Nutrient Solution pH Research Articles

Micronutrient concentration in potato clones with distinct physiological sensitivity to Al stress

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of aluminum (Al) on the zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) concentrations in four potato clones (Macaca and Dakota Rose: both Al-sensitive clones; and SMIC148-A and Solanum microdontum: both Al-tolerant-clones), grown in a nutrient solution (pH 4.00) with 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200mg Al L-1. Root Zn and Fe concentrations decreased linearly with the increase of Al levels in Macaca, SMIC148-A and Dakota Rose and increased linearly in S. microdontum. Shoot Zn concentration showed a quadratic relationship with Al in S. microdontum and SMIC148-A, but a curvilinear response in Dakota Rose. Shoot Fe concentration showed a quadratic relationship with Al in S. microdontum, SMIC148-A and Dakota Rose. Root Mn concentration decreased linearly in Macaca and SMIC148-A, and increased linearly in S. microdontum with Al levels. Mn concentration showed a quadratic relationship with Al in roots of Dakota Rose and in shoot of SMIC148-A, and increased curvilinearly with Al levels in shoot of Dakota Rose. In shoot, there was no alteration in Zn, Fe and Mn in Macaca and Mn concentration in S. microdontum. Roots and shoot Cu concentration increased linearly in Dakota Rose, and showed quadratic relationship with Al in Macaca. Roots Cu concentration showed a quadratic relationship with Al levels in S. microdontum and SMIC148-A. Shoot Cu concentration increased linearly in S. microdontum, and decreased linearly in SMIC148-A. Therefore, the excessive Al accumulation affected the uptake and distribution of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu in roots and shoot of potato clones.The response of shoot Cu concentration to Al was less altered in the Al-tolerant clones than was in Al-sensitive clones. Aluminum tolerance in S. microdontum may be connected with greater levels of Zn, Fe and Mn in the roots.

Influence of pH, nutrient solution disinfestation and antagonists application in a closed soilless system on severity of fusarium wilt of gerbera

Three trials were carried out during the years 2002–2005 at the Agricultural Experimental Center of Albenga (northern Italy) on gerbera plants grown in a closed soilless system. The efficacy of slow sand filtration and UV treatment in eliminatingFusarium oxysporum f.sp.chrysanthemi (Foc) propagules, naturally present or artificially added to the recirculating nutrient solution, was evaluated. These techniques were tested alone and in combination with the application into the soilless system of different antagonistic strains ofFusarium spp. andTrichoderma spp., isolated from gerbera rhizosphere, and of a commercial formulation ofStreptomyces griseoviridis. The role of the nutrient solution pH in reducingFoc infections was also evaluated. Results showed that slow sand filtration, alone and in combination with the application of biocontrol agents, and a nutrient solution pH higher than 6.0, may induce a significant reduction inFoc infections on gerbera plants grown in closed soilless systems.

Effect of interactions between carbon dioxide enrichment and NH 4 + /NO 3 − ratio on pH of culturing nutrient solution, growth and vigor of tomato root system

A growth chamber experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of NH4+/NO3− ratio and elevated CO2 concentration on the pH in nutrient solution, growth and root vigor system of tomato seedling roots, which attempts to understand whether the elevated CO2 concentration can alleviate the harmful effects of higher NH4+-N concentration in nutrient solutions on the tomato root system. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. var. Hezuo 906) was grown in pots with nutrient solutions varying in NH4+/NO3− ratio (0:1, 1:3, 1:1, 3:1 and 1:0) and the growth chambers were supplied with ambient (360 μL·L−1) or elevated CO2 concentration (720 μL·L−1). The results showed that the pH changed with the growth process and CO2 concentration increased. At both CO2 levels, pH increased when 100% NO3−-N was supplied and decreased in other treatments. The pH decrease in the nutrient solution was directly correlated to the NH4+-N proportion. The pH value was more reduced in 100% NH4+-N nutrient solution than increased in the 100% NO3−-N nutrient solution. CO2 enrichment increased the dry weight of shoots and roots, root vigor system, total absorbing area and active absorbing area of tomato seedlings. All the measurement indexes above were increased in the elevated CO2 concentration treatment with the NO3− proportion increase in the nutrient solutions. Thus, under the elevated CO2 concentration, the dry weights of shoots and roots, root vigor system, total root absorbing area and active absorbing area were found to be inversely correlated to NH4+/NO3− ratio, leading to about 65.8%, 78.0%, 18.9%, 12.9% and 18.9% increase, respectively, compared with that under the ambient CO2 concentration. Our results indicated that tomato seedling roots may benefit mostly from CO2 enrichment when 100% NO3−-N nutrient solutions was supplied, but the CO2 concentration elevation did not alleviate the harmful effects when 100% NH4+-N was supplied.

Influência genotípica na absorção e na toxidez de manganês em soja

A toxidez de Mn pode ser um problema comum nas regiões tropicais com predominância de solos ácidos. Entretanto, variações das concentrações desse nutriente nas plantas têm sido atribuídas também a diferenças inter e intra-específicas. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação e teve como objetivo avaliar as causas de tolerância diferencial à toxidez de Mn. Os cultivares de soja [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Santa Rosa, IAC-15 e IAC-Foscarin 31 foram cultivados em solução nutritiva (pH 5,0) com cinco doses de Mn (2, 100, 150, 200 e 250 µmol L-1). O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos completos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 5 x 3 (cinco doses de Mn e três cultivares), com três repetições. Os cultivares IAC-15 e Santa Rosa exibiram sintomas visuais de toxidez. As concentrações nas folhas associadas ao excesso foram de 1.000 mg kg-1. Entretanto, o IAC-15 apresentou maior produção de grãos e de matéria seca da parte aérea, acompanhado pelo IAC-Foscarin 31 (intermediário) e Santa Rosa (menor produção). O maior comprimento total de raízes, as maiores produções de matéria seca de raízes e o acúmulo de Mn neste tecido, bem como a maior compartimentalização deste nutriente no apoplasto, conferiram ao IAC-Foscarin 31 maior tolerância ao excesso de Mn na solução. Há, pois, indicações de diferenças genotípicas entre os cultivares e de que vários mecanismos atuam conjuntamente na tolerância ao excesso de Mn em solução.

Physiological and oxidative stress responses of four potato clones to aluminum in nutrient solution

Aluminum toxicity is a serious problem in Brazilian soils and selecting potato clones is an important strategy to produce this crop on these kinds of soils. Potato clones, Macaca, SMIC148-A, Dakota Rose, and Solanum microdontum, were grown in a nutrient solution (pH 4.0) with 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg Al L-1. After 7 d, Al concentration in both root system and shoot of all clones increased linearly with increasing Al levels. Based on relative root growth, S. microdontum and SMIC148-A were considered Al-tolerant clones, whereas Macaca and Dakota Rose were considered Al-sensitive. Shoot growth in Macaca linearly decreased with increasing Al levels. Root H2O2 concentration in both Al-sensitive clones increased with increasing Al supply, whereas in Al-tolerant clones it either decreased (SMIC148-A) or demonstrated no alteration (S. microdontum). Shoot H2O2 concentration increased linearly in Macaca, whereas for Dakota Rose it showed a quadratic relationship with Al levels. On the other hand, shoot H2O2 concentration in the Al-tolerant clones either demonstrated no alteration (S. microdontum) or presented lower levels (SMIC148-A). Root catalase (CAT) activity in both Al-sensitive clones increased with increasing Al levels, whereas in Al-tolerant clones it either demonstrated no alteration (SMIC148-A) or presented lower levels (S. microdontum). Shoot CAT activity in the S. microdontum increased curvilinearly with increasing Al levels. In all potato clones, chlorophyll concentration showed a curvilinear response to Al supply, where in Al-sensitive clones it decreased upon addition of Al exceeding 100 mg L-1, but in SMIC148-A it increased at levels between approximately 100 and 150 mg L-1, and decreased in S. microdontum regardless of the Al level. Carotenoid concentrations in the Al-sensitive clones were linearly decreased with increasing Al levels. Aluminum supply caused root lipid peroxidation only in the Al-sensitive clones, whereas in the shoot it increased linearly in the Al-sensitive clones and in S. microdontum it only increased at around 50 mg L-1. Most of root protein oxidation was only observed in the Al-sensitive clones. However, shoot protein oxidation was increased with increasing Al levels for all potato clones. These results indicate that oxidative stress caused by Al in potato may harm several components of the cell, mainly in Al-sensitive clones.

The ratio of germanium to silicon in plant phytoliths: quantification of biological discrimination under controlled experimental conditions

Slight differences in the chemical behavior of germanium (Ge) and silicon (Si) during soil weathering enable Ge/Si ratios to be used as a tracer of Si pathways. Mineral weathering and biogenic silicon cycling are the primary modifiers of Ge/Si ratios, but knowledge of the biogenic cycling component is based on relatively few studies. We conducted two sets of greenhouse experiments in order to better quantify the range and variability in Ge discrimination by plants. Graminoid species commonly found in North American grassland systems, Agropyron smithii, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Andropogon gerardii were grown under controlled hydroponic environmental conditions. Silicon leaf contents were positively correlated with solution Si and ambient temperature but not with nutrient solution pH, electrical conductivity, or species. The Ge/Si ratio incorporated into phytoliths shows a distribution coefficient [(Ge/Si)phytolith/(Ge/Si)solution] of about 0.2 and is remarkably invariant between species, photosynthetic pathway, and solution temperature. Ge seems to be discriminated against during the uptake and translocation of Si to the opal deposition sites by about a factor of five. In the second experiment, a wider range of graminoid species (Agropyron smithii, Bouteloua gracilis, Buchloe dactyloides, Oryzopsis hymenoides, Schizachyrium scoparium and Andropogon gerardii) were grown in two different soil mediums. Plant phytoliths showed a distribution factor of about 0.4 for field grown grasses, and 0.6 for potting soil grown grasses with no clear trends among the species. Evidence of the direction and degree of biological Ge discrimination during plant uptake provides a geochemical finger print for plants and improves the utility of Ge/Si ratios in studies of terrestrial weathering and links between Si cycles in terrestrial and marine systems.

RESPONSE OF ASIATIC LILY (LILIUM × HYBRIDA) 'ZSA ZSA' TO CONCENTRATION OF UREA IN A CLOSED SOILLESS CULTURE

RESPONSE OF ASIATIC LILY (LILIUM × HYBRIDA) 'ZSA ZSA' TO CONCENTRATION OF UREA IN A CLOSED SOILLESS CULTURE

L-DOPA Increases Lignification Associated with Glycine max Root Growth-Inhibition

L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L: -DOPA), an allelochemical exuded from the roots of velvet bean [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis], presents a highly inhibitory action to plant growth. The effects of L-DOPA on phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) and peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) activities, and phenolic compound and lignin content in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] roots were investigated to determine the possible phytotoxic mechanism. Three-day-old seedlings were cultivated in half-strength Hoagland nutrient solution (pH 6.0), without or with 0.1 to 1.0 mM L-DOPA in a growth chamber (25 degrees C, 12-hr light to 12-hr darkness photoperiod, irradiance of 280 micromol m-2 s-1) for 24 hr. In general, the length, fresh weight, and dry weight of the roots decreased, whereas PAL and POD activities and phenolic compound and lignin content increased after L-DOPA treatments. Results showed the susceptibility of soybean to L-DOPA and reinforce the role of this nonprotein amino acid as a strong allelochemical. The present findings also suggest that L-DOPA-induced inhibition in soybean roots may be because of a cell wall stiffening process related to the formation of cross-linking between cell wall polymers linked to lignin production.

Electrical Conductivity and pH Prediction in a Recirculated Nutrient Solution of a Greenhouse Soilless Rose Crop

ABSTRACT The influence of nutrient solution (1) mixing rate, and (2) time of use on pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of a recirculated nutrient solution used for the irrigation of a greenhouse soilless rose crop was studied. Measurements of microclimate variables, pH, and EC of nutrient solutions and crop transpiration were conducted. The measurements of pH and EC values of nutrient solutions mixed with different mixing rates and applied for crop fertigation were used to develop and calibrate a model for pH and EC prediction in relation to nutrient-solution mixing rate and time of use. Application of the calibrated model gave satisfactory results. It was found that nutrient solutions with high mixing rates or volume equal to or double that of the total water consumed by the canopy during the conservation period had the most stable EC evolution and minimal pH changes.

Influence of Ammonium and Nitrate Nutrition on Plant Growth and Zinc Accumulation by Indian Mustard

ABSTRACT The source of nitrogen (N) used in soil fertility practices affects plant growth, nutrient absorption, and the availability of nutrients. Consequently, the potential of plants to extract zinc (Zn) from soils may be increased by controlling the ratio of NH4 + to NO3 − to maximize growth and Zn accumulation. The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of Zn supply and different molar ratios of NH4 + to NO3 − on growth and Zn accumulation in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea Czern.). In a factorial experiment with solution culture, Indian mustard (accession 182921) was supplied with two concentrations of Zn (0.05 and 4.0 mg L−1) in combination with six N treatments with different molar percentage ratios of NH4 + to NO3 − (0:100, 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50) for three weeks. Zinc supplied at 0.05 mg Zn L−1 represented a common concentration of Zn in solution culture, whereas 4.0 mg Zn L−1 was excessive for plant nutrition. If the supply of Zn in solution was excessive, plants developed symptoms of foliar chlorosis, which became severe if plants were supplied with 80% of N as NO3 −. Supplying high proportions of NO3 − in the nutrient medium stimulated Zn accumulation, whereas increasing proportions of NH4 + (up to 50% of the total N) enhanced shoot growth. The pH of nutrient solutions generally decreased with increasing proportion of NH4 + in solutions and with increased Zn supply. The Zn phytoextraction potential of Indian mustard was maximized, at about 15 mg Zn plant−1, if plants received 10% of the total N as NH4 + and 90% as NO3 −.

Nutrient Solution and Solution pH Influences on Onion Growth and Mineral Content

ABSTRACT The effects of hydroponic nutrient solution composition and pH on growth and mineral content of green onions was evaluated. Three onion varieties [Allium cepa L. (‘Deep Purple’ and ‘Purplette’) and A. fistulosum L. (‘Kinka’)] were propagated in three nutrient solutions (Peter's Hydro-Sol, modified Hoagland's, and half-strength modified Hoagland's) at two pH levels (5.8 and 6.5) in a three-by-two factorial design applied in a randomized block with three replications. Seeds were germinated in Cropking's Oasis Horticubes under greenhouse conditions and irrigated with tap water. Once the seedlings reached the flag stage, the plants were placed into hydroponic units within the greenhouse and grown under ambient conditions. Plants were harvested 30 d after transplanting to the hydroponic units. The results indicated nutrient solution, pH, and variety significantly affected several plant physiological variables. Total biomass and edible biomass production was as high for plants grown in half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution as for those grown in the other solutions. Total biomass was greatest for plants grown at a solution pH of 6.5. ‘Deep Purple’ produced a significantly greater overall total biomass than did ‘Purplette’ or ‘Kinka.’ Hydro-Sol tended to produce onions with highest mineral content. Due to the fact that biomass production was as great in the half-strength Hoagland's as in the more concentrated solution and that a pH of 6.5 produced greater total biomass, the half-strength Hoagland's solution at pH 6.5 was the preferred nutrient solution evaluated in this research. Selection of an appropriate nutrient solution must consider both edible biomass production and mineral content. In the research reported here, the solution that produced the greatest biomass did not produce plant material with the highest mineral content.

Influence of Inorganic Nitrogen and pH on the Elongation of Maize Seminal Roots

Root absorption and assimilation of inorganic nitrogen usually alters rhizosphere pH, but the immediate influence of such pH changes on root elongation as well as that of exogenous inorganic nitrogen itself has been uncertain. A differential extensiometer that monitored on a real-time, continuous basis root elongation in an intact 3-d-old maize plant was developed. Treatments included root media at pH 6.5 or 5.6 that lacked nitrogen and ones at pH 6.5 that contained 100 mmol m(-3) NH(4)(+) or NO(3)(-). Acidifying the root medium from pH 6.5 to 5.6 nearly doubled the elasticity of the seminal root, but slightly decreased its elongation. Plasticity of the root apex was not detectable in all treatments. The presence of ammonium or nitrate in the medium stimulated elongation by 29 % or 14 %, respectively. Addition of an osmoticum to the medium had no effect on root elongation in the absence of inorganic nitrogen, but diminished the stimulation of elongation in the presence of ammonium and nitrate. This indicates that these ions or their by-products serve partially as osmolytes. In nutrient solution, root elongation of a maize seedling--even one with ample nitrogen reserves--depended most strongly on exogenous inorganic nitrogen, and less so, if at all, on either the pH of the bulk nutrient solution or the mechanical properties of cell walls.

Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Research Under Controlled Conditions: Basic Principles and Methodology

ABSTRACT In modern agriculture, use of essential plant nutrients in adequate amounts and proper balance is one of the key components in increasing crop yields. Further, in developing crop production technologies, research work under field and controlled conditions is necessary to generate basic and applied information. In addition, research is very dynamic and complex due to variation in climatic, soil, and plant factors and their interactions. This demands that basic research information can only be obtained under controlled conditions to avoid or reduce effects of environmental factors on treatments. Hence, the objective of this article is to discuss basic principles and methodologies of research in soil fertility and mineral nutrition under controlled conditions. Topics discussed are soil and solution culture experimental techniques including, fertilizer application and planting, liming acid soils, experimental duration and observations, composition of nutrient solutions, preparation and sources of iron (Fe) in nutrient solutions, pH of nutrient solutions, and stable supply of nutrients in the solution culture.

(303) Challenges of Organic Hydroponic Production of Strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa)

Feasible protocols for organic hydroponic production of strawberry are necessary and this study compares the yield and fruit quality of organic and conventional inorganic hydroponic production. Some issues identified with organic hydroponic strawberry production are: 1) dominant ammonium nitrogen form; 2) solution alkalinity; and 3) dissolved oxygen level of nutrient solution. Eighty bare-rooted `Diamante' plantlets were planted in coconut fiber pots with a mixture of coconut coir (30%) and perlite (70%) and grown in a modified nutrient film technique system inside a polycarbonate greenhouse. The organic nutrient solution contains mostly ammonium nitrogen and little nitrate nitrogen. To enhance colonization and activities of nitrifying bacteria, coconut fiber mats were placed in the organic nutrient solution reservoir. A similar system was also introduced for stock solution pre-conditioning where nitrification and pH stabilization were achieved before application to the strawberry plantlets. The organic nutrient solution prior to pre-conditioning had only 1.53 mg·L-1 nitrate nitrogen, although the nitrate nitrogen level increased to 63.2 mg·L-1 after pre-conditioning. The organic nutrient solution pH was 4.5 initially, 8.5 after 24 hours of pre-conditioning, and finally, shifted to and stabilized at 5.7–5.9 after 3 days. Dissolved oxygen level is critical for both nitrifying bacteria activities and plantlet root growth; therefore, oxygen enrichment was achieved by constantly aerating the nutrient solution in the reservoir, which raised the oxygen level from 2.5 to 7.4 mg·L-1. Comparisons of yield and quality of strawberry fruits between organic and inorganic nutrient solutions will be presented and further improvements of hydroponic systems will be discussed.

Capacidade de cultivares de arroz de modificar o pH de soluções nutritivas na presença de alumínio

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do alumínio sobre a capacidade das cultivares de arroz Fernandes (tolerante) e Maravilha (sensível) de modificar o pH de soluções nutritivas com diferentes proporções de NO3-/NH4+ . Após exposição das plantas ao Al (0 mM e 1,5 mM), durante 15 dias, foram determinados: quantidade de prótons exsudados, alongamento, produção de matéria seca e teor de Al nas raízes e folhas. O alongamento e produção de matéria seca, de raízes e folhas, se reduziram em presença de Al, independentemente da proporção NO3-/NH4+ , e essas reduções se intensificaram com o aumento na concentração de NH4+. Os teores de Al aumentaram nas raízes e folhas, com aumento na concentração de NH4+ na solução nutritiva. Houve forte alcalinização da solução nutritiva com nitrogênio exclusivamente na forma de NO3-, que se reduziu em presença de Al. Em soluções nutritivas com NH4+, ao contrário, observou-se acidificação, que se intensificou com aumento na concentração de NH4+. A cultivar tolerante sempre consumiu mais prótons da solução nutritiva com N exclusivamente na forma de NO3-, e menos prótons daquela que continha NH4+, independentemente da proporção NO3-/NH4+ . Essa cultivar foi, portanto, capaz de ajustar seu balanço de prótons e modificou o pH para valores que favoreciam menor absorção e maior tolerância ao alumínio.

Control of nutrient solutions for studies at high pH

Little is known about factors effecting plant growth at high pH, with research often limited by the inability to separate nutritional deficiencies and HCO3- toxicity from the direct limitations imposed under high pH conditions. Various methods of controlling dilute nutrient solutions for studies at high pH were investigated. For short-term studies, it was found that a solution without Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and aerated with CO2 depleted air, greatly reduced nutrient precipitation at high pH, thus eliminating nutritional differences between treatments. Manual pH adjustment and the use of ion exchange resins as pH buffers were unsuitable methods of pH control. However, pH control by automated titration had little effect on solution composition while maintaining constant pH. The system described is suitable for studies in which the pH of the bulk nutrient solution must be maintained. The system was used to examine OH- toxicity in mungbeans (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek cv. Emerald), with root length reduced at a bulk solution pH of 8.5 and greater.

Effect of Verticillium dahliae, pH, rootstocks and different sources of iron application on the chlorophyll and iron concentration in the leaves of peach trees

The aim of this study was to examine inexpensive techniques to control iron chlorosis. It was found that soil applications with Fe-EDDHA, FeSO4, K2SO4, KNO3, citric acid, Agrobiosol and FeSO4 + cow manure significantly increased the leaf iron concentration 90 days after application. Increased iron concentrations were found only in the leaves of trees supplied with K2SO4 and FeSO4 + 11–15–15, 150 days after application. Foliar applications with Micro-A-Fe, FeSO4, Micro-A-Fe + FeSO4, Mix Fyt + FeSO4, Biomin, Lysodin, FeSO4 + citric acid, FeSO4 + NH2CONH2 + citric acid, FeSO4 + KNO3 + citric acid increased significantly the leaf iron concentration 150 days after application. This study also investigated the effect of pH (in nutrient solution), rootstocks and Verticillium dahliae on iron chlorosis. The response of peach rootstocks was dependent on the pH — the highest iron concentration was found at pH 4 and the lowest at pH 7. Data were also obtained on the susceptibility of the important for the peach industry rootsocks to iron chlorosis. The rootstock St. Julien 655/2 had the highest iron concentration, while no significant differences were found between the rootstocks GF677, MRS 2/5, Seedling and Antafuel the lowest. Verticillium dahliae had no affect on the chlorophyll concentration of peach trees.

Aluminium-induced changes in the profiles of both organic acids and phenolic substances underlie Al tolerance in Rumex acetosa L.

The common sorrel, Rumex acetosa L. is well adapted to acid mineral soils with high availability of phytotoxic Al species. The mechanisms of Al resistance in this species are not established. Our goal was to assess the possible implications of organic acids and phenolic substances in Al detoxification in roots and shoots of this plant. R. acetosa plants were exposed in nutrient solution (pH 4.3) to a non-growth reducing Al concentration of 50 μM Al for 5 days. Exclusion of Al from root tips was visualized by haematoxylin staining. Tissue Al and Ca concentrations were analysed by ICP ES. Root and shoot concentrations of organic acids and phenolic substances were analysed by HPLC. A time-dependent (model II type) Al exclusion pattern in root tips was observed. Nonetheless, high Al concentrations accumulated in roots (1170 μg/g) and shoots (275 μg/g). Aluminium supply enhanced root citrate concentrations but decreased shoot organic acid levels. Aluminium induced high levels of anthraquinone in roots and of catechol, catechin and rutin in shoots. Aluminium resistance in R. acetosa implies both exclusion of Al from root tips and tolerance to high Al tissue concentrations. Citrate in roots and phenolics in shoots may bind Al in non-toxic form. Anthraquinones, as strong antioxidants, may play a role in a general defence response to the root stress.

CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION OF COMPLEX AND SIMPLIFIED TOMATO GROWTH MODELS FOR CONTROL PURPOSES IN THE SOUTHEAST OF SPAIN

CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION OF COMPLEX AND SIMPLIFIED TOMATO GROWTH MODELS FOR CONTROL PURPOSES IN THE SOUTHEAST OF SPAIN

A sand–solution culture technique used to observe the effect of calcium and pH on root hair and cortical stages of infection byPlasmodiophora brassicae

A technique that enables observation of primary and secondary stages of the life cycle of Plasmodiophora brassicae in brassica roots is described. Brassica seeds were sown directly into 5 mL pippette tips containing an acid-washed, coarse, mixed-grade sand. These were suspended in a buffered nutrient solution (pH 5.5,6.5, 7.5 or 8.0) containing 2.5, 5, 10 or 20 iriM calcium that moved up the tube by capillary action. Seedlings were inoculated when the cotyledons were fully expanded. Ten days after inoculation, primary (root hair) stages of infection were observed in up to 84% of root hairs. The effect of calcium on the development of P. brassicae in the root hairs was dependent on pH. At low pH (5.5), a significant delay in the developmental progress of the pathogen was observed only at the highest level of added calcium (20 mM). At intermediate pH (6.5), all calcium amendments caused a significant delay in the developmental progress of the pathogen. As pH increased to pH 8.0, the number of infected roots and the effect of calcium amendment decreased. Several secondary plasmodia were evident in the cortex at the lowest pH (5.5) and root galls were subsequently observed, mainly on plants grown at pH 5.5 and 6.5. This technique should prove useful for studying the life history of P. brassicae and mechanisms of control and resistance.