Iron chlorosis and the iron status of soils

Abstract

The iron status of soils and its relation to iron uptake and iron‐chlorosis is discussed. In many soils, the soluble iron level is so low that rather than having to screen against iron uptake, plants are likely limited in their iron uptake by diffusion. The relationship between the plant root‐soil‐iron environment and the plant's ability to alter this environment is related to the development of iron‐chlorosis.     

Iron chlorosis of rice seedlings in calcareous soil under upland conditions

The farm of All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project is located in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, which lies in the Deccan Peninsula of India. Hyderabad is in latitude 17°N with about 500 m above sea level. The average annual rainfall of this area is about 750 mm. So it is called a semi-dry area.     

Iron chlorosis development and growth response of peach rootstocks to bicarbonate 1

For dicots, bicarbonate (HCO₃‐) is regarded as a main factor in the induction of iron (Fe) chlorosis in calcareous soils, and sand and solution culture. In sand culture experiments, peach [Prunus persica (Batsch) L.] rootstock developed chlorosis only when HCO₃‐ levels were equal to or higher than 6 mM. Above this level, chlorosis increaeed as HCO3‐ level was increased. In spite of the lack of chlorosis at to or below 6 mM of HCO₃‐, large growth reductions (40–60% reduction in fresh shoot weight) were seen in all rootstocks, although the tolerant rootstock had less reduction than the more susceptible rootstocks. Shoot growth was affected by HCO₃‐ more than was root growth.     

Iron chlorosis and nitrate reductase activity in response to Fe stress and additional nitrate in sorghum

Effect of additional nitrate supply on chlorosis development at different levels of Fe stress was examined in iron efficient and inefficient sorghum cultivars. Nitrate reductase, the enzyme primarily responsible for nitrate reduction was estimated in roots and leaves as affected by Fe stress and additional nitrate.

Young leaves showed differences in chlorosis progression at Fe stress levels. Nitrate reductase activity was depressed in roots and young leaves when iron supply was reduced beyond certain level (<0.0015 gm FeSO₄/1). Addition of extra nitrate was not able to enhance NR activity when iron supply was lower than ½ level. It was inferred that nitrate utilisation and iron nutrition influence each other and some minimu level of iron supply is necessary for efficient enzyme activity.     

Micronutrient deficiencies in rainfed calcareous soils of Pakistan. I. Iron chlorosis in the peanut plant

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is susceptible to iron (Fe) chlorosis, however, plant analysis diagnostic criteria are lacking for determining the intensity of chlorosis in this crop. As total Fe content is a misleading index of Fe nutritional status of plants, determination of physiologically active Fe fraction (Fe²⁺) is suggested for the purpose. In a nutrient indexing survey of the chlorosis‐affected peanut crop grown in the rainfed Potohar plateau of Pakistan, o‐phenanthroline extractable Fe²⁺ concentration in plants decreased with increasing severity of chlorosis and thus proved an effective technique for determining the intensity of Fe chlorosis. Green plants contained 40.1 to 67.3 mg Fe²⁺/kg, mildly chlorotic 32.1 to 40.0 mg Fe²⁺/kg, moderately chlorotic 28.0 to 32.0 mg Fe²⁺/kg, and severely chlorotic <28.0 mg Fe²⁺/kg. The minimum Fe²⁺ requirement in green plants was estimated to be 40 mg/kg on dry weight basis. In rainfed field experiments on a calcareous Typic Hapludalfs soil, foliar sprays of 1% solution of sequestrene (NaFeEDDHA) proved superior to the foliar sprays of 0.5% FeSO₄.7H₂O in correcting Fe chlorosis in two cultivars of peanut. Maximum increase in pod yield with sequestrene was 42% in cv. BARD‐92 and 27% in cv. BARD‐699 over the respective control yields. Ferrous concentration in plants increased with both the Fe sources, however, a substantial increase was recorded only with sequestrene. As peanut is a low‐input high‐risk rainfed crop, correction of Fe chlorosis by using sequestrene may not be economically feasible. Thus, development and/or screening of peanut varieties tolerant to Fe chlorosis is suggested by employing Fe²⁺ analysis technique.     

Effect of lime-induced leaf chlorosis on ochratoxin A, trans-resveratrol, and epsilon-viniferin production in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) berries infected by Aspergillus carbonarius

Berries of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot, grown on a neutral or calcareous soil, were infected, at phenological phases of veraison and ripening, by a conidial suspension of Aspergillus carbonarius to control ochratoxin A production and trans-resveratrol- and epsilon-viniferin-induced synthesis as affected by the soil lime content. Chlorosis occurrence was evaluated by a visual rating scale at veraison, and the leaves from vines growing on the calcareous soil showed the typical yellowing, whereas those grown on the neutral soil were dark green. Berry mineral element yield was recorded at veraison and ripening. Infection symptoms on berries were more severe at ripening in bunches collected from vines grown in calcareous soil. Ochratoxin A concentration increased at phenological phase of veraison in berries harvested from vines cultivated in calcareous soil. A. carbonarius enhanced trans-resveratrol and epsilon-viniferin production in infected berries more than in the control samples. Moreover, at veraison their concentration in the berries collected from vines grown in calcareous soil was greater than that recorded from berries collected from vines grown in the neutral soil. The lowest symptom severity was observed on berries containing the highest copper concentration.     

Prognosis of iron chlorosis in apple trees by floral analysis

In populations of apple trees (Malus pumila Mill) affected by iron (Fe) chlorosis, the floral analyses permit to establish relationships between the Fe concentration in flowers and the chlorophyll content in leaves at 60 and 120 days after full bloom. The relationships between both parameters were highly significant with correlation coefficients of 0.603*** and 0.872***, respectively. As from previous research with peach trees, these high correlations permitted us to predict at a very early stage, the appearance of the Fe deficiency and its intensity. In our experimental conditions, the first visual symptoms of the Fe chlorosis appear in apple leaves with floral Fe concentrations below 310 ppm in dry matter.     

Effect of sulphur in the prevention of incipient iron chlorosis in corn

Abstract

Results of a field experiment, comprising elemental S and three commercial preparations of Fe, applied with and without several other factors showed that the application of S was significantly better than that of Fe supplying materials in preventing the incipient chlorosis of corn leaves on the alkaline calcareous soils. Prevention of chlorosis in corn due to sulphur application increased the grain yield of corn 25–31%.

Leaf samples from plants raised with Fe supplying materials were chlorotic even though they contained significantly higher amounts of Fe. Persistence of chlorosis in spite of high Fe content of leaves, vis a vis freedom from chlorosis in spite of low Fe content, suggest that deficiency of Fe was not a factor in chlorosis. Freedom from chlorosis accompanied by significant increases in corn yields due to S application, on the contrary, show that it was the lack of S rather than Fe as the cause of Chlorosis.

When the supply of S is low, Fe seems to be subjected to a great deal of chemical inactivation and under conditions of stress more and more absorption of Fe is necessitated. In all probability the rate of inactivation exceeds the rate of absorption and chlorosis develops. In this situation either the plant's ability to utilize iron is affected or the physiological availability of absorbed iron is very low. Increased S seems to arrest the process of Fe inactivation by providing a better nutritional environment.     

Alleviation of seeding chlorosis by plant growth regulators in drip-irrigated rice

Drip irrigation can produce high rice yields with significant water savings; therefore, it extends rapidly in water-scarce northern China. However, drip-irrigated rice seedlings often exhibit Fe chlorosis. The objective of this field experiment was thus to determine the ability of plant growth regulators to alleviate chlorosis in drip-irrigated rice seedlings. The study compared three plant growth regulators (1-naphthylacetic acid, NAA; sodium nitrophenolate, CSN; and diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate, DA-6) applied in two ways (seed-soaking and drip-application). The results showed that CSN increased root oxidation activity by 37% in the seed-soaking treatment and by 45% in the soil-application treatment. Seed soaking with NAA, CSN, and DA-6 increased the active Fe content in leaves by 8.8%, 17.5%, and 11.4%, respectively, compared with untreated seedlings. Iron absorption and SPAD values were both greater in the soil-application plots than in the seed-soaking plots. Among the plant growth regulators, CSN resulted in the highest yield (2.2% greater than untreated rice in the seed-soaking treatment and 12.8% greater than untreated rice in the soil-application treatment). In conclusion, CSN significantly improved root Fe uptake at the seedling stage and reduced chlorosis in drip-irrigated rice. Therefore, CSN drip application can be recommended for alleviating rice chlorosis in practical use.     

Determination of iron chlorosis with extractable iron analysis in peach leaves

Iron (Fe) though indispensable for the biosynthesis of chlorophyll, but its total content in the plant was not associated with the occurrence of chlorosis. Iron, which is the ferrous‐iron (Fe²⁺) form—termed “active”; Fe— and extracted with weak acids and some chelating agents, has been closely related to Fe chlorosis. In this study, three different methods were tested in order to determine suitable methods for extractable‐Fe analysis in a Dixired peach cultivar. In the first two methods, o‐phenantroline (o‐Ph) and 1N hydrochloric acid (HCl) were used to extract Fe²⁺ from fresh leaves. In the third method, 1N HCl were used as an extractant on dried leaf samples. The relationship between chlorophyll content of the leaves and Fe extracted by the three methods, was statistically significant. Hydrochloric acid extraction with dried leaves which gave the highest significant correlation (r = 0.930) with chlorophyll content, can be used for the determination of Fe²⁺ ("active”; Fe) status in peach trees.     

Evaluating grain sorghum hybrids for tolerance to iron chlorosis

Grain sorghum production in calcareous soils is frequently affected by iron (Fe) chlorosis. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to screen sorghum hybrids for their tolerance to iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) and evaluate the effectiveness of Fe chelate application in alleviating IDC. Treatments in Exp. 1 were a factorial combination of 14 sorghum hybrids and three Fe chelate application rates (0, 3.4 and 6.8?kg product ha^?1) applied in-furrow with the seed at the time of planting. Exp. 2 evaluated two sorghum hybrids (85Y40 and NK5418) and three Fe chelate rates (0 and 3.4?kg product ha^?1) at planting, and a split treatment of 3.4?kg ha^?1. Results showed iron chelate application suppressed IDC and increased leaf chlorophyll content and grain yield in susceptible hybrids. Split application of Fe chelate suppressed IDC and increased grain yield. Our results indicate sorghum hybrids G8G08, 86G32 and 87P06 showed promise for tolerance to IDC.     

Mineral composition of peach leaves affected by iron chlorosis

The effect of Fe chlorosis on the mineral composition of field grown peach tree leaves was studied in two different areas. No significant differences in total Fe content were found, whereas 2,2’ bipyridyl extractable Fe, K and the K/Ca ratio were significantly affected in both experiments. Phosphorus and the P/Fe ratio were significantly affected only in one experiment.     

Ethephon elicits protection against Erysiphe necator in grapevine

The grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is susceptible to many pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea, Plasmopara viticola, Erysiphe necator, and Eutypa lata. Phytochemicals are used extensively in vineyards to reduce pathogen infections, but the appearance of pesticide-resistant pathogen strains and the need for environmental protection require the use of alternative strategies. The phytohormone ethylene is assumed to play a role in the development of disease resistance. In the present study, we have treated grapevine foliar cuttings (Cabernet Sauvignon) with ethylene-releasing ethephon. This resulted in an increase in the number of pathogenesis-related protein (CHIT4c, PIN, PGIP, and GLU) gene copies and in an enhancement of phytoalexin biosynthesis by inducing the PAL and STS genes that correlated with the accumulation of stilbenes (antimicrobial compounds). Moreover, ethephon treatment triggered the protection of grapevine detached leaves and grapevine foliar cuttings against Erysiphe necator, the causal agent of powdery mildew (64% and 70%, respectively). These studies emphasize the major role of ethylene in grapevine defense.     

Mineral composition of peach leaves affected by iron chlorosis

Abstract

The effect of Fe chlorosis on the mineral composition of field grown peach tree leaves was studied in two different areas. No significant differences in total Fe content were found, whereas 2,2’ bipyridyl extractable Fe, K and the K/Ca ratio were significantly affected in both experiments. Phosphorus and the P/Fe ratio were significantly affected only in one experiment.     

农业活动对中国区域“蒸发悖论”规律的影响

1960－2001年间,中国范围内气温增加显著、蒸发皿蒸发量呈下降趋势,存在“蒸发悖论”现象。该文根据中国土地利用数据划分的251个受农业活动影响较小地区和165个受农业活动影响显著地区气象站的气象数据,计算了1960－2001年两类站点蒸发皿蒸发量和气温的变化趋势,分析了不同农业活动影响地区“蒸发悖论”规律的差异及影响因素。结果显示受农业活动影响显著地区的气象站气温升高的站点比例和平均趋势弱于受农业活动影响较小地区的气象站点,而蒸发皿蒸发量下降的站点比例和平均趋势明显强于受农业活动影响较小地区的气象站点,且在比较干旱的北方地区差异更为显著。由此可以推断灌溉等农业活动对区域“蒸发悖论”规律具有显著影响。     

Physiological and mineralogical properties of arsenic-induced chlorosis in rice seedlings grown hydroponically

Abstract

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to observe the effect of arsenic (As) on a number of physiological and mineralogical properties of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Akihikari) seedlings. Seedlings were treated with 0, 6.7, 13.4 and 26.8 µmol L^?1 As (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg As L^?1) for 14 days in a greenhouse. Shoot dry matter yield decreased by 23, 56 and 64%; however, the values for roots were 15, 35 and 42% for the 6.7, 13.4 and 26.8 µmol L^?1 As treatments, respectively. Shoot height decreased by 11, 35 and 43%, while that of the roots decreased by 6, 11 and 33%, respectively. These results indicated that the shoot was more sensitive to As than the root in rice. Leaf number and width of leaf blade also decreased with As toxicity. Arsenic toxicity induced chlorosis symptoms in the youngest leaves of rice seedlings by decreasing chlorophyll content. Concentrations and accumulations of K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu decreased significantly in shoots in the 26.8 µmol L^?1 As treatment. However, the concentration of P increased in shoots at 6.7 and 13.4 µmol L^?1 As levels, indicating a cooperative rather than antagonistic relationship. Arsenic and Fe concentration increased in roots at higher As treatments. Arsenic translocation (%) decreased in the 13.4 and 26.8 µmol L^?1 As treatments compared with the 6.7 µmol L^?1 As treatment. Arsenic and Fe were mostly concentrated in the roots of rice seedlings, assuming co-existence of these two elements. Roots contained an almost 8–16-fold higher As concentration than shoots in plants in the As treatments. Considering the concentration of Mn, Zn and Cu, it was suggested that chlorosis resulted from Fe deficiency induced by As and not heavy-metal-induced Fe deficiency.     

Predicting the incidence of iron chlorosis in calcareous soils of southern Spain

Abstract

Iron chlorosis is a serious crop production problem in many calcareous soils of Southern Spain. The objective of this study was to determine which indigenous soil properties (i.e., those which are essentially permanent) were related to Fe chlorosis. Experiments, using two chickpea (Cicer ariethinum L.) cultivars and a sunflower (Helianthus annuuus L.) cultivar, were carried out in a growth chamber with 25 calcareous soils representing widespread Xerofluvents, Xerorthents, Xerochrepts, Haploxeralfs, Rodoxeralfs, Chromoxererts, and Pelloxererts of Southern Spain. The average chlorophyll contents for the three cultivars were significantly correlated with several properties of the carbonate and Fe oxide phases, such as calcium carbonate equivalent (r = 0.69***), “active lime”; (r = 0.58**), acid NH₄‐oxalate extractable Fe (r = 0.68***), Tiron‐extractable Fe (r = 0.61**), and DTPA‐extractable Fe (r = 0.55**). The present and other studies indicate that the soil property most consistently related to Fe chlorosis is acid NH₄‐oxalate extractable Fe (Feo). The Feo critical level separating soils with a high probability from those with a low probability of responding to Fe fertilization was 0.63 g/kg soil, a value similar to those found in other studies. This further supports the use of Feo as a key property to predicting the appearance of Fe chlorosis.     

Inheritance of iron deficiency chlorosis resistance in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Iron-deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is an important abiotic constraint affecting the growth and yield of groundnut in calcareous and alkaline soils worldwide. The present study investigated the inheritance of IDC resistance among four straight crosses of groundnut involving four IDC susceptible cultivars as females and a common IDC resistant male parent. The F₁'s of all the four crosses were resistant to IDC indicating the dominant nature of IDC resistance. The F₂'s of all the four crosses showed a good fit to the ratio of 15 (IDC resistant): 1 (IDC susceptible) and their behavior among the F₃'s was as per the expected ratio of 7:4:4:1. The IDC resistance in groundnut is under the control of duplicate dominant genes wherein, the presence of a dominant allele at either of the loci results in IDC resistance, while duplicate recessive results in IDC susceptibility. This information would facilitate development of IDC resistant cultivars of groundnut.     

铁肥根系输液矫正果树缺铁失绿症机理

邻二氮杂啡铁示踪结果表明 ,铁肥根系输液处理时铁以二价态由根被动吸收 ,并运输到根、茎、和叶的主脉内。运输部位都是靠近形成层的木质部 ,运输速度每小时可达数十厘米。室内营养液培养的八棱海棠苗用59Fe示踪结果表明 ,断根中分配的59Fe为 18.1% ,叶中分配的59Fe占 70 .9% ;断 1、2、3条根的植株59Fe在叶中的分配比例分别为 57.9%、63.6 %、68.0 %。