scholarly journals Nodulation and Growth of Alnus nitida and Alnus maritima Inoculated with Species-specific and Nonspecific Frankia

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-34
Author(s):  
James A. Schrader ◽  
William R. Graves
Keyword(s):  
Dry Weight ◽  
Washington State ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
N Content ◽  
Native Prairie ◽  
Inoculation Techniques ◽  
Alnus Maritima ◽  
Prairie Soil ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Actinorhizal Species

Abstract Actinorhizal plants form N2-fixing symbioses with soil-borne bacteria of the genus Frankia. Potential exists for development of sustainable, actinorhizal nursery crops that obtain most of their required N through N2 fixation, but information on host-symbiont specificity, presence of compatible Frankia in soils, and techniques to inoculate during plant production is lacking. Our objectives were to determine the effect of inoculum type and source and the effect of supplemental N on nodulation, growth, and N content of two actinorhizal species, Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl. and Alnus maritima (Marsh.) Muhl. ex Nutt. Plants of both species were subjected to one of four inoculum treatments (two crushed-nodule inocula: species-specific and cross inoculation, and two soil inocula: soil collected beneath native Alnus rubra Bong. in Washington state and native prairie soil from Iowa), were supplied fertilizer with or without N, and were grown in a greenhouse for 22 weeks. Inoculated plants nodulated, grew larger and faster, and accrued greater N content than uninoculated controls in both fertilizer treatments. Plants that received species-specific inoculum grew larger, acquired more dry weight from symbioses, and accumulated higher N content than cross-inoculated plants. Plants of A. nitida inoculated with soil from Washington state grew larger and accumulated more dry weight from symbioses than those inoculated with prairie soil, but A. maritima grew similarly with soil inoculum from both sources. Our results demonstrate that A. nitida and A. maritima can benefit from N2-fixing symbiosis during production and that potential exists for development of superior inocula and inoculation techniques.

Species-specific fertilization can benefit container nursery crop production

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Jane Clark ◽  
Youbin Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Canopy Area ◽  
Weigela Florida ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Container Nursery

Clark, M. J. and Zheng, Y. 2015. Species-specific fertilization can benefit container nursery crop production. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 251–262. To determine the responses of six container-grown shrub species to different controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) application rates, plant growth and root-zone traits were evaluated following fertilization with Polyon® 16–6–13, 5–6 month CRF incorporated at 0.60, 0.89, 1.19, 1.49 and 1.79 kg m−3 N. The six species tested at a southwestern Ontario, Canada, nursery were Cornus stolonifera ‘Flaviramea’ (yellow-twig dogwood), Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ (dwarf winged euonymus), Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ (Pee Gee hydrangea), Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Nugget’ (Nugget ninebark), Spiraea japonica ‘Magic Carpet’ (Magic Carpet spirea), Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ (Wine and Roses weigela). Different species responded differently to the CRF rates applied. For the majority of species at the final harvest, growth index, plant height, canopy area, leaf area and above-ground dry weight were greater in high vs. low CRF rates; however, different species had different optimal CRF application rates or ranges: 1.49 kg m−3 N for Hydrangea and Spiraea, 1.19 kg m−3 N for Weigela, 1.19 to 1.49 kg m−3 N for Cornus and Physocarpus, and ≤0.60 kg m−3 N for Euonymus. Based on these species-specific optimal fertilizer rates or ranges, growers can group plant species with similar fertilizer demands, thereby reducing fertilizer waste and maximizing plant production.

scholarly journals Adaptations of Alnus maritima Nodules to Low Oxygen in the Root Zone

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 892D-892
Author(s):  
Heidi A. Kratsch* ◽  
William R. Graves
Keyword(s):  
Photosynthetic Rate ◽  
Nitrogenase Activity ◽  
Quadratic Function ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Separate Experiment ◽  
Low Oxygen ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Alnus Maritima ◽  
Oxygen Tensions ◽  
Actinorhizal Species

Alnus maritima (Marsh.) Muhl. ex Nutt. is unique among alders in its degree of preference for low-oxygen soils of wetlands. An actinorhizal species with promise for use in sustainable horticulture, A. maritima develops a root-nodule symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing Frankia. Nodules of other actinorhizal species that are obligate wetland natives are adapted to low oxygen, and expression of hemoglobin is common to these taxa. Our objectives were to determine the range of oxygen tension under which Alnus maritima subsp. maritima fixes nitrogen and to investigate a potential role for hemoglobin in adaptation of nodules to low oxygen. Roots of plants, cultured aeroponically, were subjected to eight oxygen tensions from 0 to 32 kPa. After four weeks, plant dry weight, nodule fresh weight, nitrogenase activity, and photosynthetic rate were measured. In addition, nodules were assayed spectrophotometrically for the presence of hemoglobin. A quadratic function best described the influence of oxygen on plant dry weight, nodule fresh weight, nitrogenase activity, and photosynthetic rate with maximal values above 20 kPa. Alnus serrulata (Ait.) Willd. is sympatric with A. maritima subsp. maritima but is not an obligate inhabitant of wetlands. In a separate experiment, we found higher nitrogenase activity in A. maritima subsp. maritima than in A. serrulata (0.74 vs. 0.26 μmol/h per plant) at hypoxic oxygen tensions. Further, optical absorption spectra of nodule extracts confirmed hemoglobin within nodules of A. maritima subsp. maritima. Our data suggest that hemoglobin contributes to oxygen regulation in nodules of A. maritima subsp. maritima.

scholarly journals Location and Anatomy of Nodules on Alnus maritima Subjected to Flooding

2004 ◽  
Vol 129 (6) ◽  
pp. 775-780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi A. Kratsch ◽  
William R. Graves
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Content ◽  
Land Reclamation ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Root Nodules ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Low Oxygen ◽  
Cortical Cells ◽  
Alnus Maritima ◽  
Actinorhizal Species ◽  
Managed Landscapes

Although many species of Alnus Miller grow in wet soils, none is as closely associated with low-oxygen, waterlogged soils as Alnus maritima (Marsh.) Muhl. ex Nutt. (seaside alder). An actinorhizal species with promise for use in horticultural landscapes, land reclamation, and sustainable systems, A. maritima associates with Frankia Brunchorst, thereby forming root nodules in which gaseous nitrogen is fixed. Our objective was to determine how root-zone moisture conditions influence the occurrence, location, and anatomy of nodules on A. maritima. Plants of Alnus maritima subsp. maritima Schrader and Graves were established in root zones with compatible Frankia and subjected to four moisture regimens (daily watered/drained, partially flooded, totally flooded, and totally flooded with argon bubbled through the flood water) for 8 weeks. Oxygen content of the root zone, number and location of nodules on root systems, and dry weight and nitrogen content of shoots were determined. Root-zone oxygen content ranged from 17.3 kPa for daily watered/drained plants to 0.9 kPa for argon-treated plants. Across all treatments, 87% of the nodules were within the upper one-third (4 cm) of the root zone. Although shoot dry weights of daily watered/drained and partially flooded plants were not different, daily watered/drained plants had more nitrogen in their leaves (2.53 vs. 2.21 mg·g-1). Nodulation occurred in all treatments, but nodules on totally flooded roots (with or without argon) were limited to a single lobe; in contrast, multilobed nodules were prevalent on partially flooded and daily watered/drained plants. Frankia infection within submerged nodule lobes was limited to one or two layers of cortical cells. Submerged nodules developed large air spaces between cortical cells, and phenolic-containing cells appeared to inhibit Frankia expansion within the nodule. These data suggest that access to root-zone oxygen is critical to the Frankia-A. maritima subsp. maritima symbiosis, and that plants of this subspecies in the drained soils of managed landscapes may benefit more than plants in native wetland habitats from nodulation and nitrogen fixation.

scholarly journals Astilbe and Coneflower Growth as Affected by Fertilizer Rate and Substrate Volumetric Water Content

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Amanda Bayer
Keyword(s):  
Specific Effect ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Leaf Size ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Echinacea Purpurea ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Fertilizer Rate ◽  
Significant Treatment ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Species Specific

Improved irrigation and fertilization practices, such as reduced applications, are needed to improve the sustainability of container plant production. The objective of this study was to assess growth of Visions astilbe (Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions’) and Mellow Yellow coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Mellow Yellow’) grown at two controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) rates (100% or 50% of the medium bag rate) and two volumetric water contents (VWC; 40% and 18%). For coneflower, there were no significant treatment effects for height, growth index, shoot dry weight, or leaf size. There was a significant VWC effect on number of flowers with the 40% treatment having more flowers (5.6) per plant than the 18% treatment (2.7). Shoot dry weight, growth index, and leaf size of astilbe were greater for the 40% VWC treatment than the 18% VWC treatment with no fertilizer rate effect. Astilbe height and number of flowers was not significant. These results indicate that there is a species-specific effect of VWC on growth whereas reduced fertilizer applications are possible for both species without impacting growth. Although a substrate VWC of 18% is likely too low to produce salable plants, a VWC below 40% can potentially be used to support adequate growth.

scholarly journals In Situ Estimation of Carbon Balance of In Vitro Sweetpotato and Tomato Plantlets Cultured with Varying Initial Sucrose Concentrations in the Medium

2002 ◽  
Vol 127 (6) ◽  
pp. 963-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chieri Kubota ◽  
Makiko Ezawa ◽  
Toyoki Kozai ◽  
Sandra B. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Balance ◽  
Ipomoea Batatas ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Sugar Uptake ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Carbon Balances ◽  
Species Specific

The effects of initial sucrose (suc) concentrations in the medium (S0) on the carbon balance and growth of sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. `Beniazuma'] and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. `HanaQueen') plantlets were studied under controlled environmental conditions. Plantlets were cultured with 0, 7.5, 15, or 30 g·L-1 of S0 under high photosynthetic photon flux (160 to 200 μmol·m-2·s-1) and CO2 enriched (1400 to 2050 μmol·mol-1) conditions. Net photosynthetic rate per leaf area (Pl) decreased and dry weight per plantlet (Wd) increased with increasing S0, but did not differ significantly between S0 of 7.5 to 30 g·L-1 for sweetpotato or 15 to 30 g·L-1 for tomato. Carbon influxes and effluxes of the plantlets by metabolism of medium suc and/or photosynthesis, and respiration were estimated based on measurements of in situ and steady state CO2 exchange rates and sugar uptake during culture. At S0 from 7.5 to 30 g·L-1, photosynthesis was responsible for 82% to 92% and 60% to 67% of carbohydrate assimilation for sweetpotato and tomato, respectively. Estimated carbon balances of plantlets based on the estimated and actual increases of moles of carbon in plant tissue demonstrated that in situ estimation of carbon balance was reasonably accurate for sweetpotato at S0 of 0 to 15 g·L-1 and for tomato at S0 of 0 g·L-1 and that the actual contribution of photosynthesis for tomato at high S0 might be lower than the values estimated in the present experiment. Results showed that initial suc concentration affected the relative contribution of photosynthesis on their carbon balances and that the responses were species specific. The failure of validation at S0 in a range specific to each species suggested the need for further study on carbon metabolism of in vitro plantlets cultured with sugar in the medium.

scholarly journals Reduced Leaching Fractions Improve Irrigation Use Efficiency and Nutrient Efficacy

1996 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen H. Tyler ◽  
Stuart L. Warren ◽  
Ted E. Bilderback
Keyword(s):  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Nitrogen Efficiency ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
N Losses ◽  
P Content ◽  
Production Area ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Irrigation Volume

Abstract An experiment with two leaching fractions (LF = volume of water leached ÷ volume of water applied) and two fertilizer rates was conducted to evaluate the effects of reduced irrigation volume in combination with reduced fertility on irrigation use efficiency, nutrient efficacy (retention), and plant growth. Rooted cuttings of Cotoneaster dammeri Schneid. ‘Skogholm’ were potted into 3.8 liter (#1) containers in a pine bark: sand substrate (8:1 by vol). Osmocote 24N-1.7P-5.8K (24-4-7) was topdressed at 3.5 g N or 1.75 g N per container at treatment initiation. The experiment, a RCBD with four replications was conducted for 100 days on a container-grown plant production area subdivided into 16 separate plots that allowed for the collection of all irrigation water leaving each plot. Twenty containers were placed in each plot. Irrigation water was applied daily to attain either a high LF of 0.4 to 0.6 or a low LF of 0.0 to 0.2. Irrigation water was applied in two cycles with a two hour rest interval between each application via pressure compensated spray stakes at a rate of 200 ml/min (0.28 in/min). Volume of effluent from each plot was measured daily and analyzed for NO3, NH4, and P. Low LF decreased irrigation volume and effluent volume by 44% and 63%, respectively, compared to high LF. Irrigation use efficiency [total plant dry weight (volume applied-volume leached)] by plants irrigated with low LF was 29% greater than high LF. Compared to high LF, low LF decreased cumulative NO3 and NH4 contents in effluent by 66% and 62%, respectively, for containers fertilized with 3.5 g N. Low LF also reduced cumulative P content in the effluent by 57% compared to high LF. Shoot and total plant dry weights produced with low LF were reduced 8% and 10%, respectively, compared to plants grown with high LF. Root dry weight was not effected by LF. Shoot, root, and total plant dry weights with 1.75 g N were reduced by 26%, 26%, and 28%, respectively compared to 3.5 g N. Nitrogen efficiency was higher when plants were fertilized with 3.5 g N regardless of LF. To maximize N absorption and minimize N losses requires a combination of maintaining an adequate N supply which is this study was 3.5 g N per 3.8 liter container in combination with a low LF.

scholarly journals Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Alnus maritima from Its Three Disjunct Populations

2000 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Schrader ◽  
William R. Graves
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Genotypic Variation ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Germination Percentage ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Delmarva Peninsula ◽  
Disjunct Populations ◽  
Alnus Maritima ◽  
Multiple Groups ◽  
Managed Landscapes

Genotypic variation and horticultural potential of Alnus maritima [Marsh.] Nutt. (seaside alder), a large shrub or small tree found naturally in only three small, disjunct populations, have not been studied. We examined effects of population of origin and environment on seed germination and growth and morphology of seedlings. The first experiment showed that 6 weeks of cold stratification optimized germination of half-sibling seeds from Oklahoma at 73.2%. When this treatment was applied to multiple groups of half-siblings from all populations in a second experiment, seeds from Oklahoma had a higher germination percentage (55.0%) than seeds from Georgia (31.4%) and the Delmarva Peninsula (14.7%). In a third experiment, morphology and growth of multiple groups of half-siblings from all three populations were compared in one environment. Leaves of seedlings from Oklahoma were longer (12.8 cm) and more narrow (2.15 length to width ratio) than leaves of seedlings from Georgia (12.0 cm long; ratio = 1.76) and the Delmarva Peninsula (11.6 cm long; ratio = 1.86). Seedlings from Oklahoma and Georgia accumulated dry weight at higher rates (181 and 160 mg·d-1, respectively) than seedlings from Delmarva (130 mg·d-1), while seedlings from Oklahoma and Delmarva were more densely foliated (0.72 and 0.64 leaves and lateral shoots per centimeter of primary stem, respectively) than those from Georgia (0.46 per cm). These differences indicate genetic divergence among the three disjunct populations and the potential to exploit genetic variation to select horticulturally superior A. maritima for use in managed landscapes.

Effect of weed management on weeds, and on the nodulation, nitrogenase activity, growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum)

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 469-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Singh ◽  
D. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Pisum Sativum ◽  
Nitrogen Content ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Nitrogenase Activity ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
N Content ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight

Effects of one pre-emergence herbicide (terbutryn/terbuthylazine) and one post-emergence herbicide (bentazone) along with unweeded and hand-weeded controls on weeds and on the nodulation, nitrogenase activity, nitrogen content, growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum) were studied. Terbutryn/terbuthylazine was applied pre-emergence @ 1.40, 2.80 and 5.60 kg/hawhereas bentazone was sprayed 6 weeks after sowing @ 1.44, 2.88 and 5.76 kg/h. Terbutryn/terbuthylazine controlled all the weeds very effectively, whereas bentazone did not control some weeds such as Polygonum aviculare, Poa annua and Elymus repens. The herbicides decreased the number of nodules, the dry weight of nodules, the nitrogenase activity, the shoot dry weight, the nitrogen content in the straw and seeds, and the seed yield of peas, the effects generally being higher at higher rates of application. The adverse effects of herbicides on these parameters might be due to their effects on plant growth, as both the herbicides are known to adversely affect photosynthesis. Nitrogenase activity did not correlate well with plant-N content or shoot dry weight. However, there was a strong relationship between plant biomass and plant-N content, which suggests that researchers can rely on these parameters for studying the effects of treatments on nitrogen fixation, rather than measuring nitrogenase activity.

Potential role of rhizobacteria isolated from Northwestern China for enhancing wheat and oat yield

2007 ◽  
Vol 146 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. YAO ◽  
S. YASMIN ◽  
F. Y. HAFEEZ
Keyword(s):  
Acetylene Reduction ◽  
Wheat Variety ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
N Fixation ◽  
Bacterial Isolates ◽  
N Content ◽  
Total N ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Root Area ◽  
Chinese Wheat

SUMMARYThe present investigation was designed to assess the range of growth-promoting activities of various rhizosphere bacteria on wheat and oat growing in Lanzhou, China. Detection of the N-fixing bacteria by the acetylene reduction assay-based most probable number (ARA-based MPN) method indicated the presence of significant numbers of N-fixing rhizobacteria, i.e. 5·8×106bacteria/g dry weight of root in association with Chinese wheat varietyV4. A total of 24 rhizobacteria was isolated from wheat and oat grown in Lanzhou, China. These bacterial isolates were studied for growth characteristics, nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and indole acetic acid (IAA) production. All the isolates were motile and gram negative. Acetylene reduction activity was detected in all isolates ranging from 124·6 to 651·6 nmol C2H2reduced/h/vial while almost all isolates produced IAA ranging from 0·2 to 5·1 μg/ml. Only two isolates, ChW1 and ChW6, formed clear zones on Pikovskaia's medium, showing the ability to solubilize phosphates. ChW1 and ChW6 were used to develop fluorescent antibodies to check the cross reactivity of the isolates. Inoculation of these bacterial isolates resulted in higher plant biomass, root area and total N content on Chinese wheat varietyNingchun 2and Pakistani oat varietySwanunder controlled conditions. Among the wheat isolates, ChW5 was the best in promoting wheat growth by increasing its root length, root area, shoot dry weight and total N content. Among oat isolates, ChO3, ChO5 and ChO6 showed significant effects on different growth parameters of their host plants. Using the15N isotope dilution method, the highest N fixation contribution (0·73 of total plant N) was observed in the wheat plants inoculated with isolate ChW5. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of seven selected isolates showed that the variation within the isolates from different host crops grown in the same soil was quite large and helpful not only in defining the bacterial strains associated with different host crops but also in defining the distances of isolates from standard strains of rhizobacteria used. In conclusion, the present results indicate that the selected bacterial isolates did promote the growth of wheat and oat in ways that could be harnessed to practical benefit for the farmer and consistent with sustainable agricultural practices in China.

scholarly journals 857 PB 434 ROOT DISTRIBUTION OF SIX PALM SPECIES GROWN IN CUPRIC HYDROXIDE-TREATED CONTAINERS

HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 556c-556
Author(s):  
Sven E. Svenson ◽  
Timothy K. Broschat
Keyword(s):  
Root Distribution ◽  
Lateral Roots ◽  
Copper Toxicity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Medium Interface ◽  
Growing Medium ◽  
Palm Species ◽  
Cupric Hydroxide ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Livistona Chinensis

The root distribution of seedlings of Acoelorrhaphe wrightii, Carpentaria acuminata, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Livistona chinensis, Phoenix roebellenii, and Washingtonia robusta were grown in nontreated containers or in containers treated on their interior surfaces with 25, 50 or 100 g CU(OH)2/1. Seedlings of all species grown in treated containers had reduced circling or matted roots at the container wall-growing medium interface. The distribution of root dry weight and root length was species specific, and was significantly influenced by the rate of copper hydroxide applied. Copper treatment did not induce visual signs of copper toxicity, nor differences in shoot growth, nor differences in the number of higher-order lateral roots.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document