Interaction of mineral and cytokinin supply in control of leaf senescence and seed growth in soybean explants

Abstract

The leaves of intact soybean plants (Glycine max. L. Merrill) characteristically turn yellow and abscise during pod maturation, and this may limit seed growth. We have used soybean expiants (excised 10 cm stem sections with a leaf and midfill pod attached) to study interactive effects of nutrient and hormone supply on leaf senescence symptoms and seed yield. Whereas mineral nutrients or cytokinin (zeatin) alone delayed development of visible leaf senescence symptoms in explants, a combination of mineral nutrients with zeatin acted synergistically to maintain green coloration throughout pod maturation and reduced declines in levels of leafsoluble protein and chlorophyll. The combination of complete mineral nutrients with zeatin gave seed yields equivalent to those in intact plants. Withdrawal of zeatin or individual mineral nutrients (particularly N and S) from the nutrient solution enhanced leaf senescence symptoms and reduced seed yields.     

Quantitative methods for estimating foliar uptake of zinc from suspension‐based Zn chemicals

The present study developed methods for quantifying foliar Zn uptake from suspension‐based Zn chemicals of low solubility, which were ZnO (particle size: 0.15^–1.34 μm) and a newly synthesized Zn hydroxide nitrate crystal (Zn‐HNC) (50^–100 nm thickness and 0.2^–1 μm lateral dimension). Recently matured leaves of citrus (Citrus aurantium L. cv. Valencia), capsicum (Capsicum annume L. cv. Giant Bell), and/or tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Roma) were in vitro–treated with microdroplets (5 μL per droplet) of Zn‐HNC‐ and ZnO‐suspension solutions on the adaxial surface and incubated under controlled conditions for up to 72 h. Leaf‐washing protocols were compared, including: dilute ethanol (3%), dilute nitric acid (2%), and their combination. The methods for quantifying Zn uptake were: (1) whole‐leaf loading by which droplets of the Zn suspension solutions were loaded onto central regions of both left and right sides of leaf blades and (2) half‐leaf loading by which soluble‐Zn (ZnSO₄) droplets were loaded onto only one side of leaf blades while the other was used as the background Zn control. Foliar‐surface characteristics of the plant species affected the effectiveness of the washing methods. The dilute nitric acid (2%; ± 3% ethanol) was required to remove residue particles of the ZnO and Zn‐HNC suspensions from foliar surfaces of capsicum and tomato (highly trichomatic), but the residue Zn chemicals on citrus leaves (nontrichomatic and highly waxy) were similarly and effectively removed by the three washing methods. For quantifying Zn uptake by the leaves, the half‐leaf loading method showed its advantages over the whole‐leaf loading method, because it did not stringently require similar background Zn concentrations in the control and treated leaves at the start and had little risks of secondary absorption of soluble Zn in the washing solution.     

Leaf Potassium Accumulation in Olive Plants Related to Nutritional K Status,Leaf Age,and Foliar Application of Potassium Salts

Four separate experiments were carried out in greenhouse conditions from spring of 2001 to summer of 2003. The aim of this research was to study the effect of factors such as leaf age, salt type and concentration, number of foliar applications, and the nutritional status on the efficiency of foliar applications of potassium (K) in olive plants. In all experiments, mist-rooted ‘Picual’ olive plants growing in 2 L pots containing perlite were fertigated with a complete nutrient solution containing 0.05 mM or 2.5 mM potassium chloride (KCl). In one experiment, plants received two foliar applications with five concentrations of KCl (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8%) at 63 and 84 days after transplanting. Foliar KCl applications at 2% or 4% increased shoot lengths and the K content of plants fertigated with 0.05 mM KCl (poor K nourished), while foliar KCl application did not have any influence on the growth or K content of plants fertigated with 2.5 mM KCl (normal K nourished). When the number of foliar applications was increased, the results showed that two foliar applications were enough to increase leaf K concentration in olive plants above the sufficiency level. Leaf age could influence the efficiency of foliar K application. Leaf K concentration were higher in young leaves than in mature ones. All K-salts studied as foliar sprays [KCl, potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), potassium nitrate (KNO₃), potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), and potassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄)] were effective in increasing leaf K concentration. The results obtained in the present study indicate that foliar applications of K effectively increase K content in K-deficient olive plants, and that foliar applications might be more effective on young leaves. Two foliar applications of 4% KCl or the equivalent for other salts are enough to increase leaf K concentration.     

叶面营养对黄瓜生物效应的影响

采用盆栽和田间大棚小区试验，研究了施用不同叶面营养组分对黄瓜的养分吸收分配和叶片光合生理及果实产量与品质的影响。结果表明:（1）P、N、K三要素可被黄瓜（苗期）叶片快速吸收并显著提高其在体内的含量，天然植物生长活性物质具有促进黄瓜N、P、K养分，尤其是N、K的吸收功效。特别是当它与营养元素配合施用时，这种促进作用最为明显。（2）叶面施用适当浓度的该活性物质或硫酸铵或KH2PO4均有显著提高黄瓜处理叶绿素及其光合速率的作用。从总体上讲，三者的作用效果相当，其中活性物质的作用速度较快，但持续时间稍短。叶面施肥后48小时与72小时，不同处理间的叶片光合速率与叶绿素含量差异分别达到最大，一直到108小时，仍维持较稳定的显著差异。说明叶面营养对作物的光合作用的影响主要发生在施肥三天（72小时）以后。（3）叶面肥不同组分配施均能增加黄瓜的生物量与果实产量，提高果实蛋白质、Vc、可溶性糖的含量，降低脂合纤维的含量，而果实酸度则基本不受叶面施肥的影响。（4）在不同叶面营养处理中，无论是促进叶片光合作用还是提高果实产量与改善品质，均是营养元素与该种物质的合理团合达到最理想的效果，两者呈现极其显著的正交互作用。     

Uptake of Iron (59Fe) Complexed to Water‐Extractable Humic Substances by Sunflower Leaves

Abstract

A research was carried out to evaluate the leaves' ability to utilize Fe supplied as a complex with water‐extractable humic substances (WEHS) and the long‐distance transport of ⁵⁹Fe applied to sections of fully expanded leaves of intact sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants. Plants were grown in a nutrient solution containing 10 µM Fe(III)‐EDDHA (Fe‐sufficient plants), with the addition of 10 mM NaHCO₃ to induce iron chlorosis (Fe‐deficient plants). Fe(III)‐WEHS could be reduced by sunflower leaf discs at levels comparable to those observed using Fe(III)‐EDTA, regardless of the Fe status. On the other hand, ⁵⁹Fe uptake rate by leaf discs of green and chlorotic plants was significantly lower in Fe‐WEHS‐treated plants, possibly suggesting the effect of light on photochemical reduction of Fe‐EDTA. In the experiments with intact plants, ⁵⁹Fe‐labeled Fe‐WEHS or Fe‐EDTA were applied onto a section of fully expanded leaves. Irrespective of Fe nutritional status, ⁵⁹Fe uptake was significantly higher when the treatment was carried out with Fe‐EDTA. A significant difference was found in the amount of ⁵⁹Fe translocated from treated leaf area between green and chlorotic plants. However, irrespective of the Fe nutritional status, no significant difference was observed in the absolute amount of ⁵⁹Fe translocated to other plant parts when the micronutrient was supplied either as Fe‐EDTA or Fe‐WEHS. Results show that the utilization of Fe complexed to WEHS by sunflower leaves involves an Fe(III) reduction step in the apoplast prior to its uptake by the symplast of leaf cells and that Fe taken up from the Fe‐WEHS complexes can be translocated from fully expanded leaves towards the roots and other parts of the shoot.     

Acute boron toxicity in Begonia X hiemalis ’Schwabenland Red‘

Abstract

Boron toxicity was induced in Begonia X hiemalis Fotsch ‘Schwabenland Red’ by successive applications of 1.0 mM H₃BO₃ to the root medium. Treatments were initiated at progressive stages of growth. Leaf injury occurred initially on mature leaves. Symptoms progressed from mild chlorosis of the leaf margins to an eventual necrosis extending inwards 3 to 5 mm from the leaf margin. Mean concn of B in canopy leaves of plants exhibiting incipient symptoms of B toxicity ranged from 125 to 258 ppm. Older plants tended to exhibit B toxicity symptoms at lower foliar concn of B than younger plants.     

Leaf nutrients content of tomato and incidence of insect pests and diseases following two foliar applications

The leaf plays key roles in plant functions. In this study, we evaluated major nutrients (Nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K)) contents of the leaves of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) following applications of two foliar nutrients sources. Pest population dynamics as well as disease incidence and severity of the crop were also evaluated. The study was conducted at the Plantation Crops Section of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana in two consecutive cropping seasons. Two tomato varieties were treated with two foliar nutrients sources viz. Herbagreen and Sidalco liquid fertilizer in a split-plot layout. A conventional (granular) NPK fertilizer and a control (no application) were also evaluated. The foliar applications generally increased leaf N concentration of tomato more than the conventional NPK fertilizer and the control. Sidalco liquid fertilizer significantly (p < 0.05) increased foliar K concentration in the major season while Herbagreen increased K concentration by 108% over the NPK fertilizer in the minor season. However, leaf P concentrations were similar (p > 0.05) among the foliar and soil applications. The foliar applications (p < 0.05) reduced the densities of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) than the NPK fertilizer and the control in both seasons of cropping. In the minor season, Herbagreen (p < 0.05) reduced both incidence and severity of late blight. Herbagreen treated plants produced fruit yield comparable to the conventional NPK fertilizer and registered lower disease incidence and severity as well as lower insect pest populations possibly due to its silicon content.     

Comparison of Foliar and Root Application of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate in Regulating Cadmium Translocation and Accumulation in Tall Fescue (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Festuca arundinacea</Emphasis>)

The efficiency of phytoremediation is mainly dependent on the capacity of plants in absorption, translocation, and accumulation of Cd. This study was designed to investigate whether Cd translocation and accumulation in tall fescue plants was regulated by foliar application of KH₂PO₄. The results showed that the foliar application of KH₂PO₄ significantly increased Cd concentration and total Cd accumulated in leaves and the capacity of Cd extraction, compared to the root application. The water-soluble organic acid complexes and the pectate- and protein-integrated Cd were the two major Cd chemical forms deposited in leaves. The foliar application increased Cd in the pectate- and protein-integrated forms and decreased the water-soluble forms in leaves. Cd phosphates were not the major chemical forms deposited in leaves in both foliar and root applications. The results indicated that the foliar application of KH₂PO₄ enhanced Cd accumulation in leaves of tall fescue, which might be associated with the leaf deposit of the pectate- and protein-integrated Cd forms.     

Effect of Various Nitrogen Forms on the pH in Leaf Apoplast and on Iron Chlorosis of Glycine max L.

The effect of NH₄NO₃ (control) and increasing NO₃- levels in nutrient solutions containing no and 100 μM Fe respectively on iron chlorosis of Glycine max was investigated. After two weeks of growth apoplastic pH in excised leaves was measured by means of fluorescence. In plants growing without Fe supply increasing concentrations of NO₃- in the nutrient solution which also was applied to the cut end of the petiole, resulted in a pH increase in the leaf apoplast from 5.34 (NH₄NO₃) to 5.50 (NO₃-) associated with chlorosis observed with intact plants. A close negative correlation was found between chlorophyll concentration and pH in the apoplast (r = ?0.97). While leaves in the treatment exclusively fed with NO₃- were strongly chlorotic, those in the NH₄NO₃ treatment were green. With exception of the plants only fed with NO₃- the Fe concentration in the leaves was not affected by the type of N nutrition. It is therefore assumed that some Fe is immobilized in the leaf tissue by high apoplast pH induced by an increase in the proportion of nitrate in the nutrient solution. Plants fed with Fe (100 μM) showed no chlorosis, regardless of the form of N nutrition and hence regardless of apoplast pH. The Fe concentration in leaves of Fe fed plants was approximately twice those in the leaves not supplied with Fe.     

Content of boron and other elements in main stem and branch leaves and seed of soybean

Tissue testing is commonly used to determine nutrient status of crops, however, there may be differences in macro‐ and micronutrient content of main stem and branch leaves of plants. Macro‐ and micronutrient analyses of main stem and branch soybean (Glycine max [L] Merr.) leaves were performed separately to ascertain where foliar‐applied boron (B) was accumulating and to determine if other nutrients were partitioned differently between main stem and branch leaves in control plants and plants treated with foliar B. Foliar applications of 2.24 kg B/ha increased main stem leaf B content from 47 to 248 μg/g and caused leaf manganese (Mn) and aluminum (Al) content to decline. In a separate experiment, foliar applications of 1.12 kg B/ha onto soybean growing on a soil high in available Al increased B leaf content by over 50 μg/g and decreased leaf Al content by 100 μg/g. In other field experiments, foliar B applications of 0.90 kg/ha or more increased leaf B content in both main stem and branch leaves. Boron content was consistently higher in branch leaves than in main stem leaves. Branch leaves and seeds of soybean were higher in the phloem‐mobile elements potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) than main stem leaves. With the exception of B, the relatively phloem‐immobile elements, calcium (Ca) and Mn were lower in branch leaves than in main stem leaves. The higher B content in branch leaves and seeds may indicate that B is more mobile in soybean than previously thought. The difference in macro‐ and micronutrient content of branch and main stem leaves and seeds should be noted when soybean leaves are being harvested for determination of macro‐ and micronutrient sufficiency, or when seeds are harvested for nutrient quality determinations.     

Effects of Foliar Application of FeSO4 and NaCl Salinity on Vegetative Growth,Antioxidant Enzymes Activity,and Malondialdehyde Content of Tanacetum balsamita L.

Salinity is one of the major environmental stressors which has deleterious effects on the growth, development, and yield of crops. Because of the gradual increase in soil and water salinity in the East Azarbaijan, Iran, Tanacetum balsamita L. cultivation in this region has always been associated with many problems. To study the effect of foliar spray of iron sulfate (FeSO₄) (0, 750, and 1500 mg L^?1) under sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity (0, 50, and 100 mM) on some physiological characteristics of Tanacetum balsamita L. plants, an experiment was conducted as a factorial based on complete randomized block design with three replications. Total soluble solids (TSS) and essential oil contents were significantly affected by the interaction effects of FeSO₄ foliar application and salinity levels. The highest TSS and essential oil content were found in the plants under NaCl₀ × FeSO₄ 1500 mg L^?1 treatment combination. Leaf length, leaf fresh and dry weights were influenced by both Fe foliar application and salinity levels. Foliar application of iron (Fe) positively affected leaf length, leaves fresh and dry weights, root fresh and dry weights and peroxidase (POD) content, especially at ₁₅₀₀ mg L^?1. Other traits such as leaf length, leaf fresh and dry weights, malondialdehyde (MDA), POD and catalase (CAT) contents were influenced by salinity levels. For POD, MDA, and CAT contents, the highest values were recorded with NaCl 50 and 100. The highest values of leaf length, leaf fresh and dry weights were found in the control plants.     

Zinc uptake and distribution in tomato plants in response to foliar supply of Zn hydroxide‐nitrate nanocrystal suspension with controlled Zn solubility

The present study investigated the foliar uptake rate, distribution, and retranslocation patterns of novel, synthesized zinc hydroxide‐nitrate nanocrystals (ZnHN; solubility 30–50 mg Zn L^?1) applied on to the adaxial surface of tomato leaves (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Roma). The total Zn absorption from ZnHN suspension positively increased with ZnHN application rates, but the relative efficacy started to decline at > 400 mg Zn L^?1. Within the 3 weeks, total Zn recovery in the ZnHN‐treated plants was 16% of the total ZnHN‐Zn applied, compared to the near 90% total Zn recovery in the Zn(NO₃)₂‐plants at the same Zn rate. Foliar‐absorbed ZnHN‐Zn was distributed from the treated leaves into other plant parts and preferentially translocated into the roots. Distribution of Zn from ZnHN‐treated leaves to apical parts was not limited by Zn deficiency. These results demonstrate that ZnHN crystals with controlled solubility provided some sort of slow‐release Zn over a certain growth period at a rate slower (but quantitatively effective) than the soluble Zn(NO₃)₂. The efficacy of the prolonged foliar Zn supply could be enhanced if the ZnHN suspension is sprayed over a large leaf surface area at the peak vegetative or early flowering stage.     

Distribution profiles of dry matter and total nitrogen in leaves and stems of oriental field‐grown tobacco plants at different nitrogen levels

Oriental tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Myrodata Agrinion) were grown without nitrogen (N) fertilization (N₀) and with added ammonium nitrate at a rate of 50 kg‐ha^‐1 (N₁) and 100 kg‐ha^‐1 (N₂). Non‐uniform patterns for leaf FW and DW changes per node showed a decreasing trend from lower to upper nodes during the vegetative stage. From approaching flowering to fruit set, these patterns became more uniform. Plants which were fertilized with N had increased leaf FW and DW accumulation levels and non‐uniform distribution patterns, primarily during the reproductive stage, and leaves of the lower nodes were found in the older plants. By contrast, the median values of leaf FW for the unfertilized plants were reduced during the reproductive period. The DW/FW×100 ratio values revealed a stable relationship between leaf FW and DW from the vegetative to the reproductive stage, while modified patterns of DW/FW×100 appeared later in the plant cycle. Nitrogen fertilization resulted in an early appearance of modified patterns of DW/FW×100 in the plant life cycle and higher accumulation of dry matter per unit leaf area. Patterns of total leaf N concentration showed an increasing trend from the lower to the upper nodes for all plant ages and treatments. Total N concentration values varied from 1.6%, 1.9%, and 1.8% on a dry matter basis, for the lower node up to 5.5%, 6.3%, and 6.1% for the upper node in young tobacco plants in the N _o , N₁, and N ₂ treatments, respectively. After fruit set, a more uniform distribution of total leaf N was observed among the leaves in all treatments. Concentration values for total leaf N in older plants varied from 1.9%, 2.1%, and 2.2% for the lower node up to 3.4%, 3.3% and 3.2% for the upper node in the N ₀ , N₁, and N₂ treatments, respectively. These results suggest a progressive decrease with plant age for total leaf N concentration in the plant as a whole. The increased N fertilizer level affected the total N level in young plants but not in the older ones. Inflorescence and fruit set periods are critical for plant N balance except for the plants which received the increased N fertilization. The determined total stem N concentration was less than that for the leaves. This change in the stem, similar to leaves, showed an increasing trend from the basal to the upper part and a decreasing trend from the vegetative to the reproductive stage. The total stem N level declined from 1.0–1.2%, 1.6–1.7%, and 2.2–2.9% on a dry matter basis to 0.5–0.6%, 1.0–1.2%, and 1.2–1.6% for the basal, middle, and upper part of the stem, respectively.     

Mobility of Iron and Manganese within Two Citrus Genotypes after Foliar Applications of Iron Sulfate and Manganese Sulfate

Seedlings of sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) and Carrizo citrange (C. sinensis L. cv. Washington navel x Poncirus trifoliata)] were grown in plastic pots containing a sand: perlite mixture and watered with a modified Hoagland No 2 nutrient solution throughout the experiment. Three-months-old plants were divided in three groups and sprayed with 0.018 M iron sulfate (FeSO₄ ^.7H₂O), 0.018 M manganese sulfate (MnSO₄ ^.H₂O), or deionized water. Two months later, plants were harvested and divided into top leaves that grown after the treatments, basal leaves that existed prior to the treatments, stems that partially came in contact with the spray, and roots. The manganese (Mn) spray resulted in a significant increase of Mn concentrations in top leaves, basal leaves, stems and roots of sour orange, and in top leaves, basal leaves, and stems of Carrizo citrange. The iron (Fe) spray significantly increased the concentrations of Fe in the stems and basal leaves of both genotypes. For both genotypes, transport of Mn from basal (sprayed) leaves to top (unsprayed) ones was found. However, the results of this experiment did not give any evidence neither for Mn translocation from sprayed tissues to roots nor for Fe transport from sprayed tissues to unsprayed ones (top leaves, roots). Mn and Fe were found to be relatively mobile and strictly immobile nutrients, respectively, within citrus plants after their foliar application as sulfate salts.     

Effect of applying calcium chloride and three milk supplements to poinsettia ‘Prestige Red’

Some poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) cultivars are susceptible to bract calcium (Ca) deficiency in developing bracts. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of foliar uptake of Ca from milk-based products plus calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as a potential Ca source. Weekly foliar applications of 237 mL L^?1 whole milk, 80 mL L^?1 powdered milk, 30 mL L^?1 condensed milk, 0.94 g L^?1 CaCl₂, or distilled water (used as a control) were applied to runoff of ‘Prestige Red’ for four weeks. The four largest bracts with petioles on three different inflorescences and three leaves with petioles below the transitional leaf per inflorescence were collected per pot. None of the treatments affected bract or leaf Ca concentration. Powdered milk treatments resulted in a higher concentration of zinc (Zn) in bracts and aluminum (Al) in bracts and leaves. White residue remained on the bracts and leaves after treatment with powdered milk, which would reduce marketability.     

Increasing root and leaf growth and yield in Mg‐deficient faba beans (Vicia faba) by MgSO4 foliar fertilization

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency reduces yield and quality of crops as Mg is involved in carbohydrate and protein anabolism. Foliar application of MgSO₄ represents a means of ameliorating the nutritional status of crops growing under conditions of deficiency. Foliar Mg application has been demonstrated to increase the chlorophyll concentration and vegetative yield of plants. However, in crop plants used for seed production, the limited number of available studies provides only conflicting results in terms of the efficiency of Mg leaf application on yield and quality. We have examined the effect of increasing Mg foliar application rates on differentially developed leaves and leaf stages with regards to Mg concentration, chlorophyll concentration and biomass formation. Our data reveal that in order to obtain significant effects MgSO₄ concentrations in the spraying solution should be higher than 50 mM, as lower concentrations did not lead to significant changes in the vegetative or generative material. Positive effects of the foliar application on chlorophyll concentration and leaf area were only measured in leaves treated with 200 mM foliar MgSO₄. The application of Mg did not affect the parameters chlorophyll, ion concentration and leaf area in the newly developing leaves, but it had an important influence with regard to yield traits, especially on the formation of pods. The quality of the seeds with regard to the protein concentration was reduced in response to the magnesium deficiency treatment, but the application of foliar magnesium prevented a significant loss of protein.     

Effects of foliar selenium application on some physiological and phytochemical parameters of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultana under salt stress

Abstract

In this research the effect of foliar application of selenium (Se) at four levels (Na₂OSe₄; 0, 5, 10 and 20?mg L^?1) was evaluated on some phytochemical characteristics of Sultana grapevine under different salinity levels (NaCl; 0 or 75?mM). The vines were fed twice a week with Hoagland nutrient solution and Se was foliar applied twice with 24 intervals. During growing period, plant height, leaf number and leaf area were recorded. Moreover, at the end of experiment, mature leaves from middle nods of canes were used for measurement of some phytochemical indices. According to results, Se application had a positive effect on plant height, leaf numbers, leaf area and photosynthetic pigments content especially at 5?mg L^?1 and to some extent 10?mg L^?1 Se levels. Under salinity stress, foliar application of Se at 5?mg L^?1 considerably decreased vines leaves electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation values compared to non se-treated plants under salinity stress condition. Selenium had an additive effect on salinity stress (75?mM NaCl) induced accumulation of total phenol, total flavonoid, soluble sugars and proline content in leave of vines. Moreover, the interaction of salinity and Se at 5 and 10?mg L^?1 improved leaves antioxidant enzymes activities in Sultana grapevine. Likewise, foliar application of Se improved leaf mineral content in 75?mM NaCl -treated vines. Totally, foliar application of selenium (Se at 5 or 10?mg L^?1) increased salt tolerance through improvement in nutritional balance and by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity in grapevine leaves.     

The relationship of soil and leaf nutrients to rice leaf oranging

A symptom called leaf‐oranging, indicating a deficiency of many nutrients, occurs in paddy rice (Oryzasativa L.) when production expands into some upland soils. Rice (Gui Chou cv.) was grown in culture pots in a flooded, weathered, upland soil (Nacogdoches) and compared to rice growth in a flooded soil currently used for paddy rice production (Dacosta) in Texas to understand the soil and plant factors involved in leaf‐oranging. Fertilizer rates of 0, 10, and 100 mg N/kg as (NH₄)₂SO₄ were applied to each soil along with phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer. The orange Leaf Index (OLI), a measure of leaf‐oranging, was determined weekly and increased to 60–70% for plants grown in the upland soil but its progression was delayed by higher N treatments. No leaf‐oranging was observed in the paddy soil. The soil evoking leaf‐oranging was low in silicon (Si) and high in iron (Fe). In addition, analysis of leaves from these plants showed 19–25% higher leaf ammonium‐nitrogen (NH₄‐N), 9–137% higher manganese (Mn) levels and lower total N:NH₄ concentration compared to normal rice leaves four weeks after transplanting. This inferred that leaf‐oranging probably was associated with some degree of NH₄‐N toxicity and antagonism with K. Leaf‐oranging was also associated with low calcium (Ca) assimilation or Ca uptake inhibition because of the heavy Fe‐oxide coating of the roots of the affected rice plants. In this experiment, leaf‐oranging was not associated with toxic levels of Fe or Mn.     

Iron nutrition in low chill peach for improving yield and fruit quality

Foliar fertilization and microbe supplemented iron (Fe) bioavailability can fulfill iron demand of plants. An experiment was performed to examine the effect of Psuedomonas fluorescens along with foliar spray ferrous sulfate on low-chill peach plants suffering from iron deficiency. Number of leaves per shoot, leaf area, chlorophyl content, Fe: Mn ratio of leaves, fruit yield and fruit physico-chemical parameters were recorded. The results showed a significant increase in leaves chlorophyl content, iron: manganese ratio of leaves, fruit yield, fruit length, fruit breadth, total soluble solids (T.S.S) and T.S.S and acid ratio with the inoculation of Pseudomonas fluorescens as well as foliar spray of ferrous sulfate, whereas, acidity of fruit pulp was decreased. Significantly higher number of leaves per shoot was also noted with foliar spray of ferrous sulfate. Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculation along with foliar spray of ferrous sulfate significantly increased leaves chlorophyl content, fruit length, T.S.S and T.S.S : acid ratio of fruit pulp.     

Glutathione foliar fertilisation prevents lime‐induced iron chlorosis in soil grown Medicago scutellata

It has been proposed that glutathione can relieve the effects of Fe deficiency. This study tested the effects of glutathione foliar treatments to prevent Fe chlorosis, using as positive controls soil and foliar Fe fertilisation. Medicago scutellata plants were grown in soil (5.7% CaCO₃) supplemented or not with 4 and 8% CaCO₃. Two Fe(III)‐EDDHA soil treatments (5 and 10 mg Fe kg^?1), and three foliar treatments (three applications each of 2.14 mM Fe(III)‐EDDHA, 1 mM glutathione, and the previous two combined) were applied. Measurements include leaf chlorophyll and Fe concentrations, biomass, leaf enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant systems and carboxylates. The addition of CaCO₃ caused typical Fe deficiency symptoms, including changes in chlorophyll, Fe, antioxidant systems and carboxylates, which were prevented by soil and foliar Fe fertilisation. The foliar treatment with glutathione also led to higher chlorophyll, leaf extractable Fe and root Fe, as well as decreases in some antioxidant systems, whereas leaf Fe concentrations decreased. The combined foliar application of glutathione and Fe was even more efficient in preventing chlorosis. Including glutathione in foliar fertilisation programs should be considered as an option for Fe chlorosis prevention, especially when relatively large leaf total Fe concentrations occur in the so called chlorosis paradox.