Micronutrient Elements Research Articles

Nickel: A micronutrient element for hydrogen-dependent growth of Rhizobium japonicum and for expression of urease activity in soybean leaves

Soybean plants and Rhizobium japonicum 122 DES, a hydrogen uptake-positive strain, were cultured in media purified to remove Ni. Supplemental Ni had no significant effect on the dry matter or total N content of plants. However, the addition of Ni to both nitrate-grown and symbiotically grown plants resulted in a 7- to 10-fold increase in urease activity (urea amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.5) in leaves and significantly increased the hydrogenase activity (EC 1.18.3.1) in isolated nodule bacteroids. When cultured under chemolithotrophic conditions, free-living R. japonicum required Ni for growth and for the expression of hydrogenase activity. Hydrogenase activity was minimal or not detectable in cells incubated either without Ni or with Ni and chloramphenicol. Ni is required for derepression of hydrogenase activity and apparently protein synthesis is necessary for the participation of Ni in hydrogenase expression. The addition of Cr, V, Sn, and Pb in place of Ni failed to stimulate the activity of hydrogenase in R. japonicum and urease in soybean leaves. The evidence indicates that Ni is an important micronutrient element in the biology of the soybean plant and R. japonicum.

Título en español.

Para inducir carencias nutricionales, se cultivaron plantas de arroz de la variedad Sinaloa en el invernadero en soluciones nutritivas. Cada solución carecía de uno de los siguientes elementos: N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Fe, Mn o B. La falta de N, K y Fe redujo el crecimiento de los tallos y hojas. En cambio, la falta de K aminoró drásticamente el desarrollo del sistema radical, siendo los pesos fresco y seco los más bajos de todos. La falta de Ca, S, Mg, B y Mn también afectó adversamente el crecimiento de las raíces. En ese sentido, la falta de P fue la menos perjudicial al arroz. Con excepción del S y el Fe, las concentraciones de los elementos omitidos fueron, invariablemente, más bajas que en las plantas testigo. Por otra parte, el análisis químico del follaje reveló que la ausencia de un elemento afectó el contenido en otro directamente relacionado con aquel en la nutrición mineral del arroz. Las plantas sometidas a casi todos los tratamientos mostraron síntomas carenciales.

Nitrogen fixation inAzolla-Anabaenasymbiosis as affected by mineral nutrient status

Abstract The growth and nitrogen-fixing capacity of Azolla imbricata were studied with special reference to the effects of the mineral nutrient status in the medium. The threshold levels of P, K, Mg, and Ca in the medium for Azolla growth were ca. 0.03, 0.4, 0.4, and 0.5 mmol · liter-1, respectively. Full development of nitrogenase activity was not realized at concentrations below 0.03, 0.6, 0.5, and 0.5 mmol · liter-1, respectively. Combined nitrogen was unfavorable for growth and nitrogen fixation. Deficiency of any one of the micronutrient elements, Fe, Mn, Co, Zn, Cu, Mo, and B, had an unfavorable effect on growth and developing nitrogenase activity. The threshold levels of Fe, Mn, Mo, and B for growth were 50, 20, 0.3, and 30 μg · liter-1, and those for nitrogenase activity were 20, 10, 1, and 20 μ · liter-1, respectively. Fe and Mo were very sensitive for developing nitrogenase activity. On the other hand, B was shown to affect growth specifically. The nitrogen-fixing capacity measured from the increase in total nitrogen in Azolla plants cultured with complete nutrient solution lacking only combined nitrogen, was 6.50 mg N·g-1 (D. W.)·day-1. On the other hand, the acetylene-reducing capacity of the plants was 34.6 μmole C2H4 produced·g-1 (D.W.)·hr-1. These two values are not so different from one another. The very low nitrogen-fixing capacities reported by pioneer workers were found to be raised considerably when the data were recalculated on the basis of the daily increase ratio in growth. Illumination (up to 6,000 lux) of the plants during the period of acetylene reduction, greatly enhanced nitrogen fixation. This effect is discussed in relation to the saturation point in photosynthesis.

Total parenteral nutrition of premature infants. 2. Requirement for micronutrient elements.

James, B. E., Hendry, P. G., and MacMahon, R. A. (1979), Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 67–71. Total parenteral nutrition of premature infants. 2. Requirement for micronutrient elements. By using metabolic balance studies we have investigated the ability of 5 small premature infants, fed intravenously with a formula based on L amino acid isomers, to retain 5 essential micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr).For each element there was a significant correlation between the input and retention and, by analogy with fetal growth, tentative recommendations have been made for the rate of infusion of these elements into very low birthweight infants.

Balance Sheet of Micronutrient Elements and Rate of Depletion in Four Heterogeneous Soils of Tamil Nadu

A pot experiment was conducted with four heterogeneous soils of Tamil Nadu State to determine the effect of continuous cropping and fertilization on Micronutrient availability in soils. Crops were grown continuously, following a fixed crop rotation under four levels of fertility representing low. medium, high and very high levels classi- fied in accordance with the amounts of fertilizers added. An assessment of micronutrient balance was determined after ten crops and the data revealed increasing rate of depletion of micronutrients from the total reserve with increasing doses of fertilizers for all the four heterogeneous soils. This established that the use of high levels of fertilizers tended to cause faster tate of depletion of micro- nutrient elements. irrespective of the nature of soils studied. The rate of depletion of micronutrients followed a set pattern with reference to soils and the sequences of the rate of depletion were arrived at for each one of the micronutrient elements and with reference to soil groups and crops.

Título en español.

Síntomas carenciales, tanto de macro como de microelementos, se indujeron en papayos bajo condiciones controladas de invernadero. Se estudiaron carencias de N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn y B. Las plantas testigo se regaron con una solución completa. Las carencias de N y P redujeron grandemente el crecimiento de las plantas así tratadas, mientras que la ausencia de K y de Ca ocasionó síntomas carenciales muy pronunciados en el follaje. Entre los microelementos, la carencia de boro causó la mayor reducción en el crecimiento de los tallos y desarrollo de raíces. En cambio, la carencia de S, Fe, Mn y Mg no afectó adversamente el crecimiento de tallos y raíces. Las plantas carentes de K, S, Mg, Mn y los testigos florecieron, pero solamente las carentes de potasio y manganeso cuajaron frutas. El contenido en cada uno de los elementos deficitarios, tanto en las hojas como en los tallos de las plantas afectadas, fue considerablemente menor que el correspondiente a los testigos. Los síntomas carenciales que mostraron las plantas carentes de boro se asemejaban mucho a los que caracterizan la enfermedad conocida como "bunchy top", a excepción de que el flujo de latex en este caso no se interrumpió, como sucede en las plantas afectadas por la enfermedad.

Comparison of Modified Montmorillonite to Salts and Chelates as Carrier for Micronutrients for Plants: II. Supply of Iron1

AbstractSymptoms of iron deficiency appear very frequently in the calcareous soils which represent a major part of the agricultural soils of Israel; therefore a search for novel carriers of iron is constantly conducted. Previous studies showed that Cu, Zn, and Mn, attached to modified montmorillonite, can effectively replace salts and chelates as carriers for micronutrient elements for plants.In this research, the effect of iron attached to montmorillonite clay on element uptake and yield of plants was compared to that of commonly used iron sulphate or EDTA and EDDHA chelates. In the greenhouse, beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were grown in two calcareous, (Rendzina), iron deficient soils and were treated with either FeSO4, Fe+3‐EDTA, Fe+3‐EDDHA, or Fe+2 bound to montmorillonite clay. The rates of iron added varied from 15 to 60 mg Fe/kg soil for the salt and 3 to 12 mg Fe/kg soil for the chelates and the clay forms. It was found that Fe+3‐clay and Fe+3 in chelates, added at equivalent rates, supplied iron in comparable amounts; FeSO4, added at the conventional rates which are five to ten times higher than that added as clay‐ and chelate‐bound iron, caused similar or lower uptake and yields. Moreover, the slow release of iron from Fe‐clay, even when supplied in high rates, prevented excessive iron uptake which otherwise, as in the case of the chelate FeEDDHA, interfered with plant development. It is suggested that iron attached to mortmorillonite clay can be used as an efficient source of iron for plants grown in calcareous soils.

Comparison of Modified Montmorillonite to Salts and Chelates as Carrier for Micronutrients for Plants: I. Supply of Copper, Zinc, and Manganese1

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of a novel micronutrient fertilizer, modified montmorillonite clay, to the of the conventionally used salts and chelates as carriers of micronutrients to plants. Three elements — Cu, Zn, and Mn — in combination in various rates, and in three forms, as sulphates, EDTA chelates, or attached to montmorillonite clay, were applied to two micronutrient deficient sandy soils. Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were grown under controlled greenhouse conditions in the treated soils. The application of micronutrient elements, in all of the forms used, significantly increased plant yields. In addition, the supply of micronutrients significantly increased the elemental concentrations of the plants. However the highest concentration of elements found in the plants did not always correspond to the highest yields. Generally the lower levels of addition of combined micronutrients improved the growth conditions considerably and the higher ones were less effective. The clay carrier was similar to the expensive chelates and generally more efficient than the salts in element supply and this resulted in better yield responses. The optimal rate of application of the combined elements for dry yield production in tomato plants in the soils studied appeared to be: 0.5 mg Cu, 1.6 mg Zn, and 2.5 mg Mn per kg of soil for the clay and chelate forms and somewhat higher for the salts.

The Use of Branches as a Basis for the Estimation of the Copper, Zinc, Lead, and Nickel Status of a Forest Stand

An experiment is described which was carried out to examine the feasibility of using 10 years of growth of tree branches as the basis for an estimate of the trace element status of forest trees and stands. The experiment was undertaken to obtain an estimate of trace element status of forest trees (or stands) independent of 'within season' or 'season to season' variations in the chemical composition of the branches. Thirty-six trees, twelve of each of three species (Betulapapyrifera, Populusgrandidentata, Populustremuloides), growing together in a 50 year old mixed wood stand at Chalk River, Ontario were included in the experiment. On the basis of tree growth data and measurements of the content of two micronutrient elements (copper and zinc) and two nonnutrient elements (lead and nickel) in 360 samples of branch material it was concluded that the proposed method of determination of the element status of forest trees (or stands) shows promise, but requires more detailed study before its importance as a method of trace element status estimation can be fully evaluated.

A Survey of the Dietary Attitude of Long-Liveds Inhabitants of Oki Island (Part 1)

The dietary attitude which is so good as to maintain life and active energy at old age needs desirable management of nutrition as well as the proper management of life.The dietary habits of long existing from the past have close relations with man's span of life, and under the influence of both natural and social environments, they have deep relations with man's life and regional environments.The subjects of this survey were long lived persons, 52 men and women, over seventy years old of Oki island, Shimane profecture.The results of their nutrient intake are summarized as follows.The relations between dietary habits and longevity, and the background produced remarkable results were discussed.1) The caloric intake was considerably different among individuals. The protein intake of the men reached the target intake. The energy value of both sex and the protein intake of the women nearly reached the target intake.2) It was made clear that all subjects consumed animal protein by taking fresh-mild taste fishery products. Therefore, the tendency to ward the consumption of animal protein and fat can be said to be desirable.3) On the contrary, the intake of micronutrient elements was fairly low on the whole. A considerable intake is needed.4) There was a marked tendency to eat fish shellfish, seaweeds, vegetables, and pulses, together with a large quantity of rice.5) Consequently, it was revealed that longevity has close relations with both natural and social environments.

Selective Distribution and Labile Pools of Micronutrient Elements as Factors Affecting Plant Uptake

AbstractA study of the selective distribution of the nutrient elements Mn, Fe, Zn, Co, and Cu and plant response for soils from Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, and Florida showed that selective distribution was related to plant response.The labile pool expressed in ppm for the elements Mn, Fe, Zn, Co, and Cu may be plotted against the selective distribution resulting in the best relationship between soil characteristics and plant uptake. It appears that the selective distribution labile pool plot will have universal application as a diagnostic method for assessing the fertility level of Mn, Fe, Zn, Co, and Cu.

Estimation of available copper, iron, manganese and zinc in soils using cation‐exchange resin

AbstractStudies on the extractability of available Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in soils using cation‐exchange resin were carried out. A procedure involving the shaking of 5 g soil with 5 g of resin in 200 ml deionised water for 2 h at 25 ± 1°C followed by colorimetric determination of the micronutrient elements in solution was adopted. This was compared with known chemical extraction methods in the prediction of availability to Phaseolus mungo as test plant. Correlation analysis showed that the method successfully indicated the availability of Cu, Mn and Zn but was not sensitive enough for the prediction of the availability of Fe. The proposed method is simple, convenient and compares favourably with the chemical extractants in the prediction of availability of Cu, Mn and Zn.

Availability of Cu, Zn and Mn in soils: I.—Influence of soil pH, organic matter, and extractable phosphorus

AbstractSamples from Ap horizons of 36 cultivated Wisconsin fields were tested for concurrent availability of Cu, Zn and Mn. The effects of soil pH, organic matter, and available P were evaluated by using four chemical extract ants. Oats were used as the test crop and were grown using a self‐watering pot‐culture technique in a plant‐growth room. The divergent soils had the following averages: pH, 6–4; organic matter, 2–6%; available P, 37 ppm; total Cu, 20 ppm; total Zn, 35 ppm; and total Mn, 631 ppm. Concentrations of the micronutrient elements in plants and soils were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. NPK fertilisation resulted in greater plant uptake of Cu, Zn and Mn. Significant interactions between the soil properties and the different chemical fractions influenced the plant uptake of each micro‐element; interactions between Cu, Zn and Mn in the same chemical fraction also influenced their individual uptake. Copper uptake was best predicted by inclusion particularly of soil pH, or the same chemical fractions of Zn and Mn in the regression equation; Zn uptake by inclusion of soil organic matter and available P, Mn uptake, or the chemical fractions of Cu and Mn; and Mn uptake by inclusion of available P, Cu chemical fraction, or Zn uptake in the equation. The extractants N ammonium acetate (pH 7) 10 · 01 M EDTA and 0·1 N‐HCI show promise in soil tests for the simultaneous availability of Cu, Zn and Mn.

Micronutrient needs ‐ which, where, on what ‐ in the United States

Abstract A summary of four micronutrient surveys conducted between the years 1961 and 1967 revealed that one or more of the six micronutrient elements are recommended in every state. Micronutrient recommendations may be found for all the major field, forage, vegetable, fruit and nut crops grown in the United States. Forty‐three .states recognize and make recommendations for B, 16 for Cu, 23 for Fe, 31 for Mn, 24 for Mo and 39 for Zn. Most of the recognized micronutrient deficiencies occur in specific areas and on specific crops. Cu seems to be the only micronutrient for which this is not true. The tonnage of all micronutrient fertilizers sold in 1968 represents only 0.25% of the total NPK tonnage, although its dollar value is about 2% of total dollar value of all NPK fertilizers sold.

Essential Micronutrient Elements : Biochemistry and Changes in Liver Disorders

Essential Micronutrient Elements : Biochemistry and Changes in Liver Disorders

The effect of nutrient deficiencies on phosynthesis and respiration in spinach

Spinach plants were grown in nutrient-culture solutions containing reduced levels of all the macro- and micro-nutrient elements except cobalt and chlorine. The rates of photosynthesis (carbon dioxide fixation in the light expressed on a per unit chlorophyll or per unit fresh-weight basis) and respiration (carbon dioxide evolution in the dark expressed on a per unit nitrogen or per unit fresh-weight basis) for whole plants were measured using infra-red gas analysis techniques. Measurements were made when the plants displayed clear symptoms of deficiency relative to control plants. All nutrient deficiencies except iron and molybdenum depressed photosynthesis when chlorophyll was the basis of calculation; manganese-, copper-, phosphorus- and potassium-deficient plants showed the greatest depression. Alternatively when photosynthesis was calculated on a fresh weight basis calcium was the only deficiency which had no affect. Similarly when respiration was calculated on a nitrogen basis all deficiencies except iron, molybdenum and nitrogen result in depressed rates but when respiration was expressed on a fresh-weight basis potassium deficiency resulted in enhanced respiration rates and nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, manganese, zinc and molybdenum deficiencies resulted in reduced respiration rates.

Estimation the Presence of Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Indian Herbal Cosmetics by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

Heavy metals are identically Pb, Cd and micronutrients elements like Ca, Mg, Al, Cu and Zn were quantitatively estimated using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). Similarly, heavy metals such as As and Hg were quantitatively estimated by Hydride Generation Technique i.e. Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry method expending nitrogen as carrier gas in 30 herbal cosmetic preparations available in Indian markets. The results designate that among the toxic heavy metals. In the present study, Arsenic was found significantly well below the permissible limit, but Cd was found above the permissible limit in the all samples. Trace elements like Ca and Mg were found in higher amount than compare to Al, Cu, and Zn. Presence of trace elements can corroborate to be beneficial but existence of toxic heavy metals in such amounts certainly has adverse effects on the consumer health who always take the herbal products in an impression of being safe because of the natural origin. In conclusion, execution of strict and isolated regulatory guidelines and promotion of Good Analytical Practice (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Agricultural and Control Practices (GACP) is suggested for herbal cosmetics by WHO and other regulatory agencies. This study presents the status of heavy metals and trace elements in marketed herbal cosmetic formulations and provides a simple and convenient AAS method which can effectively be adopted at Industrial level for the quality control and standardization of herbal cosmetic preparations and other related products.

A METHOD OF WATER CULTURE FOR EXPERIMENTS WITH MICRONUTRIENT ELEMENTS

SUMMARY A water culture method is described by which the nutrient solution remains completely free of materials which may release any traces of micronutrient elements into the solution.

Nutrition of Cosmarium turpinii

A defined medium for Cosmarium turpinii Bréb. was established. The optimal concentrations of major elements (Ca, N, P, S, and Mg) were detemiined, with the calcium level found to be most demanding. Iron, boron, and manganese were found to be essential micronutrient elements. Vitamin B(12) is also required, eitber as the planar group of cyanocobalamin alone or with adenine or benziniizole derivatives. Survival of cells during plateau pbase of growth can be extended by tbe addition of eitber 10(-3) M urea, isoleucine, or glycine.

Sodium as an essential micronutrient element for some higher plants

Twenty-three species of higher plants were tested for their responses to 0.1 me/l Na2SO4 when added to their culture solutions which contained only 0.08 µe/l Na after purification of the salts and water. All the 9 Australian species ofAtriplex developed characteristic sodium-deficiency symptoms similar to those previously observed inAtriplex vesicaria and their dry-weight yields increased significantly on receiving sodium. Sodium increased the dry-weight significantly in one of the four species ofAtriplex not indigenous to Australia but deficiency symptoms were not observed. A significant dry-weight response to sodium was obtained inHordeum vulgare cv. ‘Pallidium’. No other species, even in Chenopodiaceae, responded to sodium under the conditions of the experiments. It is concluded that they either have no sodium requirement or their requirement is so small that they obtained adequate sodium for normal growth and development in these trials.