Root deformation affects mineral nutrition but not leaf gas exchange and growth of Genipa americana seedlings during the recovery phase after soil flooding

Abstract Root deformation (RD) caused by errors in the pricking out process are irreversible and very difficult to detect in container-grown seedlings at the time of planting in the field. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of RD on leaf gas exchange, growth, biomass allocation and mineral nutrition of G. americana seedlings during the recovery phase after soil flooding. Four-months-old seedlings, with and without RD, were flooded for 42 days and their recovery was evaluated 28 days after soil drainage. There were no significant interactions between RD and soil flooding for all leaf gas exchange, growth and mineral nutrition after soil drainage, with the exception of leaf P concentrations. In plants with no RD, the P concentration in leaves of non-flooded plants was significantly higher than that of plants with RD. Soil flooding and RD did not influence leaf or root N concentrations or whole-plant N content. RD increased the K concentration in the roots, but not in the leaves. Changes in the nutrient concentrations in leaves and roots indicate that RD may affect physiological performance of seedlings after planting in the field.

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Changes in nutrient concentrations and leaf gas exchange parameters in banana plantlets under gradual soil moisture depletion

Scientia Horticulturae ◽

10.1016/j.scienta.2008.12.002 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 120 (4) ◽

pp. 460-466 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Jalel Mahouachi

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Gas Exchange ◽

Leaf Gas Exchange ◽

Nutrient Concentrations ◽

Gas Exchange Parameters ◽

Exchange Parameters

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Physiological and Nutritional Responses of ‘HB’ Pummelo [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck ‘Hirado Buntan’] to the Combined Effects of Low pH Levels and Boron Deficiency

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci14708-19 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 55 (4) ◽

pp. 449-456

Author(s):

Gaofeng Zhou ◽

Bixian Li ◽

Jianmei Chen ◽

Fengxian Yao ◽

Guan Guan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gas Exchange ◽

Southern China ◽

Leaf Gas Exchange ◽

Mineral Nutrients ◽

Low Ph ◽

Stress Factors ◽

Mineral Nutrient ◽

Nutrient Concentrations ◽

Boron Deficiency ◽

Combined Effects

Soil acidification and boron (B) starvation are two dominant abiotic stress factors impacting citrus production in the red soil region of southern China. To evaluate the combined effects of low pH and B deficiency on plant growth, gas exchange parameters, and the concentrations of B and other mineral nutrients, ‘HB’ pummelo seedlings were treated under B deficiency (0 μM H3BO3) or adequate B (23 μM H3BO3) conditions at various low pH levels (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0). The seedlings were grown with modified half-strength Hoagland’s solution under greenhouse conditions for 12 weeks. Plant biomass, leaf area, seedling height, and root traits were remarkably inhibited by low pH and B deficiency stresses, and these parameters were extremely reduced with the decrease in pH levels. After 12 weeks of treatment, typical stress symptoms associated with B deficiency in citrus leaf were observed, with more severe symptoms observed at pH 4.0 and 5.0 than at pH 6.0. Leaf gas exchange parameter measurements showed that leaf photosynthesis was significantly inhibited under both low pH and B-deficient conditions. Notably, the lower the pH level, the greater the inhibition under both normal and deficient B conditions. Further investigations of the mineral nutrient concentrations showed that under both low pH and B deficiency, the concentrations of B and other mineral nutrients were influenced remarkably, particularly at pH 4.0 and 5.0. The physiological and nutritional results of the ‘HB’ pummelo seedlings indicated that low pH can exacerbate the effects of B deficiency to a certain extent.

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