The effects of external potassium and magnesium concentrations on the magnesium and potassium inflow rates and growth of micropropagated cherry rootstocks, “F.12/1” (Prunus avium L.) and “Colt” (Prunus avium L.) × Prunus pseudocerasus L.)

Abstract

The effects (and interaction) of two solution concentrations of Mg (50, 500, μM) and two of K (250, 4250 μM) on the growth of micropropagated plants of “F. 12/1” and “Colt” were investigated using a flowing solution culture system. Magnesium inflow and growth of “Colt” and “F. 12/1” were inhibited to a similar extent by an increased concentration of K in the nutrient solution. However, the consequences of this inhibition were different. Reduced inflow of Mg in “F. 12/1” caused Mg deficiency symptoms at high and low concentrations of K, whereas this only occurred with a combination of high K concentration and low Mg concentration in “Colt”. The distribution of dry matter within the plant was significant in determining susceptibility to Mg deficiency. Since “F. 12/1” has a smaller root:shoot ratio than Colt it is unable to sustain the same concentration of Mg in leaves as “Colt” irrespective of external K concentration. The molar ratio of K:Mg in soil solutions should remain <8.5:1 in order to ensure maximum growth of “F. 12/1” and “Colt”.