Showing papers in "Journal of Plant Nutrition in 2012"
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of nanoscale zinc oxide particles on plant growth and development were examined in the case of peanut seeds, and the effect of nanoscopic ZnO (25 nm mean particle size) at 1000 ppm concentration was found to promote seed germination and seedling vigor.
Abstract: An investigation was initiated to examine the effects of nanoscale zinc oxide particles on plant growth and development. In view of the widespread cultivation of peanut in India and in other parts of the globe and in view of the potential influence of zinc on its growth, this plant was chosen as the model system. Peanut seeds were separately treated with different concentrations of nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO) and chelated bulk zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) suspensions (a common zinc supplement), respectively and the effect this treatment had on seed germination, seedling vigor, plant growth, flowering, chlorophyll content, pod yield and root growth were studied. Treatment of nanoscale ZnO (25 nm mean particle size) at 1000 ppm concentration promoted both seed germination and seedling vigor and in turn showed early establishment in soil manifested by early flowering and higher leaf chlorophyll content. These particles proved effective in increasing stem and root growth. Pod yield per plant was 34% higher compared to...
741 citations
TL;DR: Genetic evidence suggests that perception of salt stress leads to a cytosolic calcium-signal that activates the calcium sensor protein SOS3, which results in either Na+ efflux out of cytosol or its compartmentation in vacuole.
Abstract: High concentrations of sodium (Na) are toxic to most plant species, making soil salinity a major abiotic stress in plant productivity world wide. It has been shown that, calcium (Ca2+) is an important determinant for plant salt tolerance and confers protective effects on plants under growing in sodic soils. Calcium plays an essential role in processes that preserve the structural and functional integrity of plant cell membranes, stabilizes cell wall structures, regulates ion transport and selectivity, and controls ion-exchange behavior as well as cell wall enzyme activities. The nature of these responses will vary depending on the plant genotype. One of the essential functions of Ca2+ is acting as a second messenger in stress signaling. Genetic evidence suggests that perception of salt stress leads to a cytosolic calcium-signal that activates the calcium sensor protein SOS3. SOS3 binds to and activates a ser/thr protein kinase SOS2. The activated SOS2 kinase regulates the activities of SOS1, a plasma memb...
71 citations
TL;DR: The response of different wheat cultivars to drought imposed after three and six weeks of seedling emergence was evaluated in the wire house and the drought stress decreased the water relation, nutrient uptake and grain yield of all the wheat cultivar.
Abstract: The response of different wheat cultivars to drought imposed after three and six weeks of seedling emergence was evaluated in the wire house. The seeds of recommended local wheat cultivars were sown in plastic pots. The drought stress decreased the water relation, nutrient uptake and grain yield of all the wheat cultivars. The early drought stress significantly reduced the nitrogen (N) uptake by 38% while late drought stress decreased nitrogen uptake by 46%. The phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake were decreased by 49% and 37% under early drought stress, respectively while their uptake was decreased by 51% each under late drought stress. Grain yield was reduced by 24% under early drought stress while it was reduced by 60% under late drought stress. Water deficit at early growth stages reduced grain weight by 10% while it was reduced by 35% under water deficit at later stages of growth.
67 citations
TL;DR: A field study conducted for two years (2006 and 2007) at the Research Farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India showed that zinc (Zn) fertilization increased yield attributes, grain and straw yield, enhanced Zn concentrations and its uptake and improved kernel quality before and after cooking in basmati rice as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A field study conducted for two years (2006 and 2007) at the Research Farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India showed that zinc (Zn) fertilization increased yield attributes, grain and straw yield, enhanced Zn concentrations and its uptake and improved kernel quality before and after cooking in basmati rice ‘Pusa Sugandh 5’. A 2% Zn-coating with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4·7H2O) was found to be the best but a 2% Zn-coating with zinc oxide (ZnO) was very close to it in terms of grain and straw yield and Zn concentrations in basmati rice grain and straw under Zn stress conditions. Partial factor productivity (PFP) of applied Zn varied from 984–3,387 kg grain kg Zn−1, agronomic efficiency (AE) varied from 212–311 kg grain kg−1 Zn (applied) and physiological efficiency (PE) of Zn varied from 6,384–17,077 kg grain kg−1 Zn (absorbed). Thus, adequate Zn fertilization of basmati rice can lead to higher grain yield and Zn-denser grains with improved cooking quality in basmati rices under Zn str...
59 citations
TL;DR: Results of this study show that RC19, RC05, and RC23 (Bacillus spp.) have the potential to increase the yield and growth of strawberries.
Abstract: This study was conducted to examine the effect of inoculation of plant growth-promotion Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on phenological data, total yield and fruit quality characteristics of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) cv. ‘Fern’ during 2006 and 2007. All bacterial root inoculations significantly increased yield per plant (1.98–20.85%), average fruit weight (3.05–19.26%) and first quality fruit ratio (10.30–32.05%) compared to control, whereas the bacterial inoculations did not affect leaf area, first flowering and harvest dates in strawberry cv. ‘Fern’. The bacteria also increased soluble solid content (SSC) and vitamin C in strawberry cv. ‘Fern’. The vitamin C contents of fruits ranged from 47.41 mg 100 g−1 (control) to 53.88 mg 100 g−1 (RC05), while SSC values varied between 10.16% (control) and 12.83% (RC01). Results of this study show that RC19 (Bacillus simplex), RC05 (Paenibacillus polymyxa), and RC23 (Bacillus spp.) have the potential to increase the yield and growth of strawberries.
57 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, several combinations of pre-plant and sidedress N at various growth stages were evaluated and the highest NUE's were achieved with 45 kg N ha-1 preplant followed by 45 kg nha-1 sidedress applied at V6 growth stage (8 of 9 site-years) and at V10 (6 of 9 sites-years).
Abstract: Maize grain yield potential can be estimated mid-season using NDVI at the V8 growth stage, thus affording delayed sidedress nitrogen (N) application. Several combinations of preplant and sidedress N at various growth stages were evaluated. Maize grain yields were maximized with 90 kg N ha-1 preplant followed by 90 kg N ha-1 sidedress at V6 or V10 (8 of 9 site-years). Delaying N application until V10 growth stage when preplant N was applied did not result in lower yields. Mid-season N supplies fertilizer at the time when crop need and N uptake are at a maximum, and thus facilitates more efficient N use. Lowest nitrogen use efficiencies (NUE) were observed with higher N rates and when all N was applied preplant. Highest NUE's were achieved with 45 kg N ha-1 preplant followed by 45 kg N ha-1 sidedress applied at V6 growth stage (8 of 9 site-years) and at V10 (6 of 9 site-years).
54 citations
TL;DR: In this article, four species of perennial grasses [Geophila herbacea O Kumtze (GHK), Lolium perenn CV. (LPL), Caddieshack (LCC), Topone (LPT) and Lolium perenne LPL] were used to remove nutrients and pollutants from refinery wastewater, of which the average concentration of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), chemical oxygen demand (CODMn), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were 15.6 mg L−1, 0.6
Abstract: Four species of perennial grasses [Geophila herbacea O Kumtze (GHK), Lolium perenn CV. Caddieshack (LCC), Lolium perenne Topone (LPT) and Lolium perenne L. (LPL)] were used to remove nutrients and pollutants from refinery wastewater, of which the average concentration of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), chemical oxygen demand (CODMn), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were 15.6 mg L−1, 0.6 mg L−1, 142.8 mg L−1 and 1720 mg L−1, respectively. These perennial grasses had performed extremely well in removing the nutrients and pollutants and were capable of removing up to 60% of TN and 56% of TP from the refinery wastewater during 35 days treatment period, to which plant uptake contributed only 5%–10% and 10%–20%. The removal rates of CODMn and TPH were fluctuating within 52% to 67% and 40% to 55%, respectively. The nutritional value of these perennial grasses as animal feeds such as crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, crude ash and nitrogen-free extraction after growing in refinery wastewater f...
46 citations
Abstract: Under certain conditions normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) has low sensitivity; therefore red-edge position (REP) has been tested as an alternative vegetative index. The objective of this study was to determine if REP could be useful for detecting differences in N status for winter wheat compared to NDVI. A spectrometer, and the SPAD meter were used to measure N status. Sensitivity to plant N response and different growth stages was found for NDVI and REP, but NDVI sensitivity tended to decrease as N rate increased and REP sensitivity tended to increase with increased N rate and advancing growth stage. Both NDVI and REP were linearly correlated at all growth stages (r2 = 0.85). REP and SPAD meter readings were highly correlated (r2 = 0.62) as were NDVI and SPAD (r2 = 0.56). Overall, REP and NDVI sensitivity at high plant biomass were similar for winter wheat.
45 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of foliar application of boron (B) in the form of boric acid on vegetative and reproductive growth, yield and fruit quality of 'Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco.) were investigated.
Abstract: The effects of foliar application of boron (B) in the form of boric acid on vegetative and reproductive growth, yield and fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco.) were investigated. Kinnow mandarin was sprayed with different concentrations of boric acid viz. (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4%) at fruit set stage. Leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), B, and zinc (Zn) along with flush length, tree height, tree spread and tree trunk diameter increased, while leaf length and leaf age showed non-significant results after foliar B application. Yield of the ‘Kinnow’ mandarin was significantly affected by foliar application of B and a significant increase in fruit weight at harvest was also observed. Soluble solid concentration (SSC): titratable acidity (TA) ratio, ascorbic acid, total sugars, total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidants significantly affected, while pH of juice, SSC, TA, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars showed non- significant results.
41 citations
TL;DR: Cold tolerant Pseudomonas sp.
Abstract: The effect of a cold tolerant Pseudomonas sp. Strain, PGERs17, on nodulation, iron acquisition and nutrient uptake of field pea (Pisum sativum L. variety VL Matar 42) seedling was determined on the basis of iron acquisition and growth promotion, chlorophyll content, physiologically available iron, Leghaemoglobin from nodules, nitrogen (N) uptake, phosphorus (P) uptake, potassium (K) uptake, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) uptake of shoots. Coinoculation of PGERs17 with Rhizobium leguminosarum-PR1 significantly (P > 0.05) increased nodulation (156.2%) and 57.1% higher plant biomass. Coinoculation enhanced total chlorophyll content (31.5%), physiologically available iron (106.7%), total iron (95.9%) and 17.5-fold higher leghaemoglobin concentration in root nodules over uninoculated control plants. Coinoculation also enhance N uptake (66.3%), P uptake (23.3%), K uptake (47.1%), and 2.75-fold higher Zn uptake of shoots compare with uninoculated control. Hence, cold tolerant Pseudomonas sp. strain PGERs17 can be empl...
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article, three chelator-buffered nutrient solution experiments were evaluated for maize response to establish ranges of deficient, sufficient, and excessive Zn and P and evaluate interactions.
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is common in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cropping systems and is especially susceptible to zinc (Zn) deficiency, possibly related to induced potato demand for high phosphorus (P). Three chelator-buffered nutrient solution experiments were evaluated for maize response to establish ranges of deficient, sufficient, and excessive Zn and P and to evaluate interactions. Zinc concentrated in roots and manganese (Mn) accumulated in shoots as P increased, but only 32 μM P produced significantly lower shoot Zn than other treatments and there was not a decline in shoot Zn at high P levels. Deficient Zn levels promoted excessive P uptake. Root Mn increased dramatically above 0.05 μM Zn, peaked at 20 and 40 μM Zn, and then declined at higher solution Zn levels. The P-Zn interaction in maize may be explained by the combined impacts of increased available P on Zn precipitation in roots and increased Mn in shoots.
TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted at three sites during 2008 and 2009 in the North-East China Plain (NECP), where field experiments consisted of five or six nitrogen (N) fertilization rates (0-350 kg N ha−1).
Abstract: The study was conducted at three sites during 2008 and 2009 in the North-East China Plain (NECP). Field experiments consisted of five or six nitrogen (N) fertilization rates (0–350 kg N ha−1). Shoot biomass and N concentration (Nc) of spring maize (Zea mays L.) were determined on six sampling dates during the growing season. Nitrogen application rate had a significant effect on aerial biomass accumulation and Nc. As expected, shoot Nc declined during the growing period. A critical N dilution curve (Nc = 36.5 W −0.48) was determined in China, which was a little different from those reported for maize in France and Germany. Besides, the N nutrition index (NNI) calculated from this critical N dilution curve was significantly related to relative grain yield, which can be expressed by a linear with plateau model (R2 = 0.66; P < 0.001). NNI can be used as a reliable indicator of the level of N deficiency during the growing season of maize.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of silicon (Si), supplied as calcium silicate (Ca-silicate) fertilizer on yield contributing parameters in sugarcane like chlorophyll content, gas exchange characteristics, leaf nutrient concentrations and its effects on soil fertility were evaluated.
Abstract: Effects of silicon (Si), supplied as calcium silicate (Ca-silicate) fertilizer on yield contributing parameters in sugarcane like chlorophyll content, gas exchange characteristics, leaf nutrient concentrations and its effects on soil fertility were evaluated Seven rates of Ca-silicate (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120 and 150 g pot−1) were applied with traditional fertilizers and plants were grown in a greenhouse The added Ca-silicate increased photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance significantly over the non-amended treatment Leaf tissue contents of phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) did not differ remarkably With increasing silicate application, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) contents significantly decreased in both leaf tissue and soil contents Si amended treatments significantly increased yield in dry matter (26 to 70%) and in cane yield (30 to 66%) per pot over non-amended The Si content up to 264% per dry mass was found in top
TL;DR: Fertigation with 50 kg N ha−1 had strong impact on vegetative and reproductive growth of paprika pepper under field conditions and there was no significant difference in vitamin C content among treated plants with different nitrogen levels at mature stage.
Abstract: The present research was carried out to evaluate response of paprika pepper (Capsicum annum L.) to nitrogen (N) fertilizer under field conditions. Nitrogen was supplied in four levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha−1). Plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, fruit weight, yield, seed number, 1000 seed weight and vitamin C were assessed at immature and mature stages. The results showed that plant height, lateral stem length and leaf chlorophyll content were influenced by N fertilizer. Data indicated that fertilization with 50 g N ha−1 resulted to the best yield and quality components at ripening stage. Although, there was no significant difference in vitamin C content among treated plants with different nitrogen levels at mature stage, but significant differences were shown between treated plants and control. Thus, these results showed that fertilization with 50 kg N ha−1 had strong impact on vegetative and reproductive growth of paprika pepper under field conditions.
TL;DR: The use of appropriate source of phosphorus (P) fertilizer at different planting densities has considerable impact on growth, grain yield as well as profitability of maize (Zea mays L) as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The use of appropriate source of phosphorus (P) fertilizer at different planting densities has considerable impact on growth, grain yield as well as profitability of maize (Zea mays L). Field experiment was conducted in order to investigate the impact of P sources [(S0 = P not applied, S1 = SSP (single super phosphate) S2 = NP (nitrophos), and S3 = DAP (diammonium phosphate)] on maize growth analysis, yield and economic returns planted at different planting densities (D1 = 40,000, D2 = 60,000, D3 = 80,000, and D4 = 100,000 plants ha−1) at the New Developmental Agricultural Research Farm of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, during summer 2006. This paper reports the profitability data with two objectives: 1) to compare agronomic efficiency and profitability of P-fertilizers, and 2) to know whether plant densities affect agronomic efficiency and profitability of P-fertilizers. Application of DAP and SSP resulted in higher partial factor productivity (PFP) (63.58 and 61.92 kg gr...
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of fertilization with monosilicic acid on yield and quality of cherry tomato crops (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme cv.
Abstract: Silicon (Si) plays an important role in the structural rigidity of cell walls. When plants have a passive or selective assimilation or they are poor accumulators as solanaceae, the percentage of silicon absorbed and present in the plants is lower than 1%, but its presence can provide significant benefits to the plant before it undergoes biotic and abiotic stresses. The objective of this work was to assess the effect of fertilization with monosilicic acid on yield and quality of cherry tomato crops (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme cv. ‘Salomee’) grown on rockwool in a greenhouse. Two types of treatments were investigated: control test (conventional fertilization) and fertilization with silicic acid [Si(OH)4] [seven applications of 250 mL of Si(OH)4·ha−1 for each crop cycle]. Significant differences were observed, including a higher number of fruits (fruits/plant) and a larger yield (kg m−2) in the plots that were fertilized with silicon.
TL;DR: Investigation in Zn- and P-deficient calcareous soils from Central Anatolia indicates that maize and green pepper are highly mycorrizal–dependent (MD) plant species under both low P and Zn supply and mycorrhizae play an essential role in P andZn nutrition of plants in P- deficient soils.
Abstract: Nutrient deficiency, especially zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P), is a common nutritional problem for the production of some crops in Turkey. This problem results in the application of increasing amounts of several fertilizers. Mycorrhizal inoculation or the indigenous potential of mycorrhizae in the soil is a critical factor in crop production under low supply of Zn and P. The effects of selected mycorrhizal inoculation on growth and Zn and P uptake of maize and green pepper were investigated in Zn- and P-deficient calcareous soils from Central Anatolia. Soils were sterilized by autoclaving and plants were grown for 7 weeks in pots under greenhouse conditions with inoculation of two selected arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) species (Glommus moseea and G. etunicatum) at three rates of P (0, 25, 125 mg P kg−1 soil) and two rates of Zn (0 and 5 mg Zn kg−1soil). Without mycorrhizal inoculation, shoot and root dry matter production were severely affected by P and Zn deficiencies, and supply of adequate amounts of P an...
TL;DR: The Cd concentrations in the fractions from the roots of the high Cd-accumulating ‘Zhenguiai’ were noticeably higher than those of ‘Guangyuanzhan No. 3’, which possibly resulted in the latter cultivar having a lower Cd mobility in the roots and less Cd translocation from the Roots to the aboveground parts.
Abstract: The chemical form and subcellular and molecular distribution of cadmium (Cd) in the roots and leaves was investigated in two rice genotypes: the low Cd-accumulating ‘‘Guangyuanzhan No 3’, and the high Cd-accumulating ‘‘Zhenguiai’’ Elevated Cd level in the medium caused a significant increase in Cd concentration in all parts of the roots and leaves The soluble fractions in leaves and roots of ‘Zhenguiai’ contained a higher proportion of the Cd than those in ‘Guangyuanzhan No 3’ Furthermore, ‘Zhenguiai’ had a higher proportion of de-ionized water and 80% ethanol-extractable Cd, which is the most mobile Cd among its various chemical forms Following gel filtration of the soluble fraction of leaf and root extracts of both genotypes, a compound with a molecular weight of ∼3 kDa, probably comprising phytochelatins (PCs), was the major Cd-binding component The Cd concentrations in the fractions from the roots of ‘Zhenguiai’ were noticeably higher than those of ‘Guangyuanzhan No 3’, which possibly resulted
TL;DR: The effect of hexavalent chromium (Cr) and sodium chloride (NaCl) stresses on the uptake and accumulation of mineral nutrients in two barley genotypes differing in salt tolerance was investigated in this paper.
Abstract: The effect of hexavalent chromium (Cr) and sodium chloride (NaCl) stresses on the uptake and accumulation of mineral nutrients in two barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes differing in salt tolerance was investigated in this study. Sodium chloride stress decreased potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) concentration and accumulation in barley plants, and there was less of a decrease in salt-tolerant ‘CM72’, than in ‘Gairdner’, a salt-sensitive genotype. The effect of Cr on mineral concentration and accumulation varied with Cr level. At a high Cr level (50 μM), concentration and accumulation of all mineral elements were significantly reduced. But at a low Cr level (10 μM), nutrient concentration and accumulation were increased. Moreover, low Cr level alleviated the inhibiting effect of NaCl stress on nutrient uptake and accumulation. The combined stress of high Cr level and NaCl stress, on the whole caused further reduction of the mineral concentra...
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of water potential (WP), pH, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) levels on herbage accumulation and nutrient recovery of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cropping system were investigated.
Abstract: The grasslands of the Appalachian region spread over undulating terrain with high annual precipitation rate which causes a large variation in soil and nutrient factors like water potential (WP), pH, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels. There is a need to understand these factors and their interactive effects to design precise agronomic practices for acidic grasslands to maximize production. A pot experiment was conducted with an objective to quantify the effects of WP, pH, N and P rates on herbage accumulation and nutrient recovery of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cropping system. Centrally rotatable composite design was applied to study the effects of two levels of WP and five levels each of pH, N, and P fertilizer additions in order to optimize bluegrass herbage mass (yield). WP, pH, and N were significant main effects, as were the interactions WP × pH, WP × N, and pH × N. The yield response function was derived from these four factors. The order of importance for these model parameters based...
TL;DR: Increased in peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity and proline content decreased the adverse effects of salinity stress on studied cultivar, and Zagros cultivar showed more tolerance to salinity Stress than the other two cultivars.
Abstract: Salinity stress is one of the important agricultural problems in the world. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with four replications was conducted to evaluate the effects of phytohormones (gibberellic acid and abscisic acid) on the activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase), rubisco activity and content, and proline in three wheat cultivars (Gascogen, Zagros, and Kuhdasht) under control and salinity stress (3.5 and 7 dS m−1). The results showed that salinity stress (3.5 and 7 dS m−1) decreased the activity of catalase, rubisco, carboxylase, but increased peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activity and proline content. Gibberellic acid caused 58.03% increased in rubisco carboxylase activity in Zagros at 7 dS m−1 in comparison with abscisic acid under salinity stress compared with the control plants in Kuhdasht. Activity of superoxide dismutase in Kuhdasht cultivar at 7 dS m−1 salinity level showed 76.43% increased in Gascogen under salinity stre...
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of potassium nitrate on pomegranate fruit quality were investigated, and the results showed that applied potassium nitrates significantly influenced fruit quality of Pomegranates when harvested.
Abstract: The present research was carried out to investigate the effects of potassium nitrate on pomegranate fruit quality. Treatments were: 1) control, distilled water was used; 2) potassium nitrate 250 mg L-1 plus Tween-20 and 3) potassium nitrate 500 mg L-1 plus Tween-20. All treatments were sprayed on fruits with a diameter of 30 mm. Juice, peel, seed characters, and fruit quality components were evaluated when fruits were harvested. Results indicated that 250 mg L-1 potassium treatment increased juice volume and weight compared with the control and the 500 mg L-1 K treatments. As the potassium nitrate level increased, aril length and diameter decreased. Although there was not a significant difference among treatments on titrable acidity and pH contents of fruits, the highest total soluble solids and vitamin C were obtained in the 250 mg L-1 potassium nitrate treatment when compared with the others. These findings show that applied potassium nitrate significantly influences fruit quality of pomegranate when fr...
TL;DR: It was concluded that the studied bean-rhizobia symbiosis differ in their adaptation to phosphorus sub-deficiency and the nodule phosphatases and phytases activities may constitute a strategy of nodulated bean plants to adapt their nitrogen fixation to P deficiency.
Abstract: The improvement of common bean production requires the selection of effective rhizobia strains and Phaseolus vulgaris genotypes adapted to available soil phosphorus limitations. The interactions between bean genotypes and rhizobia were studied in hydroponic culture using six genotypes and four strains, CIAT899 as reference and three strains isolated from nodule of farmer's fields in the Marrakech region. The phosphorus (P) sub-deficiency caused a significant reduction on shoot biomass in some bean genotype-rhizobia combinations. Nodule biomass is significantly more reduced under P limitation for several combinations tested. Bean plants inoculated with these local rhizobial strains showed higher nodulation and an increase of nodules phytase and phosphatase activities under phosphorus sub-deficiency especially for RhM11 strain. It was concluded that the studied bean-rhizobia symbiosis differ in their adaptation to phosphorus sub-deficiency and the nodule phosphatases and phytases activities may constitute a...
TL;DR: In this article, heavy metal availability in the rhizosphere and the bulk soil, the interactions between metal ions, and their effects on heavy metal uptake and accumulation by Pelargonium hortorums (geranium) were studied.
Abstract: The rhizosphere is a key area for the plant metal uptake. We studied heavy metal availability in the rhizosphere and the bulk soil, the interactions between metal ions, and their effects on heavy metal uptake and accumulation by Pelargonium hortorums (geranium). A pot experiment with plants of geranium was conducted in a soil spiked with cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) singly or in combinations. Bulk soils showed higher concentrations of extractable metals than rhizosphere soils, and metals accumulated preferentially in roots relative to aerial biomass. Regression analysis showed that soil extractable Cr, Ni and Pb were related (R2 = 0.90) to their concentration in plants, but there was no correlation between soil and plants for Cd, Cu, and Zn. Larger concentrations of metals were found when they were added in combinations rather than individually, and availability and uptake were directly related to the level of metals applied.
TL;DR: Seed priming with P solutions significantly improved seedling P concentration and uptake 14 and 21 days after sowing as compared to water soaked and dry seeds in both greenhouse and field experiments and significantly improved fresh and dry weight and plant height of mungbean seedlings 21 days afterwards.
Abstract: A series of greenhouse and field experiments were conducted at Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan to study the effect of seed priming with dilute solutions of phosphorus (P) on seedling growth and nutrient uptake of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.). Seed of mungbean cv. ‘NM-92’ were primed in 0.01% and 0.02% P solutions and also in water for four hours along with a non-primed seed (control). The primed seed was washed with distilled water to remove nutrients adhering to seed coat and air dried. The amount of nutrients introgressed into seed or adhered onto the seed hull was measured. Higher P was introgressed by the seed primed with 0.02% P solution followed by seed primed in 0.01% P solution as compared to water soaked and dry seeds both in nonwashed and surface washed seeds. Likewise, seed priming with P solutions significantly improved seedling P concentration and uptake 14 and 21 days after sowing as compared to water soaked and dry seeds in both greenhouse and f...
TL;DR: In this paper, the main objective was to determine whether mineral nutrient concentrations were affected by the application of different forms (I−] vs. iodate [IO3 −]) and dosages (0, 20, 40, and 80μM) of iodine, to ascertain the influence of this trace element in Lactuca sativa var. longifolia plants.
Abstract: Iodine is vital to human health, and iodine bio-fortification programs help improve the human intake through plant consumption. Essential processes in plants that can be altered by iodine bio-fortification include the nutritional state of plants. The main objective of this work was to determine whether mineral nutrient concentrations were affected by the application of different forms (iodide [I−] vs. iodate [IO3 −]) and dosages (0, 20, 40, and 80 μM) of iodine, to ascertain the influence of this trace element in Lactuca sativa var. longifolia plants. The application of 80 μM of I− significantly reduced the nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to below the optimal ranges established for this crop. The IO3 − treatments represented optimal maintenance of the nutritional state for most of the nutrients and even an improvement of nutrients as important as magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe).
TL;DR: In this article, field experiments were conducted to assess the comparative effect of sources and rates of K fertilizer on potato yield and quality on a sandy loam soil, and the results showed that significant increase in tuber yield was observed with 150 kg ha−1 K2O from both the sources over control.
Abstract: Among the major nutrients, potassium (K) not only improves yields but also improves quality parameters. Field experiments were conducted to assess the comparative effect of sources and rates of K fertilizer on potato yield and quality on a sandy loam soil. Graded doses of potassium, i.e., 0, 150 and 225 kg ha−1 K2O from sulfate and muriate of potash were applied in triplicate. Recommended dose of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) applied uniformly. Significant increase in tuber yield was observed with 150 kg ha−1 K2O from both the sources over control. Increase in tuber yield with 225 kg ha−1 K2O was statistically non significant compared to 150 kg ha−1. The dry matter and specific gravity were more affected with sulfate of potash (SOP) than muriate of potash (MOP). The quality parameters like dry matter, specific gravity, starch contents, vitamin C, chips color and taste were improved with K application.
TL;DR: In this article, the mineral contents of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), mulberry (Morus alba, M. macroura, and M. laevigata) and cherry (Prunus avium) fruits at unripened, semi-ripened and fully-ripening stages were investigated, and the concentrations (mg kg−1) of potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in the fruits (DW) varied from 2600 (mulberry) to 3300 (strawberry
Abstract: Mineral contents of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), mulberry (Morus alba, M. nigra, M. macroura, and M. laevigata) and cherry (Prunus avium) fruits at un-ripened, semi-ripened and fully-ripened stages were investigated. The concentrations (mg kg−1) of potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in the fruits (DW), at fully-ripened stage, varied from 2600 (mulberry) to 3300 (strawberry), 1854 (cherry) to 2954 (mulberry), 1855 (cherry) to 4375 (mulberry) and 1025 (cherry) to 2225 (mulberry), respectively. Sizeable amounts (mg kg−1) of Zn 408 (strawberry) to 1110 (mulberry) and Fe 236 (cherry) to 1080 (mulberry) were also determined. Moreover, the tested fruits contained considerable amounts of sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al), and copper (Cu). Overall, the concentrations of these minerals except K were found to decrease as fruit maturity progressed. The tested fruits, especially Morus species, can be explored as a rich source of Zn and Fe, the two essential elements that are ...
TL;DR: Both biofertilizers stimulated fruit yield, with results above Brazilian average, and nutritional status of yellow passion fruit is affected by biofERTilizer.
Abstract: Biofertilizers instead of synthetic chemicals are known to improve plant growth through the supply of plant nutrients and they may help sustaining environmental health and soil productivity. An experiment was carried out to evaluate fruit yield and macronutrient foliar contents of yellow passion fruit plants (Passiflora edulis) as a function of biofertilizers and nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) fertilizing in Brazil (2005–2007). The experimental design was randomized in blocks with treatments, which were distributed in a factorial arrangement (3 × 2) referring to biofertilizer application [without biofertilizer, simple biofertilizer and enriched biofertilizer] and mineral fertilizing with NPK (fertilized and non-fertilized), with three replications of nine plants. Nutritional status of yellow passion fruit is affected by biofertilizer. Simple biofertilizer promotes optimum supplies of phosphorus, calcium and sulfur, while enriched biofertilizer promotes optimum supplies of phosphorus, potassium, cal...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated conventional practices of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) application based on nutrient balance calculation and soil N and P level from 916 surveyed orchards in North China, in order to assess the potential environmental risks.
Abstract: Conventional practices of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) application were evaluated based on nutrient balance calculation and soil N and P level from 916 surveyed orchards in North China, in order to assess the potential environmental risks. The results showed that excessive N and P application was common, with the average input rates of 588.4 kg N ha−1, and 156.7 kg P ha−1, respectively, which were 2.5–3.0 folds higher than the fruit N and P demand. High proportions of surplus N and P were found in grape, apple, pear and peach orchards in the plain regions with high economic returns. Nitrogen surplus reduced soil carbon (C)/N ratio in the plain, plateau and mountain regions. High soil Olsen-P level in the 40% of surveyed orchards, predominantly distributed in grape and peach orchards, was over the environmental threshold. Controlling N and P fertilization is the key to maintain sustainable fruit production in North China.