Evaluation of nutrient deficiencies in wheat seedlings by chlorophyll fluorescence

Chlorophyll fluorescence of plants is altered by conditions that affect photosynthesis and has proven useful in screening for resistance to environmental stresses. This study evaluated chlorophyll fluorescence for assessing the physiological impact of nutrient deficiencies and for diagnosing deficiencies of specific nutrients. Major nutrient (N,P,K) deficiency‐induced changes in chlorophyll fluorescence were determined in ‘Len’ hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Seedlings were grown in media containing 0, 1, 10, 50, or 100% of N and 0, 1, 10, or 100% of P and K in full‐strength Hoagland solution in a growth chamber for 22 d. Changes in initial (Fo), maximum (Fm), and variable (Fv) chlorophyll fluorescence of leaves and weight, height, and N, P, K, and Mg concentrations of shoots were measured. All chlorophyll fluorescence parameters declined significantly as N, P, and K concentrations declined, but thylakoid membrane efficiency (Fv/Fm and Fm/Fo) was stable at all nutrient levels. Relative units of Fo, Fm, and Fv were usually significantly and positively correlated with growth and. N,P,K, and Mg concentrations of shoots. Chlorophyll fluorescence may be a useful measure of severity of nutrient deficiencies. Use of chlorophyll fluorescence for diagnosing specific deficiencies may not be feasible, however, because of the similar effects of different nutrients.