Effects of Seasonal Nitrate Flush on Nitrogen Metabolism and Soluble Fractions Accumulation in Two Rice Varieties

ABSTRACT

Two rice varieties, ‘Piaui’ (a landrace) and ‘IAC-47’ (an improved variety), were grown in nutrient solution containing 20 mg nitrate (NO₃ ^?)-nitrogen (N) L^{? 1} up to 32 days after germination (DAG). After this, a group of plants received 200 mg NO₃ ^?NL^{? 1}, while the other was kept at 20 mg NO₃ ^?NL^{? 1} up to 42 DAG. From 42 until 56 DAG, all plants received 5 mg NO₃ ^?NL^{? 1}. Plants were collected at 42 and 56 DAG, soluble fractions, nitrate reductase (NR) and GS enzymatic activities were determined. The nutritional history of the plants affected significantly the uptake and use of nitrogen (N), and should be taken into consideration in the studies of N-use efficiency. The variety ‘Piaui’ was more efficient than ‘IAC-47’ in N-uptake use, accumulating more NO₃ ^? in its tissues at the initial phases of its cycle for subsequent utilization.     

NITRATE/AMMONIUM RATIOS AFFECT RYEGRASS GROWTH AND NITROGEN ACCUMULATION IN A HYDROPONIC SYSTEM

Ryegrass has increasingly been used in constructed wetlands for treatment of eutrophic wastewater. To properly match plant species with the characteristics of wastewater being treated, it is important to know the performance of plant species under different nitrate/ammonium (NO₃ ^?/NH₄ ⁺) ratios. We investigated ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) dry matter (DM) production and N accumulation under five NO₃ ^?/NH₄ ⁺ ratios (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 0/100) in a hydroponic system. The results showed that ryegrass total DM, shoot DM, root DM and nitrogen (N) accumulation were greater under NO₃ ^?/NH₄ ⁺ ratios of 50/50 and 75/25 than under other NO₃ ^?/NH₄ ⁺ ratios, indicating that ryegrass can be best used in constructed wetlands for treating wastewater with such NO₃ ^?/NH₄ ⁺ ratios to achieve high biomass production and efficient removal of N. On the other hand, for treating wastewater with either NO₃ ^? or NH₄ ⁺ dominate the inorganic N, other plant species that are more adapted to such conditions should be explored.     

PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY IN PELARGONIUM: EFFECTS ON NITRATE AND AMMONIUM UPTAKE AND ACIDITY GENERATION

A sudden pH decline (SPD) of the substrate is an increasing problem in geranium growth systems, and the cause is unknown. In this study, we investigate whether a phosphorus (P) deficiency can cause SPD, and whether the effect is related to inhibition of ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) and nitrate (NO₃ ^?) uptake and a corresponding shift in the cation to anion uptake balance. Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum Bailey ‘Designer Dark Red’) were grown in hydroponic solutions with or without P, and the hydroponics systems were located in a growth chamber programmed for light/dark temperatures of 22/18 or 26/22°C. Acidification potential was measured by the amount of base required to maintain pH at 5.8. The results indicated that much greater amounts of base were required to maintain a stable pH with P-limited plants. Using periodic exposures to ¹⁵NH₄ ⁺ or ¹⁵NO₃ ^?, it was found that NO₃ ^? uptake was strongly inhibited as plants became P stressed. Tissue nutrient profiles showed that the NO₃ ^? uptake inhibition was accompanied by an increase in the cation to anion uptake ratio. Rhizosphere acidification was greater at higher temperature even though the cation and anion responses were unchanged in control plants, suggesting the involvement of carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated by root respiration. The results indicate that changes in cation and anion uptake and the associated increase in net H+ extrusion that occur under P-stress conditions can contribute to SPD in geranium culture systems.     

EFFECT OF PREVIOUS NITROGEN STARVATION ON NO3 − AND NH4 + UPTAKE AND ASSIMILATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE ENDOGENOUS SOLUBLE CARBOHYDRATE UTILIZATION IN MOROCCAN WHEAT SEEDLINGS

Uptake of the two forms of nitrogen NO₃ ^? and NH₄ ⁺ and nitrate reduction have been studied in two varieties of Moroccan wheat seedlings, cvs. Sais and Jouda, cultivated under controlled conditions in a hydroponic medium. The available form of nitrogen in the medium had a direct effect on the rate of nitrogen absorption. A brief nitrogen starvation increased the root length and stimulated accumulation of soluble carbohydrates, especially in the root tissues. A resupply of nitrogen stimulated ammonium and nitrate uptake and assimilation with higher mobilization of the soluble carbohydrates previously accumulated in root seedlings. It is suggested that root nitrogen and carbohydrate status might both regulate nitrate uptake and reduction in Moroccan wheat seedlings.

The seedlings raised with the nitrate supply accumulated nitrate in the vacuole as an osmoticum. Shoots are the preferential site for such accumulation. The accumulation of mineral nitrogen was absent in the seedlings cultivated with ammonium supply but was compensated by accumulation of soluble organic nitrogen.     

水稻对硝态氮响应的生理指标筛选

采用温室水培试验方法 ,系统评价了 4 0个遗传特性不同的水稻品种对 3种比例氮营养(NH 4 /NO-3 比例分别为 10 0∶0、5 0∶5 0和 0∶10 0 )的反应和对硝态氮响应的生理指标筛选。结果表明 ,4 0个水稻品种 (系 )在NH 4 /NO-3 比为 5 0∶5 0的营养液中生长最佳 ,植株总干重最高 ,但各个基因型的表现差异较大。根据水稻在两种比例氮营养液 (10 0∶0和 5 0∶5 0 )中的表现可将水稻分为 3种类型 :硝高度响应型、硝中度响应型、硝不响应型。在混合氮营养液中硝高度响应型水稻地上部干重、根干重、总干重和氮积累量显著比单一铵营养液中的高。在评价不同水稻基因型对硝营养的响应时 ,根干物重和氮积累量可作为筛选的主要生理指标     

Dry matter and nitrogen accumulation are not affected by superopt1mal concentration of ammonium in flowing solution culture with pH control

Abstract

While it is known that superoptimal concentrations of the nitrate (NO₃ ^?) ion in solution culture do not increase NO₃ ^? uptake or dry matter accumulation, the same is not known for the ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) ion. An experiment was conducted utilizing flowing solution culture with pH control to investigate the influence of superoptimal NH₄ ⁺ concentrations on dry matter, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) accumulation by nonnodulated soybean plants. Increasing the NH₄ ⁺ concentration in solution from 1 to 10 mM did not affect dry matter or N accumulation. Accumulations of K, Ca, and Mg were slightly decreased with the increased NH₄ ⁺ concentration. The NH₄ ⁺ uptake system, which is saturated at less than 1 mM NH₄ ⁺, is able to regulate uptake of NH₄ ⁺ at concentrations as high as 10 mM.     

PHYTOTOXICITY OF SALTS IN COMPOSTED SEWAGE SLUDGE AND CORRELATION WITH SODIUM CHLORIDE,CALCIUM NITRATE,AND MAGNESIUM NITRATE

The phytotoxicity of salts in composted sewage sludge (CSS) was evaluated. Concentrations of sodium (Na⁺), chloride (Cl^?1), calcium (Ca²⁺), and magnesium (Mg²⁺) were present at levels that would induce salt stress in plants. Nutrient imbalances were also found that would adversely affect the use of CSS as a growth medium. To further understand the phytotoxic nature of these salts, sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] and magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO₃)₂] solutions were used to simulate the composition of salts found in CSS in an investigation of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seed germination. High concentrations of Ca²⁺ (92.1 mmol.L^?1) and Mg²⁺ (27.4 mmol.L^?1) inhibited seed germination to an equal extent as did Na⁺ (40.6 mmol.L^?1). The lower concentration of Ca²⁺ (10 mmol.L^?1), however, significantly relieved the stress caused by NaCl. These results indicated that the composition and total amount of Na⁺, Cl^?1, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ in CSS should be carefully monitored before it is used as a soil amendment or growth medium.     

NITRATE ACCUMULATION IN SPINACH AS INFLUENCED BY SULFUR AND PHOSPHORUS APPLICATION UNDER INCREASING NITROGEN LEVELS

Nitrate (NO₃) accumulation by spinach was studied under increasing nitrogen (N) levels (60, 120 and 240 kg N ha^?1) along with sulfur (45 kg S ha^?1) and phosphorus (P; 90 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1) application. Plants were harvested at 50 and 65 days after sowing. Plant samples were analyzed for NO₃-N and total N, P, S, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Radio assay of 35S was done to estimate percent sulfur derived from fertilizer and percent fertilizer sulfur utilization. Spinach maintained a very high level of NO₃-N in its tissue throughout the growing period. NO₃-N was increased with increasing nitrogen level and was reduced with phosphorus and sulfur application and also with advancement in growth. Total N, P, S, K, Ca and Mg uptake were increased with increasing nitrogen levels as well as with application of sulfur and phosphorus. Sulfur application caused increase in percent sulfur derived from fertilizer and percent utilization of fertilizer sulfur.     

SALINITY AND AMMONIUM/NITRATE INTERACTIONS ON TOMATO PLANT DEVELOPMENT,NUTRITION, AND METABOLITES

The interactions between NaCl and different NO₃ ^?NH₄ ⁺ ratios were investigated. Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were grown in a greenhouse, in 120L capacity containers filled with continuously aerated Hoagland nutrient solution. Treatments were added to observe the combined effect of two NaCl levels (30 and 60 mM) and three millimolar ratios of nitrate: ammonium (14:0, 12:2, 10:4) on growth, nutrition, and contents of chlorophyll and sugars. Saline treatments decreased growth, which was partly restored by NH₄ ⁺ treatment. The leaf mineral composition showed a marked effect of nitrogen (N) source, while salinity only affected NO₃ ^? concentration. Changing the NO₃ ^?:NH₄ ⁺ ratio from 14:0 to 12:2 and 10:4 produced progressive increases in the concentrations of iron (Fe), chlorophyll, and reducing sugars in leaves. Therefore, the deleterious effect of salinity on biomass production can be minimized by the use of nutrient solutions containing higher NH₄ ⁺ concentrations, since this seemed to be correlated with increases in nitrogen assimilation and the levels of Fe and chlorophyll.     

小白菜硝酸盐积累量基因型差异机理研究

以高硝酸盐积累品种四月慢和低硝酸盐积累品种华冠青梗菜为材料,采用溶液培养方法,测定了0.2和2mmol/L NO3-处理下的硝酸盐积累量和硝酸还原酶活性,并应用Real-Time PCR技术检测了NO3-吸收基因NRT1和NRT2的表达量。结果表明:(1)除0.2 mmol/L NO3-处理时的叶片硝酸盐含量没有显著差异外,四月慢植株各部位的硝酸盐含量都显著高于华冠青梗菜,高浓度培养使品种间硝酸盐积累量差异增加,四月慢对NO3-水平增加的响应能力强于华冠青梗菜。(2)吸收液NO3-浓度12~0 mmol/L范围内,四月慢对NO3-离子吸收速率显著高于华冠青梗菜,且在高浓度下表现更显著。(3)在2 mmol/L NO3-处理下,NRT2在根、叶片、叶柄中的表达量都是四月慢显著高于华冠青梗菜,NRT1的表达量只有在根中四月慢显著高于华冠青梗菜,而在叶片和叶柄中都没有显著差异;在0.2 mmol/L NO3-处理下,NRT1和NRT2表达情况相同,都是在叶片和叶柄中四月慢显著高于华冠青梗菜,而在根中表达量品种间没有显著差异。(4)NRT1和NRT2的表达在一定程度上可以解释硝酸盐积累量的差异,可能还有其他的基因对硝酸盐积累的基因型差异起重要作用,尤其是0.2 mmol/L NO3-处理时。(5)四月慢的硝酸还原酶活性显著高于华冠青梗菜,即四月慢对硝酸根同化利用的能力强于华冠青梗菜。     

Effects of atmospheric nitrogen dioxide on uptake and assimilation of ammonium in soybean plants

Twelve‐day‐old soybean plants were supplied with 1 mM ammonium chloride (NH₄C1) to roots and exposed to 0.2–0.25 μL.L^‐1 nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) for seven days. Amount and rate of ammonium uptake were decreased by NO₂ exposure. However, the ammonium concentration in leaves and leaf pH of exposed plants were increased by NO₂ exposure. These results suggest that the decrease in ammonium uptake may be due to the decline in hydrogen (H⁺) ion concentration in exposed plants which resulted from the reduction of the nitrate and nitrite from NO₂ absorption. They also suggest that the decrease in ammonium uptake and the competition for energy between nitrate reduction and ammonium assimilation may limit ammonium assimilation to organic nitrogen (N) which would further inhibit acidity increase in exposed plants and ammonium uptake by roots.     

Salt stress effects on enzymes activities involved in carbon metabolism and nitrogen availability of two Tunisian durum wheat varieties

Two varieties of durum wheat (Om Rabiaa and Karim), were analyzed and evaluated in the presence of increasing doses of NaCl (0, 100, 200 and 300?mM) in which we added different concentrations of nitrate (0.1, 3, 10?mM). The data obtained showed that presence of NaCl in the culture medium induces the increase of the salt accumulation levels (Na⁺, Cl^?) and reduces the levels of K⁺ and NO₃^? in the cultivar Om Rabiaa. In Karim variety, ions that have been heavily accumulated following exposure to NaCl are Na⁺ and K⁺ while low levels of NO₃^? and Cl^? have been detected. Those findings highlight the difference in the salinity tolerance of durum wheat cultivars also depending on nitrogen (N) availability, Karim cultivar being less sensitive to NaCl treatment than Om Rabiaa. These data also suggested a relationship between salt tolerance capacity and enhancement of nitrogen and carbon metabolisms enzyme activity.     

Induction of high affinity nitrate and ammonium uptake systems in wheat

Abstract

The ability of 7 day old wheat seedlings to take up nitrate or ammonium from hydroponic solution was measured. Seedlings were grown under fully aerated hydroponic conditions. The growth solution consisted of either 0.5 mM CaSO₄ alone or in combination with high nitrate (5 mM NO₃ ^‐ ), high ammonium (2 mM NH₄ ⁺) or modified 1/10 Hoaglands solution with nitrate N only (14 mM) or ammonium N only (2 mM). After washing the roots for one hour in CaSO₄, nitrate or ammonium uptake was measured with an ion selective electrode. Plants grown in high nitrate were unable to take up nitrate from a 0.1 mM external solution. Those grown in CaSO₄ were able to take up nitrate at the same external concentration (flux = 10.2 +/‐ 3.0 μmol nitrate/g dry wtlbh). The same result was seen for plants grown in high ammonium vs those grown in CaSO₄ (flux = 21.0 +/‐ 10.0 μmol/g dry wtlbh). Similar results were obtained when modified Hoagland's solution was substituted for the high N solutions. These data indicate that wheat roots possess both high and low affinity nitrate and ammonium uptake systems. The data further indicate that, for a given ion, the high and low affinity systems do not operate simultaneously under high N conditions. The high affinity system is switched off in the range of 1 mM for both ionic forms of N. Developmental studies show that the expression of the high affinity trait is reversible and may be induced (repressed) by conditioning for 24 h in low (high) N media. Plants grown in high N solutions showed efflux of the ion under assay conditions. Neither ion interfered with the induction/repression of the high affinity trait for the other under the conditions used in this study.     

Effects of root‐zone acidity on utilization of nitrate and ammonium in tobacco plants

Abstract

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cv. ‘Coker 319') plants were grown for 28 days in flowing nutrient culture containing either 1.0 mM NO₃ ^‐ or 1.0 mM NH₄ ⁺ as the nitrogen source in a complete nutrient solution. Acidities of the solutions were controlled at pH 6.0 or 4.0 for each nitrogen source. Plants were sampled at intervals of 6 to 8 days for determination of dry matter and nitrogen accumulation. Specific rates of NO₃ ^‐ or NH₄ ⁺ uptake (rate of uptake per unit root mass) were calculated from these data. Net photosynthetic rates per unit leaf area were measured on attached leaves by infrared gas analysis. When NO^‐ was the sole nitrogen source, root growth and nitrogen uptake rate were unaffected by pH of the solution, and photosynthetic activity of leaves and accumulation of dry matter and nitrogen in the whole plant were similar. When NH₄ ⁺ was the nitrogen source, photosynthetic rate of leaves and accumulation of dry matter and nitrogen in the whole plant were not statistically different from NO₃ ^‐ ‐fed plants when acidity of the solution was controlled at pH 6.0. When acidity for NH₄ ⁺ ‐fed plants was increased to pH 4.0, however, specific rate of NH₄ ⁺ uptake decreased by about 50% within the first 6 days of treatment. The effect of acidity on root function was associated with a decreased rate of accumulation of nitrogen in shoots that was accompanied by a rapid cessation of leaf development between days 6 and 13. The decline in leaf growth rate of NH₄ ⁺ ‐fed plants at pH 4.0 was followed by reductions in photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area. These responses of NH₄ ⁺ ‐fed plants to increased root‐zone acidity are characteristic of the sequence of responses that occur during onset of nitrogen stress.     

INFLUENCE OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND AMMONIUM:NITRATE RATIOS ON GROWTH AND PUNGENCY OF SPRING ONION PLANTS

A pot experiment was carried out to study the growth and pungency of Allium fisutulosum grown in Perlite as affected by colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi Glomus etunicatum, Glomus vesiforme, and by ammonium (NH⁺ ₄ ):nitrate (NO^? ₃ ) ratios of 5:95, 50:50, and 95:5 in 4 mM solutions. Plants were grown in a greenhouse for 20 weeks and then harvested. In general, NH⁺ ₄ :NO^? ₃ ratio of 50:50 supplied resulted in the highest shoot dry weight regardless of non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal plants while the effect of inoculation treatment on plant biomass was not significant. The plant sulfur (S) concentrations were usually higher in mycorrhizal plants than controls irrespective of nitrogen ratio and therefore inoculation with G. etunicatum increased the enzyme produced pyruvic acid (EPY) while inoculation with G. versiforme decreased the EPY compared with the non-mycorrhizal plants. In general, shoot pungency was lowest when NH⁺ ₄ :NO^? ₃ ratio of 95:5 supplied irrespective of mycorrhizal treatment. Colonization by both AM fungi made a substantial contribution to spring onion sulfur nutrient status but show different way on flavor characteristics of host plants.     

Effects of Fusicoccin and Vanadate on Proton Extrusion and Potassium Uptake by Rice

The effects of fusicoccin or vanadate on proton (H⁺) extrusion and potassium (K) uptake of four varieties of rice (oryza satiya L.) were studied. Two of them were improved varieties (IAC-47 and Agulha), with 70% genetic similarity. The two others were landraces (Bico Ganga and Piaui). Vanadate totally blocked H⁺-pumping activity while fusicoccin increased it. Potassium uptake was suppressed under vanadate but increased sharply under the fusicoccin treatment. The Piaui was the most affected by fusicoccin, while Agulha was the least affected. Under fusicoccin, Bico Ganga had a 48% increase in K uptake at the end of the experimental period in relation to the controls, while IAC-47 showed only a 17% increase. Taken together, for all varieties and treatments, there was a negative correlation between the final pH and the total K taken up by plants. This study suggests that some rice varieties need additional stimulation from external sources to express their full H⁺-pumping and K-uptake capabilities.     

铵硝比和磷素营养对菠菜生长、氮素吸收和相关酶活性的影响

通过水培试验研究了不同铵硝比的氮素营养和磷素营养对菠菜生长、氮素吸收及硝酸还原酶活性（NRA）和谷氨酰胺合成酶活性（GSA）的影响。结果表明：在供磷水平相同时，菠菜的生物量随着铵硝比的降低而降低，但铵硝比为25：75与0：100两个处理之间没有显著差异；在铵硝比相同时，随着营养液中磷含量的增加，菠菜的生物量随之增加。菠菜茎叶中硝酸盐的含量随着铵硝比和磷水平的降低而升高。不同铵硝比处理，菠菜含氮量没有明显差异，随着磷水平的提高，菠菜植株含氮量有升高的趋势，但各处理之间差异不显著；受到生物量显著差异的影响，菠菜植株中氮素累积量随着铵硝比的降低和磷素水平的增加而增加。在铵硝混合营养条件下，缺磷会显著抑制菠菜对铵态氮和硝态氮的吸收，且磷索缺乏对菠菜吸收硝态氮的抑制作用要大于对铵态氮吸收的抑制作用。铵硝比相同时，随着营养液中磷索供应量的增加，菠菜茎叶中NRA显著增加；但是营养液中铵硝比较高时，会显著抑制菠菜茎叶中NRA，而铵硝比较低时，则有利于提高菠菜的NRA。缺磷会严重抑制GSA；在磷素水平相同时，随着营养液中铵比例的增加，菠菜茎叶中GSA显著增加。为此，在一些硝酸盐含量较高的土壤上栽培蔬菜时，可以采取增施适量磷肥的方法，以降低叶菜的硝酸盐含量。     

The effect of form and level of inorganic N on nitrogen use efficiency of sugarcane grown in pots

To-date, assessments of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of sugarcane have not included the contribution of its components, nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE) and nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE). This study determined these values, based on biomass and plant nitrogen (N) content, in two four-month-old pot-grown genotypes. The treatments included six N regimes, with nitrate (NO₃^—N) or ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) supplied alone, or as NO₃^?-N for the first 6 weeks and then NH₄⁺-N until harvest, each as 4 or 20 mM. Regardless of the N form, NUE was higher at four than at 20 mM due to significantly higher NUpE at low N supply. The results indicated that there was luxury N uptake and preference for NH₄⁺-N nutrition, which resulted in the highest determined NUE. There were significant differences between genotypes in biomass, morphological growth parameters, N uptake, total plant N and NUE, the latter matching previously established sucrose yield-based NUE field rankings.     

灌溉施肥对壤质潮土硝态氮淋溶的影响

在衡水市邓庄乡壤质潮上上进行了以灌水为主处理、氮用量为副处理,各五水平的定位试验。结果表明,氮肥用量是硝态氮淋溶损失的决定因素,冬小麦施氮150kghm-2不发生淋溶,施氮225～300kghm-2则硝态氮的淋溶增强。小麦播前基施氮肥量过高会使冬季发生硝态氮的淋溶。小麦拔节期和灌浆期灌溉一般不会引起硝态氮的淋溶损失;尽管一次灌水1350m3hm-2硝态氮的淋失量不高,但土壤剖面中的硝态氮含量显著比低灌水量的低。为降低硝态氮的损失,应控制一次灌水量不超过1050m3hm-2。雨季降水导致大量硝态氮淋溶损失,防治雨季土壤硝态氮的淋溶损失至关重要。     

Effects of Salinity and Nitrogen on Growth,Contents of Pigments,and Ion Accumulation of a Euhalophyte Suaeda Salsa in an Intertidal Zone and on Saline Inland

The different responses of two populations of Suaeda salsa (Linn.) Pall. (saline seepweed) from an intertidal zone and a saline inland zone to salinity [1 or 500 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] and nitrogen [N; 0.05, 1, or 10 mM nitrate (NO₃ ^?)‐N] were investigated. Greater NO₃ ^?‐N supply (10 mM) increased shoot dry weight for the two populations of S. salsa, especially for S. salsa from the saline inland zone. Greater NO₃ ^?‐N supply (10 mM) increased the concentrations of chlorophyll and carotenoid in leaves and the NO₃ ^? and potassium (K⁺) concentrations in shoots for both populations. Greater NO₃ ^?‐N supply (10 mM) increased shoot Na⁺ in S. salsa from the intertidal zone. In conclusion, S. salsa from the saline inland zone is more responsive to NO₃ ^?‐N supply than the intertidal population. Greater NO₃ ^?‐N supply can help the species, especially the intertidal population, to grow and to mediate ion homeostasis under high salinity.