Calcium Nutrition of Peanut Grown in Solution Culture. II. Pod-zone and Tissue Calcium Requirements for Fruiting of a Virginia and a Spanish Peanut

Virginia peanut types need more calcium (Ca) in the soil than Spanish types for high pod yield, but their actual soil solution and fruit tissue Ca requirements have not been well defined. A split root and pod solution culture technique was used to examine the effects of Ca concentration on fruiting of one Virginia cv. ‘Virginia Bunch 1’ and one Spanish peanut cv. ‘TMV-2’. Plants were grown in complete nutrient solution (root zone) containing 100 μM Ca, and six treatments imposed in which the pod zone solution Ca was controlled at 0 to 2500 μM. ‘TMV-2’ produced some mature seeds with no Ca added to the pod zone solution and 81% of maximum seed dry matter at 5 μM Ca, a concentration at which its pod dry matter production was close to maximum. In contrast, ‘Virginia Bunch 1’ produced no pods with no Ca added to the pod zone and only 28% of maximum pod dry matter at 5 μM Ca. ‘TMV-2’ required 6 and 21 μM Ca in the pod zone solution for 95% of maximum pod and seed production, respectively. The corresponding solution concentrations for ‘Virginia Bunch 1’ were 35 and 50 μM Ca. The seed dry matter production of ‘Virginia Bunch 1’ decreased with ≥112 μM Ca in the pod zone solution due to a decrease in individual seed mass, but there was no depression in the case of ‘TMV-2’ up to the highest pod zone solution concentration of 2500 μM Ca studied. The Ca concentration in pod walls and seeds of both cultivars increased with increase in Ca up to 500 μM in the pod zone, the effect being greater in ‘TMV-2’. However, the seed production of both cultivars was maximized at approximately the same seed Ca concentration of 0.04%. The results of this study have shown that the Spanish peanut cv. ‘TMV-2’ and the Virginia peanut cv. ‘Virginia Bunch 1’ have a similar tissue Ca requirement for seed growth despite the higher pod zone Ca requirement of ‘Virginia Bunch 1’.     

Aluminum-induced growth stimulation in relation to calcium,magnesium, and silicate nutrition in Melastoma malabathricum L.

Effects of Al, Ca, Mg, and Si on the growth and mineral accumulation of M. malabathricum (Melastoma malabathricum L.), which is an Al accumulator plant, were investigated using the water culture method. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were used as control plants. After Al application, growth was inhibited in barley, but stimulated in M. malabathricum and rice. The growth of M. malabathricum was not reduced by very low Ca and Mg concentrations (0.1 mm Ca and 0.05 mm Mg). However, it was depressed in the absence of Ca. Ca and Mg contents somewhat decreased by Al application, which was most evident in young leaves and roots. M. malabathricum accumulated more than 10,000 mg kg^-1 Al in mature leaves, and more than 7,000 mg kg^-1 even in the youngest leaf. Al content in leaves of M. malabathricum did not decrease by the Ca or Mg application, but slightly decreased by in the absence of Ca.

Although Si is a strong ligand of Al in solution, in M. malabathricum, Si application hardly affected the growth, Al accumulation and nutrient uptake.     

Effect of varying solution calcium or magnesium concentrations in the presence or absence of aluminum on yield and plant calcium or magnesium concentrations in wheat

The effect of varying solution calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in the absence or presence of 10 μM aluminum (Al) was investigated in several experiments using a low ionic strength (2.7 × 10^‐3 M) solution culture technique. Aluminium‐tolerant and Al‐sensitive lines of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown. In the absence of Al, top yields decreased when solution Ca concentrations were <50 μM or plant Ca concentrations were <2.0 mg/g. Top and root yields decreased when solution Mg concentrations were <50 μM or plant Mg concentrations were <1.5 mg/g. There were no differences between the lines in solution or plant concentrations at which yield declined. Increasing solution Ca concentrations decreased plant Mg concentrations in the tops (competitive ion effect) but increased plant Mg concentrations in the roots of wheat. This suggests that Ca is competing with Mg when Mg is transported from the roots. Increasing solution Mg concentrations decreased plant Ca concentrations in the tops and the roots (competitive ion effect). In the roots, increasing solution Mg concentrations decreased plant Ca concentrations at a lower solution Ca concentration in the Al‐sensitive line than the Al‐tolerant line. In the presence of Al, increasing solution Ca and Mg concentrations increased yield (Ca and Mg ameliorating Al toxicity). Yield increased until the sum of the solution concentrations of the divalent cations (Ca+Mg) was 2,000 μM for the Al‐tolerant line or 4,000 μM for the Al‐sensitive line. The exception was that yield decreased when solution Mg concentrations were > 1,500 μM and the solution Ca concentration was 100 μM (Mg exacerbating Al toxicity). The ameliorative effects of solution Ca or Mg on Al tolerance were not related to plant Ca or Mg concentrations per se.     

Exogenous Nitric Oxide Effects on Physiological Characteristics of a Peanut Cultivar Growing on Calcareous Soil

This study examined the effects of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on physiological characteristics of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growing on calcareous soil. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was added into slow-release fertilizer (SRF) or sprayed on leaves to supply NO for iron-deficient peanut. The results showed that root application of SNP at 5.63 mg/g and foliar spray of SNP at 1.0 mmol L^?1 significantly enhanced the peanut growth, pod yield, and quality. The soil pH was reduced, and available iron content and iron (Fe³⁺) reductase activity in root were increased, indicating NO application improved the availability of iron in the soil. Additionally, NO increased the chlorophyll and active iron content in young leaves, implying NO enhanced the availability of iron within the plant. Nitric oxide also inhibited the malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in leaves and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which protected peanut against iron-deficiency-induced oxidative stress. It was concluded that NO might be employed for ameliorating iron-deficient chlorosis of peanut on calcareous soil when added into SRF or sprayed on leaves.     

A study on the improvement iron nutrition of peanut intercropping with maize on nitrogen fixation at early stages of growth of peanut on a calcareous soil

Abstract

A glasshouse study employing a split-root technique was conducted to investigate the influence of intercropping with maize (Zea mays L.) in a calcareous soil on N₂ fixation by peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) at early stages of growth. In this intercropping system, competitive interactions between maize and peanut for N and improvement of Fe uptake were likely to be important factors affecting N₂ fixation of peanut. The experiment was comprised of three treatments which included treatment I: peanut monocropping; treatment II: maize/peanut intercropping (the major and the minor compartments with low N, 50 mg kg^?1); treatment III: maize/peanut intercropping (the major compartment with low N, 50 mg kg^?1 and the minor compartment with high, N 200 mg kg^?1). The minor compartment of treatment III was fertilized with 200 mg kg^?1 N for reducing or eliminating the competition of N coming from intercropping maize. Intercropping with maize corrected Fe chlorosis of peanut by significantly increasing plant Fe concentration and uptake. Compared with the monocropping treatment, iron uptake increased from intercropping treatment II and III by 22 and 24% per plant, 30 and 29% shoots, 38 and 60% nodules. Iron uptake by the root nodules was especially enhanced in the intercropping system. In contrast, intercropping with maize had little effect on NO₃ ^?1-N concentrations in the soil rhizosphere of peanut or on N concentrations and uptake by peanut compared with plants in monoculture. The results indicate that the improvement in Fe nutrition was an important factor promoting N₂ fixation by peanut in the intercropping system at the flowering stage of peanut growth, and that competition for N by intercropped maize had little effect on N₂ fixation by peanut under the experimental conditions.     

Calcium absorption efficiency of peanut fruit of various cultivars

Greenhouse studies were undertaken to determine the differential Ca absorptive capacity of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) fruit of 7 selected cultivars. The cultivars were selected to give a wide range in differential cultivar response to Ca fertilization. Individual fruit were grown in a beaker containing a well stirred and aeriated nutrient solution of 125 ml containing an initial 1.5 mg of Ca. Water was replenished periodically to maintain a total volume of 125 ml. At timely intervals 1 ml aliquots were removed from each beaker and analyzed for Ca. The lowest Ca concentration to which the peanut fruit reduced the Ca concentration in the solution was taken as the Ca absorption efficiency. No difference was found among genotypes for Ca absorption efficiency suggesting other mechanisms of Ca nutrition or plant utilization as the important factors in the Ca nutrition of peanut fruit.     

Cadmium accumulation and distribution in sunflower plant

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation and distribution was studied in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., public line HA‐89) plant. From an uncontaminated sandy loam brown forest soil with 162 μg kg^‐1 HNO₃/H₂O₂ extractable Cd the HA‐89 sunflower public line accumulated 114 ug kg^‐1 Cd in its kernels under open field conditions. This value is rather low as compared to data found by others. Sandy loam brown forest soil was treated with 0, 1 or 10 mg kg^‐1 of Cd to study the interaction of this heavy metal with young sunflower plants in a greenhouse pot experiment. The fresh weight and dry matter accumulation of sunflower plant organs (roots, shoots, leaves or heads) was unaffected by cadmium treatment of soil. The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), or zinc (Zn) uptake of sunflower plant organs was not influenced by lower or higher Cd‐doses, except sunflower heads where 10 mg kg^‐1 of Cd treatment of soil significantly reduced the uptake of Ca, Fe, and Mn. Although Cd reduced the Zn uptake of roots, its rate was statistically not significant. Cadmium was accumulated prevalently in roots (1.21 mg kg^‐1,4.97 mg kg^‐1, or 13.69 mg kg^‐1 depending on Cd‐dose), and its concentration increased also in shoots or leaves. In spite of the short interaction time, elevated concentrations of cadmium (0.78 mg kg^‐1, 1.34 mg kg^‐1, or 3.02 mg kg^‐1 depending on Cd‐dose) were detected in just emerged generative organs (heads) of young sunflower plants.     

Mutual Effects of Boron and Zinc on Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Growth and Mineral Nutrition

The mutual effects of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on growth, total chlorophyll (Chl), membrane permeability (MP), and nutrient content were investigated in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The soil was treated with five levels of B (0, 4, 8, 16, 32 mg kg^?1) and three levels of Zn (0, 10, 20 mg kg^?1). Plant growth was progressively depressed with increasing of B. However, Zn addition had an inhibitory effect on B toxicity and decreased growth reduction caused by excess B. In Zn-untreated plants, B and Zn contents were enhanced by increasing of B; moreover, both Zn and B addition enhanced Zn content. The Chl content decreased and MP increased, resulting from B toxicity; however, Zn addition partially ameliorated the adverse effects of B toxicity on Chl and MP. Increasing B enhanced phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), Zn, copper (Cu), and sodium (Na) contents in peanut shoots.     

Genetic Differences in Resistance to Iron Deficiency Chlorosis in Peanut

Iron (Fe) deficiency has been a widespread problem in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown on calcareous soils of northern China and has resulted in significant yield losses. Field observations showed considerable variability in visual chlorosis symptoms among peanut cultivars in the same soil. The objective of this study was to confirm the genetic differences in resistance to Fe-deficiency chlorosis in peanut and to identify feasible indicators for screening Fe-efficient genotypes. Resistance to Fe chlorosis of sixteen peanut cultivars grown on calcareous soil was evaluated in the field and physiological responses to Fe-deficiency stress were studied in nutrient solution. There were significant differences in resistance to Fe-deficiency chlorosis among the sixteen peanut cultivars tested, which was identified with SPAD readings, active Fe concentrations in young leaves in the early growth stages, and the pod yield. For Fe-resistant peanut cultivars, Fe-reduction capacity and quality of releasing hydrogen ions from roots increased under Fe-deficiency stress. Highly correlated relationships were observed between the summation of root Fe reduction and field chlorosis scores for sixteen cultivars (r² = 0.79). It was concluded that Fe-reduction capacity was a better physiological indicator for screening Fe-efficient peanut genotypes of the mechanisms measured.     

Veterinary antibiotics influence trigonelline biosynthesis and plant growth in Arachis hypogaea L.

Antibiotics from various sources such as livestock waste are being accumulated in the soil. The excessive uptake of antimicrobial agents by plants has been a major concern as it is currently unknown how plants respond to the presence of antibiotics in agricultural lands. The objectives were to analyze the alteration of trigonelline (TRG) biosynthesized by plants in response to various antibiotic stresses and to evaluate the ability of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plants to resist the deleterious impacts of antibiotic uptake. Three veterinary antibiotics used in this study were tetracycline, streptomycin sulfate, and chloramphenicol in the concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg L^?1. Mean TRG amounts were 53.4 ± 1.6 and 59.9 ± 1.1 μg·g^?1 dry weight (DW) in Spanish as treated with growth chloramphenicol and streptomycin at 2.5 mg·L^?1, respectively, and were significantly (p ≤ .05) different compared to the control (40.4 ± 1.6 μg·g^?1 DW) of Spanish. Spanish genotype treated with chloramphenicol at 5 mg·L^?1 had a mean TRG amount of 41.0 ± 1.0 μg·g^?1 DW and improved yield, with the average pod number of 29.6 ± 7.6 and pod weight of 20.1 ± 6.1 g. TRG was continuously biosynthesized and increased under antibiotic stress up to 12.7% at full pod (R4 growth stage) and 139.1% at beginning maturity (R7), but declined 20.2% at the harvest stage (R8) in all combined genotypes when compared with TRG amounts (21.7 ± 0.6 μg·g^?1 DW) at the flowering R1 stage.     

Correcting soil acidity of a highly weathered Ultisol with chicken manure and sewage sludge

Abstract

The seriousness of soil acidity and the unavailability of “conventional”; liming materials in many developing countries necessitate a search for alternatives. With this goal in mind, the liming potential of two organic manures was investigated. The investigation was conducted in the greenhouse, using a highly weathered, acid Ultisol. Application rates were 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 g kg^‐1 for chicken manure and 20 g kg^‐1 for sewage sludge. Treatments of Ca(OH)₂ at 2, 4, 6, and 8 cmol_ckg^‐1, were included for comparison.

Based on growth response of Desmodium intortum, a tropical forage legume with a relatively high Ca requirement and low Al tolerance, it was demonstrated that soil acidity can be corrected by either Ca(OH)₂ or organic manure additions. Both lime and manures raised soil pH and inactivated Al. In terms of pH increases, 5 and 10 g chicken manure kg^‐1 were equivalent to 3.4 and 6.7 cmol_ckg^‐1; and 20 g sludge kg^‐1, equivalent to 6.5 cmol_ckg^‐1 as Ca(OH)₂. The manures also detoxified soluble Al by organic complexation and enhanced Ca uptake of the Desmodium. The plant's maximum growth required at least 1.0% Ca in leaves, and this growth was reduced by half when leaf Al ≥ 76 mg kg^‐1 and soil‐solution Al³⁺ activity ≥ 4 μM.     

Development of annual xylem rings and shoot growth of young beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) grown in soil with various Cd and Zn levels

In a pot culture experiment two-year-old beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were planted in soil amended with different concentrations of Cd and Zn or combinations of both. Concentrations ranged up to ca 180 μmol Cd and 7500μmol Zn kg^?1 soil dry weight (1 M ammonium acetate extracts). After 2 seasons of growth plants were harvested. Annual xylem growth rings in stems were significantly smaller at 50 μmol Cd kg^?1 and 1000 μmol Zn kg^?1 as compared to controls. Elongation of apical shoots was significantly reduced at 180 μmol Cd kg^?1 and 1000 μmol Zn kg^?1. The lowest treatment of 50 μmol Zn kg^?1 caused no significant growth depressions of stem diameter and shoot elongation. In the second year of treatment growth reductions were generally more pronounced than in the first season. Uptake and translocation of Cd and Zn into stem wood and leaves were marked and were correlated with substrate concentrations. The observed growth reductions are discussed with respect to possible adverse effects of trace elements on forest trees under field conditions.     

Nutrient deficiency symptoms and boron uptake mechanisms of rice

There is little agreement on the leaf and shoot boron (B) requirement of rice (Oryza saliva L.) and the optimum hydroponic solution B concentration for rice. Questions on the mechanism of B uptake active or passive are also unresolved. We grew rice in hydroponic solutions in a growth chamber for six weeks with B at 0, 0.05, 0.2, 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM. Transpirational flow, dry matter yields and tissue B were determined. Results indicated that B deficiency occurred when there was <7.3 mg kg^‐1 B in the flag leaves, <3.6 mg kg^‐1 B in shoots, and <0.2 μM B in the nutrient solutions. Boron additions increased dry matter and plant height. Typical B‐deficiency symptoms were a light color or chlorosis on almost all of the youngest leaves and stems, an unthriftiness, leaf tip burn, and pale bands 2–3 mm wide on leaves, particularly on the moderately B‐deficient plants. Whitish and twisted new leaf tips occurred at >0.05 μM B. A mass balance analysis that compared the total mass of B in the plant versus B provided via transpirational flow showed that at high hydroponic B supply, passive uptake and active excretion of B, or, active blockage of B may have occurred, for > 10‐fold differences existed between the B mass in plant and B mass that could be provided via transpirational flow. Thus, B uptake was against a concentration gradient and high B supply, and as other evidence indicated, at low B supply.     

Boron Requirement of Irrigated Cotton in a Typic Haplocambid for Optimum Productivity and Seed Composition

Boron (B) deficiency hampers cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth and productivity globally, especially in calcareous soils. The crop is known as a heavy feeder of B; however, its reported plant analysis diagnostic norms for B-deficiency diagnosis vary drastically. In a 2-year field experiment on a B-deficient [hydrochloric acid (HCl)–extractable 0.47 mg B kg^?1], calcareous, Typic Haplocambid, we studied the impact of soil-applied B on cotton (cv. CIM-473) growth, productivity, plant tissue B concentration, and seed oil composition. Boron was applied at 0.0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 kg B ha^?1, as borax (Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O), in a randomized complete block design with four replications, along with recommended rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn). Boron use improved crop growth, decreased fruit shedding, and increased boll weight, leading to seed cotton yield increases up to 14.7% (P < 0.05). Improved B nutrition of plants also enhanced seed oil content (P < 0.05) and increased seed protein content (P < 0.05). Fiber quality was not affected. Fertilizer B use was highly cost-effective, with a value–cost ratio of 12.3:1 at 1 kg B ha^?1. Fertilizer B requirement for near-maximum (95% of maximum) seed cotton yield was 1.1 kg B ha^?1 and HCl-extractable soil B requirement for was 0.52 kg ha^?1. Leaf tissue B requirement varied with leaf age as well as with plant age. In 30-day plants (i.e., at squaring), B-deficiency diagnosis critical level was 45.0 mg kg^?1 in recently matured leaves and 38.0 mg kg^?1 in youngest open leaves; at 60 days old (i.e., at flowering), critical concentration was 55.0 mg kg^?1 in mature leaves and 43.0 mg kg^?1 in youngest leaves. With advancement in plant age critical B concentration decreased in both leaf tissues; that is, in 90-day-old plants (i.e., at boll formation) it was 43.0 mg kg^?1 in mature leaves and 35.0 mg kg^?1 in the youngest leaves. As critical concentration range was narrower in youngest leaves (i.e., 35–43 mg kg^?1) compared with mature leaves (i.e., 43–55 mg kg^?1), B concentration in youngest leaves is considered a better indicator for deficiency diagnosis.     

Effects of Zinc on Root Morphology and Antioxidant Adaptations of Cadmium-Treated Sedum alfredii H.

ABSTRACT

The study demonstrated S. alfredii is an excellent cadmium (Cd)/zinc (Zn) hyperaccumulator as Cd and Zn concentrations in leaves reached 2,183 and 13,799 mg kg^?1 DW, respectively. There was a significant increase in root morphological parameters induced by 50 and 500 μM Zn supplement; however, a sharp decrease in these parameters occurred when treated with 100 μM Cd +1000 μM Zn. The inhibited root dehydrogenase activity in 100 μM Cd treated plants was restored to control levels when supplemented with 500 μM Zn. Moderate Zn supplement did not produce significant changes in (malondialdehyde) MDA concentrations as compared with those treated with Cd alone. Variations of the antioxidative enzymes proved an ineffective role in coping with metal-stress in S. alfredii. Combined Cd and Zn treatment significantly enhanced ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) contents in leaves of S. alfredii, as compared with those treated with Cd alone. Thus, Zn may rely on the involvement of GSH in detoxification and tolerance.     

Zinc and copper toxicity in peanut,soybean, rice,and corn in soil mixtures

Abstract

Applications of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) at excessive rates may result in phytotoxicity. Experiments were conducted with mixtures of soils that were similar except for their Zn and Cu levels. The critical toxicity levels (CTL) in the soils and plants for these elements were determined. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], corn (Zea mays L.), and rice (Oryza sativa L.) were the crops grown. One soil mixture had Mehlich 3‐extractable Zn concentrations up to 300 mg dm^‐3 with no corresponding increase in soil Cu; two soil mixtures had soil Zn concentrations up to 400 and 800 mg dm^‐3 with a corresponding increase in soil Cu up to 20 and 25 mg dm^‐3, respectively; and four soil mixtures had no increase in soil Zn, but had Mehlich 1‐extractable Cu concentrations from 6 to 286 mg kg^‐1. Under a given set of greenhouse conditions, the estimated Mehlich 3‐extractable Zn CTL was 36 mg dm^‐3 for peanut, 70 mg dm^‐3 for soybean, between 160 and 320 mg dm^‐3 for rice, and >300 mg dm^‐3 for corn. No soil Cu CTL was apparent for peanut or soybean, but for corn it was 17 mg dm^‐3 and for rice 13 mg dm^‐3. With different greenhouse procedures and the Mehlich 1 extractant, the soil CTL for rice was only 4.4 mg kg^‐1. Therefore, peanut and soybean were more sensitive to Zn toxicity, whereas corn and rice were more sensitive to Cu toxicity. Plant Zn CTL for peanut was 230 mg kg^‐1, while that for soybean was 140 mg kg^‐1. Copper appeared to be toxic to corn and rice at plant concentrations exceeding 20 mg kg^‐1.     

Genotypic differences in uptake and translocation of cadmium in bean and maize inbred lines

For better understanding of mechanisms responsible for genotypic differences in uptake and translocation of cadmium (Cd) in different plant species, two maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines (B37 and F2) and a bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar (Saxa) were grown in a complete nutrient solution with additional 0.5 μM Cd and 250 μM buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of PC synthesis, alone or in combination. The maize line B37 had a much higher Cd content in shoots (116.2 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt.) than F2 (32.7 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt.) and bean (1.83 in leaves, and 2.85 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt. in stems), whereas in roots the Cd content was much higher in bean (602.6 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt.) than in maize (427.1 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt. in B37, and 428.2 mg Cd kg^?1 dry wt. in F2). Application of BSO markedly decreased Cd contents in roots of bean and maize lines, and also Cd contents in shoots and stem basis of both maize lines, while Cd contents in leaves, stems and stem basis of bean were not reduced by BSO. In root extracts (Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0) the proportion of Cd in the soluble fraction was much lower in bean (29.6%) than in the maize lines B37 (58.6%) and F2 (60.1%). Compared with the whole root tissue, Cd contents in the stele of the roots were much lower, especially in bean, and decreased by BSO in both maize lines, but not in bean. Gel-chromatography of root extracts strongly suggested that in the soluble fraction about 80% of the Cd was present as Cd-phytochelatin (PC) complexes in B37, whereas in F2 this Cd fraction accounted for about 50%, and in bean only for a few percent in the soluble fraction, Our results suggest that Cd-PC complexes constitute a mobile form in plants. The lower proportion of Cd in the soluble fraction as well as lower PC production in roots of bean compared to maize lines may be the main reasons for the very low Cd translocation from roots to shoots in bean plants.     

Boron nutrition and mobility,and its relation to the elemental composition of greenhouse grown root crops. II radish

Abstract

The elemental distribution between the leaves and roots of mature radish (Raphanus sativus cv Cherry Belle) plants grown in the greenhouse with various concentrations of nutrient solution B or Ca was determined to assess the role of phloem in the provision of nutrients to the root, and the retranslocation of B under deficient conditions. The relative composition and accumulation of elements in different parts, and the ratio of their concentrations in leaves:roots were used as a measure of their uptake, relative mobility and retranslocation. The data indicate that B, but not Ca is retranslocated in the phloem to the roots when that particular element was in short supply in the nutrient solution. B deficiency induced brown heart disorder in radish roots but the severity was dependent on the degree of deficiency below 28 μg g^‐l DM in the root. These symptoms were alleviated when the root B concentrations were enhanced by foliar applications of B. It is concluded that radish responded to B deficiency in a fashion similar to that reported previously for rutabaga and that it might serve as a time‐saving model system for examining the mechanisms responsible for brown heart in rutabaga.     

Potassium uptake characteristics of prunus rootstocks: Influence of solution Ca/Mg ratios and solution nickel

Abstract

Nutrient solution experiments were conducted in the growth chamber to study the influence of rootstock, solution Ca/Mg ratios and solution nickel on K uptake. The experimental plants were one‐year‐old prune trees: ‘French’ prune (Prunus domestica L.) scions grafted on Myrobalan 29C (P. cerasifera Ehrh.), Marianna 2624 (P. cerasifera x P. munsoniana?) or Nemaguard (P. persica x P. davidiana) rootstocks. Ion uptake parameters Imax, Km, and Cmin were calculated from ion depletion measurements over a 6 to 10‐hr period.

With K solution concentrations initially adjusted to 100 μM, K uptake rates of Prunus rootstocks were constant down to approximately 20–30 μM, then declined. Rootstocks were able to deplete solution K to concentrations less than 1 μM. There were no significant differences in K uptake parameters among the rootstocks tested.

Varying solution Ca/Mg ratio from 2.75/1 to 1/4 (Ca + Mg = 3.75 mM) had no effect on K uptake. Potassium uptake rates of Myrobalan 29C rootstocks in the presence of 100 μM nickel were not significantly different from those in the absence of nickel. Rates of nickel uptake were significantly lower than those of K. After eight days of pretreatment in solutions adjusted daily to 100 μM Ni(NO₃)₂, prune leaves began to show signs of interveinal chlorosis. Potassium uptake by nickel pretreated trees was not significantly different from that by control trees. Results are discussed in relation to field observations of K deficiency in prune orchards.     

Influence of ca concentration on growth,tissue concentration,and nutrient uptake of in vitro propagated plums and lovell seedlings

Seedlings of ‘Lovell’ peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], and in vitro propagated plums, ‘St. Julien A GF 655–2’ [Prunus institia (L.) Bullace] (655–2), ‘Damas GF 1869’ [Prunus domestica (L.)] (D1869), and ‘Clark Hill Red Leaf’ [Prunus saliciana (Lindl) x Prunus cerasifera (EHRH)] (CH redleaf) were grown in the greenhouse 45 or 51 days in nutrient solutions containing 2, 6, 22, 200, and 400 μM Ca. Terminal length, number of laterals, trunk cross‐sectional area, and root volume were increased by the 22 μM Ca treatments at harvest 1. The CH redleaf and 655–2 plums had the largest increase in growth for harvest 1, but the ‘Lovell’ peach seedlings and D1869 plum had the largest increase in growth for harvest 2. There were no leaf symptoms of Ca deficiency when the leaf Ca concentration in the tissue exceeded 2500 μg/g (dry wt.) Calcium concentration was increased from 1406 to 4109 μg/g (dry wt.) in the stems, and from 540 to 2633 μg/g (dry wt) in the roots by Ca treatments of 400 μM after 45 days of growth. Calcium uptake rate for ‘Lovell’ seedlings was greater than were rates for CH redleaf and 655–2 plums at all solution concentrations during the first 45 days of growth. The Ca uptake rate for D1869 plum was greater than the rate for ‘Lovell’ seedlings during the second growth period. An interaction between Ca concentration and plant species occurred for P, K, and Mg uptake rates at both harvest dates. The in vitro propagated D1869 plum was equal to the ‘Lovell’ seedlings in growth, tissue Ca concentration, and Ca uptake rates.