nitrogen requirements, but Bacillus megaterium M3 and MIX (Bacillus subtilis OSU142, B. megaterium M3, Azospirillum brasilense Sp245) inoculation provided greater PNE concentrations than mineral fertilizer application for wheat and barley under field conditions.     

Soil amendments and seed priming influence nutrients uptake,soil properties,yield and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in alkali soils

The effects of soil amendments [i.e., control, gypsum, farmyard manure (FYM), and gypsum?+?FYM] and seed priming (i.e., unprimed, seed soaked in water for 10?hr prior to sowing, and seed soaked in 0.4% gypsum solution for 10?hr prior to sowing) were assessed on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop in alkali soil in northwestern Pakistan. A split plot design was used, keeping priming methods in main plots and soil amendments in sub-plots. The results showed that the effects of soil amendments and seed priming on grain yield, straw yield, harvest index and number of spikes were significant but their interactive effect was non-significant. The highest crop yields and yield index were obtained with gypsum?+?FYM amendments, and seed priming with gypsum solution. The effect on seed emergence, plant height and number of grains per spike was, however, not significant. Grain yield increased by 104% in gypsum?+?FYM treatment over control and by 16.8% with seed primed in water, followed by 8.5% with priming in gypsum solution, as compared to non-priming. The weight of 1000 grains was significantly increased by 35% in gypsum?+?FYM treatment and by 15.8% in gypsum priming. The phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content increased with soil amendments. Soil pH and gypsum requirement reduced significantly with soil amendments. The blend of gypsum and FYM has improved the properties of salt-affected soil and enhanced fertility for optimum production of wheat in addition to the beneficial effect of seed priming in gypsum solution on crop yield. Using these amendments could be ameliorative in removing the adverse effect of the salt-affected soils, rendering the soil a good medium for plant growth.     

Phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacteria enhance the growth and yield but not phosphorus uptake of canola (Brassica napus L.)

The ability of phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacteria to enhance the growth and phosphorus uptake of canola (Brassica napus L., cv. Legend) was studied in potted soil experiments in the growth chamber. One hundred and eleven bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of field-grown plants, and a collection of nine bacteria known to be effective plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), were screened for P-solubilization in vitro. All rhizobacteria were identified using whole-cell fatty acids methyl ester (FAME) profiles. The best P-solubilizing isolates were two Bacillus brevis strains, B. megaterium, B. polymyxa, B. sphaericus, B. thuringiensis, and Xanthomonas maltophilia (PGPR strain R85). The P-solubilizers were tested for their effects on growth and P-uptake of canola plants in a P-deficient soil amended with rock phosphate. Although some of the P-solubilizing rhizobacteria significantly increased plant height or pod yield, none increased P-uptake. The most effective inoculant was a B. thuringiensis isolate which significantly increased the number and weight of pods and seed yield without rock phosphate. Xanthomonas maltophilia increased plant height, whereas the other bacilli increased the number on weight of pods. These results demonstrate the potential use of these P-solubilizing rhizobacteria as inoculants for canola, but indicate that P-solubilization was not the main mechanism responsible for positive growth response. Received: 8 February 1996     

施氮量对冬小麦氮素吸收、转运及产量的影响

2004至2005年在田间条件下,研究了施氮量0、105、2103、15.kg/hm2对冬小麦氮素吸收、累积、转运、产量及氮肥利用率的影响。结果表明,施用氮肥可显著提高冬小麦的子粒、秸秆产量及成熟期地上部总吸氮量,但过量施用氮肥对子粒和秸秆增产不显著;各施氮处理的氮肥利用率在34.2%～38.3%之间,随施氮量增加而略有降低。植株中氮素含量随生育期的延长而降低,氮素累积量总体呈增加趋势。施氮量对冬小麦氮素吸收有显著影响,同一生育时期,氮素含量和累积量都随着施氮量增加而提高。施氮可显著地促进氮素在子粒中累积,其中69%～87%的氮素是靠营养体的转运而来的。施氮量影响氮素的转运效率,随施氮量增加,转运效率降低。本试验条件下,冬小麦的合理施氮量应控制在105～210.kg/hm2之间。     

Foliar fertilization of nickel affects growth,yield component and micronutrient status of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown on low nickel soil

Foliar application of nickel (Ni) has higher use efficiencies and is preferred over soil application in view of its very low requirement. Pot experiments were conducted during winter season of 2012-2013 and repeated during 2013-2014. Treatments consisted of twelve Ni levels applied as nickel sulphate (NiSO4.7H₂O) spray (T₁-Ni_0%, T₂-Ni_0.05%, T₃-Ni_0.1%, T₄-Ni_0.2%, T₅-Ni_0.3%, T₆-Ni_0.4%, T₇-Ni_0.5%, T₈-Ni_0.6%, T₉-Ni_0.7%, T₁₀-Ni_0.8%, T₁₁-Ni_0.9%,and T₁₂-Ni_1.0%,) with recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) applied in all pots. The result showed that growth and yield attributes viz. plant height, leaf greenness index, number of tillers, number of ears pot^-1, number of grains ear^-1, straw yield, grain yield and weight of 1000 grains of barley was the maximum with three foliar application of 0.2% of NiSO4.7H₂O (T₄-Ni_0.2%) at 20, 40, and 60 days after sowing (DAS) during both the years. The concentration of Fe, Mn and Zn in grain increased significantly up to T₄-Ni_0.2% and after this level, a significant decline was recorded during both the years. As regards to the concentration of Ni is concerned, it increased significantly both in grain and straw with increasing levels of Ni spray and the maximum concentration was at T₁₂-Ni_1.0%, during both the years. The uptake of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in grain of barley increased significantly during both the years up to T₄-Ni_0.2%,thereafter, it declined significantly with successive increase in dose of Ni spray. Thus 0.2% foliar spray of NiSO4.7H₂O significantly increased growth, yield and Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn (micronutrients) status in barley.     

栽培管理模式对冬小麦干物质积累、氮素吸收及产量的影响

为给小麦栽培管理提供指导,连续两个小麦生长季在河南省温县通过大田试验研究了农民习惯栽培(T1)、优化管理1(T2)、高产栽培管理(T3)、优化管理2(T4)4种栽培管理模式对冬小麦干物质积累、转运和氮素吸收、分配以及产量的影响。结果表明,与T1相比,T2通过基肥和拔节期追肥2次施肥,提高了干物质快速增长的时间和速率,增加了籽粒中干物质的积累和茎叶氮素向籽粒的转运,提高了穗粒数和粒重,从而达到产量和效率的提高;与T3相比,T4减少了氮磷钾用量,通过提高花后叶片中氮素的转运量和对籽粒的贡献率来增加粒重,在不降低产量的同时提高了养分效率。T3、T4模式与T1、T2模式相比,提高了干物质快速增长的时间和速率以及花后小麦茎叶贮存氮素向籽粒的转运量和对籽粒的贡献率。在本试验条件下,T2模式是目前生产情况下值得推广的优化栽培模式,T4模式是在产量进一步提高,达到高产条件下兼顾高产高效的最优栽培管理模式。     

A study on the cytoplasmic and vacuolar accumulation of Fe and Mn in excised wheat roots

Abstract

Micronutrients are essential for successful crop production, and perhaps the most important of these are Fe and Mn which play a significant role in chlorophyll synthesis. These elements present crucial problems to plant nutritionists, since they are not easily translocated in the plant. An attempt is made to circumscribe the nature of accumulation of Fe and Mn at the cellular level, in excised wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Caribio) roots, over short term absorption periods. The absorption of Fe and Mn was followed using ⁵⁹Fe and ⁵⁴Mn labelled 0.1 mM FeSO₄, FeEDDHA, MnSO₄ and MnEDDHA. It is found that the uptake of Fe and Mn is extremely low, compared to those of freely mobile elements like K. The time course of uptake for Fe from FeSO₄ was biphsic, with a rapid (phase I) and steady (phase II) uptake, and the latter which is possibly vacuolar is rather negligible, excepting in the case of high salt roots pretreated with 5 mM CaCl₂. Mn uptake also followed a similar biphasic pattern, with less conspicuous phase II. The isotherm for Fe from FeEDDHA suggests that it is largely confined to one of the compartments, possibly vacuole. In contrast, Mn uptake from MnEDDHA is found to be biphasic. Furthermore, the rate of Mn uptake is lower than that for Fe. Significant differences were also observed between the roots grown in low salt (0.2 mM CaCl₂) and high salt (dilute nutrient) solutions.     

Studies on conjoint application of nutrient sources and PGPR on growth,yield, quality,and economics of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)

The present experiment was carried out with cauliflower cv. Pusa Snowball K1 in a randomized block design with three replications. The experiment comprised of seven different treatments with different sources of nutrients including organic fertilizers, inorganic fertilizers, and biofertilizers, which were applied following the proper procedures as per treatment. Conjoint use of fertilizers, manures, and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) significantly influenced plant growth and yield attributes of crop. Gross weight (1,267.22 g), curd weight (981.05 g), curd yield (392.45 q/ha), number of days taken to curd initiation (86.17) and curd maturity (94.00) and ascorbic acid content (74.87 mg/100 g) were found best under T₅. Also, treatment T₅ recorded 42.77% increase in yield over recommended practice (T₁) along with highest benefit cost ratio (3.36) and quality (ascorbic acid). From present investigation, it can be concluded that treatment T₅ (75% NPK + 50% FYM and 50% VC on N equivalence basis + PGPR) can be suggested as a cost-effective nutrient module for getting higher yield and quality with 25% net saving of fertilizers, besides enhanced soil health as evident by soil fertility status of soil after crop harvest.     

Influence of calcium carbide formulations on growth,yield and nitrogen uptake of wheat under field conditions

Field experiments were conducted in 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 to evaluate the effects of three calcium carbide (CaC₂) based formulations (slow release sources of acetylene and ethylene) - matrix-1 [(M-1)(21% CaC₂, 58% polyethylene and 21% plaster of paris)], matrix-2 [(M-2)(42% CaC₂, 48% polyethylene and 10% plaster of paris)] and paint coated [(PC)(35% CaC₂, 44% paint and 21% plaster of paris)] - on nitrification inhibition; growth, yield and nitrogen (N)-uptake of wheat. All the three CaC₂ formulations (CCF,s) inhibited nitrification, reduced plant height, and improved N-uptake, spike bearing tillers, 1000-grains weight and yield of Inqulab-91 and Bhakhar-02 wheat cultivars. Increase in grain yield was found maximum (22% over the control) with M-1 applied at 30 kg CaC₂ ha^?1; followed by M-2 and PC. Furthermore, CaC₂ significantly reduced lodging in Bhakhar-02 plots. It is concluded that grain yield of wheat can be enhanced by the application of CaC₂ formulations particularly M-1 along with NPK fertilizers.     

Isolation and characterization of rhizosphere auxin producing Bacilli and evaluation of their potency on wheat growth improvement

Enhancement of plant growth by Bacillus is well documented and several mechanisms have been suggested for the phytostimulatory activity of this group of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). In the present work, the PGP potential of plant associated Bacillus spp. and their growth-promoting effect on wheat were studied. Six out of 35 strains were chosen based on seed germination assay, plant growth-promoting abilities, enzymatic function, and auxin production. All tested strains were subjected to pot experiments and their phenotypic and molecular assays were also done. Two Bacillus strains including WhIr-15 and WhIr-12 produce maximum amount of auxin (16.2 and 14 µg ml^?1, respectively). Strain WhIr-15 had just the ability to produce indo-3-acetic acid (IAA), lipase, and protease enzymes. Strain WhIr-12 was also recorded positive for siderophore, auxin production, and phosphorus (P) solubilization. Bacterial IAA production positively correlated with root length (r = 0.875; p ≤ 0.05). Significant enhancement in root weight (71% and 53%) and in panicle weight (91% and 77%) was recorded in WhIr-15 and WhIr-12, respectively, over untreated controls. Based on phenotypic and 16S rDNA sequencing, these two strains belong to Bacillus sp. Based on our results, phytohormone-producing Bacillus sp. can be applied at field level to improve wheat productivity.     

Effects of seed priming with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on wheat yield and soil properties under contrasting soils

In the present investigation, different strains of Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), namely Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis were evaluated for their growth-promoting effects on wheat as well as on soil properties under field conditions at two different sites having sandy loam and silt loam type of soils. PGPR strains were evaluated either singly or in consortia. Amongst all the treatments, wheat inoculated with consortia was found most effective as it increased grain yield up to 53% over control in silt loam soil, whereas, corresponding effects in sandy loam soil were less pronounced as an increase of 31% was observed in corresponding treatments, respectively. Enhanced effects on soil properties were also more intense in silt loam as there was an increase of 205% organic matter as against sandy loam soil where this value was 110%.     

The role of root plasma membrane ATPase and rhizosphere acidification in zinc uptake by two different Zn-deficiency-tolerant wheat cultivars in response to zinc and histidine availability

ABSTRACT

We investigated the effect of histidine (His) and Zn deficiency on H⁺-ATPase activity and H⁺ release from wheat roots. Two bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Kavir and Back Cross Roshan) were grown in a nutrient solution for four weeks before being transferred to treatment solutions consisting of two concentrations of His (0 and 50 µM) and two concentrations of Zn (0 and 10 μM). The Zn-only and the Zn+His treatments were observed to release more H⁺ in the root media than did the control ones, with the highest achieved under the Zn+His treatment which was roughly 2.1 times higher than that under the control conditions. The H⁺ release from wheat roots increased slightly but significantly in the presence of only His when compared with the control solutions. The hydrolytic and transport activities of H⁺-ATPase were affected by both Zn deficiency and His supply. In both cultivars, application of Zn and His resulted in a higher hydrolytic activity of H⁺-ATPase when compared with the control solutions. The highest hydrolytic activity of H⁺-ATPase in the root plasma membrane vesicles was achieved with the Zn+His treatment. The ‘Back Cross Roshan’ exhibited a higher (PM) H⁺-ATPase activity and H⁺ pumping than did ‘Kavir’.     

Influence of soil temperature and moisture on micronutrient supply,plant uptake,and biomass yield of wheat,pea, and canola

Abstract

Crop yield response to micronutrient fertilization is difficult to predict, particularly under unfavorable environmental conditions as these may alter both crop nutrient demand and the soil micronutrient supply to plant roots. The research objective was to evaluate the effect of various soil temperature and moisture conditions on crop growth response to added micronutrient copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) along with soil micronutrient supply and distribution among fractions. Brown and Dark Brown farm soils collected from southern Saskatchewan were used to grown wheat, pea and canola within controlled environment chambers. The biomass yields of all crops decreased under cold soil temperature and moisture stress (drought and saturated) conditions. Greater plant uptake of Cu, Zn, and B was associated with optimum (i.e., field capacity) soil moisture and warm temperature (23°C) growing conditions, compared to drought (i.e., 50% field capacity), saturated, and cold (5°C) temperature conditions. Environmental stress had the greatest impact on pea growth, reducing crop yield and micronutrient utilization efficiency more than 95%. Soil supplies of Cu and Zn were most negatively impacted by drought stress due to reduced mobility of these diffusion limited nutrients. The extractable micronutrients levels and chemical speciation fractions of Cu, Zn, and B indicating that bioavailability and micronutrient transformation were not affected during our short-term (i.e., six-weeks) study. However, it is suggested that assessments of micronutrient forms also be conducted on soil samples under actual moisture and temperature conditions as they exist in the experiment, as well as on dried, processed samples.