Effect of partial urea application on nutrient absorption by hydroponically grown spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea cv. Okame) was grown in hydroponic pot culture with an Enshi nutrient solution amended with 0, 20, or 50% urea with or without nickel addition (Ni; 0.05 mg L^-1), while the total concentration of N (17.33 mmol L^-1) remained constant in all the cases to evaluate the effect of partial urea application, with or without the addition of Ni, on the absorption of NO³-N, urea-N, NH₄-N, minerals (e.g. Ca, K, Mg, P) by plants. Fresh and dry weight of the shoots was highest when a 20% urea solution with Ni addition was used. The variation in spinach yield was related to the absorption of total-N by the plants. The absorption of total-N, attributed mainly to NO₃-N and urea-N, differed between the treatments. In the case of short-term absorption, determination by using ¹⁵N-urea and ¹⁵N-KNO₃ showed that, the urea-N absorption significantly increased with the increase in the urea concentration in the nutrient solution. When the urea solutions were used, regardless of Ni addition, the absorption of NO₃-N was more than four times higher than that of urea-No The addition of Ni in the urea solutions stimulated and increased both urea-N and NO₃-N absorption. In the case of long-term absorption, the NO₃-N absorption decreased with the decrease of the NO₃-N concentration when NO₃-N was partially replaced with urea in the nutrient solution. The addition of Ni in the urea solutions resulted in the increase of the absorption of both urea-N and NO₃-N, but the NO₃-N absorption remained lower in all the treatments compared to the control. In the urea solutions, the absorption of urea-N with or without the addition of Ni increased at a lower rate over time (sampling stages). Application of urea, with or without the addition of Ni in the nutrient solution, increased Ca absorption but decreased K and Mg absorption, whereas, P absorption was unaffected. It is suggested that spinach could grow adequately in an Enshi nutrient solution modified with 20% urea with the addition of 0.05 mg Ni L^-1, when urea totally replaced NH₄-N and partially replaced NO₃-N.     

Significance of Nickel Supply for Growth and Chlorophyll Content of Wheat Supplied with Urea or Ammonium Nitrate

ABSTRACT

Nickel (Ni) is an essential element for activation of urease in higher plants. The effects of Ni as an essential micronutrient on growth and chlorophyll content of wheat plants grew in nutrient solutions supplied either with ammonium nitrate or urea as two different nitrogen (N) sources were investigated. Plants were allowed to grow for six weeks, then leaf chlorophyll content, shoot and root fresh and dry weights, and Ni concentration in shoots and roots were determined. Shoot and root Ni concentration in both urea and ammonium nitrate-fed plants increased significantly with the increase in Ni concentration. Growth and chlorophyll content in leaves of the urea-fed plants increased when Ni concentration in the solution was as high as 0.05 mg L^?1 and decreased at 0.1 mg Ni L^?1. In ammonium nitrate-fed plants, these parameters increased up to 0.01 mg Ni L^?1 and started to decrease with further increase in Ni concentration. Plants that grew in nutrient solutions containing urea had more shoots and roots fresh and dry weight at third and fourth Ni levels (0.05 and 0.1 mg L^?1) than those that grew in media containing ammonium nitrate with similar Ni levels. Total chlorophyll content was also higher in plants supplied with urea plus Ni. The amount of Ni required for optimum wheat growth was dependent on the forms of N used. When supplied with ammonium nitrate or urea, the amount of Ni needed was 0.01 and 0.05 mgL^?1 of nutrient solutions, respectively.     

Alleviation of cadmium phytotoxicity by magnesium in Japanese mustard spinach

Abstract

To clarify the mechanism of Magnesium (Mg) in alleviating cadmium (Cd) phytotoxicity, Japanese mustard spinach (Brassica rapa L. var. pervirdis) was grown for 10 days after treatment in hydroponics in a growth chamber under natural light. The treatments were: (1) nutrient solution alone (Control), (2) 10 mmol L^?1 Mg (High-Mg), (3) 2.5 µmol L^?1 Cd (Cd-toxic), (4) 2.5 µmol L^?1 Cd plus 10 mmol L^?1 Mg (Mg-alleviated). The Cd-toxic treatment showed substantial growth retardation and chlorosis of young leaves, such symptoms were not observed in Mg-alleviated plants. Magnesium-alleviated plants showed higher shoot growth, more than twofold, and decreased shoot Cd concentration, approximately 40%, compared with Cd-toxic plants. This increase in shoot growth and simultaneous decrease in shoot Cd concentration may explain the alleviation of Cd toxicity with Mg in Japanese mustard spinach. In Cd-toxic plants, concentrations of K in shoots and Zn in both shoots and roots increased compared with the other three treatments. Concentrations and accumulations of Fe and Mn in shoots decreased significantly in the Cd-treated (Cd-toxic and Mg-alleviated) plants compared with the control and High-Mg plants. Thus, the application of high amounts of Mg in the nutrient solution can alleviate Cd toxicity in plants.     

Effects of Molybdenum,Nickel, and Nitrogen Sources on the Mineral Nutrition and Growth of Rice Plants

Upland rice plants, cultivar ‘IAC 202,’ were grown in nutrient solution until full tillering. Treatments consisted of ammonium nitrate (AN) or urea (UR) as nitrogen (N) source plus molybdenum (Mo) and/or nickel (Ni): AN + Mo + Ni, AN + Mo ? Ni, AN ? Mo + Ni, UR + Mo + Ni, UR + Mo ? Ni, and UR ? Mo + Ni. The experiment was carried out to better understand the effect of these treatments on dry‐matter yield, chlorophyll, net photosynthesis rate, nitrate (NO₃ ^?‐N), total N, in vitro activities of urease and nitrate reductase (NR), and Mo and Ni concentrations. In UR‐grown plants, Mo and Ni addition increased yield of dry matter. Regardless of the N source, chlorophyll concentration and net photosynthesis rate were reduced when Mo or Ni were omitted, although not always significantly. The omission of either Mo or Ni led to a decrease in urease activity, independent of N source. Nitrate reductase activity increased in nutrient solutions without Mo, although NO₃ ^?‐N increased. There was not a consistent variation in total N concentration. Molybdenum and Ni concentration in roots and shoots were influenced by their supply in the nutrient solution. Molybdenum concentration was not influenced by N sources, whereas Ni content in both root and shoots was greater in ammonium nitrate–grown plants. In conclusion, it can be hypothesized that there is a relationship between Mo and Ni acting on photosynthesis, although is an indirect one. This is the first evidence for a beneficial effect of Mo and Ni interaction on plant growth.     

Lanthanum uptake from soil and nutrient solution and its effects on plant growth

In view of restrictions in the application of antibiotics in animal production, Lanthanum (La) is intended to be introduced as a new growth promoter for pigs. Because most of the supplied La is subsequently excreted, it will be found in organic fertilizers which are applied to agricultural land. Thus, we examined the effect of lanthanum on the growth and La contents of plants in nutrient solution and in soils as well as its extractability from different soils. In nutrient solutions with concentrations of available La of up to 20 μmol L^–1, shoot growth of bush bean was markedly reduced by up to 60% of the control at 20 μM La. By contrast, growth was not affected in maize. Lanthanum was mainly accumulated in the roots, but maize shoot contained considerable amounts of La as well. In contrast to nutrient solution, shoot growth of bush bean and spinach in soils supplemented with La up to 360 μmol kg^–1 (50 mg kg^–1) was not decreased. In contrast to spinach, bush bean shoots showed an increased La content at the highest La level. Extractability of La with 0.1 mol L^–1 acetic acid from 12 different soils previously spiked with La was related mainly to soil pH, CEC, and C_org. We therefore conclude that except of strongly acidic conditions, the application of La‐containing organic fertilizers does not represent a risk for plant growth for the next over 100 years, provided that the recommended doses of feed supplementation is not increased.     

Supplements of Nickel Affect Yield,Quality, and Nitrogen Metabolism When Urea or Nitrate is the Sole Nitrogen Source for Cucumber

ABSTRACT

Influences of nickel (Ni) concentrations in the nutrient solution on yield, quality, and nitrogen (N) metabolism of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus cv ‘RS189’ and ‘Vikima’) were evaluated when plants were grown either with urea or nitrate as the sole N source. The cucumber plants were treated with two N sources, urea and nitrate as sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) at 200 mg L^?1, and three concentrations of Ni as nickel sulfate (NiSO₄·6H₂O; 0, 0.5, and 1 mg L^?1). Treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with six replicates. The highest concentration of Ni in the leaves (1.2 mg kg^?1 Dwt) was observed in the urea-fed plants at 1 mg L^?1 Ni concentration. Additions of Ni up to 0.5 mg L^?1 had no effect on the fruit Ni concentration in the both urea and nitrate-fed plants. Yield significantly (p < 0.05) increased with the Ni supplements from 0 to 0.5 mg L^?1 (10 and 15% in ‘RS189’ and ‘Vikima’, respectively), but decreased when 1 mg L^?1 Ni applied to the solutions in urea-fed plants. Nitrate-fed plants had a higher percentage of total soluble solids compare to those urea-fed plants. Nitrate concentrations of the fruits in urea-fed plants in both cultivars were reduced by approximately 50% compared to those nitrate-fed plants. The reduction of nitrate concentration in the fruits became more pronounced as the Ni concentration increased in the solution. The rate of photosynthesis (Pn) increased with the increase of the Ni concentration in the solution with urea-fed plants. Both N concentration and nitrate reductase (NR) activity of young leaves were higher in urea-fed plants at 0.5 mg l^?1 Ni concentration. Ni supplements enhanced the growth and yield of urea-fed plants by increasing Pn, N concentration and NR activity. It can be concluded that Ni supplements (0.5 mg l^?1) improve yield, quality, and NR activity in urea-fed cucumber plants.     

氮素形态对菠菜可食部分硝酸盐和草酸累积的影响

采用溶液培养试验研究了营养液中硝态氮/铵态氮比例对菠菜地上部可食部分不同器官硝酸盐以及不同形态草酸累积的影响。结果表明,菠菜地上部生物量随供铵比例从0%提高到50%呈增加趋势而后显著下降。叶片和地上部可食部分的硝酸盐含量和累积量均随供铵比例增加而显著下降;叶柄的硝酸盐含量随供铵比例提高而降低,而硝酸盐积累量则先升高后显著下降。叶片是菠菜积累草酸的主要器官,可溶态草酸与草酸总量分别占地上部的56.3%～89.8%和76.6%～87.4%。可溶态草酸是菠菜体内草酸的主要形态,在叶片、叶柄及地上部中所占草酸总量的比例分别在36.7%～83.5%,79.0%～93.3%以及50.0%～83.0%之间。地上部各器官的可溶态草酸含量、难溶态草酸含量和草酸总量以及积累量均随着供铵比例的增加而显著下降,叶片和地上部的草酸含量和积累量的下降幅度均高于叶柄。可见,调节营养液中硝态氮/铵态氮比例可以有效降低菠菜地上部可食部分硝酸盐和草酸的含量和积累量,50/50是营养液中适宜的硝态氮/铵态氮比例,不仅菠菜的生物量最高,而且硝酸盐和各形态草酸的含量以及累积量较低,从而大大减轻了硝酸盐和草酸对人体健康产生的负面影响。     

ALLEVIATION OF CADMIUM-TOXICITY BY APPLICATION OF ZINC AND ASCORBIC ACID IN BARLEY

ABSTRACT

Effect of cadmium (Cd) on biomass accumulation and physiological activity and alleviation of Cd-toxicity by application of zinc (Zn) and ascorbic acid in barley was studied, using semisolid medium culture including 15 treatments [four Cd concentration treatments: 0.1, 1, 5, 50?µmol?L^?1, four treatments with addition of 300?µmol?L^?1 Zn or 250?mg?L^?1 ascorbic acid (ASA) based on these four Cd concentrations, respectively, and three controls: basic nutrient medium, and with Zn or ASA, respectively]. Cadmium addition to semisolid medium, at a concentration of 1, 5, and 50?µmol?L^?1, inhibited biomass accumulation and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content of barley plants, while the addition of 0.1?µmol?L^?1 Cd increased slightly dry mass. There was a tendency to a decrease in Zn, copper (Cu) concentrations both in shoots and roots and iron (Fe) in shoots of barley plants exposed to 1 to 50?µmol?L^?1 Cd. In addition, there were indications of a stress repose characterized by increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities relative to plants not subjected to Cd. The physiological changes caused by Cd toxicity could be alleviated to different extent by application of 300?µmol?L^?1 Zn or 250?mg?L^?1 ASA in Cd stressed plants. The most pronounced effects of adding Zn or ASA in Cd stressed medium were expressed in the decreased MDA and increased biomass accumulation, e.g., MDA contents were reduced (p≤0.01) by 4.8%–17.8% in shoots and 0.5%–19.7% in roots by adding 300?µmol?L^?1 Zn, in 50?µmol?L^?1 Cd stressed plants, and by 1.3%–7.4% in shoots and 2.6%–4.5% in roots by application of 250?µmol?L^?1 ASA, respectively. However, ASA addition may enhance Cd translation from root to shoot, accordingly, ASA would be unsuitable for the edible crops grown in Cd contaminated soils to alleviate phytotoxicity of Cd.     

Impact of Supplemental Calcium Chloride on Yield,Quality, Nutrient Status,and Postharvest Attributes of Tomato

Little is known regarding the impact of calcium chloride applications during growth and development on tomato postharvest quality. This trial investigated supplemental calcium chloride applications on yield, nutrient content, texture, and postharvest quality of tomato fruit. Calcium (Ca) nutrient solution concentrations were: 60, 180, and 360 mg·L^?1 calcium, while foliar applications were (0, 1, and 2% calcium chloride w/v). Plants grown with 60 mg·L^?1 Ca had a high incidence of blossom end rot, which was not affected by calcium chloride sprays. Fruit nutrient concentrations were affected by calcium delivered through the nutrient solution. As fruit cluster position increased, fruit nutrient concentrations significantly decreased. Foliar calcium chloride sprays affected fruit soluble solids content and dry weight, but did not affect texture. Pericarp elasticity increased concomitantly with calcium in the nutrient solution. Postharvest disease incidence was not affected by calcium treatment, though weight loss during storage was negatively affected by calcium chloride sprays.     

Effects of humic acids and herbicides,and their combinations on the growth of tomato seedlings in hydroponics

The morphology and length of roots and shoots of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings grown on a nutrient medium for fourteen days in a controlled environment chamber were apparently not affected, whereas the dry matter content of roots was significantly enhanced when 200 mg L^?1 of humic acid (HA) isolated from either a non-amended soil or a sewage-sludge-amended soil was present in the nutrient medium. In contrast, the HA-like fraction isolated directly from the sewage sludge caused, under the same conditions, extensive alterations of tomato morphology and a significant reduction of the length and dry weight of both shoots and roots. The presence in the nutrient medium of the herbicides alachlor or imazethapyr at concentrations of 1 and 0.01 mg L^?1, respectively, caused a marked decrease of tomato root and shoot length and dry weight. Differently, the herbicide rimsulfuron at a concentration of 0.01 mg L^?1 produced a slight decrease in shoot and root length and a slight increase in their dry weight. A combination of 200 mg L^?1 soil HA and each of the herbicides alachlor, rimsulfuron and imazethapyr at concentrations of 1, 0.01 and 0.01 mg L^?1, respectively, in the nutrient medium attenuated the growth depression of tomato shoots and roots observed in the presence of the herbicide alone. However, the simultaneous presence of sewage sludge HA and any herbicide in the nutrient solution caused negative synergistic effects on tomato growth. The volume of nutrient solution and the amount of electrolytes taken up by tomato plants during the growth experiments correlated highly significantly with the total plant dry weight. Tomato seedlings induced a pH decrease in the nutrient medium in all treatments except in those where sludge-HA was present, either alone or in combination with any herbicide.     

Nitrogen concentrations and proportions of ammonium and nitrate in the nutrition and growth of yellow passion fruit seedlings

Abstract

Despite the importance of nitrogen (N) supply to plants, there are still doubts concerning the optimal relations of ammonium and nitrate in the nutrition of yellow passion fruit seedlings. This study aims to evaluate the interaction between nitrogen concentrations and ammonium and nitrate proportions in the nutrition, growth, and dry matter production of passion fruit seedlings grown in a substrate with a nutrient solution. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in randomized complete block design with three replications in a 4 × 5 factorial design, consisting of four N concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0?mmol L^?1) and five ammonium proportions (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in relation to the total N supply). At 60?days after transplanting, green color index; accumulation of N, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in roots and shoots; stem diameter; leaf area; root length; nitrogen use efficiency (NUE); and dry matter of roots and shoots were evaluated. For the formation of seedlings of yellow passion fruit, the nutrient solution should have 13?mmol L^?1 of N, with 40% of this nutrient in the form of ammonium. The passion fruit is a plant tolerant to ammonium. However, a critical concentration above 5.7?mmol L^?1 of NH₄⁺ in the nutrient solution decreases absorption of cations, NUE, and production of dry matter.     

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

Abstract

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

Physiological Effects of Different Combinations of Humic and Fulvic Acid on Gerbera

Flower quality loss, especially short postharvest life, is a major problem in gerbera production. An experiment was conducted to determine how different combinations of humic substances (HS) affect gerbera. Humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) applied to nutrient solutions in six combinations including control (nutrient solution only), 80 mg L^?1 HA + 20 mg L^?1 FA, 60 mg L^?1 HA + 40 mg L^?1 FA, 40 mg L^?1 HA + 60 mg L^?1 FA, 100 mg L^?1 FA, and 50 mg L^?1 FA. The HS application enhanced root architecture, nutrient content, number of harvested flowers, and vase life. Fifty (50) mg L^?1 FA extended vase life by 8 days and increased flower number (72.9%). Results suggest that HA and FA (especially 50 mg L^?1 FA) can improve quality and quantity of gerbera through improving root architecture, leading to enhanced nutrient uptake and possibly affecting hormone-like activities. It seems that using low concentrations of FA may be part of a solution in improving gerbera flower quality.     

EFFECT OF ZINC ON CADMIUM TOXICITY IN WINTER WHEAT

This nutrient solution experiment investigated the effects of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) on winter wheat growth and enzymatic activity. Twelve nutrient solution treatments were prepared of four zinc levels (0, 0.5, 5 and 50 mg L^?1) and three cadmium levels (0, 5 and 50 mg L^?1). Cadmium concentrations ≥5 mg L^?1 decreased plant growth, superoxide dismutase activity, and leaf and stem zinc concentrations, but increased plant cadmium concentrations, proline content, and peroxidase and catalase activities. Root activity and zinc concentration were highest in the 5 mg L^?1 treatment and lowest in the 50 mg L^?1 treatment. Zinc concentrations ≥5 mg L^?1 inhibited plant growth, but increased proline content and cadmium concentration in stems and leaves. Low levels of zinc (0.5 mg L^?1) increased cadmium-induced toxicity in wheat plants but high levels of zinc (50 mg L^?1) reduced. In conclusion, these results indicated that the addition of zinc alleviated cadmium toxicity if the zinc/cadmium ratio was >10/1. Additional study needs to be done to quantify zinc content before zinc is supplied to alleviate cadmium toxicity.     

Stimulating and toxicity effects of nickel on growth,yield, and fruit quality of cucumber supplied with different nitrogen sources

Limited information is available on biological effects of various levels of nickel (Ni) (deficiency to toxicity levels) on growth and yield of certain crops, particularly vegetables. In this sand‐culture study, we investigated the effects of four levels of Ni (0, 50, 100, and 200 μM) on growth, yield, and fruit‐quality attributes of two cucumber cultivars (Cucumis sativus L. cvs. Super Dominus and Negin) supplied with urea or NH₄NO₃ as nitrogen source. Addition of 50 μM Ni to the nutrient solution resulted in a significant increase of shoot and root dry‐matter yield of cv. Negin although this increase was greater in the urea‐fed plants than those fed with NH₄NO₃. In both cultivars, addition of 50 μM Ni increased urease activity and thereby decreased the urea concentration in the urea treatment. Addition of 100 and 200 μM Ni caused a significant decrease in root and shoot growth of cucumber although this decrease was insignificant for cv. Super Dominus in the 100 μM treatment. The highest fruit yield, total soluble solids (TSS), and fruit firmness were achieved at the 50 μM Ni treatment. Regardless of nitrogen source, Ni addition proportional to the concentration used increased leaf Ni concentration and fruit acid ascorbic concentration. The concentration of Ni required for optimum growth and yield of cucumber varied with cultivars. The level of 50 μM was sufficient for optimum growth of cv. Negin in nutrient‐solution culture while lower concentration of Ni was required for cv. Super Dominus. While the beneficial effects of sufficient levels of Ni on growth and yield of urea‐fed plants was greater than with NH₄NO₃‐fed plants, the toxic effects of Ni in these plants were also greater.     

不同铵硝比对菠菜生长、安全和营养品质的影响

通过水培试验,研究了等氮条件下5种不同铵硝比对菠菜生长和品质的影响。结果表明:(1)从铵硝比100∶0到0∶100,菠菜地上部鲜重不断增加,铵硝比为0∶100时,菠菜的鲜重达最大值;但铵硝比25∶75和0∶100两个处理菠菜的干物重没有显著差异(p<0.05)。(2)随着铵硝比的降低,菠菜茎叶中硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐的含量均表现为线性增加;菠菜茎叶中可溶性草酸的含量和营养液中铵硝比之间呈现出二次曲线相关,在铵硝比为25∶75时,菠菜茎叶中草酸含量最低。适当增施铵态氮有利于降低菠菜硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐及草酸的含量。(3)增铵可以提高菠菜Vc含量,铵硝比为50∶50的处理菠菜Vc含量最高;随着铵硝比的下降,菠菜茎叶中可溶性糖的含量逐渐降低,而粗蛋白的含量则以铵硝比25∶75处理最高。     

Gradient differences in soil metal solubility and uptake by shoots and roots of wheat (T. aestivum)

The aim of this research was to identify and quantify gaps in currents methods and models for predicting the plant availability of selected nutrient and contaminant metals (Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd) in soil. This study investigated relationships between the relative solubility of Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd determined by six extraction methods with short-term uptake by shoots and roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum). For Cu, Ni, and Cd, relationships between solubility and plant uptake were found to be different for shoots and roots, with Cu and Ni solubility being more closely correlated with root uptake compared with shoot uptake. Correlation coefficients for Cd concentrations in shoot and root tissue for all six solubility methods were poor (r ²?<?0.5), while corresponding results for Zn explained more than 50 % of shoot variation but less than 50 % of root variation. Soil Cu solubility explained up to 85 % of variation in root uptake compared with 42–55 % for shoot uptake. These results clearly demonstrated that purely chemical and passive diffusion mechanisms were inadequate predictors of Cd uptake by shoots and roots, together with Cu uptake by shoots. Thus further attempts at refining soil metal bioavailability assays based solely on chemical extraction without consideration of plant responses are unlikely to improve prediction of plant uptake.     

Vegetative Growth,Yield and Leaf Mineral Composition in Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa DUCH. CV. Pajaro) as Influenced using Nickel Sulfate and Urea Sprays

In this study, interactions of nickel sulfate and urea sprays on vegetative growth, yield and leaf mineral contents in strawberry were investigated. Rooted Pajaro strawberry plants were potted in 3 liter pots filled with soil, leaf mold and sand (1:1:1, v/v/v). Established plants were foliar sprayed with nickel sulfate at 0, 150, 300 and 450 mg L^?1 and urea 0 and 2 g L^?1 concentrations. Results indicated that nickel (Ni; 300 mg L^?1) plus urea (2 g L^?1) significantly increased the yield and runner numbers. Nickel sulfate at the rate of 300 and 150 mg L^?1and urea (2 g L^?1) significantly increased the crown numbers. The greatest root fresh and dry weights were obtained from untreated plants. Urea at 2 g L^?1 without nickel significantly increased shoot fresh and dry weights. Nickel at 450 mg L^?1 without urea significantly increased Ni concentration in leaves. Overall, nickel sulfate at 150 and 300 mg L^?1 along with urea at 2 g L^?1 were the best treatments.     

Effects of Graded Levels of Cadmium on Spinach and Cabbage Grown in an Inceptisol

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of the soil and its concentrations in spinach and cabbage were studied in a pot culture experiment. Eight levels of Cd (0–100 mg kg^?1 soil) were applied singly. Application of Cd of up to 10 and 15 mg kg^?1 resulted in safe Cd concentrations (1.56 and 1.38 mg kg^?1) in the shoots of spinach and cabbage, respectively, at the consumable stage. The total chlorophyll content gradually decreased with the addition of Cd, and the maximum decreases were 31.7 and 32% in spinach and cabbage, respectively, at 60 days of crop growth in the treatment Cd₁₀₀ over the control. The greatest diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA)–extractable Cd contents in the postharvest soil of spinach and cabbage were 22.09 and 24.22 mg kg^?1, respectively, in the treatment Cd₁₀₀. The DTPA Cd was significantly negatively correlated with leaf area and total chlorophyll content while positively correlated with root and shoot Cd concentrations of spinach and cabbage.     

Iron nutrition of sunflower(Helianthus annuus L.) as affected by various levels of p and ZN

The effects of various P and Zn levels on iron nutrition of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.c.v. Record) were studied in two separate experiments in nutrient solution under greenhouse conditions.

In the first experiment, sunflower was grown in nutrient solutions containing four levels of P(1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 mM/l) and three levels of Fe(0.25, 0.75, and 1.5 ppm) as FeCl₃ or FeEDDHA. In the second experiment (following the first experiment), the treatments were three P levels (0.75, 1.50 and 3.00 mM/l), three Fe levels (0.25, 0.75 and 1.5 ppm) as FeEDDHA and three Zn levels (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 ppm).

The plants receiving Fe‐chelate, except for 0.25 ppm Fe, showed no symptoms of iron chlorosis. With inorganic Fe treatments, iron chlorosis appeared after 7–10 days depending on P level, but except for 0.25 ppm Fe which remained chlorotic, plants recovered completely within 3–4 days thereafter due to pH regulating mechanism of sunflower under iron stress condition. With both sources of Fe, chlorosis was associated with high P:Fe ratio.

Increased P and Fe levels in nutrient solution resulted in general increases in the dry weights of roots and shoots. The Fe concentration of shoots, except in few instances, was not affected by P levels, indicating that the sunflower cultivar used in this experiment could utilize inorganic Fe as well as Fe‐chelate under our experimental conditions.

Increasing P levels caused significant increases in Mn content of the shoots as 0.25 and 0.75 ppm inorganic Fe³⁺. Increased Fe levels increased shoot Mn content with inorganic Fe and decreased it with Fe‐chelate. The effects of P, Fe and Zn on sunflower indicated an antagonistic effect of Zn on 1.5 ppm Fe for all P levels. Increased Zn levels in nutrient solution generally increased Zn content of the shoots without having any marked effect on their Mn content.