Accumulation Of Mineral Nutrients Research Articles

Comparative effect of elicitors on the physiology and secondary metabolites in broccoli plants

Elicitation is an economic and sustainable technique for increasing the content of secondary metabolites, mainly bioactive compounds, in plants grown for better human nutrition. The aim of this study was to compare the physiological responses (water relations and mineral nutrition) and the enrichment in glucosinolates (GLSs) and phenolic compounds of broccoli plants (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) receiving different elicitation treatments. The treatments involved the priming of seeds with KCl and the exposure of plants to elicitors, including K2SO4 and NaCl solutions and foliar sprays of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), and methionine (Met). The physiological response of the plants in terms of root hydraulic conductance was improved by priming with KCl and elicitation with MeJA or Met. Foliar application of Met significantly increased the plant biomass and enhanced mineral nutrition. In general, all treatments increased the accumulation of indole GLSs, but K2SO4 and MeJA gave the best response and MeJA also favored the formation of a newly described compound, cinnamic-GLS, in the plants. Also, the use of Met and SA as elicitors and the supply of K2SO4 increased the abundance of phenolic compounds; K2SO4 also enhanced growth but did not alter the water relations or the accumulation of mineral nutrients. Therefore, although the response to elicitation was positive, with an increased content of bioactive compounds, regulation of the water relations and of the mineral status of the broccoli plants was critical to maintain the yield.

Ultrastructural and metabolic disorders induced by short-term cadmium exposure in Avicennia schaueriana plants and its excretion through leaf salt glands.

Environmental cadmium (Cd) sources have increased in mangrove sediments in recent decades, inducing cellular damage to many plants. Avicennia schaueriana is abundant in mangrove sites and has been subject to Cd contamination. The possible effects of Cd toxicity and the structural and physiological disturbances to this plant were studied. Can this plant express early cellular tolerance mechanisms to such metal contamination? Seedlings of A.schaueriana were collected from sites of their natural occurrence, placed in plastic pots containing nutrient solution for 60days, and subsequently exposed to increasing Cd concentrations for 5days under experimental conditions. The anatomical, ultrastructural and physiological changes induced by Cd were analysed. Cd accumulated mainly in the root system and in pneumatophores, stems and leaves, induced differential accumulation of mineral nutrients, but did not induce necrosis or changes in leaf anatomy. However, there was a decrease in starch grains and an increase in deposited electron-dense material in the cortex and vascular bundles. Cd induced both increases in calcium (Ca) content in shoots and Ca oxalate crystal precipitation in leaf mesophyll and was detected in crystals and in the secretion of salt glands. Our observations and experimental results provide evidence of Cd tolerance in A.schaueriana. As a new feature, despite the clear cellular physiological disorders, this plant is able to eliminate Cd through leaf salt glands and immobilise it in Ca crystals, representing fast mechanisms for Cd exclusion and complexation in leaves in heavy metal coastal polluted marine ecosystems.

Protective effect of different forms of nitrogen application on cadmium-induced toxicity in wheat seedlings.

Therefore, applying NH4+-N tp PHW-SA caused greater tolerance to Cd toxicity by higher biomass production, photosynthetic capacity, Ca and Cu accumulation, better root development and lower translocation factor of Cd as well as Cd concetration in organelle fraction. The Cd stress inhibited the growth performance of wheat seedlings, the mineral nutrient accumulation, and nitrogen uptake and distribution, and different forms of nitrogen have different protective effects on wheat. In PHW-SA, ANCd treatment caused lower reduction in biomass accumulation, photosynthesis, isotope stable N content, Ca and Cu accumulation, root development inhibition, tissue Cd concentration, and transfer factor, which even led to lower concentrations of Cd in Fco than those in Fcw and Fs in comparison with NNCd treatment. On the other hand, the converse growth performance was recorded in J-11 under ANCd treatment. Meanwhile, the nitrogen absorption preference in PHW-SA was altered along with the enhanced absorption efficiency of nitrogen. Therefore, applying NH4+-N to PHW-SA caused greater tolerance to Cd toxicity by higher biomass production, photosynthetic capacity, Ca and Cu accumulation, better root development and lower translocation factor of Cd as well as Cd concetration in organelle fraction..

Biomass Production and Mineral Nutrient Accumulation by Weeds and Sweet Orange Trees in the Amazonian

Accumulation of biomass and competition for nutrients can be used as parameters to identify species with higher potential for competition and, thus, with larger interference in crops. Consequently, studies addressing these parameters are important to weed science since they are the main factors that negatively affect the growth and productivity of cultivated plants. The objective of this research was to identify the species of weed plants with the largest potential of biomass production and accumulation of mineral nutrients in their leaves, which in turn, lead to higher interference in orange crops. In the floristic survey, 30 species of weed plants were identified and 14 botanic families, totaling 1341 sampled specimens. The phytosociological analysis showed, as per the importance value (IV), that the most representative weed species in the study area were as follows: Conyza bonariensis (L. (Cronquist)), Spermacoce latifolia Albl., Paspalum conjugatum PJ Bergius, Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth., Mollugo verticillate L., Peperomia pelucida (L.) Kunth, Euphorbia heterophylla L., Paspalum multicaule Poir and Waltheria corchorifolia Pers. Among these, the species with the highest production of biomass and accumulation of mineral nutrients in their tissues were S. latifolia, P. phaseoloides, P. conjugatum and C. bonariensis. This result suggests that these species are of high competitive potential against orange crops due to their high capacity for biomass and micronutrients accumulation.

Accumulation of Mineral Nutrients and Phytochemicals in Lettuce and Tomato Grown in High Tunnel and Open Field

High tunnel production of horticultural food crops is becoming increasingly popular and has a significant impact on their growth, productivity and nutritional quality. The present study examines the effect of high tunnel production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. “Two Star” and “New Red Fire”) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. “Celebrity” and “Mountain Fresh”) on their nutritional quality relating to major nutrients and health-promoting phytochemicals. High tunnel environment increased the concentration of N (protein) in both lettuce and tomato relative to the open field cultivation. The accumulation pattern of mineral nutrients in high tunnel was similar in green-leaf and red-leaf lettuce varieties. Lettuce varieties grown in high tunnel had higher accumulation of C, S and Zn relative to those grown in open field. However, high tunnel environment suppressed the accumulation of many micronutrients such as Mg, Fe, Cu and Mn in both lettuce varieties but not in tomato. For example, accumulation of Fe was reduced by more than 80% in “Two Star” and by more than 55% in “New Red Fire” under high tunnel. It also suppressed the levels of many health-promoting phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, rutin and kaempferol in green-leaf lettuce and gallic acid in red-leaf lettuce. High tunnel environment improved the soil nutrient status but reduced the radiation levels (PAR, UV-A and UV-B) received by the crops. The results show that the high tunnel production has a significant impact on the nutritional quality relating to protein and mineral nutrients in both crops and health-promoting phytochemicals in lettuce.

SPECIFICATION OF ELEMENT OF MINERAL NUTRITION ELEMENTS IN LEAVES OF MOMORDICA CHARANTIA L. AND TRICHOSANTHES CUCUMERINA L. AT INTRODUCTION IN UDMURTIA

The article examines accumulation of macro- and microelements in the leaves of Momordica charantia L. and Trichosanthes cucumerina L. grown using grafting method. It contains data on the content of key mineral nutrients in the leaves of examined crops. It marks high calcium content in the leaves, attaining 6.51-10.73%, which is peculiar to the plants of Cucurbitacee L. family. It was determined that grafting of Momordica charantia L. and Trichosanthes cucumerina L. results in changes in accumulation of mineral nutrients in plant leaves, nature and trend of which depended on the type of stock.

Elemental Profiling of Rice FOX Lines Leads to Characterization of a New Zn Plasma Membrane Transporter, OsZIP7.

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients required for proper development in both humans and plants. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) grains are the staple food for nearly half of the world’s population, but a poor source of metals such as Fe and Zn. Populations that rely on milled cereals are especially prone to Fe and Zn deficiencies, the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies in humans. Biofortification is a cost-effective solution for improvement of the nutritional quality of crops. However, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying grain accumulation of mineral nutrients is required before this approach can achieve its full potential. Characterization of gene function is more time-consuming in crops than in model species such as Arabidopsis thaliana. Aiming to more quickly characterize rice genes related to metal homeostasis, we applied the concept of high throughput elemental profiling (ionomics) to Arabidopsis lines heterologously expressing rice cDNAs driven by the 35S promoter, named FOX (Full Length Over-eXpressor) lines. We screened lines expressing candidate genes that could be used in the development of biofortified grain. Among the most promising candidates, we identified two lines ovexpressing the metal cation transporter OsZIP7. OsZIP7 expression in Arabidopsis resulted in a 25% increase in shoot Zn concentrations compared to non-transformed plants. We further characterized OsZIP7 and showed that it is localized to the plasma membrane and is able to complement Zn transport defective (but not Fe defective) yeast mutants. Interestingly, we showed that OsZIP7 does not transport Cd, which is commonly transported by ZIP proteins. Importantly, OsZIP7-expressing lines have increased Zn concentrations in their seeds. Our results indicate that OsZIP7 is a good candidate for developing Zn biofortified rice. Moreover, we showed the use of heterologous expression of genes from crops in A. thaliana as a fast method for characterization of crop genes related to the ionome and potentially useful in biofortification strategies.

Nitric oxide confronts arsenic stimulated oxidative stress and root architecture through distinct gene expression of auxin transporters, nutrient related genes and modulates biochemical responses in Oryza sativa L.

Plants have the ability to adapt themselves under stressed conditions through reprogramming their growth and development. Understanding the mechanisms regulating overall growth of stressed plant is an important issue for plant and environmental biology research. Although the role of NO in modulating arsenic (As) toxicity is known, nitric oxide (NO) induced alteration in auxin and nutrient related transporters during As stress in rice is poorly understood. Experimental results showed that As exposure decreased gene expression level of polar auxin transporter (PIN proteins), and nutrient transporter related genes (AMT, NRT, NiR, PHT, KTP). The improved tolerance induced by As + NO combination is attributed to reduced As accumulation in rice seedlings, improved root architectural changes, overall growth of plant, chlorophyll, protein content, and accumulation of mineral nutrients by reducing the ROS generation. Further, enhanced transcript levels of PIN proteins and mineral nutrition related genes were also observed under As + NO treatment. Additional biochemical data revealed enhanced oxidative stress by increasing the level of antioxidant enzymes, and stress-related parameters. Overall, the study provides an integrated view of plant response during As + NO interaction to change the plant metabolism through different cellular processes.

Silicon Influences Soil Availability and Accumulation of Mineral Nutrients in Various Plant Species.

Silicon (Si) effects on mineral nutrient status in plants are not well investigated. It is known that Si has a beneficial effect on plants under stressed conditions. The aim was to make a state of the art investigation of the Si influence: (1) on nutrient availability in four different soil types, namely clayish, sandy, alum shale and submerged soil; and (2) on accumulation of various nutrients in maize, lettuce, pea, carrot and wheat growing in hydroponics. Soil was treated with K2SiO3 corresponding to 80 and 1000 kg Si ha−1 and the nutrient medium with 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 μM Si. In general, Si effects were similar in all analyzed plant species and in all soil types tested. Results showed that, in soil, Si increased the availability of Ca, P, S, Mn, Zn, Cu and Mo and that of Cl and Fe tended to increase. The availability of K and Mg was not much affected by Si. Uptake from solution of S, Mg, Ca, B, Fe, and Mn increased; N, Cu, Zn and K decreased; P decreased/increased; and Cl and Mo was not influenced. Translocation to shoot of Mg, Ca, S, Mn, and Mo increased; Fe, Cu and Zn decreased; and K, P, N, Cl and B was not affected. It was concluded that, if plants had been cultivated in soil, Si-maintained increased availability of nutrients in the soil solution would probably compensate for the decrease in tissue concentration of those nutrient elements. The study shows that Si also influences the nutrient uptake in non-stressed plants.

Effects of Ambient Ozone on Soybean Biophysical Variables and Mineral Nutrient Accumulation

The effects of increasing ambient ozone (O3) concentrations on food security has become a major concern as the demand for agricultural productivity is projected to increase significantly over the next several decades. In this contribution, the responses of common soybean genotypes (AK-HARROW, PI88788, DWIGHT, PANA, and WILLIAMS82) to ambient O3 are characterized using hyperspectral data and foliar biophysical, mineral nutrient concentrations and soybean yield. Specifically, leaf reflectance spectra measured at different growth stages and canopy layers were used to examine the spectral indices that were most strongly correlated with leaf physiological status. The effects of elevated O3 on six important nutrients (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Cu) were evaluated by analyzing the variations in nutrient concentrations at two critical growth stages with increasing ambient O3 concentration using Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR). Lastly, the identified best spectral indices and the robust nutrient prediction models were extrapolated to the entire growth period to explore their ability to track the effects of ambient O3 concentrations on soybean physiology and nutrient uptake. The results showed that fluorescence yield (ΔF/Fm’) and photochemical quenching (qP) appear to be good indicators of soybean physiological responses to O3 stress that are echoed by the harvest index (HI). Newly identified normalized difference spectral index (NDSI) [R416, R2371] always had the highest correlation (R2 > 0.6) with ΔF/Fm’, qP and electron transport rate (ETR, μmol m−2 s−1) compared to the published indices. Additionally, there were significant and broad spectral regions in visible and near infrared region that were well-correlated with ΔF/Fm’ and selected NDSIs that were applicable to satellite observations. The results of nutrient modeling using PLSR explained 54–87% of the variance in nutrient concentrations, and the predicted mineral nutrient accumulation throughout the growing season reflected the responses of ozone tolerant and sensitive genotypes well. NDSI [R416, R2371] demonstrated great potential in regard to its sensitivity in tracking plant physiological responses to changing ambient O3 concentrations. The outcome of this research has potential implications for development of space-based observation of large-scale crop responses to O3 damage, as well as for biotechnological breeding efforts to improve ozone tolerance under future climate scenarios.

Sweet Onion (Allium cepa L.) as Influenced by Organic Fertilization Rate: 1. Plant Growth, and Leaf and Bulb Mineral Composition

Vidalia onions (Allium cepa L.) are sweet, short-day, low pungency, yellow Granex-type bulbs that are popular in the United States because of their mild flavor. There are limited studies on sweet onion plant growth in response to organic fertilization rate. The objective of this report was to evaluate the effects of organic fertilizer rates on sweet onion plant growth, and leaf and bulb mineral nutrients. Experiments were carried out at the Horticulture Farm, Tifton Campus, University of Georgia, in the Winters of 2012–13 and 2013–14. There were five treatments [organic fertilizer 3–2–3 equivalent to 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg·ha−1 nitrogen (N)]. During the season and at the mature plant stage, root, stem, and bulb biomass increased whereas the root-to-shoot ratio decreased with increasing fertilization rate up to 120 kg·ha−1 N. Foliar concentrations of N and Ca decreased whereas Cu concentration increased with increasing organic fertilization rate. Bulb Mg and Mn increased whereas P and Cu decreased with increasing organic fertilization rate. The accumulation of mineral nutrients by onion whole plants increased quadratically (N, P, K, and S) or linearly (Ca and Mg) with increasing fertilization rate. The N use efficiency decreased with increasing organic fertilization rate; the agronomic efficiency of N (AEN) decreased quadratically and the marginal yield decreased linearly with increasing fertilization rate. Chlorophyll indices (CI) were highest with 240 kg·ha−1 N and lowest with 0 kg·ha−1 N. In conclusion, onion plant growth increased with increasing organic fertilizer rate probably because of augmented soil N levels. Observation of nutrient deficiencies late in the season, even at high organic fertilization rates, indicates that preplant application of organic fertilizer was sufficient to cover plant nutritional needs only partially and that applications of N fertilizer later in the season may be necessary. High application rates of organic fertilizer (above those required by the crop) may have resulted in significant N leaching because it is unlikely that the crop used most of the N that was mineralized. Bulb concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Cu, and Mn were higher compared with values reported in the literature for onions produced with inorganic fertilizers.

A novel Trichoderma fusant for enhancing nutritional value and defence activity in chickpea.

In recent years, due to the rise in foodconsumption, much of the attention has been focused to increase the yield of the agricultural crops which resulted in compromised nutritional quality. Efforts have to be undertaken to enhance the nutritional attributes of legumes, cereals and staple food crops by increasing amino acids and mineral content. In the present study, we evaluated a protoplast fusant (H. lixii MTCC 5659) for its ability to enhance nutritional value and defence activity in chickpea. Essential amino acids; methionine (9.82mgkg-1dw), cysteine (2.61mgkg-1dw), glycine (11.34mgkg-1dw), valine (9.26mgkg-1dw), and non-essential amino acids; aspartic acid (39.19mgkg-1dw) and serine (17.53mgkg-1dw) were significantly higher in seeds of fusant inoculated chickpea. Fusant significantly improved accumulation of mineral nutrients i.e. Cu (157.73mgkg-1dw), Co (0.06mgkg-1dw), Ni (1.85mgkg-1dw), Zn (157.73mgkg-1dw) and S (16.29mgkg-1dw) in seeds. Biocontrol and defence activities of chickpea increased from 20 to 35% in fusant inoculated plants suggesting its potential to ameliorate biotic stress. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an increase in amino acids and mineral content of chickpea by fusant inoculation.

Influence of Interspecific Hybrid Rootstocks on Tomato Growth, Nutrient Accumulation, Yield, and Fruit Composition under Greenhouse Conditions

Grafting is considered to be a unique component in sustainable vegetable production. In addition to its usefulness for managing soil-borne diseases, it has been suggested that grafting with vigorous rootstocks can improve crop growth and yield. The objective of this greenhouse study was to assess the effects of different interspecific hybrid tomato rootstocks (Solanum lycopersicum × Solanum habrochaites) on yield, growth, nutrient accumulation, and fruit composition of tomato (S. lycopersicum). Using the determinate tomato cultivar Florida 47 as the scion, plants were grafted onto four interspecific rootstock cultivars including Beaufort, Maxifort, Multifort, and RST-04-105. Overall, the use of rootstocks resulted in total and marketable fruit increase 53% and 66% higher than non-grafted and self-grafted scion plants, respectively. The increase in marketable yield by ‘Beaufort’, ‘Maxifort’, and ‘Multifort’ was largely attributed to an increased number of fruit per plant, whereas higher average fruit weight contributed to the yield increase in plants grafted onto ‘RST-04-105’. Self-grafting of ‘Florida 47’ resulted in similar yield as the non-grafted scion control. Analyses of plant growth parameters demonstrated significant enhancement of total leaf area at first fruit harvest in plants grafted onto interspecific rootstocks as compared with the non-grafted and self-grafted scion controls. In addition to plant growth and yield improvement, enhanced accumulation of nitrogen, potassium, and calcium was also observed in grafted plants. The enhancement in mineral nutrient accumulation was largely related to increased biomass accumulation rather than higher nutrient concentration (on a dry weight basis). The overall accumulation of phosphorus was not influenced markedly by the rootstocks used. In general, grafting with the interspecific rootstocks maintained fruit soluble solids content (SSC) and total titratable acidity (TTA), concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, and total phenolics at levels comparable with non-grafted plants, whereas harvest date showed a more pronounced effect on fruit composition.

Molecular distribution and toxicity assessment of yttrium in Elodea canadensis

Aquatic plants are known to accumulate and bioconcentrate metals. In the present study, Elodea canadensis was subjected to different concentrations of yttrium (Y), ranging from 0 to 200μM, for 7 days and analysed for subcellular distribution and molecular localisation of Y, accumulation of mineral nutrients in leaf tissue, changes in photosynthetic pigments, oxidative stress and leaf and organelle ultrastructure. Leaf fractionation by differential centrifugation indicated that 68–76% of Y was accumulated in the cell wall, with higher levels of accumulation in cellulose and pectin than in other biomacromolecules. At all Y concentrations tested, Ca, Mg and Mn levels decreased in E. canadensis, whereas P levels increased; Fe and K levels increased initially and then declined. There was a marked concentration-dependent reduction in photosynthetic pigments following exposure to Y. Responses of components of the antioxidant system to Y treatment varied, whereas there were marked increases in reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde at all Y concentrations tested. In addition, morphological symptoms of aging, such as chlorosis and damage to chloroplasts and mitochondria, were induced even by the lowest Y concentration. The results reveal that exogenous Y is widely available to this aquatic plant, which may have negative effects on aquatic organisms.

Phylogenetic patterns of foliar mineral nutrient accumulation among gypsophiles and their relatives in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Gypsum endemism in plants (gypsophily) is common on gypsum outcrops worldwide, but little is known about the functional ecology of Chihuahuan Desert gypsophiles. We investigated whether leaf chemistry of gypsophile lineages from the northern Chihuahuan Desert are similar to leaves of related nonendemic (gypsovag) species relative to their soil chemistry. We expected widely distributed gypsophiles (hypothesized to be older lineages on gypsum) would have distinct leaf chemistry from narrowly distributed, relatively younger lineages endemic to gypsum and gypsovags, reflecting adaptation to gypsum. We collected leaves from 23 gypsophiles and related nonendemic taxa growing on nongypsum soils. Soils and leaves were analyzed for Ca, S, Mg, K, N, and P. Leaf gypsum was assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Most widespread gypsophile lineages that are hypothesized to be relatively old accumulate foliar S, Ca, and gypsum, but younger gypsophile lineages and closely related gypsovags do not. Young, narrowly distributed gypsophile lineages have leaf chemical signatures similar to nonendemic congeners and confamilials. Our data suggest multiple adaptive mechanisms support life on gypsum in Chihuahuan Desert gypsophiles. Most widespread gypsophiles are specialized for life on gypsum, likely due to shared abilities to accumulate and assimilate S and Ca in leaves. In contrast, narrowly distributed gypsophiles may have mechanisms to exclude excess S and Ca from their leaves, preventing toxicity. Future work will investigate the nutrient accumulation and exclusion patterns of other plant organs to determine at what level excess S and Ca uptake is restricted for young-lineage gypsophiles and gypsovags.

Respone of spring barley to NPK and S fertilisation: yielding, the content of protein and the accumulation of mineral nutrients

Respone of spring barley to NPK and S fertilisation: yielding, the content of protein and the accumulation of mineral nutrients

Uptake and accumulation of dry matter and mineral nutrients in different age trees of ‘Nanguo’ pear (Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim)

Uptake and accumulation of dry matter and mineral nutrients in different age trees of ‘Nanguo’ pear (<i>Pyrus ussuriensis</i> Maxim)

Effects of growing seasons and genotypes on the accumulation of cadmium and mineral nutrients in rice grown in cadmium contaminated soil.

Heavy metals naturally occur in soil but their concentrations may be changed by seasonal rainfall under double-rice cropping system. The field trials at three sites, which represent low, medium and high cadmium (Cd) content in soil, revealed significant genotypic and environmental variations in grain Cd concentrations. Most cultivars in late rice at three sites produced grains with Cd content over the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 0.20mgkg-1. However, grain Cd content in early rice was over MPC only at high Cd site. When planted at same site, late rice showed remarkably higher content of Cd as well as K, Mg, Fe and Mn than that in early rice in both grains and rachises. Content of Ni, Pb and Cr was generally in the safe range and it was determined by the interactions between genotypes and environmental factors. Element concentrations in rachises were about 2-10 times higher than those in grains, depending on element species, cultivars, locations and seasons. Low-Cd-accumulation cultivars generally displayed both lower Cd content in rachis and lower Cd transportation ratio from rachises to grains than those of high-Cd-accumulation cultivars. There was a significant and positive correlation between Cd and Mn concentrations in grains. The most important factor that causes great variation in Cd accumulation in rachises and grains between early and later rice is water contents and levels in paddy soils mainly caused by different rainfall amount. Inhibiting Cd accumulation in rachises and Cd transportation from rachises to grains could efficiently decrease Cd content in rice grains produced in contaminated soil.

Phosphorus Deficiency Alters Nutrient Accumulation Patterns and Grain Nutritional Quality in Rice

The accumulation of biomass and mineral nutrients during the post-anthesis period was investigated in field-grown rice plants cultivated in phosphorus (P)-sufficient vs. P-deficient soil. Phosphorus deficiency reduced biomass accumulation by around 30%, and reduced the accumulation of all nutrients in aboveground plant biomass except sulfur (S) and copper (Cu). Ultimately, grain zinc (Zn), Cu, and calcium (Ca) concentrations were significantly higher in P-deficient plants, while grain magnesium (Mg) concentrations were significantly lower. While P deficiency caused a 40% reduction in the concentration of the anti-nutrient phytate in the grain, this was offset by a 40% reduction in grain starch lysophospholipids, which have positive benefits for human health and grain quality.

Assessment of organic and conventional soil fertility practices and cultivar selection on mineral nutrient accumulation in field-grown lettuce

ABSTRACTDepleted soil fertility and high-yielding cultivars have been associated with low mineral nutrient contents in vegetables. This study explored if mineral nutrient concentrations of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) can be increased though selection of cultivars and management of soil fertility. Cultivars including butterhead, romaine, and loose-leaf phenotypes of heritage and modern origins were studied. Conventional, compost, and organic regimes were assessed. Elements in whole heads were determined. Heritage cultivars had about 7% higher magnesium, sulfur, copper, and iron (Mg, S, Cu, and Fe) concentrations than modern cultivars with no differences occurring for phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, zinc, manganese and boron (P, K, Ca, Na, Zn, Mn, and B). Differences for each element occurred among phenotypes and fertilization but with no consistent trends. Head weight had only minor effects on nutrient concentrations, but total accumulation increased with head size. Some cultivars had nearly twice the accumulation of nutrients as others. This work suggests that cultivars can be selected for production of nutrient-rich lettuce.