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.     

植物应答缺铁胁迫的分子生理机制及其调控

铁是植物生长发育中所必需的微量营养元素。虽然土壤中铁的丰度很高,但其生物有效性非常低,特别是在碱性石灰性土壤上,高pH和高重碳酸盐含量严重降低了土壤中铁的有效性。因此如何有效地提高植物对铁的利用效率及增强植物对缺铁胁迫的响应已成为目前该领域的研究热点。本文重点阐述了植物两种不同的铁吸收机制,以及对缺铁胁迫的应答反应;对目前所发现的植物中调控缺铁胁迫的相关基因进行了全面的综述,包括新发现的吞噬机理中所涉及的NRAMP基因;同时也介绍了感应铁缺乏的众多相关信号,包括植物激素、气体信号分子及microRNAs等;此外,还提出利用铁吸收相关基因的转导、控制铁吸收相关因子以及各种农艺措施的实施来提高植物铁的生物有效性从而有效缓解缺铁胁迫。最后对未来有关植物吞噬机制、铁缺乏感应信号及改善植物铁营养新途径等研究方向作了初步展望。     

农艺措施对苹果幼树长期低剂量铜胁迫的影响及缓解效果分类

为探讨农艺措施对铜胁迫苹果树毒害效应的缓解效果,利用长期盆栽试验（600d）,研究了棕壤上介于我国土壤环境质量二、三级标准间的低剂量铜胁迫下,钙（CaCO3）、铁（FeSO4）、钾（K2SO4）以及半腐熟鸡粪（CM）对苹果幼树生长和果实铜积累的影响。结果表明,320mg·kg^-1的铜胁迫600d导致苹果树春梢萌动迟缓,生物量、果实数量下降,果实铜含量升高（P〈0.05）。施加CaCO3对铜胁迫苹果树的生长（新梢萌发和果实数量）有明显的缓解效果,并降低果实铜含量（P〈0.05）,降低通过食物链危害人类健康的风险。K2SO4虽能够缓解铜胁迫对总生物量的抑制作用,却导致果实数量减少,果实铜含量增高（P〈0.05）。FeSO4和CM对于植株生物量和果实数量没有明显的缓解作用（P〉0.05）,但能降低果实铜含量（P〈0.05）。综合考虑对果树生长和人类食品安全的影响,将缓解效果分为“安全的解毒”、“安全的不解毒”、“危险的解毒”和“危险的不解毒”4类。K2SO4属于“危险的解毒”,在农用棕壤上应慎用;FeSO4和CM属“安全的不解毒”;CaCO3属于“安全的解毒”,具有较好的缓解毒害和降低食品安全风险的效果。     

Mycorrhizal Symbioses of Cotton Grown on Sodic Soils:A Review from an Australian Perspective

The majority of terrestrial plants form some type of mycorrhizal symbiosis.This established symbiosis therefore exists in most commercially important crops, which includes cotton.Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus(AMF) can colonise 50%–90% of cotton root length under field and controlled conditions.Mycorrhization improves growth and nutrient uptake(especially phosphorus) of cotton,particularly at the early growth stages.Mycorrhizal symbioses help plants to counter the stresses imposed by physical and chemical soil constraints; however, adverse environmental conditions may restrict the mycorrhizal associations and consequently may reduce nutrient uptake and impair plant growth.In Australia, cotton is mainly grown on sodic soils that contain more than 6% of the total cations as exchangeable sodium.High levels of sodium in the soil create adverse physical and chemical soil conditions that may negatively affect mycorrhizal symbioses of cotton.This review discusses the cotton mycorrhizal colonisation, plant growth, and disease protection effects, potential negative effects of physical and chemical properties of sodic soils, and influences of some agronomic management practices.In addition, the research gaps were identified and some practical applications of the research outcomes were suggested.     

Effects of Partial Replacement of Potassium by Sodium on Cotton Seedling Development and Yield

ABSTRACT

Potassium (K) deficiency can affect cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) growth but sodium (Na) can share some functions with K. This study examined the effects of replacing K with Na at different ratios on cotton growth, nutrition uptake, and yield under greenhouse and field conditions. The results indicated that cotton germination rate, total dry weight, and nutrition absorption were affected by the replacement of K with Na. Increased early development appeared when replacing 1/3 K with Na. However, replacing K with 2/3 Na or completely with Na restrained cotton seedling growth and nutrition uptake. Furthermore, dry weights and levels of K and Na varied among the selected treatments at the different growth stages of seedling, first square, and peak bloom. Consequently, the highest final cottonseed yield appeared when K and Na were added at rates of 115 and 65 mg kg^?1, respectively, in the top 20 cm of soil. The results of this study imply that cotton growth and yield could be improved by adding appropriate amounts of K and Na.     

干旱条件下土壤中锌的有效性及与植物水分利用的关系

我国北方地区石灰性土壤上缺锌与干旱限制因子同时存在,影响作物生长和产量提高。本文综述了干旱胁迫影响土壤锌的有效性和植物对锌吸收利用的可能机制:土壤中锌不同形态间的转化与化学行为、根际土壤中锌的移动性、植物根系形态和生理反应、植物体内锌的运输以及植株对锌的需求等在水分胁迫下都可能发生变化。植物锌营养状况可能与植物气孔开闭、活性氧代谢和基因转录因子-锌指蛋白的形成等关系密切,从而影响植物对水分的吸收利用和对干旱胁迫的适应。     

DOES NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ENHANCE DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN SUNFLOWER? A REVIEW

Water stress is one of the major limitations to the agricultural productivity around the globe, particularly in warm, arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), being a crop with medium water requirements, has the ability to tolerate a short period of drought. However, water stress in the soil as well as inside the plant influences various physiological and biochemical processes. This may inhibit plant growth, decrease developmental activities of the cells and tissues and cause a variety of morphological, physiological and biochemical modifications. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important mineral nutrients because of its numerous effects on plant growth and yield. A number of fundamental processes such as water and nutrient uptake, protein metabolism, photosynthesis, carbon partitioning, and enzyme and plant hormonal activities are regulated by N. These responses result in profound changes in growth rate, net photosynthate production, plant development, and yield. It is well documented that nutrient uptake of plants is inhibited in dry soils and with expected nutrient deficiencies the normal functioning of the plants is affected. Different strategies are being practiced in the world to cope with the problem of nutrient deficiency under water stress. Nitrogen application either through soil or through foliar feeding is an important strategy to alleviate the adverse effect of drought. Supplemental application of N as foliar fertilization to soil-applied fertilization is important in situation where nutrient supply through soil is limited. Some of the relevant work available about the effect of water stress and nutrient availability in sunflower is reviewed in this paper.     

Beneficial elements for agricultural crops and their functional relevance in defence against stresses

The beneficial elements are not deemed essential for all crops but may be vital for particular plant taxa. The distinction between beneficial and essential is often difficult in the case of some trace elements. Elements such as aluminium (Al), cobalt (Co), sodium (Na), selenium (Se) and silicon (Si) are considered beneficial for plants. These elements are not critical for all plants but may improve plant growth and yield. Pertinently, beneficial elements reportedly enhance resistance to abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, high temperature, cold, UV stress, and nutrient toxicity or deficiency) and biotic stresses (pathogens and herbivores) at their low levels. However, the essential-to-lethal range for these elements is somewhat narrow. The effect of beneficial elements at low levels deserves more attention with regard to using them to fertilize crops to boost crop production under stress and to enhance plant nutritional value as a feed or food. A more holistic approach to plant nutrition would not only be restricted to nutrients essential to survival but would also include mineral elements at levels beneficial for best growth. Here, we describe the uptake mechanisms of various beneficial elements, their favourable aspects, and the role of these elements in conferring tolerance against abiotic and biotic stresses.     

钠钾替代对不同基因型棉花钾利用效率的影响

【目的】钾是植物生长发育所必需的营养元素之一,缺钾影响棉花的生长。钠与钾有一些相同的生理功能,钠钾替代和协同作用是提高作物钾效率有效途径之一。研究钠钾替代对不同基因型棉花钾效率的影响,旨在为生产中科学高效利用钾肥提供依据。【方法】于2013~2014年在华中农业大学利用盆栽试验,筛选并获得了钾高效高增产潜力棉花基因型103和钾低效低增产潜力棉花基因型122为试验材料,采用营养液培养对不同K+、Na+浓度处理条件下棉花苗期农艺性状(株高、根长和叶片数)、干物质积累与分配、各部位(根、茎、叶和柄)钾钠含量和钾钠积累量等进行了研究,探讨了钠钾替代作用对其钾素利用效率的影响。【结果】缺钾的条件下,施钠增加了两个基因型的根长,且103增加的幅度大于122;增加了103和122各部位干重和根冠比,而减少了根和茎的钾含量,对各部位钾积累量影响不明显,施钠还能显著提高基因型棉花103的钾利用效率,其为不施钠时的1.37倍。另外,适钾的条件下施钠,两个基因型的根长都有所增加,且103增加的幅度大于122;103和122各部位干重和总干重都显著增加,但二者根和叶钾含量显著降低,除了叶和柄其他各个部位的钾积累量都不同程度的提高;同时,103和122的钾利用效率均增加,103增加了28%,大于122的19%。此外,钾钠交互作用对根长和株高的相对生长速率,各部位干物重和根、叶中钾、钠含量和积累量以及全株钾利用效率都有显著影响。【结论】无论是否施钾、施钠均能增加两个基因型棉花的根长,通过促进根系的伸长来提高棉花对钾的吸收和生物量的积累。缺钾时施钠显著增加了103的钾效率,且适钾时施钠高效基因型103的钾效率增加幅度大于低效基因型122,表明钠钾替代和协同效应对钾高效基因型103比低效基因型122更显著。     

Mycorrhizal inoculation enhances growth and nutrition of cotton plant

Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungi (AMF) inoculations may improve growth and nutrient uptake of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plant. Although the importance of mycorrhizal symbioses for growth and nutrient acquisition of cotton plant is known, less is known about mycorrhizal dependency on P and Zn nutrition under low Zn fertile soil conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different of P and Zn fertilizer addition on cotton plant growth as well as Zn and P uptake. Sterilized and non-sterilized low Zn fertile Konya series soil was treated with different levels of P and Zn. Soils were inoculated with two mycorrhizae species like Funneliformis mosseae and Claroideoglomus etunicatum after sterilization. Results showed that mycorrhizal inoculation on plant growth and nutrient uptake has significant effect when soil was sterilized. Cl. etunicatum mycorrhizae species has greater effect than Fu. mosseae mycorrhizae species. Root colonization increased 23–65% due to mycorrhizal amendment. The shoot: root ratio increased by 13 and 22% for non-sterile and sterile condition respectively in mycorrhiza amended soil. Mycorrhizal dependency varies 1–55% and 3–64% for non-sterile and sterile soil respectively on mycorrhizae, P and Zn amended soil. Mycorrhizal dependency analysis showed that cotton plant in both sterile and non-sterile soil conditions depends on mycorrhizae species, P nutrition, however is less depend on Zn nutrition. This study concluded that the inoculation of cotton plant with selected mycorrhizae is necessary under both sterile and non-sterile soil conditions.     

腐植酸促进植物生长的机理研究进展

【目的】腐植酸在我国农业生产中发挥了重要作用,许多研究证实,腐植酸具有促进植物生长的功能,本文从腐植酸刺激植物根系生长、调控土壤与肥料养分转化及肥料利用率和影响土壤微生物和酶活性方面,系统总结了国内外施用腐植酸促进植物生长的途径,阐述了腐植酸对植物生长促进作用的机理,旨在梳理腐植酸促进植物生长机理的研究现状,为腐植酸的进一步研究和应用提供参考依据。[主要进展]1）腐植酸能够对植物产生类似生物刺激素的效应。它能够提高植物根系H+-ATP酶等的活性、刺激植物根伸长和侧根生长点的增加,从而增加根系活力及植物根系与土壤养分的接触面积,增加植物对养分的吸收;2）逆境胁迫下,腐植酸能够通过调节植物体内的新陈代谢并改善植物生长环境,缓解甚至消除逆境胁迫对植物的伤害,从而促进植物生长;3）腐植酸能够通过与氮素、磷素和钾素发生结合效应,与磷酸盐产生竞争效应和对钾离子的吸附作用固持与活化土壤与肥料中的养分,提高土壤肥料有效性和缓释性能,提高肥料利用率,从而促进植物生长;4）腐植酸还能够影响土壤中与养分转化相关的酶活性和微生物群落结构及数量,在活化养分的同时,保蓄养分,降低养分的损失,为植物生长保障持久的养分供应;5）腐植酸对植物生长的促进效应受腐植酸结构特征、添加量和供试植物种类等因素的影响。[建议与展望]由于技术手段的限制和研究技术的差异,人们对腐植酸促进植物生长机理的认识还不够系统和深入,因此,腐植酸的基本特征、影响腐植酸作用的主控因子、土壤-植物系统中腐植酸促进植物生长的主要途径和腐植酸对土壤功能性微生物等的影响都将成为未来研究的重要方向。     

Calibration of the mehlich 3 soil test for potassium using leaf analyses and potassium deficiency symptoms in cotton plants

Abstract

A new calibration of the Mehlich 3 soil test for potassium (K) is proposed for the Mississippi Delta area, based on leaf analyses and K deficiency symptoms in cotton plants. The calibration reflects the need to supply adequate K concentrations to plants during the fruiting period of greatest K demand. The lowest levels and highest percent of sites exhibiting K‐deficiency symptoms were associated with the fifth week of flowering; or at the peak bloom stage of plant growth. The fifth week of flowering was selected to base soil and plant evaluations for K needs. A 1.5% leaf K level was selected as the critical leaf K level (the level that plants experience a nutrient deficiency and yield reductions), based on visual leaf K‐deficiency symptoms observed in plants 95% of the time. Leaf K concentrations below 1.51% identifies K‐deficiency symptoms in the upper leaves through eight weeks of flowering. A simplified equation [Topsoil K (lb/A) = 480 + 5 x CEC (Milliequivalents/100g soil)] defines critical soil test K concentrations with respect to the cation exchange capacity (CEC) in soils. This equation can be used to determine present topsoil K needs for cotton in the Mississippi Delta area based on a 1.5% critical leaf K level during the fifth week of flowering.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi regulate plant mineral nutrient uptake and partitioning in iron ore tailings undergoing eco-engineered pedogenesis

Excess available K and Fe in Fe ore tailings with organic matter amendment and water-deficiencies may restrain plant colonization and growth, which hinders the formation of eco-engineered soil from these tailings for sustainable and cost-effective mine site rehabilitation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are widely demonstrated to assist plant growth under various unfavorable environments. However, it is still unclear whether AM symbiosis in tailings amended with different types of plant biomass and under different water conditions could overcome the surplus K and Fe stress for plants in Fe ore tailings, and if so, by what mechanisms. Here, host plants (Sorghum sp. Hybrid cv. Silk), either colonized or noncolonized by the AM fungi (Glomus spp.), were cultivated in lucerne hay (LH, C:N ratio of 18)- or sugarcane mulch (SM, C:N ratio of 78)-amended Fe ore tailings under well-watered (55% water-holding capacity (WHC) of tailings) or water-deficient (30% WHC of tailings) conditions. Root mycorrhizal colonization, plant growth, and mineral elemental uptake and partitioning were examined. Results indicated that AM fungal colonization improved plant growth in tailings amended with plant biomass under water-deficient conditions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization enhanced plant mineral element uptake, especially P, both in the LH- and SM-amended tailings regardless of water condition. Additionally, AM symbiosis development restrained the translocation of excess elements (i.e., K and Fe) from plant roots to shoots, thereby relieving their phytotoxicity. The AM fungal roles in P uptake and excess elemental partitioning were greater in LH-amended tailings than in SM-amended tailings. Water deficiency weakened AM fungal colonization and functions in terms of mineral element uptake and partitioning. These findings highlighted the vital role AM fungi played in regulating plant growth and nutrition status in Fe ore tailings technosol, providing an important basis for involvement of AM fungi in the eco-engineered pedogenesis of Fe ore tailings.     

Relationship between plant responses to high Na and ameliorative effects of supplemental K and Ca

The ameliorative effects of supplemental potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) were investigated from the viewpoint of water and nutrient status. Sodium (Na) stress resulted in poor water status in barley, maize and kidney bean and nutrient imbalance in all species, with small effects observed in soybean and kidney bean. Supplemental K and Ca effectively improved plant growth, especially in eggplant, green pepper, Chinese radish and spinach. Supplemental K or Ca ameliorated the nutrient status of all species. Supplemental Ca showed the greatest effect on growth improvement, increasing not only Ca concentration but also K concentration. However, maize and kidney bean could not maintain adequate water status under Na stress and exhibited greater growth suppression. From these results, we concluded that supplemental K and Ca is effective for the growth amelioration of plant species in which high Na salinization induces nutrient imbalance but does not affect water status.     

Bodengefüge,Wurzelentwicklung und Wurzelfunktionen

Soil fabric, root development and root functions Plant roots fulfil numerous functions. These include the uptake of water and nutrients as well as a significant role in the energy, nutrient and hormone metabolism of the plant. To accomplish these functions the plant develops a huge root network during just a few weeks and extends it with a remarkable rate against considerable resistance through the soil pore system. This induces numerous mechanical as well as biochemical interactions between soil and roots, which are of great agronomic and ecological significance. Through a combination of knowledge from various research fields this paper intends to improve the understanding of plant root-soil interactions and to identify knowledge gaps.     

An overview on biochar production, its implications, and mechanisms of biochar-induced amelioration of soil and plant characteristics

The degradation of soil fertility and quality due to rapid industrialization and human activities has stimulated interest in the rehabilitation of low-fertility soils to sustainably improve crop yield. In this regard, biochar has emerged as an effective multi-beneficial additive that can be used as a medium for the amelioration of soil properties and plant growth. The current review highlights the methods and conditions for biochar production and the effects of pyrolysis temperature, feedstock type, and retention time on the physicochemical properties of biochar. We also discuss the impact of biochar as a soil amendment with respect to enhancing soil physical (e.g., surface area, porosity, ion exchange, and water-holding capacity) and chemical (e.g., pH, nutrient exchange,functional groups, and carbon sequestration) properties, improving the soil microbiome for increased plant nutrient uptake and growth, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing infectious diseases in plants, and facilitating the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. The possible mechanisms for biochar-induced amelioration of soil and plant characteristics are also described, and we consider the challenges associated with biochar utilization. The findings discussed in this review support the feasibility of expending the application of biochar to improve degraded soils in industrial and saline-alkali regions, thereby increasing the usable amount of cultivated soil. Future research should include long-term field experiments and studies on biochar production and environmental risk management to optimize biochar performance for specific soil remediation purposes.     

Phosphorus,calcium, and magnesium fertilization effects on upland rice in an ultisol

Abstract

Acid‐related soil infertility is the major constraint to crop production on low‐activity clay soils in the tropics. We investigated the role of phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in alleviating the acid‐related fertility problem in upland rice on an Ultisol in the humid forest zone of West Africa. A field experiment was conducted in 1994 under rainfed condition to determine the response of an acid‐tolerant, upland rice cultivar (WAB 56–50) to the application of P, Ca, and Mg nutrient combinations. Phosphorus alone or in combination with Ca and Mg significantly increased yield and agronomic and physiological P efficiencies and improved harvest index of the crop. Application of Ca and Mg alone or together had a non‐significant effect on yield, elemental composition of plant tissue at tillering, and the uptake of macro‐ and micronutrients at harvest. The results indicate that P deficiency was the most important nutrient disorder in the Ultisol and that the application of Ca and Mg as plant nutrients was initially not as important to the growth, yield, and plant nutrient status of an acid‐tolerant upland rice cultivar.     

植物促生菌的功能及在可持续农业中的应用

全球气候变化以及人口增长加剧了农业生产中各种生物（如病原菌）和非生物（如干旱、盐渍、高温等）胁迫,并通过影响植物形态、生理生化特征和代谢功能等阻碍植物的生长、发育和生产力提升,最终影响农作物的产量和品质并严重威胁着农业的可持续发展。随着现代农业的大力发展,有益微生物因其能够改良土壤质量、提高土壤肥力、提升农作物抗胁迫性能和增产提质的功效显著而备受关注。简要概述了植物促生菌（Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria,PGPB）的种类和施用效应,重点剖析了PGPB产生植物生长激素、固氮作用、加强对营养物质的吸收利用（溶磷、解钾和合成铁载体）、缓解生物和非生物胁迫以及调节植物根系构型和根际微生物群落结构等促生和抗胁迫机制,系统梳理了近年来运用于现代农业中的PGPB菌剂制备和施用方式的前沿科学技术,并进一步讨论了PGPB在未来农业生产中的应用前景以及研究方向。     

植物营养生物学研究方向探讨

植物营养生物学是重点研究植物活化、吸收、转运与利用养分的生理、分子及遗传机制的科学。在过去的30年,我国植物营养生物学研究取得了长足的发展,但从国家自然科学基金资助情况分析,与相关学科相比,近10多年来植物营养生物学总体研究力量相对薄弱,缺乏新一代领军人才。一些研究更接近于“纯”植物生物学,与植物营养应用研究出现脱节,对农业绿色发展及化肥产业升级的支撑不够。植物营养生物学研究者应该重视与作物育种、耕作栽培、生态环境、植物保护及化肥产业的合作,跟踪这些领域的研究现状及生产中面临的技术需求,围绕这些领域的技术“瓶颈”开展植物营养基础研究,在提供解决途径的同时创新植物营养生物学机理,从而丰富植物营养学理论。在研究内容上,建议重视控制养分响应度的生理与遗传机制,养分信号与环境信号互作,养分×土壤×管理互作及其对根系生长的影响,养分供应与抗生物胁迫,高产高效的植物营养生理学基础,特种作物的营养机理,化肥产品升级的生物学途径等方向的研究。