Hoagland Nutrient Research Articles

EFFECT OF CHLORIDE (KCL AND MGCL2) AND VARIOUS NITROGEN SOURCES ON NUTRIENTS CONCENTRATION IN STRAWBERRY PLANT ORGANS

Replacement of KNO 3 by KCl, with or without MgCl 2 via use of various N sources in Hoagland and Arnon (1950) base nutrient solution has been studied on nutrient concentration on (Fragaria ananassa, Selva). The nutrient solution has shown an inconstant pattern in plants' nutrient concentration at different physiological stages. It seems that Cl and Mg have an important role in nutrient partitioning among the various organs.

Potencial de Cajanus cajan e Crotalaria spectabilis parafitorremediação: absorção de arsênio e respostas antioxidativas

Neste estudo, avaliaram-se os efeitos tóxicos do arsênio (As) sobre o crescimento e atividade de enzimas antioxidativas dismutase do superóxido (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidases (POX), peroxidase do ascorbato peroxidase (APX) e glutationa redutase (GR) em plantas de Cajanus cajan e Crotalaria spectabili. Plantas das duas espécies foram expostas a diferentes concentrações de As, em solução nutritiva de Hoagland, pH 6,5. A taxa de crescimento relativo (TCR) das duas espécies reduziu-se com o aumento da concentração de As na solução nutritiva, sendo de forma mais intensa em C. cajan. A concentração de As na solução capaz de reduzir em 50% a TCR de C. cajan foi de 0,93 mg L-1, enquanto em C. spectabilis foi de 4,80 mg L-1. As duas espécies apresentaram reduzida translocação de As para a parte aérea, sendo em raízes de C. spectabilis observada a maior concentração desse elemento. C. cajan exposto ao As teve as atividades das enzimas CAT, POX e APX reduzidas, ao contrário do que ocorreu em C. spectabilis. Esta espécie, quando submetida ao As, apresentou incremento na atividade de todas as enzimas avaliadas. A maior tolerância ao As observada em C. spectabilis pode estar relacionada à maior capacidade em reter o As nas raízes e à indução das enzimas SOD, CAT, POX, APX e GR. Dessa forma, C. spectabilis é uma espécie com potencial para utilização em programas de revegetação de áreas contaminadas com As.

The effects of low boron on growth, gas exchange, boron concentration and distribution of ‘Newhall’ navel orange ( Citrus sinensis Osb.) plants grafted on two rootstocks

The effects of low boron (B) on plant growth, photosynthesis, B concentration and distribution of ‘Newhall’ orange ( Citrus sinensis Osb.) plants grafted on either Trifoliate orange ( Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) or Carrizo citrange [ C. sinensis (L.) Osb. × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] rootstocks were investigated. One-year-old plants of the two scion-rootstock combinations were grown for 183 days in sand:perlite (1:1, v/v) medium under greenhouse conditions. The plants were irrigated with half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solutions containing four B concentrations (0.01, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.25 mg l −1). The growth of root, stem of scion and leaves was less affected by low B treatments when ‘Newhall’ scion was grafted on Carrizo citrange than on Trifoliate orange. Thus, the growth of scions under low B conditions was mainly depended on the rootstock used, i.e., Carrizo citrange-grafted plants were more tolerant to low B compared to the plants grafted on Trifoliate orange. Boron concentrations in all plant parts decreased significantly by decreasing the B supply in the nutrient solution. Leaves were the dominant sites of B accumulation and showed the greatest reduction in B concentration compared to the other plant parts, as B concentration in the nutrient solution decreased. Irrespective of the rootstock, B levels in the upper–younger leaves were substantially higher than in basal-older leaves when plants were exposed to low B concentrations (≤0.05 mg l −1), suggesting that under such conditions B was preferentially translocated to upper–younger leaves to support their growth. Furthermore, B distribution in different plant parts indicated that there was a restriction in translocation of B from root to scion tissues (stems and leaves of scion) under conditions of limited B availability. In addition, low B treatments decreased leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate but increased intercellular CO 2 concentration in the leaves of ‘Newhall’ plants, irrespective of the rootstock used.

Involvement of polyamines, abscisic acid and anti-oxidative enzymes in adaptation of Blue Panicgrass ( Panicum antidotale Retz.) to saline environments

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to assess the possible involvement of polyamines (PAs), abscisic acid (ABA) and anti-oxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in adaptation of six populations of Panicum antidotale Retz. to selection pressure (soil salinity) of a wide range of habitats. Plants of six populations were collected from six different habitats with ECe ranging from 3.39 to 19.23 dS m −1 and pH from 7.65 to 5.86. Young tillers from 6-month-old plants were transplanted in plastic containers each containing 10 l of half strength Hoagland's nutrient solution alone or with 150 mol m −3 NaCl. After 42 days growth, contents of polyamines (Put, Spd and Spm) and ABA, and the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes (SOD, POD and CAT) of all populations generally increased under salt stress. The populations collected from highly saline habitats showed a greater accumulation of polyamines and ABA and the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes as compared to those from mild or non-saline habitats. Moreover, Spm/Spd and Put/(Spd + Spm) ratios generally increased under salt stress. However, the populations from highly saline environments had significantly higher Spm/Spd and Put/(Spd + Spm) ratios as compared to those from mild or non-saline environments. Similarly, the populations adapted to high salinity accumulated less Na + and Cl − in culm and leaves, and showed less decrease in leaf K + and Ca 2+ under salinity stress. Higher activities of anti-oxidative enzymes and accumulation of polyamines and ABA, and increased Spm/Spd and Put/(Spm + Spd) ratios were found to be highly correlated with the degree of adaptability of Panicum to saline environment.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Affects the Severity of Anthracnose Crown Rot Disease of Greenhouse Grown Strawberries

The influence of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on the severity of anthracnose crown rot was evaluated in three greenhouse studies. Strawberry plants were fertilized three times weekly with a modified Hoagland's Nutrient Solution containing the treatments and inoculated eight weeks after treatment applications began with a conidial suspension of the causal pathogen, Colletotrichum fragariae. Disease severity was rated 30 days later on a scale of 0 (no symptoms) to 6 (plant dead). In the first study, the effect of N, P, and K levels was evaluated using 16 treatments: eight N levels with either low P and K or high P and K. Disease severity ratings and percent foliar N increased as N level increased but were not influenced by the level of P and K. In two other experiments, seven N sources were each evaluated at three levels. Plants receiving 160 ppm N had higher disease severity ratings than plants receiving 0 or 40 ppm N. Among plants receiving 160 ppm N, those treated with Ca(NO3)2 had the least disease. When N fertilizer is applied to strawberry plants as Ca(NO3)2, anthracnose crown rot severity should be less severe than when N is applied in ammonium forms. Accepted for publication 13 April 2009. Published 9 June 2009.

Physiological and biochemical adaptations of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. from the Salt Range (Pakistan) to salinity stress

Naturally adapted salt tolerant populations provide a valuable material for exploring the adaptive components of salt tolerance. Under this aspect, two populations of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. were subjected to salt stress in hydroponics. One was collected from a heavily salt-affected soil in the vicinity of a natural salt lake, Uchhali Lake, in the Salt Range of the Punjab province of Pakistan, and the other from a normal non-saline habitat from the Faisalabad region. The NaCl treatments in Hoagland's nutrient solution were: Control (no salt), 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM of NaCl. After 8 weeks of growth in hydroponics produced biomass, ion relations, and photosynthetic capacity were measured in the differently adapted ecotypes. In the ecotype of C. dactylon from the Salt Range, shoot dry weight was only slightly affected by varying levels of salt. However, in contrast, its root weight was markedly increased. On the other hand, the ecotype from Faisalabad (non-saline habitat) showed a marked decrease in shoot and root dry weights under saline regimes. The ecotype from the Salt Range accumulated relatively less amount of Na + in the shoot than did that from Faisalabad, particularly at higher salt levels. Shoot or root K + and Ca 2+ contents varied inconsistently in both ecotypes under salt stress. All the photosynthetic parameters, leaf water potential and osmotic potential, and chlorophyll content in both ecotypes were adversely affected by salt stress, but all these physiological attributes except turgor potential and soluble sugars were less affected at high salinities in the salt tolerant ecotype from Salt Range. This ecotype accumulated significantly higher organic osmotica (total free amino acids, proline, total soluble proteins, and total soluble sugars) under saline conditions than its intolerant counterpart. Overall, the salt tolerant ecotype of C. dactylon from the Salt Range showed high salt tolerance due to its restricted uptake of Na + accompanied by an increased uptake of K + and Ca 2+ in the roots as well as shoot due to its higher photosynthetic capacity and accumulation of organic osmotica such as free amino acids and proline under saline conditions.

Changes in Anthocyanin Content as Indicator of Maize Sensitivity to Selenium

ABSTRACT The aim of this experiment was to examine the effect of exogenous selenium (Se) on anthocyanin and chlorophyll accumulation, Se content, as well as the growth of maize (Zea mays var. ‘saccharata Kcke’) cv. ‘Zlota Karlowa’ seedlings. Plants were grown hydroponically in Hoagland's nutrient solution at different pH values: 4.5, 6.2, and 7.5. Selenium was added to the solution as either selenate (Na2SeO4) or selenomethionine (C5H11NO2Se) to a final concentration of: 0 (control), 5, 25, 50, and 100 μ M Se. Generally, the presence of Se in the medium caused an increase in the anthocyanin content and a simultaneous decrease of the total chlorophyll concentration depending on the Se form and dosage. Higher concentrations of anthocyanin were detected in the presence of selenomethionine than selenate, notably at pH 4.5. The effect of individual Se forms on maize seedlings, expressed on the basis of the fresh weight, indicate that selenomethionine was more phytotoxic than selenate. Selenium content both in roots and shoots increased linearly with increasing Se concentration in solution culture. However, a much higher Se level was found in the maize organs when plants were supplied with selenomethionine than selenate. Experimental evidence shows that the changes in anthocyanin content can be used as a test parameter reflecting the degree of Se toxicity in maize plants, and may be potential useful for bioindication of Se phytotoxicity in other higher plants.

Effects of EDTA on Lead Uptake by Typha orientalis Presl: A New Lead-Accumulating Species in Southern China

A series of field investigations have been conducted at Yongzhou Pb/Zn/Cu mine tailings, Hunan Province, southern China. The specific aim was to search for new lead accumulators with fast growth rate and large biomass. The results of tissue analyses identified Typha orientalis Presl has a strong accumulation of lead. The average lead concentrations in the leaves and roots are 619 and 1,233 mg/kg, respectively. The growth and Pb content of the plant were also studied by hydroponic culture with different concentrations of Pb(NO(3))(2). Growth of the plant was not affected by Pb up to 300 mg/L. The Pb concentrations in the leaves and roots increased with increasing of Pb level in the modified Hoagland's nutrient solution. The maximum concentrations of Pb in the leaves and roots were 16,190 and 64,405 mg/kg, respectively. The study also demonstrated that EDTA not only increased the amount of Pb taken up by plants but also speeded up the metal translocation from roots to leaves.

Tolerance Response to Iron Chlorosis of Prunus Selections as Rootstocks

The use of rootstocks tolerant to iron deficiency represents the best alternative to prevent Fe chlorosis for peach production in calcareous soils. Early detection laboratory screening procedures allow the selection of new Fe-efficient rootstock genotypes. Seventeen Prunus rootstocks were tested for root ferric chelate reductase (FC-R) enzymatic activity, leaf SPAD values, and field performance. Some rootstocks were used as a reference to compare with new Prunus selections. Micropropagated plants were grown in hydroponic culture with half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution containing 90 μm Fe(III)-EDTA as a control treatment. Plants were transferred to iron-free fresh solutions for 4 days and were thereafter resupplied with 180 μm Fe(III)-EDTA for 1 or 2 days. In vivo FC-R activity was measured in all treatments, i.e., control, Fe-deficient, and 180 μm Fe(III)-EDTA resupplied plants. The FC-R activity after Fe resupply was higher in Fe-efficient genotypes such as AdesotoPVP, FelinemPVP, GF 677, Krymsk 86™, and PAC 9921-07 than in the controls. No induction of FC-R activity was found in other genotypes such as Barrier, Cadaman™-AvimagPVP, PAC 9907-23, and PAC 9908-02. An intermediate response was observed in GarnemPVP, Gisela 5PVP, Krymsk 1PVP, Torinel™-AvifelPVP, VSL-2™, and PAC 9904-01. According to the induction of FC-R activity after Fe resupply, genotypes were classified as tolerant, moderately tolerant, or nontolerant to iron-induced chlorosis. These results were compared with SPAD values of plants grown under controlled conditions and in the nursery. Rootstocks that show high induction of FC-R activity also showed high or very high SPAD values in the field.

Produção de matéria seca, crescimento radicular e absorção de cálcio, fósforo e alumínio por coffea canephora e coffea arabica sob influência da atividade do alumínio em solução

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a produção de matéria seca, o crescimento radicular e a absorção e distribuição do Ca, P e Al nas folhas, no caule e nas raízes de dois clones de café conilon (Coffea canephora) (Mtl 25 e Mtl 27) e de uma variedade de café Catuaí Amarelo (Coffea arabica), cultivados em solução nutritiva com atividade crescente de Al3+. As plantas foram cultivadas em vasos com capacidade para 5 L, contendo solução nutritiva de Hoagland & Arnon, modificada. Após oito dias de adaptação, as plantas foram submetidas a concentrações de Al de 0, 500, 1.000 e 2.000 µmol L-1, que corresponderam a atividades de Al3+ em solução, estimadas pelo software GEOCHEM, de 20,68, 50,59, 132,9 e 330,4 µmol L-1, respectivamente. Foram determinados os teores de Ca, Al e P na planta. O sistema radicular foi separado, para determinação da área e do comprimento. A variedade Catuaí Amarelo (Coffea arabica) apresentou-se menos sensível ao Al3+, quando comparada aos clones de conilon (Coffea canephora). O clone de conilon Mtl 25 foi menos sensível ao Al3+ em relação ao Mtl 27. O aumento da atividade de Al3+ promoveu redução nos teores de P e Ca nas folhas e raízes do cafeeiro, especialmente nos clones Mtl 25 e Mtl 27. O acúmulo de Al no sistema radicular e a restrição do transporte para a parte aérea são importantes fatores na tolerância de plantas ao Al3+.

Nutrient Recovery by Seven Aquatic Garden Plants in a Laboratory-scale Subsurface-constructed Wetland

Commercial nurseries use large amounts of water and nutrients to produce container-grown plants. The large volume of runoff containing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) that leaves nurseries can contaminate surface and groundwater. Subsurface flow-constructed wetlands have been shown to effectively treat agricultural, industrial, and residential wastewater and to be well-suited for growers with limited production space. We investigated the possibility of using commercially available aquatic garden plants in subsurface-constructed wetlands to remove nutrients in a laboratory scale, gravel-based system. Seven popular aquatic garden plants received N and P from Hoagland's nutrient solution every 2 days for 8 weeks. These rates (0.39 to 36.81 mg·L−1 of N and 0.07 to 6.77 mg·L−1 P, respectively) encompassed low to high rates of nutrients found at various points between the discharge and inflow points of other constructed wetland systems currently in use at commercial nurseries. Plant biomass, nutrient recovery, and tissue nutrient concentration and content were measured. Whole plant dry weight positively correlated with total N and P supplied. Louisiana Iris hybrid ‘Full Eclipse’, Canna × generalis Bailey (pro sp.) ‘Bengal Tiger’, Canna × generalis Bailey (pro sp.) ‘Yellow King Humbert’, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott ‘Illustris', Peltandra virginica (L.) Schott, and Pontederia cordata L. ‘Singapore Pink’ had the greatest N recovery rates. The P recovery rates were similar for the cannas, Colocasia esculenta ‘Illustris’, Louisiana Iris ‘Full Eclipse’, Pe. virginica, and Po. cordata ‘Singapore Pink’. The potential exists for creating a sustainable nursery and greenhouse production system that incorporates a subsurface-constructed wetland planted with marketable horticultural crops that provide remediation and revenue.

Comparison of Ground‐Based Remote Sensors for Evaluation of Corn Biomass Affected by Nitrogen Stress

The nondestructive determination of plant biomass is not possible; however, crop‐canopy sensors that determine the normalized difference vegetation index have the potential to estimate living biomass, which is indicative of plant vigor and stress. Pot experiments using sand culture were conducted in 2002 and 2003 under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) deficiency on corn biomass and reflectance. Stress was imposed by implementing six to eight levels of N in Hoagland's nutrient solution. Canopy reflectance measurements made at three growth stages with a variety of handheld spectral sensors (active and passive) were closely correlated with dry weight and chlorophyll meter readings of corn at flowering, as well as at the two earlier growth stages. Results indicate that selected ground‐based sensors and related reflectance indexes can provide a nondestructive, real‐time assessment of apparent plant N status and thus be used for in‐season N‐management decisions.

Uptake studies of environmentally hazardous 51Cr in Mung beans

Attempt has been made to study the accumulation behaviour of a common plant, Mung bean ( Vigna radiata) towards Cr(III) and Cr(VI) to have an insight on the migration and bio-magnification of Cr. For this purpose healthy germinated Mung bean seeds were sown in the sand in the presence of Hoagland's nutrient solution containing measured amount of K 2 51Cr 2O 7 and 51Cr(NO 3) 3·9H 2O. Growth rate was also studied in the presence and absence of phosphate salts in the medium. It has been found that the transfer of chromium from soil to plant is significantly low (maximum 5% for both Cr(III) and Cr(VI)). Maximum accumulation of Cr occurs in the root with respect to the total chromium accumulation by the plant. Other parts of the Mung bean plant, e.g. cotyledons, shoot and leaves, show negligible accumulation. Therefore, the chance of direct intake of Cr through food as well as through the grazing animals to human body is less.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (G. etunicatum) fungus on antioxidant enzymes activity under zinc toxicity in lettuce plants.

Zinc is one of the eight trace elements which are essential for the normal healthy growth and reproduction of crop plants. Plants possess cellular mechanisms that may be involved in the detoxification of heavy metals and thus confer plants a better tolerance against them. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization is one of these mechanisms. Here, the effect of mycorrhizal fungus G. etunicatum on Zn toxicity tolerance through enhanced activity of some of antioxidant enzymes has been studied. Treatments were applied in triplicates of two factorial analyses: (a) mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal; (b) 5 levels of Zinc (0, 1.5, 3.5, 5.5, 7.5 mM). Zinc was added to modified Hoagland's nutrient solution (with half P concentration). Plants were grown in growth chamber for 10 weeks. Toxicity symptoms such as necrosis and chlorosis appeared on the leaves. Activity of detoxifying enzymes Guaiacol peroxidase (GUPX) and Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were measured. GPX activity in roots and shoots of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants was increased. Also, APX activity increased in roots and shoots ofmycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants. Root length colonization (RLC) was measured by gridline intersect method. Mycorrhizal colonization decreased due to Zinc exposure. The results indicate the probable role of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in stress tolerance.

Efficacy of Gamma Radiation and Aqueous Chlorine on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Hydroponically Grown Lettuce Plants

Interaction of Escherichia coli O157:H7/pGFP with hydroponically grown lettuce plants was evaluated in this study. Lettuce seedlings were planted in contaminated Hoagland's nutrient solution and thereafter subjected to gamma radiation at 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 kGy, and aqueous chlorine at 200 ppm. There was no trace of E. coli O157:H7/pGFP in lettuce leaves harvested from noncontaminated nutrient solution (control); however, for plants grown in contaminated nutrient solution, the pathogen was recovered from the leaves disinfected with 80% ethanol and 0.1% mercuric chloride. Most of the lettuce seedlings grown in contaminated nutrient solution tested negative for E. coli O157:H7/pGFP under controlled conditions.

Effects of different nutrient solution formulations on morphological and biochemical characteristics of nursery fig trees grown in substrate culture

This research was carried out to determine the effects of different nutrient solution formulations on the growth of nursery fig trees in substrate culture, which is one of the soil-less culture techniques. The hardwood cuttings of Ficus carica L. cv. “Sarılop” (Calimyrna) were planted into pots filled with 13 L of perlite. Five different nutrient solution formulations were tested on the quality and growth progress of nursery fig trees. The trials were conducted in two different growing conditions, namely, high-tunnel and open-field conditions in substrate culture. To observe the effect of different nutrient solution formulations on nursery fig trees, some morphological and biochemical characteristics were determined. It was concluded that the use of Hewitt's and Hoagland's nutrient solution formulations led to increased growth of nursery fig trees in high-tunnel and open-field conditions, respectively.

Selenium Increases Sulfur Uptake and Regulates Glucosinolate Metabolism in Rapid-cycling Brassica oleracea

Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing secondary plant metabolites commonly found in the family Brassicaceae. The presence of selenium in soils increases the uptake of sulfur and inhibits the production of glucosinolates in brassicaceous plants. This study was undertaken to determine the extent of selenium's impact on sulfur uptake and glucosinolate production in Brassica oleracea L. Rapid-cycling B. oleracea plants were grown hydroponically in half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution with selenium treatments delivered as sodium selenate concentrations of 0.0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5 mg·L−1. Elevated sulfur treatments of 37 mg·L−1 sulfate and 37 mg·L−1 sulfate/0.75 mg·L−1 selenate were incorporated to compare with selenium treatments. Plants were harvested and freeze-dried 1 day before anthesis. Selenium and sulfur content of plant tissue was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and a carbon–nitrogen–sulfur analyzer. Glucosinolate content of leaf tissue was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Selenium and sulfur uptake in plants positively correlated with selenium concentration in the nutrient solution. The sulfur concentration of plants exposed to selenium equaled or exceeded the sulfur concentration of plants exposed to elevated sulfur. Despite higher sulfur concentrations, there occurred a statistically significant decrease in production of five of the seven glucosinolates analyzed in selenium-enriched plants. Plants that underwent elevated sulfur treatments had higher glucosinolate production than selenium-treated plants. These results suggest that selenium either upregulates or prevents the downregulation of sulfur uptake in B. oleracea. In addition, the presence of selenium within the plant appears to have a negative impact on the production of certain glucosinolates despite adequate availability of sulfur.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alleviate iron deficient chlorosis in Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf under calcium bicarbonate stress

SummaryThe effect of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus versiforme on chlorosis due to iron deficiency in trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf) was studied under calcium bicarbonate stress in sand culture. Seeds were sown in a mixed substrate [1:1 (v/v), perlite:sand] with or without mycorrhizal inoculum. The test was carried out with four treatments: Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solution with normal, no added iron, or 50% normal iron at two levels of calcium bicarbonate. The results showed that the proportion of the total root length infected by the AM fungus was ≥ 83%, and was depressed under Fe deficiency. No root colonisation was found with no added AM fungus (NM plants).Colonisation by AM fungus resulted in higher dry weights of both shoots and roots compared to NM treatments, suggesting that the AM fungus accelerated plant growth. The activities of peroxidase and catalase in NM plants were lower than in AM fungus-inoculated plants. The results indicate that AM fungus alleviated calcium bicarbonate stress on the cell membranes of host plants. The results also showed that AM fungus increased chlorophyll concentrations, iron contents, and the Fe:P ratios of whole plants, and decreased 50(10P+K):Fe ratios, which implied that the uptake and translocation of iron was strengthened. Therefore, AM fungus had a positive effect on ameliorating chlorosis due to iron deficiency in P. trifoliata L. Raf.

Alternate Application of Osmotic and Nitrogen Stresses to Partial Root System: Effects on Root Growth and Nitrogen Use Efficiency

ABSTRACT Effects of alternately applying osmotic and nitrogen (N) stresses to partial root zone were studied on maize seedlings. The maize seedlings were grown in Hoagland's nutrient solution with the roots divided equally into two containers. Half of the root system was subjected to an osmotic stress (W) using PEG 6000 added in the solution at −0.2 MPa and/or nitrogen stress (N) with the N-free Hoagland's solution. After 6 days, four of such treatments, C (control), W, N, and WN were shifted to the other halves of the root systems. Results showed that when compared to the control, total root dry weight and the root/shoot ratio increased markedly for all the stress treatments. There were no statistically significant differences in shoot biomass and N accumulation of the whole plant among all the treatments. Nitrogen use efficiency for the N and WN was significantly enhanced when compared to the C and W treatments, and the shoot N concentrations were less for N and WN than for C and W. The root vitality of the non-treated halves under the W, N, or WN treatments increased by 21.1–65.6% when compared to the other halves of the same root system or by 19.7–68.9% when compared to the control roots. Such a compensation of root function was evident during our days 1, 3, and 5 observations. After each alternation, rates of biomass accumulation of all previously stressed half root systems were significantly higher than the other halves or the controls. Our results suggested that significant compensation mechanisms of growth and functions in the root system occurred both when N and osmotic stresses were localized in part of the root system and during the subsequent recovery from either of such stresses.

Comparison of Growth and Alkalinity-induced Responses in Two Cultivars of Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.)

Response to alkalinity was evaluated in two hibiscus cultivars, Bimini Breeze and Carolina Breeze, grown in a soilless growing medium and in hydroponic culture. For soilless growing medium, plants were potted in a sphagnum peat–perlite-based substrate and irrigated with solutions containing 0 to 10 mm NaHCO3 for 12 weeks. In hydroponic culture, bare-rooted plants were transferred to a 9-L tray containing a Hoagland's nutrient solution prepared with NaHCO3 at the concentrations previously indicated. In soilless growing medium, shoot dry weight was minimally affected by NaHCO3 concentration for `Bimini Breeze', but `Carolina Breeze' exhibited a significant decrease in shoot mass with increasing NaHCO3 concentration. In hydroponic culture, increasing concentration of NaHCO3 induced a decrease in shoot and root mass in both cultivars, but root mass decrease was more pronounced in `Bimini Breeze'. In soilless growing medium, increasing the concentration of NaHCO3 caused an increase in growing medium pH. The pH increase was less pronounced for `Bimini Breeze' than for `Carolina Breeze', indicating a higher capacity for root zone acidification by `Bimini Breeze'. Newly developed leaves of both cultivars showed increasing chlorosis with increasing NaHCO3 concentration. However, `Bimini Breeze' was more tolerant because, according to regression models, 5.7 mm NaHCO3 would be required to reduce chlorophyll levels by 10%, compared with 2.2 mm for `Carolina Breeze', when grown in soilless medium. Fe reductase activity decreased when `Carolina Breeze' plants were grown in 5 mm NaHCO3. However, in `Bimini Breeze', Fe reductase activity was enhanced. These observations indicate that the increased tolerance of `Bimini Breeze' to increasing alkalinity is the result of enhanced Fe reductase activity and increased acidification of the root zone.