The effect of increasing micronutrient levels on buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) was investigated. Seedling plants established in peat-lite mix in 10-cm pots were irrigated with solutions containing 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 mM of boron (B), chloride (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), or zinc (Zn). The control solution contained (in μM): 20 B, 0.5 Cu, 40 Fe, 10 Mn, 0.5 Mo and 4 Zn. A standard macronutrient concentration was used for all treatment solutions. Boron and Mo induced visual toxicity symptoms more readily than other micronutrients. Boron toxicity was characterized by chlorosis often accompanied by bleached leaf tips, while Mo toxicity resulted in leaf necrosis. The lowest levels that induced foliar toxicity symptoms were: 0.5 mM B, 2 mM Cu, 4 mM Fe, 6 mM Mn, 1 mM Mo, and 4 mM Zn. Chloride did not induce foliar abnormalities in the concentration range tested. Biomass yield was reduced when the nutrient solution contained 2 mM B, 8 mM Cu, 2 mM Mo, or 12 mM Zn. Elevated levels of Cl, Fe and Mn did not alter dry matter yield. Tissue concentrations of micronutrients were also determined.
Read full abstract