Effects of potassium deficiency and replacement of potassium by sodium on sugar beet plants

Two sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) genotypes were cultivated at different K⁺/Na⁺ concentration in nutrient solutions (mM, 3/0 (control groups), 0.03/2.97 (K-Na replacement groups), and 0.03/0 (K deficiency groups)) to investigate the effects of potassium deficiency and replacement of potassium by sodium on plant growth and to explore how sodium can compensate for a lack of potassium. After 22 days of growth were determined: (i) dry weights of leaves, stems, and roots, (ii) the Na⁺ and K⁺ contents, (iii) MDA level, (iv) the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and (v) the level of free amino acids. Potassium deficit inhibited plant growth, decreased the K⁺ content in leaves and roots, activated GPX and SOD, suppressed CAT activity, and increased the content of most amino acids. In K-Na replacement groups, the effects of K⁺ deficiency, including changes in the MDA level, antioxidant enzyme activities, and the level of free amino acids, were alleviated, but the degree of recovery did not reach the values characteristic for the control groups. Based on these results, we concluded that low potassium could lead to the inhibition of seedling growth, oxidative damage, and amino acid accumulation. While sodium was able to substitute potassium to a large extent, it cannot fulfil potassium fundamental role as an essential nutrient in sugar beet.     

碱胁迫对黑麦草幼苗根系活性氧代谢和渗透溶质积累的影响

为了探讨牧草对碱胁迫的耐受程度,采用营养液砂培方法,研究了不同浓度NaHCO3（0、50、100、150和200 mmol·L^-1）胁迫对黑麦草幼苗根系生长、活性氧代谢和渗透溶质积累的影响。结果表明：NaHCO3胁迫显著抑制黑麦草幼苗根系的生长,其抑制程度随胁迫浓度提高而增强,黑麦草可耐受的最高NaHCO₃浓度约为150 mmol·L^-1。随着NaHCO₃胁迫浓度的增加,黑麦草根中超氧阴离子(O^-·₂)、过氧化氢(H₂O₂)和丙二醛(MDA)含量明显上升,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量显著下降,过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)活性及抗坏血酸(ASA)含量先升后降。黑麦草根中Na⁺含量随NaHCO₃浓度增大而增加,K⁺含量和K⁺/Na⁺比降低,可溶性糖含量先升后降,脯氨酸含量则先降后升,游离氨基酸含量呈先升后降再升高变化。表明碱胁迫导致的活性氧代谢失调和Na⁺、K⁺失衡及积累有机溶质进行渗透调节时更多能量的消耗可能是黑麦草根系生长受抑的重要因素。     

缺氮和复氮对菘蓝幼苗生长及氮代谢的影响

对基质育苗后水培的菘蓝进行缺氮与复氮处理,分析其生长情况及氮代谢产物含量的变化,探讨缺氮和复氮对菘蓝幼苗生长及氮代谢的影响,以提高菘蓝产量和品质以及栽培过程中的氮素利用效率。结果显示:(1)正常供氮条件下,菘蓝幼苗的叶绿素含量、谷氨酰胺合成酶(GS)活性、硝态氮含量、靛玉红含量为最高,而其株高、主根直径、根的鲜重与干重、叶的鲜重与干重、根系活力均最小。(2)缺氮处理增加了菘蓝幼苗的主根直径和根干重,提高其根系活力和硝酸还原酶(NR)活性,促进游离氨基酸在叶中的积累;但降低了GS的活性,也降低了叶中硝态氮、可溶性蛋白、靛玉红及根中游离氨基酸的含量;缺氮对叶中靛蓝的含量无明显影响。(3)复氮处理增加了菘蓝幼苗的株高、主根长、根鲜重、叶鲜重、叶干重,提高了其根系活力,降低了NR和GS的活性;与对照相比,复氮降低了叶中硝态氮含量,提高了叶中可溶性蛋白、靛蓝及根中游离氨基酸的含量,但对叶中游离氨基酸和靛玉红含量影响较小。研究表明,缺氮后再复氮有利于菘蓝幼苗叶的生长,同时有利于增加其叶内靛蓝含量,从而提高其产量和品质。     

METABOLISM OF ACETATE-1-14C IN EXCISED LEAVES FROM POTASSIUM DEFICIENT RICE SEEDLINGS

Excised leaves from one-month old rice seedlings grown in potassiumdeficient nutrient solution were fed with acetate-l-¹⁴C for20 to 180 min. Rate of respiration of those leaves was significantlyhigher than that of control leaves supplied with sufficientpotassium. Incorporation of UC into organic acid and sugar fractionswere greater in potassium deficient leaves than in normal leaves.The reverse was true as for the incorporation into amino acidfraction. In comparison with normal leaves, potassium deficientleaves acquired much ¹⁴C in succinic acid and glutamine. Therewere distinct differences in the labeling pattern of citrateand in the order of magnitude of specific activities among theorganic acids included in the TCA cycle. From these results,it was assumed that the increase of respiratory rate causedby the potassium deficiency was related to accelerated operationof the TCA cycle. The decreased rate of conversion of organicacids to amino acids and the accumulation of glutamine werealso concluded. (Received April 13, 1967; )     

Effects of Potassium Nutrition on Ribonucleic Acid and Ribonuclease in Zea mays L

Potassium deficiency decreased the total RNA per shoot in corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings due to the reduced sizes of the plant, but increased the ratio of RNA to dry matter as much as 40%. Total base composition of RNA was unaffected by K⁺ deficiency. Thus K⁺ deficiency does not appear to alter RNA metabolism to such an extent that a lack of RNA becomes a factor limiting growth. The RNA contents of leaves were followed as deficiency developed or as the plant recovered from deficiency. Such time-course studies, although extremely useful in microbial work, did not yield as much information with higher plants. The ratio of RNA to dry matter in younger leaves was much higher than that in older leaves. The ribonuclease level in corn shoots was increased as much as threefold by K⁺ deficiency.     

硝酸镧对碱胁迫下黑麦草幼苗生长和光合生理的影响

在150 mmol·L^-1 NaHCO₃胁迫下,研究了不同浓度硝酸镧对黑麦草幼苗生长的影响及其对叶片光合生理响应的调节作用。结果表明,叶面喷施低浓度硝酸镧(0.05 mmol·L^-1)预处理显著减小了碱胁迫下黑麦草幼苗生物量、叶片叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量、叶绿体希尔反应、光合电子传递、光合磷酸化、Mg²⁺ ATP酶、RuBP羧化酶活性和光合效率的下降幅度,却对光呼吸调节酶乙醇酸氧化酶活性无明显影响。而高浓度硝酸镧(0.5 mmol·L^-1)预处理不仅对碱胁迫没有缓解作用,反而加重了碱胁迫伤害。因此,适宜浓度硝酸镧可以通过改善光合功能从而缓解碱胁迫对黑麦草幼苗生长的抑制作用。     

Phytochemical analysis of Jatropha curcas L. during different seasons and developmental stages and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L) as affected by extracts/leachates of Jatropha curcas L

Jatropha curcas shows invasive characters and is a significant source of many phytochemicals with varying biological activities. Different plant parts of Jatropha curcas L exhibited variation in their phytochemical constituents. Leaves and ovary walls were found to contain higher contents of total phenols, tannins and phytic acid whereas free amino acids were greater in leaves. Young leaves of Jatropha show greater contents of all these metabolites. Further, plants exhibit seasonal differences as leaves collected during summer (May-June) have greater accumulation of total phenols, tannins and free amino acids however, phytic acid was more during rainy season. Leachates and extracts in their higher concentrations adversely affected the germination and growth of wheat seedlings however, lower concentrations were more or less stimulatory. These treatments not only decreased the length, fresh and dry weight of seedlings but also affected the chlorophyll contents and activity of enzymes such as nitrate reductase, aminotransferases in wheat seedlings however, the activity of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidases increased. Experiments indicate harmful allelopathic effects of Jatropha leachates /extracts on wheat seedlings, hence further experimentation and analysis is recommended before continued plantation of Jatropha particularly on fertile soils. However. Growth of Jatropha plants on saline soils and their potential for accumulating sodium, potassium and chloride are the attributes suggesting the possibility of use of Jatropha plants in improving saline soils.     

Effect of nitrogen deficiency on antioxidant status and Cd toxicity in rice seedlings

Effect of nitrogen (N) deficiency on antioxidant status and Cd toxicity in rice seedlings was investigated. N deficiency resulted in a reduction of shoot growth but not root growth. The contents of N-containing compounds such as nitrate, chlorophyll, and protein decreased in leaves of rice seedlings grown under N deficiency. Accumulation of abscisic acid and H₂O₂ in leaves was induced by N deficiency. The content of ascorbate and the activities of ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase in N-deficient leaves were lower than their respective control leaves. However, glutathione content was not affected and superoxide dismutase activity was increased by N deficiency. Cd toxicity in N-deficient seedlings was more pronounced than that in N-sufficient ones. Pretreatment with ascorbate or L-galactono-1,4-lactone, a biosynthetic precursor of ascorbate resulted in a reduction of Cd toxicity enhanced by N deficiency. N deficiency also resulted in an enhancement of Cd uptake in rice seedlings. The possible mechanism of Cd toxicity enhanced by N deficiency is discussed.     

外源NO对盐胁迫下黑麦草幼苗根生长抑制和氧化损伤的缓解效应

研究了外源一氧化氮(nitric oxide, NO)对盐胁迫下黑麦草幼苗根生长和氧化损伤的影响。结果表明,5~100 μmol·L^-1的NO供体硝普钠(sodium nitroprusside, SNP)处理显著减轻100mmol·L^-1 NaCl胁迫对黑麦草幼苗根生长的抑制效应,其中50 μmol·L^-1的SNP效果最明显,150 μmol·L^-1以上的SNP处理则抑制根的生长。50 μmol·L^-1 SNP处理提高了100 mmol·L^-1 NaCl胁迫下黑麦草幼苗根组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)及液泡膜上H⁺-ATP酶(H⁺-ATPase)和H⁺焦磷酸酶(H⁺-PPase)的活性,使谷胱甘肽(GSH)、抗坏血酸(ASA)和脯氨酸含量及K⁺/Na⁺、(Spd+Spm)/Put比值和根干物质积累量增加,超氧阴离子(O^-₂)、H₂O₂和丙二醛(MDA)含量降低,而1mmol·L^-1NO清除剂PTIO和1 μmol·L^-1 NaNO₂处理(对照)的效果则不明显。由此推断,NO通过提高根组织的抗氧化和渗透调节能力,促进根系对K⁺的选择性吸收及Put向Spd和Spm的转化,降低Na⁺的吸收并加强在液泡中的区隔化缓解盐胁迫对黑麦草幼苗根生长的抑制和膜脂过氧化损伤。     

盐胁迫下番茄砧木对嫁接苗生物量、氨基酸含量和活性氧代谢的影响

为探讨砧木对提高番茄嫁接苗耐盐性的作用机理,以耐盐性较敏感的‘中杂9号’(S)为接穗,耐盐性较强的‘OZ-006’(R)为砧木,采用劈接法形成嫁接苗(RS)以及接穗自嫁接苗(SS)、砧木自嫁接苗(RR)3个试验材料,在175 mmol·L^-1 NaCl处理下测定植株生长、Na⁺积累、氨基酸含量和活性氧代谢的变化。结果表明: NaCl胁迫导致番茄幼苗的盐害指数和Na⁺含量均显著提高,幼苗生长速率和叶绿素含量显著降低,但不同嫁接苗的类型差异显著,在盐害表型上表现为SS>RS>RR的规律。NaCl胁迫诱导嫁接苗的叶片和根系总氨基酸含量显著提高,其中RR、RS叶片有9种、根系有8种氨基酸含量显著高于对照,以脯氨酸含量变化最为显著,而SS叶片中仅有2种、根系中仅有4种氨基酸含量显著高于对照;幼苗间的氨基酸含量呈现RR>RS>SS的规律,RR、RS叶片的氨基酸含量分别比SS叶片上升了32.8%、16.6%,根系分别比SS上升了53.1%和32.5%。NaCl胁迫造成活性氧代谢的变化,幼苗叶片和根系的抗氧化酶活性、超氧阴离子产生速率、丙二醛含量均显著提高,以RR叶片和根系中抗氧化酶活性的增幅最大,其次为RS;SS和抗氧化酶活性的增幅最小,品种间活性氧水平表现为SS>RS>RR。综上,砧木通过抑制Na⁺向上运输、提高氨基酸水平和抗氧化酶活性缓解了盐胁迫对嫁接苗的伤害,但不同砧穗组合的耐盐性差异较大,以RR的耐盐性最强,其次为RS,SS最弱。因此,番茄嫁接苗的耐盐性主要受砧木耐盐性的影响,其次为接穗,同时,其与番茄体内的氨基酸和活性氧代谢调控密切相关。     

Extreme Phosphate Deficiency Decreases the In Vivo CO2/O2 Specificity Factor of Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase-Oxygenase in Intact Leaves of Sunflower

Sunflower plants were grown under controlled environmental conditionswith either 0 or 10 mol m^–3 phosphate (Pi). From steady-statemeasurements of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence madeon intact leaves, the in vivo CO₂/O₂ specificity factor (invivo K_sp) of ribulose 1,5-Aisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase(Rubisco) was determined following two methods based on modelsof C₃ photosynthesis by Brooks and Farquhar (1985) and Peterson(1989). The two methods gave in vivo K_sp values for controlsunflower leaves which were similar to published values forhigher plants. Extreme Pi deficiency decreased in vivo K_sp,in sunflower leaves compared to adequate Pi. This suggests thatPi deficiency affected photorespiration less than photosynthesis.The decrease in in vivo K_sp may be due to a real change in theenzyme kinetics favouring oxygenation more than carboxylationor due to an increase in the number of CO₂ molecules releasedper oxygenation; in which case the observed decrease in thein vivo K_sp determined on intact leaves will not agree numericallywith the true K_sp of Rubisco determined in vitro using purifiedenzyme from the same leaf. We discuss the implications of therelatively large photorespiration in Pi-deficient sunflowerleaves with respect to the increased dissipation of photosyntheticelectrons and photorespiratory recycling of Pi in thechloroplaststroma. Although our results on in vivo K_sp suggested a relativelylarger photorespiratory potential in Pi-deficient than controlsunflower leaves, photosynthesis was insensitive to O₂ in Pi-deficientleaves; the possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed.Under extreme Pi deficiency, O₂ sensitivity of photosynthesisis not a reflection of the in vivo photorespiratory rates. Determinationof in vivo K_sp of Rubisco is a useful approach to study thephotorespiratory potential of intact leaves. Key words: Chlorophyll fluorescence, phosphate deficiency, photorespiration, photosynthesis, PSII quantum yield, Rubisco specificity factor     

Stomatal Responses of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Seedlings to Potassium Chloride in the Nutrient Solution

Alteration in KNO₃ and KCl levels of culture solutions resultedin the production of a series of Phaseolus vulgaris seedlingscontaining a range of chloride levels in the primary leaves;such treatments did not affect leaf potassium content. Irrespectiveof the leaf chloride content the stomata responded to increasedlight intensity by a decrease in stomatal resistance. The stomataof seedlings grown in culture solutions containing KCI offeredhigher diffusive resistances than those of seedlings not receivingthis treatment. This increase in stomatal resistance was foundover the whole range of elevated leaf chloride contents produced.Presence of chloride in the leaf tissue did not, however, affectstomatal responses to fluctuations in atmospheric CO₂ concentration.     

香蕉幼苗三类有机小分子溶质对尖孢镰刀菌侵染的生理响应

为阐明香蕉枯萎病发病机制,研究了尖孢镰刀菌侵染后,香蕉植株中几种对尖孢镰刀菌生长有显著作用的物质(氨基酸、有机羧酸、酚酸)种类和含量的变化。结果表明:(1)病原菌侵染后,伤害逐渐加剧,株高和生物量显著下降。(2)病原菌侵染后,叶片氨基酸总量显著升高,其中丝氨酸、缬氨酸、组氨酸、异亮氨酸和亮氨酸增幅较大,病原菌侵染16 d,其含量分别为侵染前的7.1、6.2、4.4、3.5和2.3倍;而根氨基酸总量开始显著降低,差异逐渐变小。(3)叶片有机羧酸酸含量在病原菌侵染后显著增加,而在根中显著降低。侵染植株叶片中草酸、柠檬酸、苹果酸、琥珀酸和延胡索酸含量分别是未侵染植株叶片的2.6、1.6、1.9、1.8和2.3倍;根中草酸、柠檬酸、苹果酸、琥珀酸和延胡索酸含量分别是未侵染植株的81%、42%、44%、28%和59%。(4)病原菌侵染后,植株叶片和根中酚酸含量都显著升高。叶片中阿魏酸、肉桂酸和水杨酸含量分别是未侵染叶片的2.9、1.7和2.9倍;而根中对羟基苯甲酸和丁香酸含量分别是未侵染根的4.3和1.5倍。研究结果表明,尖孢镰刀菌侵染后,植物与病原菌的相互作用使得植物体内抑菌物质和促菌物质都会相应的增加,植株对病害有一定的抗性,但促菌物质种类和含量较高最终使得感病植株发病。     

黄瓜幼苗对氯化钠和碳酸氢钠胁迫的生理响应差异

采用营养液培养方法,分别用不同浓度（0、25、50和75 mmol·L^-1）的NaCl和NaHCO₃对黄瓜幼苗进行胁迫处理,研究黄瓜幼苗对NaCl和NaHCO₃胁迫的生理响应差异.结果表明：随着胁迫强度的增加,黄瓜植株地上部和地下部生长量、叶片叶绿素含量和相对含水量均呈明显下降趋势,但NaHCO₃处理下降幅度大于NaCl处理.随着处理浓度的增加,黄瓜地上部Na⁺含量显著上升,K⁺含量显著下降,在相同的Na⁺浓度下,NaHCO₃处理比NaCl处理下降幅度更大,具有更低的K⁺/Na⁺.与NaCl处理相比,NaHCO₃处理的黄瓜叶片电解质渗漏率、丙二醛、脯氨酸和可溶性糖含量增加幅度更大.NaCl和NaHCO₃处理使黄瓜叶片超氧化物歧化酶、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶和脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶活性受到显著诱导,而使过氧化物酶活性受到明显抑制.     

Effect of Potassium Deficiency on C3 and C4 Cereals

C₄ cereals (Zea maya L. and Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and C₃cereals (Triticum aestivum L. and Hordeum vulgare L) were grownin nutrient solutions with constant, interrupted, or absentpotassium supply. The lack of potassium retarded shoot growthand depressed the chlorophyll accumulation in all species ina similar way. After the renewal of potassium, the differencesin the compensation for growth retardation were not correlatedwith the photosynthetic system, but with the recovery of chlorophyllaccumulation in younger leaves. As important for the compensationof shoot growth retardation was a slower senescence of old leavescompared to plants with a constant potassium supply. This wasshown by the chlorophyll content and PEP carboxylase activity.In contrast to C₃ cereals, the C₄ cereals did not react withhigher chlorophyll contents to the same extent after the renewalof the postassium supply. The PEP carboxylase activity, however,was immediately raised higher than in control leaves. Chlorophylland PEP carboxylase activity increased simultaneously only inless aged leaves.     

Salt and osmotic stress tolerances of the C<Subscript>3</Subscript>–C<Subscript>4</Subscript> xero-halophyte <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bassia sedoides</Emphasis> from two populations differ in productivity and genetic polymorphism

The morphological, biochemical and genetic characteristics of two Bassia sedoides (Chenopodiaceae) populations in the Southern Urals were studied. The plants of the Makan and Podolsk populations differ in growth (approximately 10-fold), in water and potassium contents and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio. On the basis of the genetic assay (by isozymes, RAPD and ISSR markers) of B. sedoides from the Makan and Podolsk populations, the intraspecific differences have been identified. The more productive Makan population showed greater genetic polymorphism, whereas the less productive Podolsk population showed less genetic polymorphism. The seedlings of B. sedoides from the Makan and Podolsk populations were cultivated under low and moderate salinity (100 and 200 mM NaCl, respectively) and equivalent osmoticity generated by the two PEG concentrations. Both populations were sensitive to dehydration initiated by PEG. Podolsk seedlings were more sensitive to osmotic stress and were characterised by an increase in proline content. Low salinity (100 mM NaCl) was necessary for optimal growth of seedlings from the Makan population. They showed significantly increased fresh biomass and number of lateral shoots. The maximal growth of seedlings from Podolsk was under 0–100 mM NaCl, and their biomass was approximately 1.4-fold lower than that of the Makan seedlings. Under moderate salinity (200 mM NaCl), the Makan seedlings were more salt tolerant than the Podolsk seedlings because of maintaining a low Na⁺/K⁺ ratio. Under natural conditions, the excess of Na⁺/K⁺ ratio compared with values for optimal growth under laboratory conditions was approximately threefold for the Makan plants and approximately fivefold for the Podolsk plants. High values of the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio under natural conditions indicate a deficit of potassium in the soil. Perhaps, the degree of potassium deficiency is one of the factors influencing the differences in productivity and the level of genetic variation of B. sedoides under natural conditions.     

钾肥类型对菜心(菜薹)生长、细胞保护酶和内源激素的影响

为探讨钾肥类型对菜心(Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis Tsen et Lee)的作用效应,研究了不同钾肥类型和水平对菜心生长、细胞保护酶和内源激素的影响。结果表明,氯化钾或硫酸钾处理可提高菜心叶片的POD 和CAT 活性、IAA 和GA₃ 含量,降低MDA 含量,提高菜薹产量。随着钾水平的提高,叶片IAA 和GA₃ 含量、POD 和CAT 活性以及菜薹质量明显提高,MDA 含量降低。当施钾90 kg hm^-2 时,叶片的GA₃ 和IAA 含量显著下降,而POD 活性和菜薹产量没有显著变化。在相同水平下,氯化钾与硫酸钾对植株生长、菜薹产量、叶片GA₃ 含量的影响不显著。当施钾0~90 kg hm^-2 时,氯化钾处理的叶片POD 活性显著高于硫酸钾处理;而施钾135~180 kg hm^-2 时,氯化钾处理的叶片POD 活性则显著低于硫酸钾处理。除了90 kg hm^-2 氯化钾处理的CAT 活性和45 kg hm^-2 氯化钾处理的MDA 含量低于硫酸钾处理以及90 kg hm^-2 和180 kg hm^-2 氯化钾处理的IAA 含量高于硫酸钾处理的外,相同水平氯化钾和硫酸钾处理的CAT 活性、MDA 含量和IAA 含量没有显著差异。可见,钾肥类型对菜心的活性氧代谢系统及内源激素含量有一定的影响,但氯化钾与硫酸钾对菜心的施用效果相当,生产上可采用氯化钾代替硫酸钾以节约肥料成本,K₂O 施用量以90 kg hm^-2 为宜。     

Influence of Ni Supply on Growth and Nitrogen Metabolism ofBrassica napusL. Grown with NH4NO3or Urea as N Source

The significance of nickel (Ni), which is essential for ureaseactivity, for growth and nitrogen (N) metabolism ofBrassicanapusgrown in nutrient solution with either NH₄NO₃or urea assole N source was investigated. Although Ni contents were below25 µg kg^-1d. wt, growth of plants relying on NH₄NO₃wasnot affected by the Ni status. However, supplementing the growthmedium with 0.04 µMNi enhanced dry matter production ofurea-grown plants significantly. Urease activity was significantlyreduced in leaves and roots of plants grown without supplementaryNi irrespective of N source. Plants grown with urea withoutadditional Ni accumulated large amounts of urea and had loweramino acid contents indicating impaired usage of the N supplied,while those grown with NH₄NO₃under Ni-deprived conditions accumulatedendogenous urea in their older leaves. It is suggested thatNi may not be strictly essential for plants receiving mineralN, or that the critical level is well below 25 µg kg^-1d.wt. These results confirm that Ni is required for urease activityand thus for growth of plants on urea-based media, as well asfor recycling endogenous urea.Copyright 1999 Annals of BotanyCompany. Brassica napusvar.annua, amino acids, N nutrition, nickel, spring rape, urea, urease activity.     

The role of Pi recycling processes during photosynthesis in phosphate-deficient bean plants

Bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Zlota Saxa) were grownon complete (control plants) and phosphate-deficient (low-Pplants) culture solutions for 17 d. Phosphate deficiency markedlyreduced leaf growth, but only slightly decreased the photosynthesisrate. The intensity of reactions releasing inorganic ortho-phosphateduring photosynthesis was examined. In the leaves of low-P plantsthe pools of photorespiratory metabolites (glycolate and glycine+serine)were markedly increased. At the same time synthesis of solublesugars from intermediates of glycolic acid cycle was probablyenhanced. In low-P leaves the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylaseactivity and malate synthesis were increased. Phosphoenolpyruvateand malate were effectively used for amino acid synthesis. Bothaspartate and alanine accumulation was twice higher in low-Pleaves. It was found that no enhancement in starch and sucrosesynthesis rate takes place in phosphate deficient bean leaves.Modifications of photosynthetic metabolism observed under moderatephosphate deficiency facilitate plants acclimation to low-Pconditions by enhancement of P₁ recirculation during glycolicand phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism. Key words: Phosphate deficiency, photosynthesis, photorespiration, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase     

Activity of ascorbate-dependent H2O2-scavenging enzymes and leaf chlorosis are enhanced in magnesium- and potassium-deficient leaves, but not in phosphorus-deficient leaves

The effect of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg)deficiency on the development of leaf symptoms (chlorosis andnecrosis) and activities of ascorbate-dependent H₂O₂ scavengingenzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase,dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase) was studiedin bean (Phaseolus vulgans) plants over a 12 d period of growthin nutrient solution. With increasing plant age Mg- and K-deficientleaves developed severe interveinal chlorosis and, accordingly,chlorophyll concentrations were reduced. However, in P-deficientleaves neither chlorosis nor necrosis appeared; the leaves remaineddark green and even at an advanced stage of P deficiency, chlorophyllconcentrations were still higher than those of control plants.In K- and, particularly, Mg-deficient leaves with an increasein severity of leaf chlorosis, activity of ascorbate-dependentH₂O₂- scavenging enzymes was progressively increased. In contrast,in P-deficient leaves, as in leaves of the control plants, activityof H₂O₂-scavenging enzymes remained at a low level over the12 d period. Accordingly, compared with P-deficient and controlplants, Mg- and K-deficient leaves with elevated anti-oxidativepotential showed much higher resistance to chlorophyll destructionby the herbicide paraquat. Elevated levels of H₂O₂-scavengingenging enzymes in Mg- and K-deficient leaves indicate a higherproduction of H₂O₂ and related toxic O₂ species. It Is suggestedthat in Mg- and K-deficient leaves, utilization of photoreductantsin CO₂ fixation is restricted because of impaired export andthus accumulation of photosynthates. This disturbance mightlead to enhanced photoreduction of molecular O₂ to toxic O₂species causing chlorophyll destruction (chlorosis), a processwhich is not important in P-deficient leaves where export ofsucrose is not affected. Key words: Bean, hydrogen peroxide detoxification, leaf chlorosis, magnesium nutrition, oxygen activation, phosphorus nutrition, potassium nutrition