Boron-Calcium Synergically Alleviates Aluminum Toxicity in Wheat Plants (Triticum aestivum L.)

The effects of B and Ca treatments on root growth, nutrient localization and cell wall properties in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) plants with and without Al stress were investigated. Seedlings were grown hydroponically in a complete nutrient solution for 7 d and then treated with B (0, 40 μM), Ca (0, 2,500 μM), and Al (0, 100 μM) in a 500 μM CaCl₂ solution for 8 d. The cell wall materials (CWM) were extracted with a phenol: acetic acid: water (2:1:1 w/v/v) solution and used for subsequent pectin extraction with trans -1,2-diami-nocyclohexane- N,N,N,N -tetraacetic acid (CDTA) and Na₂CO₃ solutions. Boron, Ca, and B + Ca treatments enhanced root growth by 19.5, 15.2, and 27.2%, respectively, compared to the control (pH 4.5). Calcium and B+Ca treatments enhanced root growth with Al stress by 43 and 54%, respectively, while B did not exert any effect. The amounts of CWM and pectin per unit of root fresh weight increased by Al treatment, whereas the Ca and B+Ca treatments slightly reduced the contents of these components. Seventy-four percent of total B, 69% of total Ca, and 85% of total Al were located in the cell wall in the B, Ca, and Al treatments, respectively and 32% of total B, 33% of total Ca, and 33% of total Al were located in the CDTA-soluble and Na₂CO₃-soluble pectin fractions. A more conspicuous localization of B was observed in the presence of Al. Aluminum treatment markedly decreased the Ca content in the cell wall as well as pectin fractions, mainly in the case of the CDTA-soluble pectin fraction. Boron + Ca treatment decreased the Al content in the cell wall and pectin fractions compared to the Ca treatment alone in the presence of Al. It is concluded that the B+Ca treatment enhanced root growth and, B and Ca uptake, and helped to maintain a normal B and Ca metabolism in the cell walls even in the presence of Al.     

Effect of phosphate and sulfate fertilizers on selenium uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum)

The objective of this study was to investigate whether oxyanionic phosphate (P) and sulfate (S) fertilizer management could influence selenium (Se) uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum) in medium and high Se areas. Field studies were established at two locations for two growing seasons in central South Dakota, USA. Phosphate fertilizer was applied using three different methods (banded with seed, surface-broadcasted in the fall, or surface-broadcasted in the spring) using six different P rates. Sulfate fertilizers were broadcasted at four rates in the fall. Selenium concentration in wheat grain was significantly influenced by the interaction of P application methods and rates, but it was dependent on location. Grain Se concentration decreased in high Se availability soil when P fertilizer was applied, due to the dilution effect. Grain Se concentration and uptake was significantly decreased as S applications increased due to the competition effect, but the depression was apparent in high Se availability soil. The results from this study showed that P and S fertilizer management can influence Se level in wheat grain grown in naturally high Se areas, even though overall grain Se level was strongly associated with location variation.     

Drought stress-induced oxidative stress and antioxidative responses in four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties

Drought stress was imposed on four varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Mohan Wonder (MW), Kedar (K), Gayetri (GY) and Gandhari (GN), for 3, 6 and 9 days. The activities of all five tested antioxidative enzymes, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase, were enhanced initially in varieties K and GN, whereas in MW and GY, catalase and superoxide dismutase showed a decrease in activity at all periods of drought stress. Peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities increased even on the ninth day of stress in K and GN, but all other activities showed a decrease after 3 days of stress. H₂O₂ accumulation increased with drought stress, but in K and GN there was decrease during prolonged drought stress. Lipid peroxidation increased significantly due to drought stress, which was higher in the case of MW and GY. Proline, phenol and ascorbate content increased with period of drought stress. Carotenoid accumulation also increased initially. Total chlorophylls showed a general decrease during drought stress. The results of this study indicate that two of the varieties, MW and GY, are susceptible to drought stress, whereas the other two, K and GN, are tolerant, with peroxidase and glutathione reductase being most important in conferring tolerance.     

Selenium uptake response among selected wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties and relationship with soil selenium fractions

Some South Dakota soils contain high levels of available selenium (Se) for crop uptake. A field study was conducted to determine if any popular wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties demonstrate differential Se uptake. A total of 280 samples including eight winter wheat and ten spring wheat varieties were analyzed for grain Se concentration and uptake for two growing years. Soil samples were sequentially fractionated into (1) plant available (0.1?M KH₂PO₄ extractable) and (2) conditionally available (4?M HCl extractable) pools and analyzed separately for total Se. Selenium concentration in wheat grain had a wide variability and the mean value over two years was 0.63?µg?Se?g^?1. Grain Se concentration and Se uptake were not significantly different by wheat varieties tested in this study. Grain Se concentration was significantly correlated with soil Se levels, soil pH, and orthophosphate-P content within a location, but grain Se concentration was strongly influenced by geographical location in which different amounts of soil Se bioavailability occurred.     

Changes in bacterial populations along roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings

Summary In this study the bacterial populations on root tips (1–2 days old) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were compared with the populations on root segments about 1 week older (root base). The isolates were characterized with a set of physiological tests and the test results were used to group the bacteria by means of cluster analysis. Some clusters contained bacteria that occurred mainly on the root tips and were characterized by the ability to produce acid from different sugars and by the presence of the enzymes nitrate reductase, lipase, and oxidase; they were sensitive to high salt concentrations in the media. Another cluster included significantly more isolates from the root-base segments; these bacteria were characterized by a negative reaction to most of the physiological tests; the colonies formed by these bacteria had yellow pigmentation. Possiblemechanisms for the changes in the bacterial populations are discussed.     

Macronutrient accumulation in wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) with Azospirillum brasilense associated with nitrogen doses and sources

Abstract

New studies are needed to optimize the nitrogen (N) amount that can be applied to utilize the Azospirillum brasilense benefits. In addition, information regarding the interaction between the urease inhibitor and biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and how they affect the macronutrients accumulation are also needed. We evaluate the effect of N sources and doses associated with A. brasilense regarding the macronutrients accumulation in straw and grains and wheat grain yield in tropical conditions. A randomized block experimental design was used with four replications in a 2?×?5?×?2 factorial arrangement as follows: two N sources (urea and urea with urease enzyme inhibitor NBPT; five N doses (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200?kg ha^?1) applied in topdressing; with and without A. brasilense inoculation. We found that an increase in N doses positively influenced the accumulation of macronutrients in straw and grains and the wheat grain yield. N sources have similar effects. Inoculation with A. brasilense increased accumulation of Mg and S in straw and P, Ca, and Mg in grains, regardless of the N dose. The inoculation with A. brasilense associated with 140?kg ha^?1 of N increased wheat grain yield. The inoculation can contribute in a more sustainable way to wheat nutrition and optimizing N fertilization.     

Genetic tagging of Azotobacter chroococcum for colonization on wheat (Triticum aestivum) and cotton (Gossypium sp.) roots

Abstract

Azotobacter chroococcum strains E12, HT57 were genetically tagged with lac Z, gfp to study the colonization behaviour on wheat (Triticum aestivum) and cotton (Gossypium sp.) in soil under controlled conditions. 10³ – 10⁴ cfu g^?1 soil of HT57 lac Z were found to colonize roots of both cotton and wheat crops whereas 1.7 × 10⁴ – 7.2 × 10⁴ cfu g^?1 soil of E12 gfp was colonizing wheat roots and 1.6 × 10⁴ – 9.3 × 10⁴ cfu g^?1 soil of E12 gfp colonized cotton roots respectively. Tagged strains colonized mostly on root tips compared to basal roots in both the crops.     

小麦生长素响应因子TaARF6转基因烟草植株分子鉴定

【目的】生长素响应因子(ARF)在介导生长素信号传递和调控下游生长素响应基因的表达中发挥着重要功能。本文旨在以在富集丰磷特异表达基因的小麦根系cDNA差减文库中鉴定的1个ARF类别的家族成员TaARF6为基础,对该基因cDNA序列、分子特征、不同供磷水平下该基因在根、叶中表达模式及遗传转化TaARF6对丰磷和缺磷条件下植株形态的影响进行较全面研究,阐明该小麦生长素响应因子基因介导不同供磷水平下对植株生长特性的影响。【方法】采用生物信息学工具预测TaARF6编码蛋白特征; 采用溶液培养法培养丰、缺磷处理小麦幼苗,采用半定量RT-PCR技术鉴定TaARF6在丰、缺磷处理下的表达特征。采用DNA重组技术构建将TaARF6编码阅读框融合至表达载体中的表达质粒,利用农杆菌介导的遗传转化法建立超表达TaARF6转基因烟草植株。采用琼脂培养和溶液培养法,培养丰、缺磷不同供磷水平下野生型植株和转基因烟草植株,进而利用常规分析方法鉴定不同磷水平下植株长势、根系和茎叶生物量和植株根叶形态及性状。【结果】1)TaARF6编码生长素响应因子(ARF)型转录因子,编码蛋白中含有ARF家族成员具有的保守结构域。该基因在氨基酸水平上与源于短柄草BdARF6和源于水稻的OsARF6具有高度同源特征。表达分析表明,TaARF6在根、叶中均呈典型低磷下表达下调、复磷后表达再度回升模式,表明该基因表达受到外界供磷水平的调节。2)遗传转化结果表明,在正常生长和低磷逆境下,与野生型植株相比,转基因烟草株系幼苗和植株形态明显增大。3)丰、缺磷不同供磷水平下,与未转化的野生型(WT)对照植株相比,转基因系(Line 3 和Line 5)植株幼苗和植株根系、茎叶和单株鲜、干重均较野生型显著增加。此外,与WT相比,转基因系植株根系数量增多、主侧根长度、根体积、叶面积和根冠比增加。【结论】TaARF6编码典型的生长素响应因子,其编码蛋白具有生长素响应因子特有结构域。TaARF6对环境中的低磷胁迫逆境能产生明显应答。上调表达TaARF6基因,具有增加植株根、叶鲜、干重和改善根叶及植株形态的生物学功能。本研究表明,通过对植株体内生长素响应基因的转录调控,TaARF6在介导植株不同供磷水平下的根叶形态建成和干物质累积过程中发挥着重要作用。     

Comparison of protein quality and mineral element concentrations in grain of spelt (Triticum spelta L.) and common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The cultivation of Triticum spelta (spelt) has no tradition in Hungary. In recent years the interest towards this old species renewed in many countries. This high‐nutritional cereal, which has a high ash and fibre content, can be used in many health‐oriented grain‐based food products. Therefore, field experiments have been conducted for some years to test the performance of this species under home growing conditions. Here we report the results of analyses for some important quality parameters of grain samples from the 1996/97 season in comparison with those of older and new home‐grown bread wheat cultivars. Three common wheat cultivars and one advanced spelt line were grown on small plots fertilised with an NPK dose necessary to reach the highest yield and quality. Spikes were sampled weekly from the time of 70–77% grain moisture to full ripening. The grains were analysed for ash, N, P and K content and amino acid composition. Concentrations of 16 other macro + micro elements and in the ripe grains, baking quality parameters were also assessed. The grain development of spelt showed a remarkable time‐lag compared to that of the common wheat cultivars. However, the highest thousand‐grain‐masses, ash, N, and P concentrations were measured in this cultivar after milk ripening. The grains of spelt contained the macro‐nutrient Mg and four micro‐nutrients (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu) in higher concentrations compared to those of the common wheat varieties. The total and essential amino acid concentrations measured in the ripe grains of spelt were also remarkably higher.

Although its wet gluten content (47.5%) was considerably higher than that of the bread wheat cultivars, its breadmaking quality was poor.     

Effect of silicon fertilizers on silicon accumulation in wheat

The effect of fertilization with silicon (Si) compounds on accumulation of Si in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has been studied. Wheat plants were grown under identical growing conditions, but subjected to fertilization with various Si compounds (pyrolitic fine silica particles [aerosil®], sodium silicate, silica gel), and the Si content of the above ground plants was analyzed via X‐ray microanalysis (EDX) and atomic‐absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Silicon was predominantly deposited in the epidermis cells of the leaves and their cell walls. The efficiency of the Si compounds used as fertilizers to augment the Si content of the plants increased in the order sodium silicate > silica gel > aerosil® and thus seemed to correlate with the ease of formation of orthosilicic acid from these compounds.     

Mineral Uptake of Mycorrhizal Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Salinity Stress

The hypothesis was that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are able to alleviate salt stress on plant growth by enhancing and adjusting mineral uptake. The objectives were to determine (1) the effects of soil salinity on mineral uptake by different wheat genotypes and (2) the effectiveness of different mycorrhizal treatments on the mineral uptake of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under salinity. Wheat seeds of Chamran and Line 9 genotypes were inoculated with different species of AM fungi including Glomus mosseae, G. intraradices, and G. etunicatum and their mixture at planting using 100 g inoculum. Pots were treated with the salinity levels of 4, 8, and 12 dS/m before stemming. Different arbuscular mycorrhizal treatments, especially the mixture treatment, increased wheat mineral uptake for both genotypes. Although Line 9 genotype resulted in greater nutrient uptake under salinity stress, Chamran was more effective on adjusting sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?) uptake under salt stress.     

旱地覆膜对冬小麦花后14C-同化物转运分配的影响

利用14CO2示踪研究了覆膜对旱地冬小麦花后14C-同化物在灌浆期转运分配的影响。结果表明,花后同化的14C在标记后24h约78%已储存在茎鞘和穗轴中,11%已转运至籽粒,11%还滞留在叶片中;成熟时叶片的14C-同化物几乎都外运了,茎鞘和穗轴中还滞留约28%,70%已转运分配到籽粒中。覆膜小麦的14C-同化物向籽粒的转运比对照慢。另外,研究还表明覆膜小麦花后叶片的叶绿素含量比对照高,MDA含量比对照低,叶片衰老延缓,同化能力强,干物质多,籽粒产量高。因此,覆膜使小麦增产的原因在于小麦中前期生长加快,后期衰老延缓,同化能力增强,最终使得同化的干物质总量大大增加;但并不促进同化物向籽粒的转运分配。     

Effects of P fertilization level on phosphorus uptake and agronomic traits under deficit irrigation in winter wheat (T. aestivum L.)

Abstract

Enhancing the phosphorus (P) use efficiency is critical for the sustainable cultivation of winter wheat. In this study, we investigated the effects of P fertilization level on plant P-uptake and agronomic traits under deficit irrigation, by using two wheat cultivars sharing contrasting water responses (i.e., Jimai 585 and Shimai 22). The high P level treatment (P120) improved plant biomass and P accumulation at each growth stage, grain yields, P remobilization amount to grain (PRA), P remobilization rate (PRR), and P contribution rate (PRR) of the cultivars with respect to the low P treatments (i.e., P90 and P60). Compared with Jimai 585, a cultivar acclimated to affluent water, the drought tolerant cultivar Shimai 22 exhibited similar behaviors on plant biomass, P-associated traits at each stage, and agronomic traits at maturity under P120. However, Shimai 22 was more improvement on P-associated and agronomic traits than Jimai 585 under P60 and P90. P contents were increased whereas moisture contents decreased in soil profile treated by P120 with respect to those by P60. Meanwhile, the soil profile cultivated by Shimai 22 displayed reduced moisture and P contents under P deprivation (i.e., P90 and P60) respect to that by Jimai 585, suggesting the contribution of more consumption of soil P and water storage to improved agronomic traits of Shimai 22. Together, our investigation suggested that suitable P input management positively mediates plant P-associated traits and grain formation capacity under deficit irrigation by improving supply and internal translocation of P across tissues in winter wheat plants.     

Aggregate stability of a silt loam soil as affected by roots of corn,soybeans and wheat

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of root growth and exudation of 3 crop species on soil aggregation. Two plant populations for each of 3 crops (corn, soybeans, and wheat) were grown in a Fincastle silt loam for 5 time periods (7, 14, 21, 28, and 41 days) and compared with fallow controls. Aggregate stability was estimated by the wet‐sieve method on both initially moist and air‐dry samples.

Soil water content of initially moist soil samples varied widely among replicates, crops, and sampling dates. Wet‐sieving using initially moist soil showed that samples with higher initial soil water content had greater aggregate stability. Wet‐sieving performed on initially air‐dry soil samples was used for subsequent interpretation because the water content variable was removed.

The presence of any crop and its roots in the planted soils versus the fallow controls was associated with increases in aggregate stability. No differences in aggregate stability were found among the different crops or over the established range of root length densities. Aggregate stability decreased from the original level during the first 14 to 21 days of the experiment, possibly due to daily watering. After 21 days, as root growth continued to increase, restabilization occurred until the original aggregate stability of the soil was exceeded for all crops. The observed increase in aggregate stability may be due in part to the physical entanglement of aggregates by roots and to the increased production of root exudates resulting from increased root growth.     

Effect of wheat (Triticum aestivum) roots on mineralization rates of soil organic matter

Summary Two different soils were amended with ¹⁴C-labelled plant material and incubated under controlled laboratory conditions for 2 years. Half the samples were cropped with wheat (Triticum aestivum) 10 times in succession. At flowering, the wheat was harvested and the roots removed from the soil, and a new crop was started. Thus, the soil was continuously occupied by predominantly active root systems. The remaining samples were maintained without plants under the same conditions. The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of active roots on C-mineralization rates during different stages of decomposition and during long-term incubation. During the first 200 days, corresponding to the active decomposition stages, the roots weakly reduced ¹⁴C mineralization. With a lower level of decomposition, when more than 60% of the initial 14C was mineralized and when the available nutrients were markedly exhausted by plant uptake, the roots stimulated 14C mineralization.[/ p]     

Colonization of wheat seedling (Triticum aestivum) roots by Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis

Summary Colonization patterns of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis on roots of wheat seedlings growing on water agar were studied qualitatively by replica printing and quantitatively by the plate count method. The results indicated a stronger colonization potential for P. fluorescens (up to 10⁷ cfu/cm root) than for B. subtilis (up to 10⁵ cfu/cm root). Although the numbers of both species were lower when inoculated together, the observed colonization patterns on the roots were comparable to those found with single inoculations. For none of these bacteria was active migration along the root surface in any direction observed, indicating that distal positions are reached mainly by a passive displacement on the root tip and elongating cells. Ecological implications of the observed phenomena are discussed.     

Threshold levels of cadmium for soil respiration and growth of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and difficulties with their determination

Summary Inconsistent results were obtained from comparative studies on the impact of increasing Cd contamination in three soils on growth of spring-wheat plantlets and soil respiration. With identical soil Cd loads, plant growth was increasingly inhibited in the following sequence: Neutral sandy hortisol (pH 7.0) < phaeosem (pH 6.9) < acidic cambisol (pH 5.6), suggesting a strong dependence on pH. In contrast, oxidation of a glucose-glutamate mixture by these soils was increasingly inhibited in the sequence: Acidic cambisol < neutral sandy hortisol < phaeosem. Inhibition of plant growth was correlated with the extractability of Cd from soils by 0.1 M CaCl₂. However, comparison of dose-response curves with dose-extractability and dose-uptake curves suggested the presence of a soil factor that modified plant uptake of available Cd. This factor, possibly the concentration of antagonistic cations, was apparently also active within the plants. The inconsistency in the responses of plant growth and of soil respiration with respect to the soil Cd load was ascribed to microbiological soil properties exceeding the importance of Cd availability. Relatively high in vitro sensitivity of prokaryotes and their biochemical interdependence together with relatively high diversities of streptomycetes and fungi were paralleled by a relatively strong inhibition of soil respiration.     

Light intensity selectively influences the distribution and further redistribution of macro- and micronutrients in hydroponically grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Investigations were focused on light effects on allocation of root-borne macronutrients (calcium, magnesium and potassium) and micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc and copper) in roots, shoots and harvested grains of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Plants were exposed to low (100 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1) or high light (380 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1). High light stimulated both root and shoot growth. While the total contents per plant of some nutrients were markedly higher (calcium and potassium) or lower (copper) under high light, no major differences were observed for other nutrients. The distribution of nutrients and the further redistribution within the shoot were influenced by the light intensity in an element-specific manner. Nutrients were selectively directed to the leaves of the main shoot (low light) or to the tillers (high light). The quality of the harvested grains was also affected by the light intensity.     

Growth stage-based response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to kinetin under water-deficit environment: pigments and gas exchange attributes

Plant growth regulator, kinetin, is known to modulate the key physiological processes under abiotic stresses in different crops. However, kinetin-mediated response at different growth stages of crop plants is lagging behind. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to appraise the potential role of exogenously applied kinetin in alleviating the effects of water scarcity on wheat. Three levels of kinetin (0, 75, and 150 mg/L) were used either as seed treatment or foliar spray at the vegetative or the post-anthesis stage. Water deficit markedly reduced shoot fresh mass, plant chlorophyll level, flag leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Degradation of chlorophyll a was greater in plants subjected to post-anthesis water-deficit conditions. However, plants growing under continuous water-deficit conditions had significantly lower concentration of chlorophyll b than those treated with water scarcity at the post-anthesis stage or receiving normal irrigation. Inhibited photosynthesis of wheat in response to post-anthesis water-deficit conditions was largely due to non-stomatal factors. In contrast, stomatal factors were the main constraints for photosynthesis in plants growing under continuous scarcity of water. Plants subjected to continuous water starvation had markedly lower grain yield than those subjected to water-deficit conditions at post-anthesis stage. Application of kinetin before seed sowing or at the post-anthesis stage significantly reduced the negative effects of drought on flag leaf chlorophyll and stomatal conductance. Lower level of kinetin (75 mg/L) was found to be more effective in mitigating the inhibitory effects of water shortage on photosynthesis and growth, and improved grain yield under water scarcity.     

Availability of soil and fertilizer nitrogen to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) following rice-straw amendment

Summary A pot experiment was conducted to study the N availability to wheat and the loss of ¹⁵N-labelled fertilizer N as affected by the rate of rice-straw applied. The availability of soil N was also studied. The straw was incorporated in the soil 2 or 4 weeks before a sowing of wheat and allowed to decompose at a moisture content of 60% or 200% of the water-holding capacity. The wheat plants were harvested at maturity and the roots, straw, and grains were analysed for total N and ¹⁵N. The soil was analysed for total N and ¹⁵N after the harvest to determine the recovery of fertilizer N in the soil-plant system and assess its loss. The dry matter and N yields of wheat were significantly retarded in the soil amended with rice straw. The availability of soil N to wheat was significantly reduced due to the straw application, particularly at high moisture levels during pre-incubation, and was assumed to cause a reduction in the dry matter and N yields of wheat. A significant correlation (r=0.89) was observed between the uptake of soil N and the dry matter yield of wheat with different treatments. In unamended soil 31.44% of the fertilizer N was taken up by the wheat plants while 41.08% of fertilizer N was lost. The plant recovery of fertilizer N from the amended soil averaged 30.78% and the losses averaged 45.55%