Genotypic variation for potassium efficiency in wild and domesticated watermelons under ample and limited potassium supply

Potassium (K) is an important nutrient for watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb. Matsum. & Nakai). However, there is little knowledge about genetic variations in K efficiency in watermelon. Sixty‐four watermelon genotypes were grown under conditions of ample (6 mM) and limited (0.1 mM) K supply in a glasshouse. Thirty‐eight wild genotypes (C. lanatus var. citroide) and 26 domesticated genotypes (C. lanatus var. lanatus) were cultivated hydroponically for 30 d. Shoot dry weight, shoot K concentration, K uptake, K‐use index (shoot dry weight / shoot K concentration), relative shoot dry weight (shoot dry weight under limited K / shoot dry weight under ample K), and relative shoot K concentration (shoot K concentration under limited K / shoot K concentration under ample K) were determined. Significant differences were observed among genotypes. The K efficiency was classified based on a medium‐efficiency interval which is equivalent to the 95% confidence interval of the mean relative shoot dry weight and relative shoot K concentration. Genotypic data above or below this interval were classified as either K‐efficient or K‐inefficient. We identified eight K‐efficient genotypes, of which four were wild types. Thus, wild watermelons can be used in breeding programs to improve the K efficiency of domesticated watermelons.     

Genotypic variations in ion homeostasis,photochemical efficiency and antioxidant capacity adjustment to salinity in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

To determine the genotypic variation in response to salt (NaCl) stress in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings, potassium (K⁺) and sodium (Na⁺) homeostasis, photochemical energy utility, reactive oxygen metabolism and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were comparatively analyzed in three cotton cultivars (CCRI 49, CCRI 35 and Z 51504) under salt constraint. The results showed that NaCl treatment significantly inhibited biomass accumulation, and the extent of inhibition was highest in CCRI 49 and lowest in Z 51504. Salinity caused an ion imbalance in plants but ion homeostasis was less pronounced in Z 51504, as it accumulated more K⁺ and less Na⁺. Experiments of salt shock treatment were tested using a non-invasive micro-test (NMT) system, which also revealed that Z 51504 had lower Na⁺ influx and better K⁺ retention. Salinity increased excess-energy dissipation [non-photochemical quenching (qN) and photorespiration rate (PR)], but depressed photochemical efficiency such as photosynthesis rate (P_n), quenching (qP), photochemical quantum yield of photosystem (Φ_PSII) and electron transport rate (ETR). As a result, more electrons were driven to other sinks, for example decreasing ETR/P_n and increasing the O₂^? generation rate. However, the superior tolerance of Z 51504 had a better balance of photochemical energy under salt conditions, displayed higher photochemical efficiency and excess-energy dissipation. Furthermore, the antioxidant enzyme activities were also affected by salt stress and less effectively removed reactive oxygen species. The antioxidant enzyme activities of Z 51504 were higher than those of CCRI 49 and CCRI 35, which resulted in lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigated the salt-induced membrane lipid peroxidation. The overall results indicated that more effective retention of ions, photochemical energy utility and ROS-removing capability were probably the main reasons for the stronger salt tolerance in Z 51504.     

Genotypic variation of potato for phosphorus efficiency and quantification of phosphorus uptake with respect to root characteristics

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), an important food crop, generally requires a high amount of phosphate fertilizer for optimum growth and yield. One option to reduce the need of fertilizer is the use of P‐efficient genotypes. Two efficient and two inefficient genotypes were investigated for P‐efficiency mechanisms. The contribution of root traits to P uptake was quantified using a mechanistic simulation model. For all genotypes, high P supply increased the relative growth rate of shoot, shoot P concentration, and P‐uptake rate of roots but decreased root‐to‐shoot ratio, root‐hair length, and P‐utilization efficiency. Genotypes CGN 17903 and CIP 384321.3 were clearly superior to genotypes CGN 22367 and CGN 18233 in terms of shoot–dry matter yield and relative shoot‐growth rate at low P supply, and therefore can be considered as P‐efficient. Phosphorus efficiency of genotype CGN 17903 was related to higher P‐utilization efficiency and that of CIP 384321.3 to both higher P‐uptake efficiency in terms of root‐to‐shoot ratio and intermediate P‐utilization efficiency. Phosphorus‐efficient genotypes exhibited longer root hairs compared to inefficient genotypes at both P levels. However, this did not significantly affect the uptake rate and the extension of the depletion zone around roots. The P inefficiency of CGN 18233 was related to low P‐utilization efficiency and that of CGN 22367 to a combination of low P uptake and intermediate P‐utilization efficiency. Simulation of P uptake revealed that no other P‐mobilization mechanism was involved since predicted uptake approximated observed uptake indicating that the processes involved in P transport and morphological root characterstics affecting P uptake are well described.     

嫁接对不同棉花基因型钾效率的影响

采用全生育期土培盆栽试验,在研究2个棉花基因型钾吸收效率和利用效率的基础上,对未嫁接和经嫁接的自根苗(接穗和砧木为同一基因型)处理的棉花干物质和钾的积累、分配进行比较。结果表明:自根苗植株与未嫁接植株相比,不同棉花基因型在不同钾水平下干物质和钾的积累及分配不同。高效基因型103经过嫁接后营养器官中的干物质和钾比例增加,生殖器官中的干物质和钾减少,产量和钾利用指数下降;低效基因型122经过嫁接后营养器官中的干物质和钾比例减少,生殖器官中的干物质和钾增加,产量和钾利用指数升高。吸收效率因钾水平而异,高效基因型103嫁接后施钾时吸收效率降低,缺钾时升高;而低效基因型122嫁接后施钾时吸收效率升高,缺钾时降低。嫁接对不同棉花基因型产生的效应不同,通过嫁接使不同棉花基因型物质分配趋于平衡。     

K高效和K低效基因型水稻Na和K的吸收和分布与水稻生长及体内K利用率之间的关系

A pot experiment with two rice (Oriza sativa L.) genotypes differing in internal potassium use efficiency (IKUE) was conducted under different sodium (Na) and potassium (K) levels. Adding NaCl at a proper level enhanced rice vegetative growth and increased grain yield and IKUE under low potassium. Addition of higher rate of NaCl had a negative effect on the growth of the K-efficient rice genotype, but did not for the K-inefficient genotype. Under low-K stress, higher NaCl decreased IKUE of the K-efficient rice genotype but increased IKUE for the K-inefficient genotype. At tillering stage and under low-K stress, adding NaCl increased K and Na contents and decreased the ratio of K/Na for both genotypes. At harvesting stage under low-K stress, adding NaCl increased K and Na contents and K/Na ratio for the K-efficient genotype but decreased the K/Na ratio for the K-inefficient genotype. The accumulated Na was mostly deposited in the roots and sheaths. At tillering stage, the K and Na contents and the K/Na ratios in different parts for both genotypes decreased in the following sequence: K⁺ in sheaths > K⁺ in blades > K⁺ in roots; Na⁺ in roots > Na⁺ in sheaths > Na⁺ in blades; and K/Na in sheaths >> K/Na in roots. The K-efficient genotype had a lower K/Na ratio in roots and sheaths than the K-inefficient genotype under low-K stress. At harvesting stage, K and Na contents in grains were not affected, whereas K/Na ratio in the rice straws was increased for the K-efficient genotype but decreased for the K-inefficient genotype by Na addition. However, this was not the case under K sufficient condition.     

K-priming positively modulates growth and nutrient status of salt-stressed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) seedlings

Being macronutrient, K⁺ is involved in a number of metabolic processes including stimulation of over 60 enzymes. The present study was conducted to investigate whether K-priming could alleviate the effects of salinity on the growth and nutrient status of cotton seedlings. The seeds of two cotton cultivars, namely FH-113 and FH-87, were primed with solutions of three potassium sources (KNO₃, K₂SO₄ and K₂HPO₄) using three concentrations (0%, 1.25% and 1.5%) of each potassium source. After 1 week of germination, the seedlings were subjected to salinity (0 and 200 mM NaCl) stress. The results showed that salinity significantly affected growth and nutrients status of cotton seedlings. The K-priming alleviated the stress condition and significantly improved dry matter as well as nutrient uptake in cotton seedlings. Of the priming treatments pre-sowing treatment with KNO₃ (1.5%) was most effective in increasing shoot and root lengths and biomass of cotton seedlings. The seedlings raised from seed treated with KNO₃ (1.5%) showed varied accumulation of cations (Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺) and faced less oxidative stress irrespective of cotton cultivars under salt stress. The results suggested that pre-sowing seed treatment with KNO₃ (1.5%) might be recommended for synchronized germination and sustainable production of cotton crop under saline environments.     

不同钾硼水平下棉花生长及钾硼利用效率的差异

用鄂抗8号棉花为试验材料,以水培的方法研究了不同钾、硼水平下棉花的生长状况及钾、硼的利用效率。结果表明:与正常处理(K 20 mg/L,B 0.2 mg/L)棉花相比,(1)缺钾(K 2 mg/L,B 0.2 mg/L)阻碍棉花地上部正常生长、干物质的积累,叶绿素合成受阻,但促进了根的伸长,缺钾不利于棉株对硼的吸收和利用,增加钾供应量可以促进硼的吸收利用。(2)缺硼(K 20 mg/L,B 0.002 mg/L)不利于棉株生长,棉株干物质积累量减少,不利于棉花对钾的吸收利用。(3)缺钾缺硼(K 2 mg/L,B 0.002 mg/L)时,棉花的生物量、SPAD值和钾、硼积累量均显著降低,钾的利用效率升高了143%,但对硼的利用受到抑制。研究结果表明,缺钾阻碍棉花对硼的吸收利用,缺硼不利于棉花对钾的吸收利用,而缺钾缺硼时,棉花对钾的利用受到促进,对硼的利用受到抑制。     

夏玉米氮效率基因型差异研究

利用田间小区试验,通过测定作物产量、收获指数、氮效率和氮响应度等指标,研究了陕西关中农业生产中常用的10个夏玉米杂交种的氮效率基因型差异。结果表明,无论施氮与否,10个夏玉米品种的子粒产量和生物学产量均表现出显著的基因型差异;其收获指数、氮效率和氮响应度,也存在显著的基因型差异。根据氮效率和氮响应度可将10个不同基因型分为四种类型:H-H型包括户单4号、陕资1号、掖单19;L-L型包括中单2号、豫玉22;H-L型包括陕单16、陕单902和户单2000;L-H型包括陕单9号和农大108。综合考虑氮效率类型和响应度,选择有代表性的基因型(户单4号、豫玉22和户单2000)测定氮累积量,计算氮利用效率和氮收获指数,结果表明,氮累积量不能反映氮效率类型,氮利用效率对氮效率的贡献与施氮水平有关;不论施氮与否,氮收获指数均能较好地反映氮效率类型。     

在施钾条件下灌溉水稻的养分吸收和利用效率研究

Potassium is one of the most important nutrients for rice production in many areas of Asia, especially in southeast China where potassium deficiency in soil is a widespread problem. Field experiments were conducted for four consecutive years in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, to determine utilization of nutrients (N, P and K) by inbred and hybrid rice and rice grain yields as affected by application of potassium fertilizer under irrigated conditions. Grain yield and nutrient harvest index showed a significant response to the NPK treatment as compared to the NP treatment. This suggested that potassium improved transfer of nitrogen and phosphorus from stems and leaves to panicles in rice plants. N and P use efficiencies of rice were not strongly responsive to potassium, but K use efficiency decreased significantly despite the fact that the amount of total K uptake increased. A significant difference between varieties was also observed with respect to nutrient uptake and use efficiency. Hybrid rice exhibited physiological advantage in N and P uptake and use efficiency over inbred rice. Analysis of annual dynamic change of exchangeable K and non-exchangeable K in the test soil indicated that non-exchangeable K was an important K source for rice. Potassium application caused an annual decrease in the concentration of available K in the soil tested, whereas an increase was observed in non-exchangeable K. It could be concluded that K fertilizer application at the rate of 100 kg ha^-1 per season was not high enough to match K output, and efficient K management for rice must be based on the K input/output balance.     

Genetic variation in nitrogen‐use efficiency of tef

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is the ancient and most important cereal food crop of Ethiopia. A set of 20 tef genotypes was investigated in field experiments at three environments in Ethiopia to estimate genetic variation in nitrogen (N)‐use efficiency and in characters related to N accumulation as well as their relationships to grain yield. In each environment, genotypes representing both widely grown landraces and recently released cultivars were grown under three N‐fertilizer rates (0, 4, and 8 g m^–2 N). In grain yield, modern cultivars were superior to landraces, whereas in other characters, differences were less clear. The variation in grain yield was significantly related to the variation in total grain N and total plant N. Grain yield weakly correlated with N‐utilization efficiency and N harvest index. Broad sense heritability was higher for grain yield, total grain N, total plant N, and N harvest index than for N‐use, N‐uptake, and N‐utilization efficiencies. The contribution of uptake efficiency to the variation in N‐use efficiency decreased from 75% to 55% and that of utilization efficiency increased from 22% to 43% at the 4 to 8 g m^–2 N‐supply rate change. This study clearly suggests that tef N‐use efficiency would be increased by selecting genotypes with greater uptake efficiency at low N‐supply levels.     

膜下滴灌水氮耦合对棉花干物质积累和氮素吸收及水氮利用效率的影响

在膜下滴灌条件下,设3个氮素水平和2个水分水平,研究了水氮耦合对棉花干物质积累、氮素吸收及产量、水氮利用效率的影响。结果表明,增加水分或氮素供应,花铃期根冠生物量和氮素吸收增加; 增加灌水量,吐絮期地上部干物质和氮素积累量增加,根干物质积累量在低氮或高氮下增加,中氮降低; 产量和氮素利用效率增加,水分利用效率下降。水分胁迫条件下,增加氮素的供应吐絮期地上部干物质、氮素积累量、产量差异不大,根干物质积累量以N276处理最高,氮素利用率下降,水分利用率增加。水分充分条件下,增加氮素的供应吐絮期根干物质下降,地上部干物质、氮素积累、产量和水氮利用效率以N276处理最高。水分不足或高氮限制了干物质在花铃期至吐絮期的积累、导致棉花提早衰退,引起产量下降。     

旱稻苗期品种(系)间锌吸收与利用的差异研究

为了探讨旱稻品种(系)间苗期锌吸收与利用的差异,揭示旱稻前期锌反应和锌高效机理,在温室盆栽条件下,对12个旱稻品种(系)进行不同锌水平处理,出苗后35.d对植株锌含量进行了测定,分析了不同品种(系)间锌吸收和利用率。结果表明,品种(系)间对低锌的敏感性存在显著差异。在低锌条件下适当补施锌肥可显著提高旱稻植株的锌含量和植株体内的锌积累量1～2倍,并增加干物质生产量20%左右,其中云南旱稻、秦爱-3混、辽旱109和91B特9-7四个品种锌的相对生物量均大于100%,对低锌表现不敏感;而旱稻7号则对低锌较敏感,相对生物量仅为68%。     

小黑麦氮素吸收利用的基因型差异研究

以69个小黑麦品种为材料,研究了同一供N水平下,不同小黑麦品种在分蘖、抽穗和成熟期对N素吸收利用的基因型差异,考查了单株籽粒产量、地上部N积累量、地上部N收获指数、N运转率和N利用效率等指标。结果表明：①在3个时期,不同品种小黑麦对N素的吸收利用均存在着显著的基因型差异,其中地上部N积累量和N利用效率与单株籽粒产量呈极显著正相关（r = 0.84,r = 0.63）,是决定小黑麦经济产量的重要因子。②通过聚类分析,在供试的69个小黑麦品种中,具有较高籽粒产量、N素吸收总量和N素利用效率的共4个品种,分别为Clxt75、P1428736、P1429227和P1466703。     

小麦-玉米轮作系统下长期施钾对作物产量、钾素利用率和钾素平衡的影响

Sustainable potassium (K) management at different soil sites requires understanding the relationships between crop productivity and long-term K fertilizations on a regional or national scale.We analyzed responses of grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.),K efficiency,and partial balance (difference between K input through fertilizer and K output in the aboveground biomass) during 15-(1990-2005) or 18-year (1990-2008) K fertilizations at five distinctive agroecological zones across China.Compared to the inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization,the inorganic NPK fertilization significantly increased grain yields of wheat (21%) and maize (16%-72%) at Qiyang and Changping,where soils have low exchangeable and non-exchangeable K contents,but not at rmqi,Yangling and Zhengzhou,where soils have a high exchangeable and non-exchangeable K and/or low N/K ratio in crop plants.Compared to the inorganic NPK fertilization,the inorganic NPK (30% N) and organic manure (70% N) fertilization (NPKM) increased grain yields of wheat (14%-40%) and maize (9%-61%) at four sites,but not at Zhengzhou.For a productivity of wheat at 2-5 t ha-1 or maize at 3-6 t ha-1,13-26 or 9-17 kg K ha-1 were required to produce 1.0 t wheat or maize.The NP fertilization resulted in the lowest negative partial K balance and accumulated 52 kg K ha-1 year-1 less than the NPK fertilization,which accumulated 28 kg ha-1 year-1 less K than the NPKM fertilization.A re-evaluation of the site-specific fertilization effects on N/K ratio in crop plants and soil K accumulation under current NPK and NPKM fertilization is urgently needed to increase both crop yield and K use efficiency at different agroecological zones across China.     

钾镁水平对番茄苗期生长、根系形态及钾素吸收和生理利用效率的影响

采用水培方法,研究不同钾、镁水平对"天福冠露"和"毛粉802"两种番茄幼苗生长、根系特征及钾素吸收、利用效率的影响。结果表明,钾、镁水平(8 mmol/L、1 mmol/L)处理的植株鲜重、干重及钾、镁水平(4 mmol/L、4 mmol/L)处理的株高显著高于其他处理。随钾、镁水平升高,两种番茄植株的根长、"天福冠露"植株的根直径、根体积和分根数先减少后增加;番茄植株钾素吸收率显著提高,生理利用效率显著降低。钾、镁水平(8 mmol/L、1 mmol/L)处理的植株根长、根表面积、根直径及根体积显著高于缺钾处理。钾、镁水平(4 mmol/L、4 mmol/L)处理,两种番茄植株根长、根表面积、根体积和分根数均显著高于缺镁处理,"天福冠露"植株钾含量显著高于"毛粉802",而钾素生理利用效率显著低于"毛粉802"。与其它等钾处理相比,缺镁植株钾素积累量最低、生理利用效率最高,镁过量处理的植株钾素生理利用效率显著降低。     

包膜氯化钾一次基施对棉花生长周期钾素供应、 产量及品质的影响

【目的】钾是影响棉花生长发育和纤维品质的重要因素,本文旨在探究一次基施控释钾肥对棉花产量、 品质和钾肥利用率的影响,为棉花合理施用钾肥提供理论依据。【方法】以国欣棉3号为试验材料,在氮磷肥相同的条件下,连续2年盆栽试验。设6个处理: 1)不施钾肥(CK); 2)一次基施普通氯化钾(KCl); 3)40%基施+60%初花期追施氯化钾(KClD); 4)一次基施硫酸钾(KS); 5)40%基施+60%初花期追施硫酸钾(KSD); 6)一次基施控释氯化钾(CRK),每个处理重复四次。测定了苗期、 蕾期、 初花期、 盛花期、 始絮期和收获成熟期土壤速效钾含量和棉花株高、 茎粗,调查了籽棉产量,分析了品质指标和钾素吸收量。【结果】控释钾肥一次性基施(CRK)较普通钾肥显著提高了初花期、 盛花期、 始絮期及收获期的土壤速效钾含量。CRK较KCl处理增产23.6%,比KS处理增产15.6%,比KClD处理增产16.0%,与KSD处理差异不显著。CRK较KCl处理显著提高了衣分值,其余处理间单铃重及衣分差异不显著。CRK显著提高纤维长度、 伸长率和断裂比强度,但马克隆值和整齐度与其他处理差异不显著。速效钾肥追施较一次基施处理显著增加了生物量和吸钾量,但均低于控释钾肥处理。CRK处理的钾素利用率较KCl处理显著提高41.9%~50.9%,较KS处理提高27.3%~29.9%,较KClD处理提高21.1%~25.2%。【结论】本试验采用的控释钾肥钾素释放高峰期(80~110天)与棉花养分吸收高峰基本吻合,在棉花上一次基施对不同生育期的钾素供应优于普通钾肥一次性基施,也好于普通钾肥基施加追施,较速效钾肥显著提高了棉花的产量、 品质和钾肥利用率。     

氮素对玉米幼苗生长、根系形态及氮素吸收利用效率的影响

采用水培试验,比较分析了氮素对高产玉米杂交种幼苗生长、根系形态及氮素吸收利用效率的影响。结果表明,在一定氮素范围内供氮量的增加能够促进玉米地上部的生长,也促进东单90（DD90）和沈玉21（SY21）根系干重的增加,而高量供氮会抑制根系的生长,导致根冠比下降。郑单958（ZD958）在8.0 mmol/L氮水平下地上部受抑制的程度大于根系,造成根冠比有所增加。在各氮素水平下,东单90具有很好的根系形态,提高了氮素的吸收能力,从而提高氮素积累量。随氮浓度的增加,玉米植株氮素吸收效率增大而氮素生理利用效率减小,无论在低氮还是高氮条件下,郑单958和东单90的氮素吸收效率均显著高于沈玉21和郝育12（HY12）,氮素生理利用效率却显著低于沈玉21和郝育12。不同品种对氮素的响应存在显著差异,东单90和郑单958耐低氮和对氮素吸收的能力强,郑单958耐高氮能力相对较弱,沈玉21和郝育12对氮素需求量大,耐低氮能力弱。适宜的氮素供应能更好地协调根系与地上部的关系,促进根系形态发育,增加根系对氮素的接触面积,促进根系对氮素的高效吸收。     

施肥对棉花养分吸收、分配、利用和产量的影响

通过田间膜下滴灌栽培,研究了施肥对棉花养分吸收分配规律、肥料利用率、棉花产量和经济效益的影响。结果表明,与农民习惯施肥(FP)相比,推荐施肥(OPT)处理的养分吸收、生殖器官中分配总量和肥料利用效率有不同程度的提高,其中氮肥和磷肥肥料利用效率分别提高29.5和10.8个百分点,氮肥和磷肥农学利用效率分别提高0.4和0.7 kg·kg~(-1)。且OPT处理增产4.5%,增加农民收入774元·hm~(-2),该地区棉花产量限制因子依次为氮、磷、钾。说明平衡施肥的氮、磷、钾养分投入基本合理。     

Phosphorus uptake and use efficiency in different varieties of bread wheat (Triticum Aestivum L)

Thirty spring wheat varieties were evaluated and classified into eight different groups on the basis of their grain yield performance and phosphorus (P) uptake using Metroglyph analysis. Significant variability was observed for grain and biomass yield, plant height, P content in grain and straw, total P uptake and phosphorus harvest index and P use efficiency traits. Varieties WH 711 and PBW 343 exhibited high grain yield as well as high P uptake (HGY-HP). WH 283 and UP 2425 with high index score of 19 and 16 respectively, constituted the high grain yield-medium P uptake (HGYMP) group. Both these varieties, though had similar grain yield of 5348 kg/ha, but WH 283 (12.64 kg/ha) utilized much lower P as compared to UP 2425 (16.94 kg/ha). Moreover, WH 283 (81.64) also showed higher values for phosphorus harvest index (PHI) than UP 2425 (67.88%). P uptake of WH 283 was comparable with that of Raj 3765 (10.78 kg/ha) and grouped into high grain yield and low P uptake (HGY-LP) group. The grain yield performance of these two varieties with a relatively low P uptake is reflected in their high index score for P use efficiency thus, earmarking them for low P regimes. Variety HW 2006, despite low grain yields of 4665 kg/ha had high index score of 16 due to its higher value for Phosphorus Biological (PBER) and Economic Yield (PEER) Efficiency Ratio as it has effected least (7.18 kg/ha) P mobilization. In addition high P translocation in the grain was also observed for this variety. Inter-mating of genotypes like HW 2006, UP 2338 and HW 2016 with those belonging to HGY-HP (PBW 343 and WH 711) and HGY-LP (Raj 3765 and WH 283) would be an ideal strategy to develop the cultivars for efficient phosphorus use.     

Mechanisms of potassium uptake efficiency and dynamics in the rhizosphere of safflower and sunflower in different soils

Potassium uptake efficiency of safflower and sunflower was studied under semi-controlled conditions in loamy and sandy soils. Both species performed better in loamy soil. Safflower had higher agronomic efficiency and higher relative root length under suboptimal K supply. Safflower had higher specific root density and less root radius at all K levels. Safflower had higher relative root-shoot ratio under suboptimal K in loamy soil. Both species had similar K-influx at low and optimal K in loamy soil, while sunflower had higher influx under suboptimal and optimal supplies in sandy soil. Safflower had higher shoot demand in both soils under suboptimal and optimal K. Both species depleted similar amounts of soil solution-K under suboptimal K in sandy soil, while sunflower was more efficient under suboptimal levels in loamy soils. Sunflower depleted more extractable-K under both suboptimal and optimal K. Safflower could be considered K-uptake efficient crop.