Die Entwicklung und der Zn−, Fe− und P-Gehalt höherer Pflanzen in Abhängigkeit vom Zinkangebot

The growth and Zn-, Fe- and P-contents of higher plants in relation to Zn-supply The influence of varied supply of zinc was studied on nine different plant species growing in water culture under controlled experimental conditions. The results of the trials were as follows: 1. The vegetative development of the plant was enhanced by increasing supply of zinc in the nutrient solution. Visible symptoms of zinc deficiency were observed in all plants tested up to a level of 10 μg Zn/l in the nutrient medium. Latent zinc deficiency is to be expected when the zinc supply lies between 10 and 100 μg/l. Normal plant development was recorded in the 100 μg/l Zn/l treatment. 2. The zinc content of all plant organs (except in the trial series without zinc) rose with increasing zinc supply. Zinc contents differed greatly depending on plant species. In onions deficiency symptoms appeared during plant development at a zinc content below 7.8 ppm in the dry matter of the leaves. The corresponding value for flax was 21.5 ppm Zn. The range of latent zinc deficiency was characterized by zinc contents between 13.8 and 37.5 PPm. The optimal zinc content differs depending on plant species. For these very varied Zn-treatments and different species, values between 15.8 and 52.0 were found. 3. Leaf Zn content does not always provide a reliable measure of the Zn-nutritional status of the plant. This is, because zinc contents are extremely dependent upon plant species, the age of the plant, and experimental conditions, etc. 4. A higher zinc concentration was measured in older than in younger leaves. 5. The phosphorus contents in all organs were depressed by increasing zinc supply in the nutrient solution. The leaves of the plants in the trial series without zinc had the heighest phosphorus content. The P:Zn ratio at optimal plant growth differs between species. In the control plants this ratio, measured in the younger leaves, was 100 in millet and 262 in soybean. When the symptoms of zinc deficiency are very pronounced, these values lie above 1000. Zinc deficiency does not occur if the P:Zn ratio is below 250 (except in Cotton and beans). 6. Increasing zinc supply led to a decrease in the iron content in the plant organs of all species tested. The iron content was particularly high in those plants which did not receive any zinc.     

Dissolution of slag fertilizers in a paddy soil and Si uptake by rice plant

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) cv. Ganga 2 was grown in refined sand at three levels of copper: deficient (0.00065 mg L^-1), adequate (0.065 mg L^-1), and excess (6.5 mg L^-1), each at three levels, deficient (0.00065 mg L^-1), adequate (0.065 mg L^-1), and excess (6.5 mg L^-1) of zinc. Excess Cu magnified the zinc deficiency effects in maize by lowering further the biomass, the concentration of leaf Zn, activities of carbonic anhydrase, aldolase, and ribonuclease and intensified the visible foliar symptoms of Zn deficiency. The effects of Cu deficiency, low dry weight, the concentration of leaf Cu and activities of cytochrome oxidase and polyphenol oxidase were enhanced by excess Zn. Synergism was observed between combined deficiency of Cu and Zn and Cu or Zn deficiency, because the depression in the parameters characteristic of Cu or Zn deficiency was more pronounced when both Cu and Zn were deficient than when Cu or Zn was deficient. Antagonism was observed in some parameters between combined excess of Cu and Zn and Cu or Zn excess. Dry weight was decreased further when both Cu and Zn were in excess than when either Cu or Zn was in excess. After the infiltration of Cu and Zn together to the leaf discs from deficient Cu-deficient Zn treatment, the increase in the concentration of leaf Zn and the activities of aldolase, carbonic anhydrase, polyphenol oxidase, and cytochrome oxidase was more pronounced than after the infiltration of Cu or Zn singly. Discontinuance of excess Zn supply from the excess Zn-deficient Cu treatment increased the concentration of leaf Cu and activities of polyphenol oxidase and cytochrome oxidase and lowered the concentration of Zn. Similarly the discontinuance of excess Cu supply from the leaf discs in the “excess Cu-deficient Zn” treatment increased the leaf Zn concentration and the activities of carbonic anhydrase and aldolase.     

Reproductive development and grain quality in maize in response to application of Zn alone or with B in soil low in available Zn and B

A pot culture experiment was conducted on a soil marginally deficient in diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable zinc under the glass house conditions of Lucknow University to observe the effect of zinc (Zn) alone and a combination of Zn with boron (B) on the growth and reproductive yield of maize. Studies conducted on plant height, dry matter and reproductive yield and tissue element concentration in leaves and grains at harvest showed significant increase over the control. Activities of enzymes, carbonic anhydrase and superoxide dismutase determined in comparable middle leaves increased with the application of both the nutrients. Pollen diameter, pollen-producing capacity of mature anthers, grain protein, starch and phytate content were also positively correlated with the addition of nutrients. The residual value of available Zn and B in soil left after the removal of crop was found good enough to sustain the next crop.     

Diagnosis of zinc deficiency in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) by plant analysis

Abstract

Critical values of zinc (Zn) concentration in young leaves Here established for the diagnosis of Zn deficiency in peanut by examining the relationship of Zn concentration in leaves to shoot dry matter (DM) at two growth stages of plants grown in pots of Zn deficient sand at seven levels of Zn supply (0, 67, 133, 200 267, 533, and 1067 μg Zn/kg soil). Zinc deficient peanut accumulated reddish pigments in stems, petioles and leaf veins in addition to the more common symptoms of Zn deficiency in plants. Zinc concentrations increased with increasing Zn supply in the blades of the youngest fully expanded leaf (YFEL) and in the blades of the leaves immediately older (YFEL+1) and younger (YFEL‐1) than it: they also increased with increasing Zn supply in the petioles of the YFEL+1 and YFEL and in the basal stem internode but their Zn concentrations Here always much lower than those in the blades. Critical Zn concentrations in the blades of the YFEL and YFEL+1 Here 8–10 mg Zn/kg DM at early pegging and mid pod filling: values for YFEL‐1 were similar but more variable. The blade of the YFEL is recommended for diagnosis of Zn deficiency in peanut and 8–10 mg Zn/kg DM as its critical value.     

Diagnosis of zinc deficiency in canola by plant analysis

Abstract

Canola plants (Brassica napus cv. Eureka) were grown in soil culture with seven levels of zinc (Zn) supply (0, 67, 133, 200, 267, 533, and 1,067 μg Zn/kg soil) for 39 days. Critical Zn concentrations in young leaf blades and petioles were established for the diagnosis of Zn deficiency in canola plants during vegetative growth by assessing the relationship between the Zn concentration in the leaves and shoot dry matter on 22 and 39 days after sowing (DAS). Zinc concentrations in leaf blades and petioles increased with increasing Zn supply, but Zn concentrations were always 50% higher in the youngest open leaf (YOL) than in the youngest mature leaf (YML). The relationship between shoot dry matter and Zn concentrations in leaf petioles exhibited Piper‐Steenbjerg curvature, indicating their unsuitability for Zn‐deficiency diagnosis either alone or by inclusion with leaf blades. By contrast, inclusion of leaf mid‐ribs with leaf blades did not alter the relationship between shoot dry matter and Zn concentrations, nor the critical Zn concentration. Critical Zn concentrations in the YOL, YOL+1, and YOL+2 blade on 39 DAS, corresponding with the stem elongation stage, were 15–17, 9–10, and 7–8 mg Zn/kg dry matter, respectvely. In comparison, the critical Zn concentration in the YOL+2 leaf blades with mid‐ribs was 7–8 mg Zn/kg dry matter. In conclusion, during the vegetative stage up to stem elongation, YOL+2 leaf blades which are also the YML are recommended for the diagnosis of Zn deficiency in canola plants with the critical Zn concentration being 7–8 mg Zn/kg dry matter.     

Deficiency of manganese is alleviated more by low zinc than low copper in wheat

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) var. Sonalika was grown in purified sand in complete nutrient solution (normal), deficient manganese (Mn) (0.0055 mg L^‐1), deficient copper (Cu) (0.0065 mg L^‐1), deficient zinc (Zn) (0.0065 mg L^‐1), deficient ?n/deficient Cu, deficient ?n/deficient Zn, deficient Cu/deficient Zn, and deficient ?n/deficient Cu/deficient Zn treatments. The deficiency of Mn decreased the biomass, concentration of Mn, chlorophyll, sugars, Hill reaction activity, acid phosphatase activity, and increased that of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. The magnitude of Mn deficiency effects was mitigated to variable extent when Mn was deficient along with deficient Cu and/or deficient Zn. The effects of either Cu or Zn deficiency viz., intensification of foliar symptoms, decrease in biomass, leaf Cu/Zn, seed yield and starch content were increased further in combined deficiency of Cu and Zn. The stimulation in acid phosphatase and decrease in the activity of polyphenol oxidase and carbonic anhydrase in Cu or Zn deficient leaves were further aggravated when both Cu and Zn were deficient together. All these changes reveal a synergism between Cu and Zn in wheat.     

不同水分状况下施锌对玉米生长和锌吸收的影响

选择潮土(砂壤)和土(粘壤)两种质地不同的土壤,进行盆栽试验,研究不同土壤水分条件下施锌对玉米生长和锌吸收的影响。结果表明,施锌显著增加了玉米植株根、茎、叶以及整株干物质重;缺锌条件下玉米植株根冠比、根叶比和根茎比趋向增大。施锌显著提高了玉米植株各器官中锌的浓度和吸收量,并明显促进锌向地上部运移。干旱胁迫抑制了玉米植株生长,根冠比、根茎比、根叶比增大;随着土壤水分供应增加,植株生长加快,各器官生物量以茎和叶增加大于根。水分胁迫下,在潮土上玉米叶片中锌浓度上升;在土上叶片中锌浓度下降。但增施锌后,根和茎锌浓度增加幅度较大,叶片增加幅度较小;施锌和水分胁迫对根和茎锌浓度的交互作用极显著。水分胁迫下,玉米植株对锌的吸收总量减少。水分胁迫和锌肥施用对玉米叶片、茎锌吸收量的交互作用十分显著,但对根锌吸收量的交互影响不显著。     

Influence of Gyttja on Shoot Growth and Shoot Concentrations of Zinc and Boron of Wheat Cultivars Grown on Zinc‐Deficient and Boron‐Toxic Soil

Abstract

Greenhouse experiments were carried out to study the influence of gyttja, a sedimentary peat, on the shoot dry weight and shoot concentrations of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) in one bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Bezostaja) and one durum wheat (Triticum durum L., cv. Kiziltan) cultivar. Plants were grown in a Zn‐deficient (DTPA‐Zn: 0.09 mg kg^?1 soil) and B‐toxic soil (CaCl₂/mannitol‐extractable B: 10.5 mg kg^?1 soil) with (+Zn = 5 mg Zn kg^?1 soil) and without (?Zn = 0) Zn supply for 55 days. Gyttja containing 545 g kg^?1 organic matter was applied to the soil at the rates of 0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10% (w/w). When Zn and gyttja were not added, plants showed leaf symptoms of Zn deficiency and B toxicity, and had a reduced growth. With increased rates of gyttja application, shoot growth of both cultivars was significantly enhanced under Zn deficiency, but not at sufficient supply of Zn. The adverse effects of Zn deficiency and B toxicity on shoot dry matter production became very minimal at the highest rate of gyttja application. Increases in gyttja application significantly enhanced shoot concentrations of Zn in plants grown without addition of inorganic Zn. In Zn‐sufficient plants, the gyttja application up to 5% (w/w) did not affect Zn concentration in shoots, but at the highest rate of gyttja application there was a clear decrease in shoot Zn concentration. Irrespective of Zn supply, the gyttja application strongly decreased shoot concentration of B in plants, particularly in durum wheat. For example, in Zn‐deficient Kiziltan shoot concentration of B was reduced from 385 mg kg^?1 to 214 mg kg^?1 with an increased gyttja application. The results obtained indicate that gyttja is a useful organic material improving Zn nutrition of plants in Zn‐deficient soils and alleviating adverse effects of B toxicity on plant growth. The beneficial effects of gyttja on plant growth in the Zn‐deficient and B‐toxic soil were discussed in terms of increases in plant available concentration of Zn in soil and reduction of B uptake due to formation of tightly bound complexes of B with gyttja.     

Zinc nutrition affects alfalfa responses to water stress and excessive moisture

The interactive effect of applied zinc (Zn) and soil moisture on early vegetative growth of three alfalfa (lucerne) (Medicago sativa L.) varieties was investigated in a sand‐culture pot experiment to test whether there is link between Zn nutrition and soil moisture stress or excessive moisture tolerance in alfalfa plants. Three varieties (Sceptre, Pioneer L 69, and Hunterfield) with differential Zn efficiency (ability of a variety to grow and yield well in a Zn deficient soil is called a Zn‐efficient variety) were grown at two Zn levels (low Zn supply: 0.05 mg Zn kg^‐1 of soil, adequate Zn supply: 2.0 mg Zn kg^‐1 of soil) and three levels of soil moisture (soil moisture stress: 3% soil moisture on soil dry weight basis; adequate soil moisture: 12% soil moisture on soil dry weight basis; excessive soil moisture: 18% soil moisture on soil dry weight basis) in a Zn deficient (DTPA Zn: 0.06 mg kg^‐1 soil) siliceous sand. Zinc treatments were applied at planting, while soil moisture treatments were applied three weeks after planting and continued for two weeks. Plants were grown in pots under controlled temperature conditions (20°C, 12 h day length; 15°C, 12 h night cycle) in a glasshouse. Plants grown at low Zn supply developed Zn deficiency symptoms, and there was a severe solute leakage from the leaves of Zn‐deficient plants. Adequate Zn supply significantly enhanced the leaf area, leaf to stem ratio, biomass production of shoots, and roots, succulence of plants and Zn concentration in leaves. At low Zn supply, soil moisture stress and excessive moisture treatments significantly depressed the shoot dry matter, leaf area and leaf to stem ratio of alfalfa plants, while there was little impact of soil moisture treatments when supplied Zn concentration was high. The detrimental effects of soil moisture stress and excessive soil moisture under low Zn supply were less pronounced in Sceptre, a Zn‐efficient alfalfa variety compared with Hunterfield, a Zn‐inefficient variety. Results suggest that the ability of alfalfa plants to cope with water stress and excessive soil moisture during early vegetative stage was enhanced with adequate Zn nutrition.     

不同供锌水平对苹果幼树干物质和锌积累及分配的影响

采用盆栽砂培试验,研究了低、中、高3个供锌水平(Zn 0.013、0.254和5.070 mg/L)对苹果幼树干物质和锌积累、分配动态的影响。结果表明,锌的过量及缺乏均对果树的生长及养分吸收产生影响。生长初期,苹果幼树根系活动较晚,枝叶的快速生长主要利用根茎中的养分,锌的积累量呈快速增加趋势,处理间差异显著;低锌处理,除根系明显增加外,其他器官变化较小,根系的锌分配比例明显高于中锌、高锌处理。说明生长后期,低锌、高锌抑制了树体的生长,且低锌处理的树体锌主要分布于地下,上运明显受阻;而中锌、高锌处理,地上部锌含量要高于根系。     

An effective antioxidant defense provides protection against zinc deficiency‐induced oxidative stress in Zn‐efficient maize plants

Maize plants (Zea mays L. cv. Ganga 2 and cv. Jaunpuri satha) were grown in solution culture under glasshouse conditions at deficient (0 µM) and normal (1 µM) levels of Zn supply. Appearance of visible effects characteristic of Zn deficiency, depression in plant growth, and dry matter yield of the plants indicated that Ganga 2 was more susceptible to Zn deficiency than Jaunpuri satha. Higher susceptibility of Ganga 2 to Zn deficiency was also manifested by a greater decrease in plant dry mass and an increased accumulation of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, describing lipid peroxidation). While total SOD activity was decreased in Zn deficient plants of Ganga 2, it was increased marginally in case of Jaunpuri satha. The marginal increase in total SOD activity in the Zn‐deficient Jaunpuri satha plants was a result of a marked increase in non‐CuZn SOD and only a slight decrease in CuZn SOD. Though Zn deficiency increased H₂O₂ concentration and the activities of H₂O₂‐scavenging enzymes in both the cultivars, there was less increase in H₂O₂ concentration and the activities of peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase were more prominently increased in the Zn‐efficient Jaunpuri satha. Plants of the susceptible variety, Ganga 2, accumulated higher concentrations of glutathione disulfide. It is concluded that the significant decreases in the activities of CuZn SOD (CN‐sensitive SOD) and glutathione reductase, and high concentrations of H₂O₂ predisposed Zn‐deficient Ganga 2 plants to more severe oxidative stress than those of Jaunpuri satha and, therefore, contributed to a greater decrease in dry matter production.     

Interactive effect of boron and zinc on growth and metabolism of mustard

Abstract

Mustard (Brassica campestris L.) cv. T9 was grown in refined sand at three levels of boron (B), deficient (0.0033 ppm), normal (0.33 ppm), and excess (3.3 ppm), each at three levels of zinc (Zn), low (0.00065 ppm) adequate (0.065 ppm), and high (6.5 ppm). The B deficiency effects were accentuated by low zinc viz., the decreased biomass, B and Zn concentrations in leaves and seeds and the activity of carbonic anhydrase and accumulation of reducing sugars and stimulated activities of peroxidase, ribonuclease, and acid phosphatase in B deficient leaves were aggravated further. Synergism was also observed between the two nutrients when both B and Zn were in excess together as excess B accelerated the effects of high Zn by lowering further the reduced biomass, economic yield, and carbonic anhydrase activity and raised further the increased concentration of B and Zn in leaves and seeds, reducing sugars and activity of peroxidase obtained in excess Zn. In mustard, additive effects of high Zn and low B was reflected when high Zn increased the reduced biomass, seed yield, leaf B, and decreased the stimulated activities of peroxidase, ribonuclease, acid phosphatase, and high concentration of non‐reducing sugars to some extent in low B.     

Chromium III‐iron interaction in iron sufficient and iron deficient bean plants. II. Ultrastructural aspects

The influence of a growth stimulating low Cr III concentration (1.0 μM) on chloroplast ultrastructure, the Fe, Cr, and Mn content of chloroplast extracts, o‐phenantroline extractable leaf Fe, and catalase activity was studied in both Fe‐sufficient and Fe‐deficient bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants. Chromium supply hardly affected the chloroplast ultrastructure of Fe‐sufficient plants but significantly improved chloroplast ultrastructure in Fe‐deficient leaves. Generally, Cr supply did not significantly influence chloroplast Fe‐content, but increased the Fe/Mn ratio in Fe‐deficient chloroplasts. In leaves from Fe‐deficient plants, o‐phenantroline extractable Fe was significantly increased, while catalase activity was not significantly influenced by Cr supply. The possible mechanisms of the beneficial effects of Cr III in Fe‐deficient plants are discussed.     

锌肥对旱稻苗期锌吸收分配和干物质积累的影响

为了探明旱稻锌吸收分配的规律，本试验通过对两个早稻供试品种（旱稻502和巴两陆稻）进行不同供锌水平（0．0、0．1、0．5、2．5、5．0、10．0mg/kg）处理的盆栽试验，研究了锌肥供给水平对旱稻锌吸收分配和千物质积累的影响。结果表明：在适宜锌用量范围内，随着施锌量的增加，供试品种地上部于物重均呈增加趋势。其中在Zn 5.0mg／kg水平下，早稻502和巴西陆稻地上部生物量达到最大值。但过多锌肥对旱稻生长有抑制作用。在外界锌源充足条件下，早稻对锌的吸收积累表现为奢侈吸收，多余的锌分配主要贮存在叶鞘中。从总体上看，根和叶鞘中的锌含量明显比叶片中的高，并且随着锌肥供给水平的增加，根和叶鞘中的锌含量上升显著，而叶片锌含量则增加相对缓慢。     

Iron deficiency and zinc toxicity in soybean grown in nutrient solution with different levels of sulfur

A typical symptom of iron (Fe) deficiency in plants is yellowing or chlorosis of leaves. Heavy metal toxicity, including that of zinc (Zn), is often also expressed by chlorosis and may be called Fe chlorosis. Iron deficiency and Zn toxicity were evaluated in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) at two levels each of Zn (0.8 and 40 μM), Fe (0 and 20 μM), and sulfur (S) (0.02 and 20 mM). Reduction in dry matter yield and leaf chlorosis were observed in plants grown under the high level of Zn (toxic level), as well as in the absence of Fe. Zinc toxicity, lack of Fe, and the combination of these conditions reduced dry matter yield to the same extent when compared to the yield of the control plants. The symptoms of Zn toxicity were chlorosis in the trifoliate leaves and a lack of change in the orientation of unifoliate leaves when exposed to light. The main symptoms of Fe deficiency were chlorosis in the whole shoot and brown spots and flaccid areas in the leaves. The latter symptom did not appear in plants grown with Fe but under Zn toxicity. It seems that Fe deficiency is a major factor impairing the growth of plants exposed to high levels of Zn. Under Zn toxicity, Fe and Zn translocation from roots to shoots increased as the S supply to the plants was increased.     

Nitric oxide improves high zinc tolerance in maize plants

A short-term experiment was carried out to study the effects of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on some growth parameters and mineral nutrients of maize grown at high zinc (Zn). Maize seedlings were planted in pots containing perlite and subjected to 0.05 or 0.5 mM Zn in nutrient solution. Nitric oxide (0.1 mM) was sprayed to the leaves of maize seedlings. High Zn reduced total dry matter, chlorophyll (Chl.) content and leaf relative water content (RWC), but increased proline content and membrane permeability. Foliar application of NO significantly increased chlorophyll content, RWC and growth of plants treated with high Zn, and significantly reduced their membrane permeability and proline contents. High Zn resulted in increased leaf and root Zn, but lower concentrations of leaf phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe). Foliar application of NO lowered leaf and root Zn and increased leaf and root nitrogen (N) and leaf Fe in the high Zn plants. These results clearly demonstrated that externally-applied NO induced growth improvement in maize plants was found to be associated with reduced membrane permeability under high zinc. Results can be concluded that NO may be involved in nutritional and physiological changes in plants subjected to high Zn.     

Evaluation of Growth Responses in Wheat as Affected by the Application of Zinc and Boron to a Soil Deficient in Available Zinc and Boron

A soil–pot culture experiment was conducted to study the individual and interactive effects of zinc (0, 5, and 10 mg kg^?1 soil) and boron (0, 0.75, and 1.5 mg kg^?1 soil) on growth, enzymatic activity, nutrient uptake, seed reserve content, and yield in wheat (var. HD2285) in a soil deficient in available zinc and hot water–extractable boron. Although the application of zinc and boron alone significantly increased the plant height, grain yield, total dry-matter yield, tissue zinc, and boron content in maize, maximum increase was obtained with the combined application of zinc and boron. The activities of enzymes peroxidase and starch phosphorylase decreased as compared to untreated control but the activity of carbonic anhydrase increased. Protein, starch, and phytate content of grains also increased with the application of the micronutrients. Moreover, in the absence of zinc, application of boron decreased the starch content of grains.     

利用螯合–缓冲营养液对小麦苗期磷–锌关系的研究

采用螯合缓冲营养液培养技术（Chelator-buffer culture solution）,对小麦幼苗植株的磷锌营养进行了探讨。结果表明,高磷条件下小麦出现的缺锌黄化与磷中毒症状之间存在着明显区别,本研究结果支持高磷条件下作物出现的黄化是锌缺乏症状而非磷中毒的观点。与缺磷相比,正常供磷促进了小麦的生长,但过量磷对小麦生长有阻碍作用,而且锌的供应加剧了促进或抑制的程度。正常供应磷、锌条件下,小麦幼苗根系或地上部的磷、锌含量、吸收量及转运率均处于相对较高的水平,其余各处理则因为磷或锌供应量不适宜而使植株的磷、锌营养受到不同程度的影响。另外,磷锌相互拮抗的作用方式及大小程度不同:磷主要影响小麦根系对锌的吸收,而锌对小麦磷营养的影响主要是通过对其从根系向地上部转运的抑制来实现的;磷对锌的影响要明显大于锌对磷的影响,磷素水平在小麦的磷、锌营养平衡中起着更为重要的作用。磷锌拮抗作用只在双方供应不适宜的情况下发生,而且相互作用的方式及程度存在明显差异。     

Zinc‐biofortified seeds improved seedling growth under zinc deficiency and drought stress in durum wheat

High zinc (Zn) concentration of seeds has beneficial effects both on seed vigor and human nutrition. This study investigated the effect of Zn biofortification on growth of young durum wheat (Triticum durum cv. Yelken) seedlings under varied Zn and water supply. The seeds differing in Zn concentrations were obtained by spraying ZnSO₄ to durum wheat plants at different rates under field conditions. Three groups of seeds were obtained with the following Zn concentrations: 9, 20, and 50 mg Zn kg^?1. The seeds differing in Zn were tested for germination rate, seedling height, shoot dry matter production, and shoot Zn concentration under limited and well irrigated conditions in a Zn‐deficient soil with and without Zn application. In an additional experiment carried out in solution culture, root and shoot growth and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) of seedlings were studied under low and adequate Zn supply. Low seed Zn concentration resulted in significant decreases in seedling height both in Zn‐deficient and sufficient soil, but more clearly under water‐limited soil condition. Decrease in seed germination due to low seed Zn was also more evident under limited water supply. Increasing seed Zn concentration significantly restored impairments in seedling development. Drought‐induced decrease in seedling growth at a given seed Zn concentration was much higher when soil was Zn‐deficient. Increasing seed Zn concentration also significantly improved SOD activity in seedlings grown under low Zn supply, but not under adequate Zn supply. The results suggest that using Zn‐biofortified seeds assures better seed vigor and seedling growth, particularly when Zn and water are limited in the growth medium. The role of a higher antioxidative potential (i.e., higher SOD activity) is discussed as a possible major factor in better germination and development of seedlings resulting from Zn‐biofortified seeds.     

施用磷和锌对植株体中锌营养及代谢的影响

A solution culture experiment was conducted to investigate the growth,the accumulation and translocation of Zn,and the metabolic changes of 24 days old plants of corn and wheat with the varied suply of phosphorus(0,0.12,0.6 and 3.0mmol L^-1)and zinc (0.1 and 2.0umol L^-1) under controlled environmental conditions.The results showed the highest dry matter production of both corn and wheat under the moder ate combination of phosphorus(0.6mmol L^-1) and zinc(2.0 umolL^-1) as compared with other imbalance applications of phosphorus and zinc.Excessive P supply significantly inhibited the translocation of Zn from roots of corn to the aboveground part,thus decreasing the content of Zn in the shoots.Application of 3.0 mmolL^-1 P could also reduce the water-soluble Zn in plant tissues,leading to an increase in the cell plasma membrane permeability,a decrease in the dehydrogenase activity in roots and the activity of nitrate reductase in leaves,and a decline in the uptake of nitrate by plants.A similar decrease occurred in superoxide dismutase(SOD) and plasma membrane adenosine triphosphatase(ATPase)activity in Zn-deficient plants.But,with increasing P supply the activity of ATP ase in both corn and wheat increased and reached the maximum at the P-supplying level of 3.0 mmolL^-1.Similar to the effect of high P supply.no or low P(0.12mmolL^-1) supply could be detrimental to dry matter production and physiological functioning of the plants.Corn plants showed a more significant response to the imbalance supply of P and Zn than wheat plants.The possible physiological and biochemical mechanism of phosphorus-zinc antagonistic interaction in corn and wheat might be attributed to decrease in physiological availability and activation of Zn.