Effect of nitrogen form and radiation on growth and mineral concentration of two Brassica species

Three greenhouse experiments were carried out to determine the growth, yield, nitrate, total N and S concentration in shoots, and water uptake of hydroponically grown Brassica rapa L. subsp. nipposinica var. chinoleifera and Brassica juncea L. In each experiment, daily photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) level was 5.0 mol m⁻² (low), 6.8 mol m⁻² (medium) or 9.0 mol m⁻² (high). Plants were supplied with nutrient solutions having equal N concentrations of 11 mM in different forms: 100% NH₄, 50% NH₄ + 50% NO₃, and 100% NO₃. Nitrogen supplied as 100% NH₄ reduced fresh and dry shoot biomass, leaf area, and leaf number in both Brassica species, especially at low and medium PAR levels. In both Brassica species, S concentrations were highest, while nitrate concentrations were lowest in leaves of plants grown at N supplied as 100% NH₄. No differences in leaf nitrate concentrations were observed between 50% NH₄ + 50% NO₃ and 100% NO₃ treatments. Low and high PAR levels increased the nitrate concentrations and decreased the N/S ratio in leaves of both crops compared to medium PAR level. Fresh shoot biomass was maximized in Brassica rapa when PAR level was above the medium value and nitrate was supplied in the nutrient solution as NO₃ or as a mixture of 50% NO₃ and 50% NH₄. The highest fresh shoot biomass of Brassica juncea was observed in all nutrient solution treatments at high PAR level.     

The effect of various nitrogen fertilization and foliar nutrition regimes on the concentrations of nitrates,ammonium ions,dry matter and N-total in carrot (Daucus carota L.) roots

Two field experiments (Experiment I in 2003–2005 and Experiment II in 2004–2005) with carrot c.v. ‘Kazan F₁’ were conducted at Trzciana village (50°06′N, 21°85′E). The experiments were arranged in a split-plot design with four replications. Two sub-blocks were identified in both experiments: I, without foliar nutrition; II, receiving plant foliar nutrition. The plants were sprayed three times alternately with: 2% urea solution, 1% solution of multi-component ‘Supervit R’ fertilizer (produced by Intermag, Poland) and again with 2% urea solution. Combinations with diversified nitrogen fertilization were distinguished within both sub-blocks. Experiment I comprised of: (1) Control, (2) Ca(NO₃)₂ 70, (3) Ca(NO₃)₂ 70 + 70, (4) (NH₄)₂SO₄ 70 and (5) (NH₄)₂SO₄ 70 + 70. Experiment II included: (1) Control, (2) ENTEC-26 35 + 35, (3) ENTEC-26 70 + 70, (4) ENTEC 26 105 + 105, (5) NH₄NO₃ 35 + 35, (6) NH₄NO₃ 70 + 70, (7) NH₄NO₃ 105 + 105. Where 70 kg N ha⁻¹ was used before sowing, whereas 35 + 35, 70 + 70 and 105 + 105 kg N ha⁻¹ were applied before sowing and as top dressing. Solid nitrogen fertilizer was added to the soil (produced by): Ca(NO₃)₂, Yara International ASA (Hydro); (NH₄)₂SO₄, Zak?ady Azotowe in Tarnów, Poland; NH₄NO₃, Zak?ady Azotowe in Pu?awy, Poland; and ENTEC-26, COMPO GmbH & Co. KG, Germany. The research aimed at determining the effect of diversified nitrogen fertilization and foliar nutrition on NO₃⁻, NH₄⁺, N-total and dry matter (d.m.) concentrations in carrot, and N uptake by storage roots. In Experiment I, nitrogen fertilization did not affect NO₃⁻ concentration, whereas in Experiment II, the applied N treatment increased NO₃⁻ concentration in carrot in relation to the control, except for the storage roots of plants fertilized with ENTEC-26 35 + 35. Nitrogen fertilization applied in both experiments caused a significant increase in N-total concentration in carrot and N uptake by storage roots in comparison with the control plants. In both experiments, nitrogen fertilization had a different effect on the concentrations of NH₄⁺ and d.m. in carrot. What is more, foliar nutrition treatments in both experiments had a different effect on the concentrations on NO₃⁻, N-total, d.m. in carrot and N uptake by carrot storage roots.     

Effects of leaf aging and light duration on photosynthetic characteristics in a cucumber canopy

Photosynthetic characteristics, chlorophyll index and leaf area were examined in selected leaves of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Euphorbia). In the first experiment, plants of cucumber were grown horizontally at a lighting period of 20 h day⁻¹. Photosynthetic measurements in horizontally growing cucumbers showed that there was no decline in photosynthetic capacity when cucumber leaves are developing under good light conditions. In a second experiment, plants were grown in a traditional high-wire cultivation system under 20 h day⁻¹ lighting period until they reached final height and then exposed to different lighting periods (20 and 24 h day⁻¹) for 3 weeks. In stands of cucumber plants photosynthetic measurements showed that the lower leaves have a significant reduction in photosynthetic capacity due to reduced light conditions. Three weeks exposure to 24 h day⁻¹ lighting period reduced leaf area by 20%. Plant grown under continuous light had also lower chlorophyll index compared to plants grown under 20 h day⁻¹ lighting period.     

The effect of various nitrogen fertilization and foliar nutrition regimes on the concentrations of sugars,carotenoids and phenolic compounds in carrot (Daucus carota L.)

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of various forms, diverse doses, and dates of application of nitrogen fertilizers and foliar nutrition on the concentration of sugars, carotenoids and phenolics compound in carrot. Two field experiments (Experiment I in 2003–2005 and Experiment II in 2004–2005) with carrot ‘Kazan F₁’ were conducted in Trzciana (50°06′N; 21°85′E) in Poland. Both experiments were arranged in a split-plot design with four replications. Two sub-blocks were identified in both experiments: sub-block (A) without foliar nutrition and sub-block (B) with plant foliar nutrition. In sub-block (B), plants were sprayed three-times with: 2% (w/v) urea, a 1% (v/v) solution of multi-component ‘Supervit R’ fertilizer, and again with 2% (w/v) urea. Combinations with diversified nitrogen fertilization were distinguished within both sub-blocks. The treatments in Experiment I consisted of: (1) Control, (2) 70 kg N ha⁻¹ as Ca(NO₃)₂, (3) 70 + 70 kg N ha⁻¹ as Ca(NO₃)₂, (4) 70 kg N ha⁻¹ as (NH₄)₂SO₄ and (5) 70 + 70 kg N ha⁻¹ as (NH₄)₂SO₄, where 70 kg N ha⁻¹ was used preplant and 70 + 70 kg N ha⁻¹ was applied preplant and as a top dressing, respectively. The treatments in Experiment II consisted of: (1) Control, (2) 35 + 35 kg N ha⁻¹ as ENTEC-26, (3) 70 + 70 kg N ha⁻¹ as ENTEC-26, (4) 105 + 105 kg N ha⁻¹ as ENTEC-26, (5) 35 + 35 kg N ha⁻¹ as NH₄NO₃, (6) 70 + 70 kg N ha⁻¹ as NH₄NO₃, (7) 105 + 105 kg N ha⁻¹ as NH₄NO₃, where 35 + 35, 70 + 70, 105 + 105 kg N ha⁻¹ was applied preplant and as top dressing, respectively. Solid nitrogen fertilizer was added to the soil, as produced: Ca(NO₃)₂—Yara International ASA (Hydro), (NH₄)₂SO₄—Zak?ady Azotowe w Tarnowie, Poland, NH₄NO₃—Zak?ady Azotowe w Pu?awach, Poland and ENTEC-26–COMPO GmbH & Co., KG, Germany. In Experiment I, the highest sugar concentrations were found in carrot fertilized with (NH₄)₂SO₄ 70, while in Experiment II in the control and after fertilization with ENTEC-26 35 + 35 kg N ha⁻¹. In both experiments N-fertilization affected an increase in phenolic compound concentrations in comparison with the control. Experiment I revealed no significant effect of N-fertilization on carotenoid concentrations in carrot, however in Experiment II the highest concentration of these compounds was characteristic for the control plants and carrot fertilized with ENTEC-26 35 + 35. The foliar nutrition applied in Experiment I caused a decline in sugar concentration and an elevated carotenoid concentration, however it had no influence on the phenolic compound concentrations in carrot. Yet the foliar nutrition in Experiment II led to a decrease in phenolic and carotenoid compound concentrations, but it did not affect sugar concentration in carrot.     

The effect of nitrogen source and concentration,medium pH and buffering on in vitro shoot growth and rooting in Eucalyptus marginata

This work examined the effect of nitrogen source and medium buffering on the micropropagation of Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Sm. The number of shoots was increased when media contained 2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid (MES) but this increase was minor and only applied to one of the two clones tested. Highest root production was obtained when the medium contained 7.5 mM nitrogen in a ratio of 2NO₃⁻:1NH₄⁺ and was buffered with 10 mM MES. In the rooting medium the pH was influenced most significantly by the nitrogen source, and then whether the medium was buffered. The media pH remained relatively constant when nitrate was the sole nitrogen source and this was assisted by the addition of 10 mM MES. Lower concentrations (<10 mM) of MES were less effective in buffering media over a four-week culture period in both shoot multiplication and rooting medium.     

Effects of shading and NO3:NH4 ratio on the yield,quality and N metabolism in strawberry

The effect of 50% shading and NO₃:NH₄ ratio (0:100, 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75) in the nutrient solution on growth, yield, quality and N metabolism in hydroponically grown strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa var Camarosa) was evaluated. Both fresh and dry weights of leaves were significantly lower when a high concentration of either NO₃ (100%) or NH₄ (75%) was the sole N source in the nutrient solution. In unshaded plants, increasing of both NH₄ and NO₃ ratio in the nutrient solution reduced photosynthetic (Pn) rate, however in shaded plants the reduction of Pn became more pronounced at a higher ratio of NH₄ in the nutrient solution. The yield in terms of fresh and dry weight of fruit per plant was significantly increased at the 75:25 and 50:50 (NO₃:NH₄) treatments. Fruit size was significantly affected by the treatments, so that the biggest fruits in both shaded and unshaded plants were obtained under the 75:25 and 50:50 (NO₃:NH₄) treatments. Total soluble solid (TSS) in unshaded plants was increased with increasing NH₄ ratio in the nutrient solution, however in shaded plants it was reduced at high NH₄ ratio in the nutrient solution. In both shaded and unshaded plants, higher concentration of NH₄ significantly reduced the post-harvest life of the fruits. The increase of tissue N concentration was nearly proportional to the NH₄ concentration in the nutrient solution. The activity of nitrate reductase (NR) was increased by increasing NH₄ from 0 to 50% and then reduced at a higher ratio of NH₄ in the solution. Shading increased NH₄ concentration so that the shaded plant had nearly twice as high NH₄ concentration in the leaves. The increase of NH₄ concentration induced by shading could be partially the reduction of NH₄ assimilate because of the shortage of carbohydrate.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of a cucumber MAP kinase gene in response to excess NO3 and other abiotic stresses

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play important roles in the transduction of extracellular signals to the intracellular targets in all eukaryotes. Here, a cucumber cDNA designated CsNMAPK, encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase was isolated using RT-PCR, 3′ and 5′ RACE. The full-length cDNA sequence contains 1636 bp and an open reading frame (ORF) of 1113 bp, which encodes 370 amino acid residues. According to the phylogenetic analysis, CsNMAPK belongs to subgroup I MAPK in plants. Northern blot analysis revealed that CsNMAPK expressed differently in response to excess NO₃⁻. And the CsNMAPK expression kinetics between a salt-resistant cultivar (Xintaimici) and a salt-sensitive cultivar (Shennongchunwu) was slightly different under 182 mmol L⁻¹ NO₃⁻ treatment. The mRNA levels also increased after 24 h treatments with H₂O₂ and salicylic acid (SA), but decreased with abscisic acid (ABA) and low-temperature. However, there was no significant induction of CsNMAPK gene after 24 h drought and high-temperature treatments. Our results suggested that a MAP kinase cascade may function in excess NO₃⁻ and other abiotic stresses in cucumber.     

Determination of the uptake and translocation of nitrogen applied at different growth stages of a melon crop (Cucumis melo L.) using N isotope

In order to establish a rational nitrogen (N) fertilisation and reduce groundwater contamination, a clearer understanding of the N distribution through the growing season and its dynamics inside the plant is crucial. In two successive years, a melon crop (Cucumis melo L. cv. Sancho) was grown under field conditions to determine the uptake of N fertiliser, applied by means of fertigation at different stages of plant growth, and to follow the translocation of N in the plant using ¹⁵N-labelled N. In 2006, two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, labelled ¹⁵N fertiliser was supplied at the female-bloom stage and in the second, at the end of fruit ripening. Labelled ¹⁵N fertiliser was made from ¹⁵NH₄¹⁵NO₃ (10 at.% ¹⁵N) and 9.6 kg N ha⁻¹ were applied in each experiment over 6 days (1.6 kg N ha⁻¹ d⁻¹). In 2007, the ¹⁵N treatment consisted of applying 20.4 kg N ha⁻¹ as ¹⁵NH₄¹⁵NO₃ (10 at.% ¹⁵N) in the middle of fruit growth, over 6 days (3.4 kg N ha⁻¹ d⁻¹). In addition, 93 and 95 kg N ha⁻¹ were supplied daily by fertigation as ammonium nitrate in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The results obtained in 2006 suggest that the uptake of N derived from labelled fertiliser by the above-ground parts of the plants was not affected by the time of fertiliser application. At the female-flowering and fruit-ripening stages, the N content derived from ¹⁵N-labelled fertiliser was close to 0.435 g m⁻² (about 45% of the N applied), while in the middle of fruit growth it was 1.45 g m⁻² (71% of the N applied). The N application time affected the amount of N derived from labelled fertiliser that was translocated to the fruits. When the N was supplied later, the N translocation was lower, ranging between 54% at female flowering and 32% at the end of fruit ripening. Approximately 85% of the N translocated came from the leaf when the N was applied at female flowering or in the middle of fruit growth. This value decreased to 72% when the ¹⁵N application was at the end of fruit ripening. The ammonium nitrate became available to the plant between 2 and 2.5 weeks after its application. Although the leaf N uptake varied during the crop cycle, the N absorption rate in the whole plant was linear, suggesting that the melon crop could be fertilised with constant daily N amounts until 2–3 weeks before the last harvest.     

Effects of N fertilizers and rates on yield,safety and nutrients in processing spinach genotypes

Two field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Field, Department of Food Science (TE, Italy) in 2004 and 2005 to evaluate the effects of genotypes, different N forms and N rates on yield, safety and nutritional features of processing spinach. Experiment 1, as treatments, included spinach genotypes and N forms (CO(NH₂)₂; Agricote; NH₄NO₃); experiment 2 included three N forms (Ca(NO₃)₂; (NH₄)₂SO₄; NH₄NO₃) applied at rates of 0, 75, 150, 200 kg N ha⁻¹. This research work confirmed differences among spinach genotypes in terms of efficiency in N use and oxalate and nitrate accumulation. Spinach accumulated much more nitrate in petioles and much more oxalate in blades indicating that nitrate and oxalate might play a counterrole to each other. Fertilizers containing N under forms not readily available to the crop, i.e. Agricote, CO(NH₂)₂ and (NH₄)₂SO₄, increased nitrate and oxalate accumulations less than fast N-release fertilizers, but their effect on yield was limited. Highest yield with contents of nitrate and oxalate lower than the limits imposed to avoid health problems, were achieved with Ca(NO₃)₂, at rates of 130 and 150 kg N ha⁻¹ NH₄NO₃.     

Effects of NH4:NO3:urea ratio on cut roses yield, leaf nutrients content and proton efflux by roots in closed hydroponic system

The effects of the NH₄:NO₃ ratio in replenishment solution on Rosa L. flower yield and the impact of NH₄ substitution by urea on plant performance and on solution EC and pH have not been studied previously in closed (no leaching) hydroponic systems. A greenhouse experiment with six NH₄:NO₃:urea ratios (0:100:0, 12:88:0, 25:75:0, 50:50:0, 100:0:0 and 0:50:50) and two harvest cycles (winter and spring) was carried out to investigate these relationships. In winter, total and >40 cm cut flower yields were maximal in treatment 25:75:0. At lower NH₄ percentages (12.5:87.5:0 and 0:100:0), growth container solution pH varied between 7.8 and 8.5, reducing P, Ca and Mn concentration in leaves and increasing dry matter allocated to them. At higher NH₄ percentages, Ca uptake was inhibited, solution pH reached 3, and %P in leaves increased. Consequently, reducing sugars concentration in leaves increased and sucrose and starch concentrations decreased. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that the optimal NH₄:NO₃ ratio in feed solution is 40:60, with resulting solution pH of 5.9 in the growth container. In spring the maximum yield was obtained in treatment 0:50:50 and it exceeded the winter yield despite a higher solution EC (4.3 dS m⁻¹ vs. 3.5 dS m⁻¹ at harvest). The beneficial effect of urea (0:50:50 vs. 50:50:0) stemmed from the relatively lower NH₄ concentration in solution, that alleviated the NH₄–Ca uptake competition, and higher pH. The slope of the straight line relating [H⁺ efflux rate] to [NH₄⁺ uptake rate] in treatments 25:75:0, 50:50:0 and 100:0:0 was 0.44 mol H⁺/mol NH₄. In all other treatments the proton efflux was negligible.     

Sennoside content and yield attributes of Cassia angustifolia Vahl. as affected by NaCl and CaCl2

Pot culture experiments were conducted to assess the extent of growth, photosynthetic capacity, sennoside concentration and yield attributes of Senna plant under the individual as well as combined influence of NaCl and CaCl₂. Six treatments, i.e. NaCl (80 and 160 mM), CaCl₂ (5 and 10 mM) alone and a combination of NaCl + CaCl₂ (80 + 10 and 160 + 10 mM) were given to the growing Senna plants at pre-flowering (45 DAS), flowering (75 DAS) and post-flowering (90 DAS) stages. Significant reductions were observed in pod biomass, leaf area, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate and sennoside concentration and yield, with each NaCl treatment. On the contrary, individual CaCl₂ treatments had a favourable effect. Under the effect of combination treatments, although these parameters were reduced, the extent of reduction was much less than one caused by NaCl treatments. The combined treatments thus mitigated the adverse effects caused by NaCl.     

Effect of iron supply and nitrogen form on growth,nutritional status and ferric reducing activity of spinach in nutrient solution culture

This study was carried out in order to give some information that could improve spinach nutritional status and productivity. In this paper, the effect of two N forms (N was added either as 100% nitrate or as 80% nitrate and 20% ammonium) and three Fe levels (0 μM Fe; 20 μM FeEDDHA; 3 μM FeEDDHA + 10 mM NaHCO₃) on the growth, chlorosis symptoms and shoot nutrient element accumulation was studied in spinach plants (var. Viroflay), grown in hydroponics; six treatments and three harvests (at about 20 days interval each, until plants reached their commercial size) were applied in total. The results indicated that under conditions of Fe sufficiency (20 μM Fe), mixed N nutrition induced higher production of dry matter as well as improved Fe, Mn and Zn plant nutritional status. In plants grown under Fe deprivation (0 μM Fe), shoot Fe concentration was not significantly affected by the N form until the end of the experiment despite mixed N nutrition induced higher dry matter production up to harvest 2; plants grown under Fe deprivation and with mixed N nutrition presented also higher shoot Mn and Zn concentration. Under conditions of high concentration of bicarbonates and low level of Fe (3 μM Fe + 10 mM NaHCO₃), the N form had not a significant influence on total dry matter production whereas shoot Fe and Mn accumulation in 100% NO₃-fed plants was found to be significantly reduced compared to mixed N nutrition; regardless of the N form, those plants presented the least dry matter production, highest intensity of leaf chlorosis as well as highest root ferric reducing activity compared to plants grown under Fe deprivation.     

Recurrent somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Coriandrum sativum L.

An efficient method of repetitive somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration was established in Coriandrum sativum L. Embryogenic callus was induced from cotyledon and hypocotyl segments on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 4.52 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), upon subculturing on medium having same level of 2,4-D at an interval of 3 weeks developed somatic embryos, which progressed to cotyledonary stage through early developmental stages of somatic embryogenesis. The transfer of somatic embryos at an early cotyledonary and cotyledonary stage in clumps in succession to fresh 4.52 μM 2,4-D supplemented medium developed embryos in a cyclic manner. Upon transferal to embryogenic clumps (cotyledonary embryos) to modified MS medium (4 g l⁻¹ KNO₃, 0.29 g l⁻¹ NH₄NO₃, 3 mg l⁻¹ thiamine HCl, 0.5 mg l⁻¹ pyridoxine HCl, and 5 mg l⁻¹ nicotinic acid), the embryos irrespective of the cycles underwent maturation and germination. Germinating embryos transferred to half-strength MS medium favored healthy growth of plantlets. The system of recurrent somatic embryogenesis in coriander offers a system for genes transfer and also scale-up production of modified plants.     

CO2 and air circulation effects on photosynthesis and transpiration of tomato seedlings

In the daytime, a CO₂ depletion of 10–15% and air circulation of less than 0.5 m s⁻¹ often occur in a naturally ventilated greenhouse during a sunny day with high wind speed (3–5 m s⁻¹). We, therefore, investigated the effects of moderate increase of the CO₂ concentration above the atmospheric level (500–600 μmol mol⁻¹) and air circulation up to 1.0 m s⁻¹ in a growth chamber on the net photosynthetic and transpiration rates of tomato seedlings as the first step. The average net photosynthetic rates were 2.1, 1.8, and 1.6 times higher in the growth chambers with increased CO₂ concentration (500–600 μmol mol⁻¹) and air circulation (1.0 m s⁻¹), increased CO₂ concentration, and increased air circulation, respectively, compared with those in the control (no increase in CO₂ concentration (200–300 μmol mol⁻¹) or air circulation (0.3 m s⁻¹). The transpiration rate increased with increased air circulation, while it decreased with increased CO₂ concentration regardless of air circulation. From the results, we consider that increasing the CO₂ concentration and/or air circulation in ventilated greenhouses up to the outside concentration (350–450 μmol mol⁻¹) and 1.0 m s⁻¹, respectively, can significantly increase the net photosynthetic rate of greenhouse plants.     

Comparative effects of ultrasonic transducers on medium chemical content in a nutrient mist plant bioreactor

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficiency of ultrasonic transducers in a nutrient mist bioreactor by analyzing the chemical constituents (carbohydrates and inorganic elements) of the mists produced by ultrasonic transducers from a liquid sucrose-supplemented Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. The ultrasonic transducer oscillation frequency with an input power of 2.8 MHz and at 17.5 W was the optimum condition since the contents of glucose, sucrose, total soluble carbohydrate, macro-elements (NH₄⁺-N, NO₃⁻-N, P, K, Mg, Ca and S), micro-elements (Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, I, Mo and Co), and pH value were similar to those in the MS medium after autoclaving. Further, when MS medium was replaced by Gamborg et al. medium (B-5) or woody plant medium (WPM) in this bioreactor at the same transducer settings, the NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N contents in nutrient mist generated were also similar to those in B5 or WPM after autoclaving, respectively. The results of this research represent a significant contribution towards development of a functional nutrient mist bioreactor.     

Controlled atmosphere storage at high CO2 and low O2 levels affects stomatal conductance and influence root formation in kalanchoe cuttings

Since the response of cuttings to raised CO₂ concentration is not documented, controlled atmosphere (CA) storage of kalanchoe cuttings at combinations of high carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels was investigated to study the feasibility of using CA to sustain quality of cuttings prior to planting. During storage, stomata opening and plant fresh weight (FW) were measured, and root formation (RF) was recorded post storage. Storage atmosphere composition (10/2, 15/2, or 15/5; kPa CO₂/kPa O₂), storage duration (9 or 19 days), and cutting type (rooted or un-rooted) affected stomata conductance (G_s), and influenced FW and subsequent RF in cuttings of kalanchoe ‘Yellow Josefine’. In CA stored plants, G_s was high, 60–160 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹, indicating open stomata, whereas in control plants G_s was low, 5–14 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹, indicating closed stomata. Generally G_s values were higher for un-rooted than for rooted cuttings. Overall, cutting FW was reduced by CA storage with no significant differences in FW reduction between the CA treatments. RF of un-rooted CA stored cuttings was comparable to that of controls, whereas for rooted cuttings controls grew better than CA stored cuttings. CA at 10 kPa CO₂ and 2 kPa O₂ for 2–3 weeks could sustain un-rooted cuttings, in a pests-free state whilst retaining the ability of the cuttings RF. The results showed that stomata aperture may be altered by high CO₂ concentration combined with low O₂, and results indicated that this effect was not only caused by high CO₂ but also by low O₂ concentration. In addition, the results indicated that CA storage, stomata conductance, and water stress of kalanchoe cuttings may be correlated. Monitoring G_s of leaves of cuttings could be used as a non-destructive indicator of storability and quality status. Based on the novel positive preliminary results reported here, a protocol that focuses on minimising water loss should be developed and optimised for kalanchoe.     

Effects of intracanopy lighting on photosynthetic characteristics in cucumber

Plants of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Euphorbia) were grown in a traditional high-wire cultivation system to investigate the effects of three lighting regimes on photosynthetic characteristics, leaf area and yield. The lighting regimes included overhead lighting (OH), where all the lamps were mounted above the canopy and overhead + intracanopy lighting (OH + IC) which comprised 65% of overhead lamps and 35% of lamps mounted vertically along the plant rows. All overhead lighting was provided for 20 h day⁻¹ and intracanopy lighting was provided for either 20 h or 24 h day⁻¹ lighting period. Intracanopy lighting improved the light distribution in the canopy. Gas exchange measurements showed that intracanopy lighting increased net photosynthesis (P_N) and photosynthetic capacity (P_max). Parameters calculated from CO₂ response (A/C_i) curves showed that in vivo estimate of the maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation (Vc_max) and the maximum rate of electron transport (J_max) were affected by light regime. Intracanopy light increased yield by 11% compared to traditional overhead light.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of nitrate reductase gene from non-heading Chinese cabbage

Nitrate reductase (NR) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the first step in plants nitrogen metabolization. A cDNA of a NR gene from non-heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis Makino) cultivar ‘Suzhouqing’ was isolated by RT-PCR and (5′/3′)-RACE techniques. The full-length cDNA sequence of 3049 bp contained an open reading frame of 2733 bp encoding 910 amino acids, a 5′-untranslated region of 113 bp and a 3′-untranslated sequence of 203 bp with a poly (A) tail. This protein shares common structural features with NRs from other higher plants and eukaryotes. It was classified as NR by sequence alignment, motif search and sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis, and consequently nominated Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis Makino NR (BcNR). Southern blot analysis indicated that BcNR gene represented as 3 copies in the non-heading Chinese cabbage genome. Accumulation of BcNR mRNA was transiently induced by nitrate supply and correlated with nitrate concentration, the highest mRNA levels of BcNR was induced by 30 mM NO₃⁻ and reached a maximum at 4 h at this optimal concentration treatment, in contrast, NH₄⁺ cannot induce the accumulation of BcNR mRNA. The BcNR was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) as a fusion protein. There was a specific band at about 110 kDa in size by SDS-PAGE analysis which was according with the expected molecular weight of the recombinant protein. To further explore its biological function, BcNR under regulation of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter was transferred into Arabidopsis thaliana. The transgenic plants exhibited an enhanced level of NR and nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in leaves under NO₃⁻ inducement.     

The effects of foliar applied CaCl2·2H2O,Ca(OH)2 and K2CO3 combined with the surfactants Glucopon and Plantacare on gas exchange of 1 year old apple (Malus domestica BORKH.) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.) leaves

Calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, potassium carbonate and the alkylpolyglycoside surfactants Glucopon 215 CSUP and Plantacare 12 UP are salts applied to leaves as foliar nutrients and fungicides. These chemicals were sprayed on apple (Malus domestica BORKH.) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.) leaves. Stomatal conductance and rates of net photosynthesis were measured continuously in the light and in the dark using a Portable Photosynthesis System CIRAS-1. All compounds with the exception of Ca(OH)₂ affected stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis, albeit to different degrees. In light, Plantacare either alone (0.2 g l⁻¹) or in combination with CaCl₂·2H₂O (5 g l⁻¹) or K₂CO₃ (5 g l⁻¹) caused a rapid initial increase in stomatal conductance during the first 1–3 h after spraying on the leaves, maximum conductances were observed about 6 h after application. A rather high stomatal conductance was observed during the dark period when Glucopon (0.2 g l⁻¹) was applied either alone or in combination with Ca(OH)₂. The combination CaCl₂·2H₂O + Glucopon did not cause this elevated stomatal conductance during the dark. CaCl₂·2H₂O reduced stomatal conductance in combination with both Glucopon and Plantacare. The surfactant Plantacare reduced net photosynthesis during the first light period (12 h), if applied alone or in combination with CaCl₂·2H₂O. Treatment of broad bean leaves with K₂CO₃ + Plantacare resulted in a rapid decrease in net photosynthesis during the first hour, and then the rates of net photosynthesis increased rapidly and approached to those of the water control. The effects of surfactants and salts on net photosynthesis had nearly disappeared by the beginning of the second light period. Non-specific glycosidases presumably cleaved the glycosidic bond between the alkyl and the sugar moieties during the preceding night. Our data showed that foliar applications of CaCl₂·2H₂O and K₂CO₃ together with alkyl polyglycoside surfactants can affect gas exchange. However, the effects of the chemicals at the concentrations used in our study were not very large and were transient. They practically vanished within 24 h and a detrimental effect on growth and development of crops was not likely.     

Evaluating foliar nitrogen compounds as indicators of nitrogen status in Prunus persica trees

Mobile nitrogen (N) forms may be better N indicators of the N status of trees than total nitrogen (TN) due to their higher sensitivity to increasing N supply. A field experiment was carried out over a 3-year period to compare foliar concentrations of total N (TN), soluble N (SN), chlorophyll (Minolta SPAD readings), NH₄–N and NO₃–N as indicators of soil N availability in nectarine, Prunus persica L. Batsch, cv. ‘Fantasia’ (grafted on ‘Nemaguard’ peach, P. persica × P. davidiana) trees. Young trees were exposed to a range of fertilizer-N application rates. Based on correlation analysis, the best association between leaf N compounds with soil N supply and trunk diameter and/or fruit yield was obtained with TN and chlorophyll SPAD readings. Leaf concentrations of mobile N compounds (NH₄–N and NO₃–N) increased more than any other N compound under high N supply; however, their inconsistency among years and low leaf concentration difficult their use as N indicators. The optimum foliar TN for growth decreased with tree age, 4.4%, 3.6% and 3.3% in non-bearing 1-year-old trees, non-bearing 2-year-old trees and 3.3 fruit-bearing 3-year-old trees. The optimum SPAD readings were 40 in 2-year-old trees and 42 in 3-year-old trees. Stable N compounds (TN and chlorophyll SPAD) could be used to N diagnosis in the zone of N deficiency, and soluble N compounds (NH₄–N and NO₃–N) to diagnoses N excess.