Abstract
Previous investigations with Eichhornia crassipes and its biological control agents Neochetina bruchi and N. eichhorniae identified leaf tissue nitrogen (N) as a driver in their interactions. However, traditional methods for determining plant tissue N content are cumbersome, time-consuming, and destructive–and thus unsuited for rapid in situ evaluations. We therefore tested the utility of a hand-held chlorophyll meter as a means of producing in situ estimates of N in the leaves of this floating aquatic weed. The Minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter provided excellent estimates (F=385.96, P<0.0001) of leaf tissue N levels. SPAD readings varied within leaves (F=78.66, P<0.0001), so average readings per leaf were used. The relationship between SPAD readings and tissue N levels was affected by the phenological stage of the leaf (F=102.79, P<0.0001), but not leaf size (F=0.75, P=0.3867). The estimates were also unaffected by fertilizer level (F=0.95, P=0.4354), but were marginally affected by herbivory (F=3.86, P=0.0505). Thus, with suitable calibration (e.g., different field sites, presence and type of herbivory) output from the SPAD-502 could be used to provide consistent estimates for the nitrogen content of E. crassipes leaves.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
