Foliar fertilization to control iron chlorosis in pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees

The effectiveness of foliar fertilization to re-green chlorotic leaves in iron-deficient pear trees has been studied. Trials were made to assess the influence of (i) the level of Fe deficiency, (ii) the leaf surface treated (adaxial or abaxial), and (iii) two different surfactants, L-77 and Mistol. Treatments were ferrous sulphate alone, ascorbic, citric and sulphuric acids, applied either alone or in combination with ferrous sulphate, Fe-DTPA and water as a control. Solutions were applied with a brush and leaves were treated twice each year. None of the treatments caused a full recovery from Fe deficiency chlorosis. Treatments containing Fe caused the largest re-greening effects, and FeSO₄ had a similar re-greening effect to Fe(III)-DTPA. Increases in leaf Chl were more pronounced with abaxial leaf surface applications and in severely deficient leaves. Using Fe(III)-DTPA in foliar sprays does not seem to be justified, since their effects are not better than those of FeSO₄. The joint use of Fe(III)-DTPA and L-77 and that of FeSO₄ and citric acid do not seem to be suitable. With a single foliar application, FeSO₄ combined with acids gave slightly better results than FeSO₄ alone. Acidic solution applications without Fe may be effective in alleviating chlorosis in some cases, especially in the case of citric acid. In the current state of knowledge, foliar fertilization cannot offer yet a good alternative for full control of Fe chlorosis, although its low environmental impact and cost make this technique a good complementary measure to soil Fe-chelate applications and other chlorosis alleviation management techniques. Abbreviations: Chl – chlorophyll; EDDCHA – ethylenediamine di(5-carboxy-2-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid; EDDHA – ethylenediamine di(o-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid; EDDHMA – ethylenediamine di(o-hydroxy-p-methylphenylacetic) acid; EDDHSA – ethylenediamine di(2-hydroxy-5-sulfophenylacetic) acid     

Response of lupins (Lupinus angustifolius L.) and peas (Pisum sativum L.) to Fe deficiency induced by low concentrations of Fe in solution or by addition of HCO3 -

Lupins appear to be more sensitive than peas to Fe deficiency. However, when grown in nutrient solutions between pH 5–6, little difference existed between them in their ability to acidify the solution or to release Fe^III reducing compounds. This experiment was aimed at determining whether differences between species which occurred when Fe deficiency was induced by withholding Fe from an acid solution, are maintained when Fe deficiency is induced by addition of HCO₃ ^-. Lupins and peas were grown in nutrient solutions at 0, 2 and 6 μM of Fe^III EDDHA and either with or without HCO₃ ^- (6 mM). Bicarbonate induced symptoms of Fe deficiency (chlorosis) in both lupins and peas, and markedly decreased the growth of shoots. Symptoms appeared sooner and were more severe in lupins than in peas. Growing plants without HCO₃ ^-, but at the lowest Fe level, decreased the growth and Fe concentration of shoots of lupins but did not induce chlorosis. Growing peas in this treatment, decreased Fe concentrations, but to a lesser extent than in lupins, and did not decrease growth. H⁺-ion extrusion and release of Fe^III reducing compounds was greater in lupins than in peas. Bicarbonate also decreased the growth of roots of lupins but increased the growth of roots of peas. Results indicate that when Fe deficiency is induced by HCO₃ ^-, then the response of lupins and peas are similar to their response in acid solution culture. Differences between species therefore could not be explained by their relative abilities to acidify or release Fe^III reducing compounds. Greater control of the distribution of Fe within the shoots, the presence of a pool of Fe within the roots, a lower threshold for Fe uptake, or a higher content of seed-Fe, may therefore be the reason for the lower sensitivity of peas than lupins to Fe deficiency.     

The effects of nutrient supply,predominantly addition of iron,and rhizobial inoculation on the tolerance of Lupinus pilosus genotypes to a calcareous soil

Two glasshouse experiments were conducted to examine the effects of nutrient supply and rhizobial inoculation on the performance of Lupinus pilosus genotypes differing in tolerance to calcareous soils. In experiment 1, plants were grown for 84 days in a calcareous soil (50% CaCO₃; soil water content 90% of field capacity) at four nutrient treatments (no-added nutrients, added nutrients without Fe, added nutrients with soil applied FeEDDHA, added nutrients with foliar applied FeSO₄). In experiment 2, plants were grown for 28 days with supply of NH₄NO₃ without inoculation or inoculated with Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus). Chlorosis in the youngest leaves was a good indicator of the relative tolerance of the genotypes to the calcareous soil in both experiments, except the treatment with FeEDDHA at 5 mg kg^–1 soil which was toxic to all genotypes. Chlorosis scores correlated with chlorophyll meter readings and chlorophyll concentrations. The foliar application of FeSO₄ did not fully alleviate chlorotic symptoms despite concentrations of active or total Fe in the youngest leaves being increased. Adding nutrients and chemical nitrogen did not change the severity of chlorosis or improve the growth of the plant. The nutrient supply did not alter the ranking of tolerance of genotypes to the calcareous soil. The results suggest that nutrient deficiency or poor nodulation was not a major cause of poor plant growth on calcareous soils and that bicarbonate may exert a direct effect on chlorophyll synthesis. The mechanism for tolerance is likely to be related to an ability to exclude bicarbonate or prevent its transport to the leaves.     

Rational approaches to control of iron deficiency other than plant breeding and choice of resistant cultivars

Satisfactory progress has been made in recent years in preventing and correcting Fe deficiency in plants, and more can be expected in the future. Important advances include uses of acid- and Fe-fortified organic wastes and use of amended sulfur-pyrite mixes in soil. Three different approaches with organics are as an acidified matrix with Fe, as a means of chelating Fe, and as a carrier of acidifiers. Several procedures can help minimize Fe deficiency. (1) Avoid mis-management of soil physical properties and overirrigation. (2) Avoid nutrient imbalance, such as excess P or excess micronutrients. (3) Use preplant application of mildly acid-organic matter-Fe-sulfur or pyrite mixes worked into zones of soil or banded into seed rows. It is important that small bands or spots in soil be completely neutralized of CaCO₃. (4) Where foliar sprays can or need be used, especially to correct mild chlorosis, use ferrous compounds prepared to be delivered at pH 3± so that the Fe does not easily oxidize or precipitate in the solution. (5) For established trees that have become Fe deficient, inject, via slant drilling of small holes in tree trunks, dilute ferric ammonium citrate sufficient to supply not more than 100 mg kg^-1 Fe to leaves (dry weight basis). Most but not all species will respond. Procedure may be repeated in two or three weeks if necessary. (6) Iron chelates may be used in drip irrigation. If soil is sandy, soil pH not over 7.2, FeDTPA may be used; otherwise, FeEDDHA should be used. If the Fe is supplied with no other nutrients, pH may be at 4 and some FeSO₄ included to recycle the chelating agents. If Fe is used without chelating agents, the pH may be 1.0 or less and other nutrients included. (7) Urea-acid sulfate-Fe sulfate may be irrigated into soil around plants, especially if soil was polymer treated. (8) Efficiency of use of Fe chelates may be increased by making them slow release or by applying with seeds.     

Using iron fertilizer to control Cd accumulation in rice plants: A new promising technology

Effects of two kinds of iron fertilizer, FeSO₄ and EDTA·Na₂Fe were studied on cadmium accumulation in rice plants with two rice genotypes, Zhongzao 22 and Zhongjiazao 02, with soil culture systems. The results showed that application of iron fertilizers could hardly make adverse effects on plant growth and rice grain yield. Soil application of EDTA·Na₂Fe significantly reduced the Cd accumulation in rice roots, shoots and rice grain. Cd concentration in white rice of both rice genotypes in the treatment of soil application of EDTA·Na₂Fe was much lower than 0.2 mg/kg, the maximal Cd permission concentration in cereal crop foods in State standard. However, soil application of FeSO₄ or foliar application of FeSO₄ or EDTA·Na₂Fe resulted in the significant increase of Cd accumulation in rice plants including rice grain compared with the control. The results also showed iron fertilizers increased the concentration of iron, copper and manganese element in rice grain and also affected zinc concentration in plants. It may be a new promising way to regulate Cd accumulation in rice grain in rice production through soil application of EDTA·Na₂Fe fertilizers to maintain higher content of available iron and ferrous iron in soils.     

Using iron fertilizer to control Cd accumulation in rice plants: A new promising technology

Effects of two kinds of iron fertilizer, FeSO4 and EDTA·Na2Fe were studied on cadmium accumulation in rice plants with two rice genotypes, Zhongzao 22 and Zhongjiazao 02, with soil culture systems. The results showed that application of iron fertilizers could hardly make adverse effects on plant growth and rice grain yield. Soil application of EDTA·Na2Fe significantly reduced the Cd accumulation in rice roots, shoots and rice grain. Cd concentration in white rice of both rice genotypes in the treatment of soil application of EDTA·Na2Fe was much lower than 0.2 mg/kg, the maximal Cd permission concentra- tion in cereal crop foods in State standard. However, soil application of FeSO4 or foliar application of FeSO4 or EDTA·Na2Fe resulted in the significant increase of Cd accumulation in rice plants including rice grain compared with the control. The results also showed iron fertilizers increased the concentra- tion of iron, copper and manganese element in rice grain and also affected zinc concentration in plants. It may be a new promising way to regulate Cd accumulation in rice grain in rice production through soil application of EDTA·Na2Fe fertilizers to maintain higher content of available iron and ferrous iron in soils.     

Mineral Nutrient Limitations of Calcifuge Plants in Phosphate Sufficient Limestone Soil

Twelve species of calcifuge plants were grown in an Ordovician-limestone soil with and without phosphate amendment, as well as in an acid silicate soil of their natural habitat. Phosphate treatment of the limestone soil raised the P concentrations of the plant biomasses to levels within sufficiency ranges reported for cultivated plants and productivity usually increased two- to five-fold. Out of twelve species studied,Scleranthus perenniswas unable to survive in the limestone soil unless treated with phosphate, whereas growth and general performance ofGalium saxatilewas impaired by phosphate additions. Biomass dilution effects on micro-nutrients, but usually not on macronutrients, were recorded as a result of the phosphate treatment. Dilution of Mn was most distinct and Fe was least distinct. However, no foliar symptoms clearly assignable to Mn deficiency were observed. Symptoms of foliar chlorosis, reminiscent of Fe deficiency, developed inGalium saxatile, Carex piluliferaandVeronica officinalis. InC.pilulifera, but not inV.officinalis, chlorosis was accompanied by decreasing foliar Fe concentrations.     

Effects of foliar sprays of daminozide on the incidence of potato common scab

Single foliar sprays of the growth retardant daminozide (1.5–12 g/l) approximately halved the incidence of common scab, caused by soil-borne Streptomyces scabies, on potted potato plants in the glasshouse. Two analogues of daminozide (N-dimethylaminomaleamic and N-(dimethylamino)-methylsuccinamic acids) also decreased scab, but others were inactive. Of 22 other unrelated growth regulators and translocated chemicals tested as foliar sprays, only gibberellic acid (0.1 g/l) decreased scab incidence, but many of the tubers were distorted. Chlormequat chloride and chlorphonium chloride, as root treatments, were inactive. In other experiments with daminozide, scab incidence was decreased after application to soil. In tests with two plants per pot, spraying one of each pair decreased its rate of stem extension, but did not affect the other, indicating that little or no daminozide passed into the soil from the roots of the sprayed plant. The decrease in scab brought about by foliar sprays was not altered by varying their timing during the period before symptom development (1 to 5 wk after potting). In agar plate tests, daminozide was only weakly toxic to S. scabies. It is concluded that daminozide probably decreased scab by altering the physiology of the plants, so that scab symptoms did not develop.     

Responses of alfalfa and Barley to foliar application of N and P on a coal mine spoil

Summary To ensure adequate growth of plants on the highly impoverished and erodable surface mined lands, the application of N and P fertilizers by suitable methods is essential. In the present study, five growth chamber experiments were conducted to evaluate the relative efficacy of foliar and spoil application of N and P using alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. var. Erand) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Manker) as test crops on a freshly exposed coal mine spoil collected from western North Dakota. In general, barley responded to both N and P, but alfalfa mainly to P. Growth responses of barley to foliar or spoil-applied N+P were substantial and similar in magnitude. However, the yields were much higher when the plants received 3–4 sprays of 1.5–2.2% urea, with P supplied through the spoil. Increasing the number of 2.2% urea sprays from 1 to 3 increased the growth response from 40 to 243%. In another study, increasing the concentration of foliar-applied urea from 0 through 1% resulted in further increases in the dry weights of barley at all the levels of spoil-applied (0, 25, 75, 225 g/g) N.Foliar sprays of 0.5–1.0% NaH₂PO₄ increased the dry weights of alfalfa and barley by an average of 366% and 86%, respectively. However, the yield response of alfalfa to spoil-applied P (100 g/g) was as high as 782% compared to only 117% for barley. Alfalfa responded significantly to increasing concentrations of H₃PO₄ (0–0.3%) in foliar sprays only in the absence of spoil-applied P. With increasing rates of spoil-applied P, alfalfa yields increased steadily, but additional supply of P sprays caused leaf burning which intensified as the P concentration in sprays increased.The results of chemical analyses indicated that foliar applications were more effective than soil applications in increasing the concentration of N or P in the plants. Moreover, urea sprays increased the uptake of K, Zn, and Fe in barley, whereas spraying alfalfa with P compounds caused increases in its K and Fe content and decreases in those of Zn and Na. The results of these experiments indicated that the nutritional requirements of plants grown on coal mine spoils can be met through foliar fertilization as effectively as, or better than, through conventional soil fertilization methods.Presented at the Annual Meeting, American Society of Agronomy, Chicago, Illinois, Dec. 3–8, 1978.     

Boron deficiency in maize

Boron (B) deficiency depresses wheat, barley and triticale yield through male sterility. On the basis of field responses to B fertilization, maize (Zea mays L.) is affected by B deficiency in five continents. In a series of sand culture trials with maize subject to B0 (nil added B) and B20 (20???M added B) treatments, we described how B deficiency depressed maize grain yield while showing an imperceptible effect on vegetative dry weight. With manual application of pollen to the silk of each plant, B0 plants produced 0.4 grain ear^?1 compared with 410 grains ear^?1 in B20 plants. Symptoms of B deficiency was observed only in B0 plants, which exhibited symptoms of narrow white to transparent lengthwise streaks on leaves, multiple but small and abnormal ears with very short silk, small tassels with some branches emerging dead, and small, shrivelled anthers devoid of pollen. Tassels, silk and pollen of B0 plants contained only 3?C4?mg B kg^?1 DW compared with twice or more B in these reproductive tissues in B20 plants. A cross-fertilization experiment showed that, although the tassels and pollen were more affected, the silk was more sensitive to B deficiency. Pollen from B20 plants applied to B0 silk produced almost no grains, while pollen from B0 on B20 silk increased the number of grains to 37% of the 452 grains plant^?1 produced from B20 pollen on B20 silk. Therefore, the silk of the first ear may be targeted for precise diagnosis of B status at maize reproduction, for timely correction by foliar B application, and even for B-efficient genotype selection.     

Correcting iron deficiencies in annual and perennial plants: Present technologies and future prospects

Correction of Fe chlorosis is done mainly by foliar sprays because soil applications generally are ineffective, especially for annual crops. Inorganic Fe sources applied to soils react rapidly to forms which are not as available to plants; ferrous Fe is oxidized to the ferric form in well-aerated soils, especially as soil pH increases. Several synthetic chelates and organic complexes have been used with varying success, depending upon Fe source and rate, application method, plant species, and weather and soil conditions. Use of Fe-efficient cultivars is one method of counteracting Fe deficiencies in some species. Future prospects for improving control of Fe chlorosis lie more with development of Fe-efficient cultivars of Fe-sensitive species than with development of improved Fe fertilizers and methods of application. The techniques of molecular biology should be applicable to help solve this important plant nutrition problem, but priority has not been given to conduct this research at this time.     

Foliar δ15 N patterns are dependent on seasonal and spatial variations as shown in lowland Scottish scrub

Summary

Patterns of foliar δ¹⁵ N can suggest testable hypotheses concerning N use among and within plant species. However, both spatial and time-series sampling is required to establish how the patterns vary within and among species. On a seasonal basis, foliar δ^l5 Nrankings may change among the species compared. When symbiotic N₂-fixers are among the plants sampled, N₂-fixation may be temporally disjunct from the near-0%c, expected foliar δ¹⁵ N, which is usually attributed to N₂-fixation, and the fates of previously fixed N may not be apparent from a net foliar δ¹⁵ N of either soil or plants.     

Soybean response to nodulation by bradyrhizobia differing in rhizobitoxine phenotype

Rhizobitoxine-producing (RT⁺) strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, differing in their abilities to induce foliar chlorosis with ‘Forrest’ soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.), were evaluated for effects on short term shoot productivity, nodulation, N₂ fixation, and nodule protein production under greenhouse conditions. Soybeans were singly inoculated with washed suspensions of (Group II) USDA strains 31, 46, 76, 94, 110, 123 or 130. Strains USDA 110 and USDA 123 (Group I/Ia) were included as RT-controls. The plants were cultured in the absence of combined N in horticultural-grade vermiculite for 49 days. Beginning 21 days after planting, plants were evaluated weekly for chlorophyll, leaf protein and biomass accumulation, nodular contents of leghemoglobin, soluble protein and RT, and total shoot N content. Rhizobitoxine was detected in nodules of all RT⁺ strains with the exception of USDA 31. However, only USDA 76 and USDA 94 produced both quantifiable concentrations of RT and symptoms of RT-induced chlorosis. Coincident with moderate to severe chlorosis were reductions in chlorophyll concentrations, shoot and nodule dry weight, leaf protein and total N₂ fixation. During extended periods of severe chlorosis, reductions in Lb and soluble nodular protein were observed. Based on carbon accumulation, all non-chlorotic treatments were statistically more productive than the chlorotic treatments. Similarly, non-chlorotic Group II treatments tended to fix less carbon relative to the RT-Group I/Ia controls, although these differences were not statistically significant. The results of this study suggest that, in the absence of discernable foliar chlorosis, the effect of RT⁺ (Group II) nodulation on short term soybean productivity is minimal. Published as Miscellaneous Paper No. 1439 of the Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station. Published as Miscellaneous Paper No. 1439 of the Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station.     

The use of microbial siderophores for foliar iron application studies

Experiments were conducted to assess the distribution of foliar applied Fe-containing compounds using microbial siderophores. Fe was measured in leaf fluid obtained by centrifugation according to a determination method based on Fe chelation by desferrioxamine E and HPLC separation on a reversed phase column. To avoid sample Fe contamination, treatments were only applied to a part of the leaf following a systematic and reproducible procedure and iron concentration was exclusively determined in fluid obtained from non-treated leaf surfaces. The increase in leaf fluid Fe concentration associated with the distribution of leaf applied Fe-siderophores, Fe–EDTA and FeSO₄ × 7H₂O was evaluated using Vicia faba L., Nicotiana tabacum L. and Citrus madurensis Lour. plants. The method proved useful to investigate the process of leaf Fe penetration and its distribution within the plant. Evidence of the penetration and distribution of leaf applied Fe-rhizoferrin, Fe-coprogen hydrolysis products and Fe-dimerum acid is presented in this study.     

Copper supply and the leaf emergence rate of spring wheat

Copper deficiency can delay flowering and plant maturity. However, the effect of copper deficiency on the rate of leaf emergence has not been quantified. We tested the hypothesis that low copper supply decreases the rate of leaf emergence of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Gamenya). Copper foliar sprays are commonly applied to wheat. We examined the response of the rate of leaf emergence to a foliar application of copper sulphate.Wheat was grown in root cooling tanks (20°C) in the glasshouse. Soil copper treatments were applied as solutions of CuSO₄.5H₂O at three rates: Cu₀=no added Cu, Cu₄₀₀=400 g Cu per 3 kg pot, and Cu₁₆₀₀=1600 g Cu per pot. An additional treatment of a foliar spray of CuSO₄.5H₂O (0.4 mg Cu per plant) was applied to Cu₀ and Cu₄₀₀ plants 45 days after sowing (5.5 leaves on the main stem). Leaves on the main stem were counted and the rate of leaf emergence was estimated from the regression of number of emerged leaves against thermal time (base 0°C). The phyllochron was calculated as 1/rate of emergence.Leaves on Cu₀ and Cu₄₀₀ plants took longer to emerge than on Cu₁₆₀₀ plants, with the phyllochron of Cu₁₆₀₀ plants being 130 compared to 137 for the Cu₄₀₀ plants and 158 for the Cu₀ plants. The foliar application of CuSO₄ at the 5–6 leaf stage resulted in a decrease in the phyllochron of the Cu₀ plants to 127, but no change in that of the Cu₄₀₀ plants.     

Imidacloprid‐induced transference effect on some elements in rice plants and the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

Abstract The widespread use of imidacloprid against insect pests has not only increased the rate of the development of target pest resistance but has also resulted in various negative effects on rice plants and Nilaparvata lugens resurgence. However, the effect of imidacloprid on elements in rice plants and the transference of these element changes between rice and N. lugens are currently poorly understood. The present study investigated changes of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, K, Mg and Na contents in rice plants following imidacloprid foliar sprays in the adult female of N. lugens that develops from nymphs that feed on treated plants and honeydew produced by females. The results indicated that imidacloprid foliar spray significantly increased Fe and K contents in leaf sheaths. Generally, Fe, Mn, K and Na contents in leaf blades were noticeably decreased, but Ca contents in leaf blades for 10 and 30 mg/kg imidacloprid treatments were significantly increased. The contents of most elements except K and Mg in the adult females and honeydew were significantly elevated. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that Fe, Mn and Na in leaf blades and Fe and Mn in leaf sheaths could be proportionally transferred to N. lugens. The relationship between most elements in adult female bodies and in the honeydew showed a positive correlation coefficient. There were significant differences in the contents of some elements in rice plants and N. lugens from different regions.     

Role of thiourea in improving productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The role of thiourea (TU), a sulfhydryl compound, was assessed in wheat via soil and foliar treatments. Results showed that at 30 days after flowering, soil-applied TU treatments did not influence dry matter accumulation or its distribution in leaves, stems, and ears, but foliar-applied treatments brought about significant effects varying with the timing of spray. At harvest, however, soil-applied treatment of 10 kg/ha TU increased the number of ears, grains/ear, weight/grain, biological yield (total above ground biomass), grain yield, and harvest index. Grain yield increased by 17.3% over control. Soil-applied 20 kg/ha TU increased the grain yield by 1.6% over control. Foliar applied treatment of 0.5 kg/ha TU at tillering increased the number of ears, grains/ear, weight/grain, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Grain yield increased by 15.2% over control. Foliar spray of 0.5 kg/ha TU at flowering tended to improve only weight/grain, but biological yield and grain yield increased significantly. Grain yield increased by 6.6% over control. TU spray at both tillering and flowering increased the number of ears, grains/ear, weight/grain, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Grain yield increased by 23.9% over control, and when compared with spray at tillering there was a significant increase of 7.5%. Thus, two foliar sprays of thiourea, at tillering and at flowering, at 1 kg/ha can be recommended for improving wheat productivity.Abbreviations TU thiourea - DMA dry matter accumulation - DMD dry matter distribution     

Iron deficiency in lentil: Yield loss and geographic distribution in a germplasm collection

Iron deficiency symptoms are observed on some genotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) grown in calcareous soil. A germplasm collection of 3512 accessions originating from 18 countries was characterized for iron deficiency in a Calcic Rhodoxeralf soil at ICARDA, Tel Hadya, Syria in the 1979/80 season. At 105 days after sowing, 592 accessions, representing 16.9% of the collection, showed chlorosis symptoms characteristic of iron (Fe) deficiency. The Fe deficiency was verified by foliar application of Fe-chelate. Germplasm from different countries showed differences in iron deficiency, with those accessions exhibiting symptoms of iron deficiency mostly originating from relatively warm climates such as India (37.5% accessions showing Fe deficiency) and Ethiopia (30%). Populations from those Mediterranean countries where lentil originated (Syria and Turkey) exhibited Fe-deficiency symptoms only at very low frequencies. Fe-deficiency induced chlorosis was positively correlated with cold susceptibility. Fe chlorosis was transient, the deficiency symptoms largely disappearing during reproductive growth at a time, coinciding with increases in soil temperature and daylength-conditions favorable for plant growth. In Indian germplasm, mild deficiency symptoms did not lead to reduced seed yield, but there was a major yield reduction of 47% in those accessions with the most severe symptoms. Straw yields was reduced commensurately with the severity of symptoms. ei]Section editor: B G Rolfe     

Rhizosphere acidification and Fe3+ reduction in lupins and peas: Iron deficiency in lupins is not due to a poor ability to reduce Fe3+

While lupins suffer severely from Fe deficiency when grown on calcareous soils, field peas under the same conditions grow normally. This paper aimed to identify whether these differences were related to differences in either the pattern or capacity for rhizosphere acidification or Fe³⁺ reduction between these species. Two lupin species (Lupinus angustifolius, L. cosentinii) and field peas (Pisum sativum) were grown in solution culture for 5 weeks with both an adequate and a low supply of Fe. Plants were reliant on symbiotically fixed N. The extent of iron reduction was determined using the chelates TPTZ and BPDS. The pattern of reactions around roots was determined by placing roots in agar containing either bromocresol purple or TPTZ. The low supply of Fe decreased the growth of lupins by over 30% and induced severe chlorosis and necrosis. Growth of the peas was reduced by less than 15% and no symptoms appeared. All species acidified the solutions by about 1 pH unit regardless of the Fe treatment. The level of Fe³⁺ reduction was higher for all species grown with low Fe than with adequate Fe. Capacity for Fe³⁺ reduction was higher for all species grown with low Fe than with adequate Fe. Capacity for Fe³⁺ reduction was similar for all species. The pattern of acidification and reduction around roots was also similar between species. Thus it appears that the capacity of lupins to reduce Fe³⁺ in the rhizosphere is not the primary cause of Fe deficiency in lupins.