Abstract
Sugar beet plants were grown in variations of a nutrient culture system to induce sulphur deficiency. The effect of sulphur deprivation on the growth and metabolism was investigated by measuring leaf area, chlorophyll content, fresh and dry weights, sulphur, nitrogen, sulphate and nitrate concentrations, glutathione and free amino acid concentrations. Both total sulphur and sulphate concentrations were markedly reduced in response to sulphur deficiency, while significant increases in arginine concentration in shoot tissue were observed. Increases were also observed in shoot nitrogen and nitrate concentrations and both shoot and root N/S ratios. These results demonstrate that total sulphur, sulphate S and sulphate as a percentage of total S are suitable indicators of sulphur deficiency in sugar beet. Arginine responds to sulphur deficiency, but its use as an indicator needs validation under field conditions. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
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