Cotton responses to ultraviolet-B radiation: experimentation and algorithm development

The potential impact of an increase in solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation due to human activity on higher plants has been the subject of many studies. Little work has been carried out so far on cotton responses to enhanced UV-B radiation. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not the current and projected increases in UV-B levels affect cotton growth and development, and to quantify and develop UV-B radiation functional algorithms that can be used in simulation models. Two experiments were conducted during the summer of 2001 using sunlit plant growth chambers in a wide range of UV-B radiations under optimal growing conditions. Leaves exposed to UV-B radiation developed chlorotic and necrotic patches depending on the intensity and length of exposure. Along with changes in visible morphology, cotton canopy photosynthesis declined with increased UV-B radiation. The decline in canopy photosynthesis was partly due to loss of photosynthetic pigments and UV-B-induced decay of leaf-level photosynthetic efficiency (maximum photosynthesis) and capacity (quantum yield) as the leaves aged. The total leaf area was less due to smaller leaves and fewer leaves per plant. Less plant height was closely related to a shorter average internode length rather than a fewer mainstem nodes. The UV-B did not affect cotton major developmental events such as time taken to square, time to flower, and leaf addition rates on the mainstem. Lower biomass was closely related to both smaller leaf area and lower photosynthesis. The critical limit, defined as 90% of optimum or the control, for stem elongation was lower (8.7 kJ m⁻² per day UV-B) than the critical limit for leaf expansion (11.2 kJ m⁻² per day UV-B), indicating that stem elongation was more sensitive to UV-B than leaf expansion. The critical limits for canopy photosynthesis and total dry weight were 7 and 7.3 kJ m⁻² per day, respectively. The identified UV-B-specific indices for stem and leaf growth and photosynthesis parameters may be incorporated into cotton simulation models such as GOSSYM to predict yields under present and future climatic conditions.     

Growth of rice plants under red light with or without supplemental blue light

Abstract

The effects of blue light supplementation to red light on growth, morphology and N utilization in rice plants (Oryza sativa L. cv. Sasanishiki and Nipponbare) were investigated. Plants were grown under two light quality treatments, red light alone (R) or red light supplemented with blue light (RB; red/blue-light photosynthetic photon flux density [PPFD] ratio was 4/1), at 380 mol m^?2 s^?1 PPFD. The biomass production of both cultivars grown under RB conditions was higher than that of plants grown under R conditions. This enhancement of biomass production was caused by an increase in the net assimilation rate (NAR). The higher NAR was associated with a higher leaf N content per leaf area at the whole-plant level, which was accompanied by higher contents of the key components of photosynthesis, including Rubisco and chlorophyll. In Sasanishiki, preferential biomass investment in leaf blades and expansion of wider and thinner leaves also contributed to the enhancement of biomass production. These morphological changes in the leaves were not observed in Nipponbare. Both the changes in physiological characteristics, including leaf photosynthesis, and the changes in morphological characteristics, including leaf development, contributed to the enhancement of biomass production under RB conditions, although the extent of these changes differed between the two cultivars.     

High K+ supply avoids Na+ toxicity and improves photosynthesis by allowing favorable K+ : Na+ ratios through the inhibition of Na+ uptake and transport to the shoots of Jatropha curcas plants

This study assessed the relationships between external K⁺ supply and K⁺ : Na⁺ ratios associated with Na⁺ toxicity in Jatropha curcas. Plants were exposed to increasing external K⁺ concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 mM), combined with 50 mM NaCl in a nutrient solution. Photosynthesis progressively increased as the external K⁺ : Na⁺ ratios increased up to 0.75. The increase of photosynthesis and plant dry matter correlated positively with K⁺ : Na⁺ in xylem and leaves. The transport rates of K⁺ and Na⁺ from roots to xylem and leaves were inversely correlated. These ions presented an antagonistic pattern of accumulation in all organs. Maximum rates of photosynthesis and plant growth occurred with leaf K⁺ : Na⁺ ratios that ranged from 1.0 to 2.0, indicating that this parameter in leaves might be a good indicator for a favorable K⁺ homeostasis under salinity conditions. The higher K⁺ affinity and selectivity compared with Na⁺ in all organs associated with higher xylem flux and transport to shoots are essential for maintaining adequate K⁺ : Na⁺ ratios at the whole‐plant level. These characteristics, combined with adequate K⁺ concentrations, allow J. curcas to sustain high rates of photosynthesis and growth even under toxic NaCl levels.     

氯和钾营养对烤烟产量和品质的影响

在四川中性紫色土上研究烤烟的氯钾营养及其与产量品质的关系。结果表明,施氯量80-240mgCl/kg土,可提高烟叶的光合强度,增强POD、PPO、SOD、NR等抗逆酶的活性,增大叶面积。烟叶含氯量随施氯量的增加而增加,烤烟烟叶产量比对照提高5.5-21.5％。以烟叶含氯1％,K2O/Cl比4为标准确定的该地区烤烟耐氯临界值为139-165mgCl/kg土(土壤水溶性氯),可使烟叶中糖和烟碱含量和比例协调。从烤烟营养和品质看,植烟土壤含氯(水溶性氯)以不超过160mg/kg土为宜。试验还表明施氯促进了烤烟对氯、钾的吸收,提高烟叶水溶性总糖含量,但不利于烟株对磷的吸收。因此合理配置烤烟氮、磷、钾、氯的比例对烤烟品质至关重要。本试验结果初步表明在中性紫色土植烟区,以部分氯化钾代替硫酸钾是可能的。     

Assessing solar energy and water use efficiencies in winter wheat: A case study

Water-use and solar-energy-conversion efficiencies of two cultivars of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., vars. ‘Centurk’ and ‘Newton’) planted at three densities, were examined during a growing season.The water-use efficiencies of both cultivars varied from vegetative growth to booting stage and decreased thereafter for the rest of the season. When the two cultivars were compared, ‘Centurk’ was more water-use efficient based on total dry weight as well as grain yield production.Water use was the lowest under the light, and the highest under the heavy, planting densities of both cultivars. Water-use efficiency of medium and heavy planting densities were greater than the light planting densities in both cultivars.The canopy radiation extinction coefficients (K), of both cultivars increased with increases in planting density. Fractional absorption of photosynthetically active radiation, ?_a, by both cultivars increased from the time of jointing until anthesis, and then varied during senescence. The seasonal changes of K and ?_a were associated with the changes in the green-leaf area index. The efficiency of the conversion of absorbed radiation to dry matter (biochemical efficiency) decreased throughout the growing season in both cultivars. The light absorption, biochemical and photosynthetic efficiencies were improved as planting density increased.     

Cotton Growth and Physiological Responses to Boron Deficiency

Abstract

Boron (B) deficiency is common in some cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growing regions of the world. A better understanding of changes in the growth and physiological characteristics of cotton plants during the development of B deficiency will help us to define field diagnosis techniques and improve B fertilizer management recommendation. An experiment was conducted in a controlled‐environment growth chamber to determine effects of B deficiency during early vegetative growth on leaf photosynthesis, plant dry matter accumulation, photosynthetic assimilate partitioning, and other physiological parameters. Boron deficiency considerably decreased leaf net photosynthetic rate, plant height, leaf area, fruiting sites, and dry matter accumulation during squaring and fruiting. Depressed photosynthesis and plant growth (especially fruits and roots) resulted in increased fruit abscission and changes in dry matter partitioning among plant tissues. The results help explain effects of B deficiency on suppression of cotton growth and yield and provide information for improving the diagnosis of B deficiency in cotton production.     

Soil Plus Foliar Nitrogen Application increases Cotton Growth and Salinity Tolerance

Soil or foliar application of nitrogen (N) can increase plant growth and salinity tolerance in cotton, but a combination of both methods is seldom studied under salinity stress. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of soil application (S), foliar application (F), and a combination of both (S+F) with labeled nitrogen (¹⁵N) on cotton growth, N uptake and translocation under salinity stress (ECe = 12.5 dS m^?1). Plant biomass, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll (Chl) content, leaf net photosynthetic (Pn) rate, levels of ¹⁵N and [Na⁺] and K⁺/ Na⁺ ratio in plant tissues were determined at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after N application (DAN). Results showed that soil or foliar nitrogen fertilization improved plant biomass, leaf area per plant and leaf photosynthesis, and a combination of soil- plus foliar-applied N was superior to either S or F alone under salinity stress. Although foliar application favored a rapid accumulation of leaf N and soil application a rapid accumulation of root N, S+F enhanced N accumulation in both leaf and root under salinity stress. The combined N application also maintained significantly greater [K⁺] and K⁺/Na⁺ than either soil or foliar application alone. Therefore, the improved plant growth and salinity tolerance under S+F relative to soil or foliar N application alone was attributed to the increased total uptake of N, balanced N concentrations in different tissues through enhanced uptake and accumulation in both leaves and roots, and higher ratio of K⁺/Na⁺.     

Einfluß der Frucht auf Photosynthese und Atmung

Fruit Effect on Photosynthesis and Respiration Several investigations about fruit effects on photosynthesis and respiration, mainly of Citrus madurensis (Lour.) and Solanum melongena (L) plants are reviewed. Fruiting plants had higher photosynthetic rates (mg CO₂ · dm^?2 · h^?1) than non fruiting ones, particularly during stages of most intensive fruit growth. The photosynthetic rates could be stimulated by increasing fruit temperatures. No differences in dark respiration rates of fruiting and non fruiting plants were observed. However photorespiration was considerably higher in non fruiting plants as compared to fruiting ones. Leaves of non fruiting plants accumulated more sugars and starch in the leaves during the light periods than fruiting ones. The gaseous diffusive resistance of leaves was higher in non fruiting as compared to fruiting ones. The higher photosynthetic efficiency of fruiting plants is probably controlled by several mechanisms, some of which were discussed in the paper.     

不同矮蔓型西葫芦冠层特性的差异及对产量的影响

对2007年、2008两年在适宜密度下半矮蔓（1.8株/m2）和矮蔓（2.4株/m2)各2个西葫芦品种的冠层结构指标与产量进行了研究,结果表明,日光温室中,不同矮蔓型西葫芦品种的冠层结构不同,半矮蔓品种的冠层高度是矮蔓品种的1.63倍,最大叶面积指数较矮蔓品种高1.06,而叶面积密度较矮蔓品种低1.25m-1;半矮蔓品种的叶片较上举,功能叶片与主茎夹角在45°~65°之间,矮蔓品种的叶片比较平展,功能叶与主茎夹角在65°~90°之间,结瓜期平均叶倾角(mean tilt angle ,MTA)半矮蔓品种大于矮蔓品种;半矮蔓品种冠层的整体受光态势良好,消光系数平均为0.67,矮蔓品种为0.82。半矮蔓品种与矮蔓品种早熟性上差异不显著,但总产量显著高于矮蔓品种,平均增产24.3%,单株产量的显著提高是其增产的主要原因。产量与结果中期的冠层结构指标相关性最大,其次是结果后期,与苗期相关性最小,结果期维持较高较稳的冠层高度、叶面积指数(leaf area index ,LAI),较低的叶面积密度,有利于西葫芦产量的形成。     

Physiological responses of lupinus mutabilis to phosphorus nutrition and season of growth

The response to phosphorus (P) concentration in the nutrient solution (0–0.5 mol P m^‐3) was studied in Lupinus mutabilis Sweet cv. Potosi in two different seasons (winter and spring). Phosphorus deficiency was more severe on growth than on photosynthesis and the season of growth dramatically influenced the optimal concentration of P for plant growth; root biomass was proportionally less affected than shoot biomass. During winter, growth and photosynthesis of plants supplied with 0.02–0.5 mol P m^‐3 were not significantly different, whereas in spring, rates of growth and photosynthesis were faster at the 0.5 mol P m^‐3 level. Stomatal conductance decreased with deficient P independently of leaf water relations. Severe P deficiency limited carbon (C) assimilation rates due to reduction in stomatal conductance and mesophyll photosynthetic capacity. Decreased sucrose/starch in P‐deficient leaves was a consequence of the observed source/sink imbalance which was more marked in winter. Hydraulic conductance was not a limiting factor for leaf expansion under low P. In conclusion, growth and metabolic changes observed in lupins grown at low P supply can be ascribed to an adjustment at the whole plant level, preventing a large drop in leaf P, reducing shoot growth and facilitating P uptake through higher root biomass.     

Effects of antibiotic-producing Streptomyces on nodulation and leaf spot in alfalfa

The ability of antibiotic-producing streptomycetes to colonize alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants and influence the activities of a fungal plant pathogen (Phoma medicaginis var. medicaginis) and a mutualistic symbiont (Sinorhizobium meliloti) was investigated. Streptomyces strains were introduced around seeds at the time of planting. Hyphal filaments and spore chains were observed by scanning electron microscopy on roots of alfalfa seedlings receiving the streptomycete amendment. Streptomyces strain densities on leaves decreased 10–100-fold over an 8-week period, while densities on roots remained constant over time. The Streptomyces strains also colonized alfalfa root nodules. We then tested the ability of 15 antibiotic-producing strains of Streptomyces to inhibit in vitro growth of Phoma medicaginis var. medicaginis Malbr. & Roum., the causal agent of spring blackstem and leaf spot of alfalfa. The majority of the Streptomyces strains inhibited growth of three diverse strains of P. medicaginis. In a detached leaf assay, one Streptomyces strain decreased leaf spot symptoms caused by P. medicaginis when inoculated onto leaves 24 h before the pathogen. Two Streptomyces strains decreased defoliation caused by P. medicaginis when the streptomycetes were introduced around seeds at the time of planting. We also examined inhibitory activity of Streptomyces strains against 11 strains of S. meliloti. Eight of the 15 Streptomyces strains inhibited in vitro growth of five or more of the S. meliloti strains, while four Streptomyces strains had no effect on growth of any test strains. In a growth chamber assay, two of six Streptomyces strains, when inoculated into the planting mix, significantly reduced plant dry weight compared to the treatment with S. meliloti alone, but did not significantly reduce the number of nodules. These results suggest that careful selection of Streptomyces isolates for use in biological control of plant diseases will limit the potential negative impacts on rhizobia.     

Effect of crude oil on gas exchange functions of Juncus roemerianus and Spartina alterniflora

The effect of crude oil on gas exchange functions of Juncus roemerianus and Spartina alterniflora, two important U.S. Gulf Coast plant species, were examined. Plants were exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons (Mexican Sour type) mixed with water at 4.4 mL L^?1 (2 L m^?2). Coating entire leaf with oil resulted in cessation of photosynthetic activity. Partial leaf exposure to oil resulted in net photosynthesis decrease in both species shortly after exposure. Net photosynthesis remained within 71 and 94% of control plants in J. roemerianus during the first four weeks of the experiment. In S. alterniflora, photosynthetic rates averaged between 53 to 80% of control plants during the same period. Four weeks following the partial oiling, net photosynthesis began to improve in both species. Partial oil coverage of leaves of both species resulted in reduction in normal photosynthetic activity with no lethal effects. By the end of the laboratory study, there was no significant reduction in production of new shoots or the overall growth of either species.     

Effect of nitrogen supply on leaf traits related to photosynthesis during grain filling in two maize genotypes with different N efficiency

In the present study, plant traits related to the photosynthetic capacity at the whole plant level were compared during grain filling in two maize genotypes with different nitrogen (N) efficiency. The plants were grown in a greenhouse in large root containers and supplied either with suboptimal or optimal rates of N fertilizer. Suboptimal N supply reduced total plant biomass at maturity (47 days (d) after flowering) by 29 % for the efficient genotype and by 36 % for the inefficient genotype. Suboptimal N supply reduced leaf growth of both genotypes. The reduction of leaf area was less severe in the N‐efficient genotype, despite of lower N content in the leaves. This indicates lower sensitivity of leaf growth towards internal N limitation in the efficient genotype. At low N supply, the green leaf area per plant gradually decreased after flowering in both genotypes, because of loss of chlorophyll during leaf senescence. The rate of net photosynthesis per unit leaf area (A) was reduced at low in comparison with high N supply. The ratio of A/leaf N content or leaf chlorophyll content was higher in the efficient genotype, indicating more efficient utilization of internal N for photosynthesis. At the end of grain filling, low N supply led to enhanced intercelluar CO₂ concentrations (Ci) in the leaves, indicating limitation of CO₂ assimilation by carboxylation rather than by stomatal resistance. The N deficiency‐induced increase of Ci was less pronounced in the efficient genotype. Furthermore, higher photosynthetic rate of the efficient genotype at suboptimal N supply was associated with lower contents of reducing sugars and sucrose in the leaves, whereas starch content was higher than in the inefficient genotype. The ability to avoid excessive sugar accumulation in the leaves under N deficiency might be related to higher photosynthetic N efficiency.     

Vertical variability of spectral ratios in a mature mixed forest stand

The quality and quantity of solar radiation are crucial for growth and competition within forest ecosystems. The spectral waveband between 400 and 700 nm is mainly responsible for photosynthesis and thus for plant growth. Spectral ratios such as red/far red (R/FR) and blue/red (B/R) give important information about the light quality within stands. Changes in R/FR and B/R trigger or inhibit effects such as seed germination, stem growth, dormancy, leaf expansion and flowering. Blue light strongly influences development and growth of plants e.g. an increase of B/R may lead to higher photosynthetic rates per unit leaf area. In addition to spectral properties, a higher fraction of diffuse radiation on overcast days can be used more effectively by plant organs. In this study, the spectral composition and variability of solar radiation were analyzed for different sky conditions and solar angles in six different vertical layers of a mixed European beech and Norway spruce stand in Southern Germany. The results showed lower R/FR ratios in beech than in spruce. Spruce showed markedly higher B/R values in comparison to beech under clear sky conditions. A steep increase of the B/R ratio at the height of the sun crown in both species was observed. Cloud cover had a major effect, elevating R/FR and reducing B/R values compared to clear sky days, due to a higher fraction of diffuse, unattenuated radiation within the canopy. The penetration of blue and red light into the canopy strongly depends on both the diffuse index and solar elevation angle.     

Yield components,light interception and marker compound accumulation of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) affected by planting material and plant density under western Himalayan conditions

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of planting material and plant density on stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) under western Himalayan conditions during 2011 and 2012. The experiment conducted in a split plot design consisted of two types of planting material (rooted slips and fresh seedlings) in the main plot and five inter- and intra-row spacing in subplots with three replications. Yield attributes and dry leaf biomass yield of stevia were not affected by the type of planting material; however, plant density significantly influenced the yield attributes and leaf and stem dry biomass. Although the wider spacing (60 × 45 cm) gave more leaves, higher leaf area index, higher leaf dry mass per plant as compared to closer spacing, it resulted in lower values of these attributes per unit area. Plants spaced in 30 × 30 cm accumulated 41.2% and 42.8% more total biomass than 60 × 45 cm. Steviol glycoside content did not change due to different planting materials and plant densities; however, closer plant spacing (30 × 30 cm) recorded 114.8% and 70.0% higher steviol glycoside accumulation compared to wider row spacing (60 × 45 cm) in 2011 and 2012, respectively.     

Atmospheric Absorption of Fluoride by Cultivated Species. Leaf Structural Changes and Plant Growth

Fluoride (F) is an air pollutant that causes phytotoxicity. Besides the importance of this, losses of agricultural crops in the vicinity of F polluting industries in Brazil have been recently reported. Injuries caused to plant leaf cell structures by excess F are not well characterized. However, this may contribute to understanding the ways in which plant physiological and biochemical processes are altered. A study evaluated the effects of the atmospheric F on leaf characteristics and growth of young trees of sweet orange and coffee exposed to low (0.04 mol L^?1) or high (0.16 mol L^?1) doses of HF nebulized in closed chamber for 28 days plus a control treatment not exposed. Gladiolus and ryegrass were used as bioindicators in the experiment to monitor F exposure levels. Fluoride concentration and dry mass of leaves were evaluated. Leaf anatomy was observed under light and electron microscopy. High F concentrations (~180 mg kg^?1) were found in leaves of plants exposed at the highest dose of HF. Visual symptoms of F toxicity in leaves of citrus and coffee were observed. Analyses of plant tissue provided evidence that F caused degeneration of cell wall and cytoplasm and disorganization of bundle sheath, which were more evident in Gladiolus and coffee. Minor changes were observed for sweet orange and ryegrass. Increase on individual stomatal area was also marked for the Gladiolus and coffee, and which were characterized by occurrence of opened ostioles. The increased F absorption by leaves and changes at the structural and ultrastructural level of leaf tissues correlated with reduced plant growth.     

栽培密度和施肥水平对黄花蒿生长特性和青蒿素的影响

采用大田试验,研究不同密度和施肥水平对黄花蒿生长、生物量分配和青蒿素含量的影响。试验设3个密度水平: 高密度（111111株/hm2）、中密度（55555株/hm2）和低密度（27778株/hm2）。 各密度设3个施肥水平(复合肥,N-P2O5-K2O为15-15-15): 不施肥、低肥（60 kg/hm2）和高肥（120 kg/hm2）。结果表明,黄花蒿对密度和养分条件变化的适应性较强,其中密度是植株大小、生物量分配和产量有关参数的主要决定因子,而青蒿素含量由施肥水平决定。相同施肥水平下,黄花蒿的基径与分枝数均随密度的降低而显著增大,其单株生物量也随密度的降低而显著增大; 中、高密度黄花蒿的支持结构生物量分数均显著大于低密度,低密度黄花蒿的根生物量分数和根/冠比显著大于中、高密度。相同密度下,施肥水平对黄花蒿的单株生物量影响不显著,但显著影响其生物量分配。低密度下,黄花蒿根生物量分数和根/冠比随施肥水平的增高而显著降低; 高密度下,黄花蒿叶生物量分数随施肥水平的增高而显著增大。所有处理中,低密度低施肥水平黄花蒿的青蒿素含量最高,中密度低施肥水平的叶产量和青蒿素产量最大。本试验条件下,黄花蒿栽培以密度55555株/hm2、 施肥60 kg/hm2为宜。     

Carbon dioxide budget of maize

Measurements made during 1982, 1983 and 1984 were used to study the CO₂ budget of maize (Zea mays L.). Above-canopy CO₂ flux density, which represents most of the CO₂ absorption by crops, was monitored throughout each growing season using the eddy correlation technique. Intercepted solar radiation was calculated on an hourly basis using measurements of incident solar radiation, leaf area index and solar elevation. The observed relationships between above-canopy CO₂ flux densities and intercepted solar radiation, for each growing season, were then used to estimate hourly above-canopy CO₂ flux densities. Assimilation of soil-respired CO₂ and nighttime losses of plant respiratory CO₂ were also estimated, based on experimental data, and combined with above-canopy CO₂ flux densities to determine net photosynthesis. Although clear short term relationships between above-canopy CO₂ flux density and intercepted solar radiation have been observed for maize, a great variability in CO₂ flux density as a function of estimated intercepted solar radiation is observed over the whole growing season. Comparison of estimated CO₂ budget based on gaseous exchange estimates and destructive plant sampling are presented. For 1982 and 1983, both estimates agreed within ±1 standard error while for 1984 the estimates based on gaseous exchanges were consistently lower. The relative magnitudes of gross photosynthesis, soil and plant respiration are presented and techniques for improving our ability for closing the CO₂ budget using gaseous exchanges estimates are discussed.     

The response of okra to molybdenum in sandculture

Abstract

The role of molybdenum in plant growth was examined by growing ‘Emerald’ okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) to fruiting in sand‐culture.

Molybdenum treatment lower than 1 ppm, resulted in leaves that were generally pale yellow and curled upwards. At 1 ppm and 4 ppm Mo, plants were generally healthy with deep green leaves, while Mo application at 6 and 16 ppm resulted in stunted plant growth, deep green leaves, and dark brownish coating on the roots. Shoot/root ratio decreased with increasing rates of Mo. Total chlorophyll was unaffected by Mo application, whereas plant dry matter production and fruit yield were depressed at the 16 ppm Mo treatment.

Leaves of plants receiving less than 1 ppm Mo had higher concentrations of NO₃‐N, P, K, Ca and Mg than plants receiving above 1 ppm Mo treatments. The reverse was the case with the micronutrient levels. Specifically, Mo treatments higher than 1 ppm increased leaf‐Mo, ‐Fe, Mn and Zn and root‐Mo and Mn. The highest percentage of Fe and Mn, accumulated in the leaves, followed by the root and least in the wood, whereas the roots had the highest percentage of accumulated Mo, Cu and Zn. Leaf‐Mo was positively correlated with leaf‐Fe and Mn and root‐Mo and Mn. Molybdenum deficiency symptoms appeared in plants with leaf‐Mo of 5 ppm and treated with less than 1 ppm Mo. The 2 ppm Mo treatment with leaf‐Mo of 18 ppm produced normal and healthy plants, whereas. Mo application from 8 to 16 ppm with corresponding leaf‐Mo of 42 and 90 ppm Ho respectively produced plants that were severely stunted and had generally poor growth. The relatively high Ho concentration observed suggests that the okra plant is a Mo accumulator.