SIDEROPHORE‐INDEPENDENT IRON UPTAKE BY IRON‐LIMITED CELLS OF THE CYANOBACTERIUM ANABAENA FLOS‐AQUAE1

Iron acquisition by iron‐limited cyanobacteria is typically considered to be mediated mainly by siderophores, iron‐chelating molecules released by iron‐limited cyanobacteria into the environment. In this set of experiments, iron uptake by iron‐limited cells of the cyanobacterium Anabaena flos‐aquae (L.) Bory was investigated in cells resuspended in siderophore‐free medium. Removal of siderophores decreased iron‐uptake rates by ～60% compared to siderophore‐replete conditions; however, substantial rates of iron uptake remained. In the absence of siderophores, Fe(III) uptake was much more rapid from a weaker synthetic chelator [N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine‐N,N′,N′‐triacetic acid (HEDTA); log K_cond = 28.64 for Fe(III)HEDTA(OH)^?] than from a very strong chelator [N,N′‐bis(2‐hydroxybenzyl)‐ethylenediamine‐N,N′‐diacetic acid (HBED); log K_cond = 31.40 for Fe(III)HBED^?], and increasing chelator:Fe(III) ratios decreased the Fe(III)‐uptake rate; these results were evident in both short‐term (4 h; absence of siderophores) and long‐term (116 h; presence of siderophores) experiments. However, free (nonchelated) Fe(III) provided the most rapid iron uptake in siderophore‐free conditions. The results of the short‐term experiments are consistent with an Fe(III)‐binding/uptake mechanism associated with the cyanobacterial outer membrane that operates independently of extracellular siderophores. Iron uptake was inhibited by temperature‐shock treatments of the cells and by metabolically compromising the cells with diphenyleneiodonium; this finding indicates that the process is dependent on active metabolism to operate and is not simply a passive Fe(III)‐binding mechanism. Overall, these results point to an important, siderophore‐independent iron‐acquisition mechanism by iron‐limited cyanobacterial cells.     

Siderophores of Pseudomonas putida as an iron source for dicot and monocot plants

Iron uptake from ferrated (⁵⁹Fe) pseudobactin (PSB), a Pseudomonas putida siderophore, by various plant species was studied in nutrient solution culture under short term (10 h) and long term (3 weeks) conditions. In the short term experiments, ⁵⁹Fe uptake rate from ⁵⁹FePSB by dicots (peanuts, cotton and sunflower) was relatively low when compared with ⁵⁹Fe uptake rate from ⁵⁹FeEDDHA. Iron uptake rate from ⁵⁹FePSB was pH and concentration dependent, as was the Fe uptake rate from ⁵⁹FeEDDHA. The rate was about 10 times lower than that of Fe uptake from the synthetic chelate. Results were similar for long term experiments.Monocots (sorghum) in short term experiments exhibited significantly higher uptake rate of Fe from FePSB than from FeEDDHA. In long term experiments, FePSB was less efficient than FeEDDHA as an Fe source for sorghum at pH 6, but the same levels of leaf chlorophyll concentration were obtained at pH 7.3.Fe uptake rates by dicots from the siderophore and FeEDDHA were found to correlate with Fe reduction rates and reduction potentials (E₀) of both chelates. Therefore, it is suggested that the reduction mechanism governs the Fe uptake process from PSB by dicots. Further studies will be conducted to determine the role of pH in Fe aquisition from PSB by monocots.     

Evidence for a specific uptake system for iron phytosiderophores in roots of grasses

Roots of grasses in response to iron deficiency markedly increase the release of chelating substances (`phytosiderophores') which are highly effective in solubilization of sparingly soluble inorganic Fe<sup>III</sup> compounds by formation of Fe<sup>III</sup>phytosiderophores. In barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), the rate of iron uptake from Fe<sup>III</sup>phytosiderophores is 100 to 1000 times faster than the rate from synthetic Fe chelates (e.g. Fe ethylenediaminetetraacetate) or microbial Fe siderophores (e.g. ferrichrome). Reduction of Fe<sup>III</sup> is not involved in the preferential iron uptake from Fe<sup>III</sup>phytosiderophores by barley. This is indicated by experiments with varied pH, addition of bicarbonate or of a strong chelator for Fe<sup>II</sup> (e.g. batho-phenanthrolinedisulfonate). The results indicate the existence of a specific uptake system for Fe<sup>III</sup>phytosiderophores in roots of barley and all other graminaceous species. In contrast to grasses, cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) take up iron from Fe<sup>III</sup>phytosiderophores at rates similar to those from synthetic Fe chelates. Furthermore, under Fe deficiency in cucumber, increased rates of uptake of Fe<sup>III</sup>phytosiderophores are based on the same mechanism as for synthetic Fe chelates, namely enhanced Fe<sup>III</sup> reduction and chelate splitting. Two strategies are evident from the experiments for the acquisition of iron by plants under iron deficiency. Strategy I (in most nongraminaceous species) is characterized by an inducible plasma membrane-bound reductase and enhancement of H<sup>+</sup> release. Strategy II (in grasses) is characterized by enhanced release of phytosiderophores and by a highly specific uptake system for Fe<sup>III</sup>phytosiderophores. Strategy II seems to have several ecological advantages over Strategy I such as solubilization of sparingly soluble inorganic Fe<sup>III</sup> compounds in the rhizosphere, and less inhibition by high pH. The principal differences in the two strategies have to be taken into account in screening methods for resistance to `lime chlorosis'.     

Physiological and transcriptional responses in the iron–sulphur cluster assembly pathway under abiotic stress in peach (Prunus persica L.) seedlings

As one of the most indispensable element in mineral nutrition of plants, iron (Fe) is closely related to fruits quality and yield. However, molecular mechanisms towards Fe metabolism in fruit trees is largely unclear. In higher plants, iron–sulphur (Fe–S) cluster assembly occurs in chloroplasts, mitochondria and cytosol involving dozens of genes. In this study, we identified 44 putative Fe–S cluster assembly genes in peach (Prunus persica cv. ‘Xiahui6’), and analyzed Fe–S cluster assembly gene expression profiles in response to abiotic stresses. Peach seedlings were more sensitive to iron deficiency, drought and salinity stress, evidenced in reduced photosynthetic performance and altered activity of nitrite reductase, succinate dehydrogenase and aconitase. In addition, Fe–S cluster assembly genes are differentially regulated by abiotic stresses. Iron depletion and drought stress are likely to affect Fe–S cluster assembly genes in leaves. Excess iron toxicity mainly induces Fe–S cluster assembly gene expression in roots, whereas salinity stress massively inhibits Fe–S cluster assembly gene expression in roots. Interestingly, we found that un-functional scaffolds are more prone to disappear during the long-term evolution in perennial woody plants. Our findings directly provide molecular basis for Fe metabolism in peach, and favorably reveal potential candidate genes for further functional determination.     

Lolium multiflorum uptake of iron supplied as different synthetic chelates

The plant availability of Fe from synthetic chelates has not been examined extensively for plants having the second strategy in iron uptake. Since these plants also excrete chelating agents, competition between natural and synthetic ligands is expected. This research was conducted to study the efficiency of different iron-chelates (Fe-EDTA, Fe-DTPA, Fe-EDDHA and a commercial product, Rexene) inLolium multiflorum iron nutrition. Plants were grown in a greenhouse with hydroponic culture using a buffered nutrient solution at pH 8. Initial iron concentration in the nutrient solution was near 0.5 mgl^–1 and solutions were replaced weekly. In an other Fe-EDTA treatment the same amount of chelate was supplied by four additions during each week.Changes of iron concentration in the nutrient solution, harvestable yield, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn content in plant tissue and chlorophylllevels in leaves are discussed as parameters to evaluate chelate efficacy. Fe-EDDHA, without inorganic iron in the medium was not as effective as the commercial product Rexene, containing Fe-EDDHA and some extra weakly complex iron, which gave the highest yields. Fe-EDTA applied once a week with fresh nutrient solution was less effective than a four part addition as seen from Chl₁/[Fe] ratios.     

Complexation of iron by microbial siderophores and effects of iron chelates on the growth of marine microalgae causing red tides

The growth rates of 13 species of abundant red tide algae in media with different iron species complexed with microbial siderophores (Ferrichrome and Ferrioxamine) and Fe‐Catechol were investigated. Our study demonstrated that the Fe‐chelates (at molar ratios = 1:1) were bioavailable to some red tide species. In Fe‐Catechol medium, growth was observed for the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo, the dinoflagellates Heterocapsa circularisquama and Heterocapsa triquetra, the diatom Ditylum brightwellii, the cryptophyte Rhodomonas ovalis, the chlorophyte Oltmannsiellopsis viridis, and the haptophyte Cricosphaera roscoffensis. In Ferrioxamine medium, we found the growth of the dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi, the diatom Ditylum brightwellii, and the cryptophyte Rhodomonas ovalis. But, the existence of higher ligand concentrations (molar ratios ≥ 1:10) decreased the growth rates of most red tide species that were examined. Furthermore, all red tide species examined were not able to grow in Ferrichrome medium. In particular, the Chattonella species examined did not grow in the presence of Fe‐chelates. These results suggest that bioavailability of iron depends not only on ligand species, but also on the concentration of the ligands; moreover, microbial siderophores may play an important role in controlling the uptake of iron complexed with organic materials that exist in coastal water and the formation of red tides in coastal areas.     

Effects of branch solid Fe sulphate implants on xylem sap composition in field-grown peach and pear: changes in Fe, organic anions and pH

The effects of placing solid implants containing Fe sulfate in branches of Fe-deficient pear and peach trees on the composition of the xylem sap have been studied. Iron sulfate implants are commercially used in northeastern Spain to control iron chlorosis in fruit trees. Implants increased Fe concentrations and decreased organic acid concentrations in the xylem sap, whereas xylem sap pH was only moderately changed. The citrate to Fe ratios decreased markedly after implants, therefore improving the possibility that Fe could be reduced by the leaf plasma membrane enzyme reductase, known to be inhibited by high citrate/Fe ratios. In peach, the effects of the implants could be observed many months post treatment. In pear, some effects were still observed one year after the implants had taken place. Results obtained indicate that solid Fe sulfate implants were capable of significantly changing the chemical composition of the xylem sap in fruit trees.     

Localization of phytosiderophore release and of iron uptake along intact barley roots

Under iron deficiency the release of so-called phytosiderophores by roots of barley plants ( Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Europa) was greater by a factor of 10 to 50 compared to iron-sufficient plants. This enhanced release occurred particularly in apical zones of the seminal roots and in the lateral root zones. Under iron deficiency, uptake rates for iron, supplied as FeIII phytosiderophore, increased by a factor of ca 5 as compared to iron-sufficient plants. This enhanced uptake rate for iron was also much more pronounced in apical than in basal root zones. In contrast, with supply of the synthetic iron chelate, FelII EDDHA (ferric diaminoethane-N, N-di- o -hydroxyphenyl acetic acid), the Fe deficiency-enhanced uptake rates for iron were only small and similar along the roots, except for the lateral root zones. The high selectivity of barley roots for uptake and translocation of FeIII phytosiderophores compared with FeIII EDDHA is reflected by the fact that, at the same external concentration (2 μ M ), rates of uptake and translocation of iron from FeIII phytosiderophores were between 100 (Fe-sufficient) and 1 000 times higher (Fe-deficient plants) than from FeIII EDDHA. The relatively high rates of uptake and particularly of translocation of iron supplied as FeIII EDDHA in the zone of lateral root formation strongly suggest an apoplastic pathway of radial transport of the synthetic iron chelate into the stele in this root zone.
The results demonstrate that apical root zones are the main sites both for Fe deficiency-enhanced release of phytosiderophores and for uptake and translocation of iron supplied as FeIII phytosiderophores.     

Small fruit problem in Citrus trees

Summary Physiological causes of the small fruit problem which occurs in certain trees of orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Valencia] were investigated in terms of water relations and gas exchange of fruits during early fruit development as well as tree carbohydrate reserves. These data from cv. Valencia trees with and without a small fruit potential were compared with those of the large fruited cv. Navel. Neither fruit water potential nor fruit transpiration nor tree carbohydrate reserves appeared to be a cause of the small fruit. Yield records showed the small fruit to be assocaited with a large number of fruit per tree. However, fruits from cv. Valencia trees with a small fruit potential respired faster than either fruits of the same cultivar and size from trees without the physiological disorder or fruits of the same size of cv. Navel and also exceeded the dark respiration of the respective leaves. Hence, the small fruit problem in cv. Valencia was partly attributed to inefficient fruit photosynthesis, causing excessive respiration of each of a larger number of fruits compared to fruits of a tree of the same cultivar but without the physiological disorder. Fruits of cv. Valencia respired more in their 2 months longer lifetime on the tree relative to those of cv. Navel. It is concluded that orchard management methods will have to be investigated to balance the fruit load of the cv. Valencia tree utilizing the carbon available for fruit growth and to minimise stress during the early fruit development.     

Dynamics of nitrogen uptake and partitioning in early and late fruit ripening peach (Prunus persica) tree genotypes under a mediterranean climate

The dynamics of N uptake and N partitioning in peach (Prunus persica, Batsch) trees of a very early (cv. Flordastar) and a very late (cv. Tudia) fruit ripening varieties grown under a mediterranean climate was assessed during one season. Labelled N was applied to two-year old potted trees which were destructively harvested at regular intervals during the vegetative and reproductive cycle. Tree phenology as well as vegetative and reproductive growth of the two genotypes strongly differed: bud burst started in late January in Flordastar and late March in Tudia. Leaf senescence in Flordastar was almost complete by mid October, while Tudia still retained a significant fraction of leaves at the December harvest. Fruit yield averaged 4.0 and 6.9 kg tree^–1 (fresh weight) in cv. Flordastar and Tudia, respectively, and fruit size was within commercial standards for the two genotypes. After growth resumption, shoot and fruit growth mainly relied on N remobilised from reserves, which accounted for 72–80% of total N in new growth. Nitrogen uptake by both genotypes was relatively low in the first month after bud burst, then was more rapid until the end of the season. Total labelled N uptake did not differ between the two genotypes and accounted on average for 65–70% of total N supplied. The kinetics of labelled N uptake were similar in the two varieties despite the great difference in the timing of their fruit ripening. Leaves were the main sink for N during much of the experimental period. The fruits, when present, also used a significant fraction of the absorbed N, which was almost constant until fruit ripening in Flordastar. Nitrogen partitioning to leaves declined progressively after summer, when a greater fraction of the absorbed N was recovered in the twigs, the trunk, the fine roots and especially in the coarse roots. The data provide evidence for guiding the kinetics of N supply to peach orchards under a Mediterranean climate.     

Iron and cadmium uptake by duodenum of hypotransferrinaemic mice

Absorption from food is an important route for entry of the toxic metal, cadmium, into the body. Both cadmium and iron are believed to be taken up by duodenal enterocytes via the iron regulated, proton-coupled transporter, DMT1. This means that cadmium uptake could be enhanced in conditions where iron absorption is increased. We measured pH dependent uptake of ¹⁰⁹Cd and ⁵⁹Fe by duodenum from mice with an in vitro method. Mice with experimental (hypoxia, iron deficiency) or hereditary (hypotransferrinaemia) increased iron absorption were studied. All three groups of mice showed increased ⁵⁹Fe uptake (p<0.05) compared to their respective controls. Hypotransferrinaemic and iron deficient mice exhibited an increase in ¹⁰⁹Cd uptake (p<0.05). Cadmium uptake was not, however, increased by lowering the medium pH from 7.4 to 6. In contrast, ⁵⁹Fe uptake (from ⁵⁹FeNTA₂) and ferric reductase activity was increased by lowering medium pH in control and iron deficient mice (p<0.05). The data show that duodenal cadmium uptake can be increased by hereditary iron overload conditions. The uptake is not, however, altered by lowering medium pH suggesting that DMT1-independent uptake pathways may operate.     

Fusarinines and dimerum acid, mono- and dihydroxamate siderophores from Penicillium chrysogenum, improve iron utilization by strategy I and strategy II plants

Cucumber, as a strategy I plant, and Maize as a strategy II plant, were cultivated in hydroponic culture in the presence of a ferrated siderophore mixture (1 M) from a culture of Penicillium chrysogenumisolated from soil. The siderophore mixture significantly improved the iron status of these plants as measured by chlorophyll concentration to the same degree as a 100-fold higher FeEDTA supply. Analysis of the siderophore mixture from P. chrysogenum by HPLC and electrospray mass spectrometry revealed that besides the trihydroxamates, coprogen and ferricrocin, large amounts of dimerum acid and fusarinines were present which represent precursor siderophores or breakdown products of coprogen. In order to prove the iron donor properties of dimerum acid and fusarinines for plants, purified coprogen was hydrolyzed with ammonia and the hydrolysis products consisting of dimerum acid and fusarinine were used for iron uptake by cucumber and maize. In short term experiments radioactive iron uptake and translocation rates were determined using ferrioxamine B, coprogen and hydrolysis products of coprogen. While the trihydroxamates revealed negligible or intermediate iron uptake rates by both plant species, the fungal siderophore mixture and the ammoniacal hydrolysis products of coprogen showed high iron uptake, suggesting that dimerum acid and fusarinines are very efficient iron sources for plants. Iron reduction assays using cucumber roots or ascorbic acid also showed that iron bound to hydrolysis products of coprogen was more easily reduced compared to iron bound to trihydroxamates. Ligand exchange studies with epi-hydroxymugineic acid and EDTA showed that iron was easily exchanged between coprogen hydrolysis products and phytosiderophores or EDTA. The results indicate that coprogen hydrolysis products are an excellent source for Fe nutrition of plants.     

Iron deficiency in peach trees: effects on leaf chlorophyll and nutrient concentrations in flowers and leaves

The effects of iron deficiency on the leaf chlorophyll concentrations and on the macro- (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micro-nutrient (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) composition of flowers (at full bloom) and leaves (60 and 120 days after full bloom) of field-grown peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) trees were investigated. Flowers and leaves were taken and analysed from fifty individual trees. Our data indicate that large decreases in leaf chlorophyll concentration were found at the beginning of the season in control trees, possibly associated to a dilution effect by leaf growth, that were later followed by leaf chlorophyll concentration increases. Leaf Fe chlorosis apparently results from two different processes, the dilution of leaf Chl caused by growth and the subsequent inability to produce and/or stabilize new Chl molecules in the thylakoid membrane. Iron chlorosis did not change the seasonal change patterns of any of the nutrients studied. In Fe-deficient trees the K concentration and the K/Ca ratio were high not only in leaves but also in flowers, indicating that this is a characteristic of Fe-deficient plant tissue in the whole fruit tree growing season. Flower Fe concentrations were well correlated with the degree of chlorosis developed later in the season by the trees, suggesting that flower analysis could be used for the prognosis of Fe deficiency in peach.     

Reduction-based iron uptake revisited: On the role of secreted iron-binding compounds

With the exception of the grasses, plants rely on a reduction-based iron (Fe) uptake system that is compromised by high soil pH, leading to severe chlorosis and reduced yield in crop plants. We recently reported that iron deficiency triggers the production of secondary metabolites that are beneficial for Fe uptake in particular at high external pH when iron is present but not readily available. The exact function of these metabolites, however, remains enigmatic. Here, we speculate on the mechanism by which secondary metabolites secreted by roots from Fe-deficient plants improve Fe acquisition. We suggest that the production and excretion of Iron Binding Compounds (IBCs) constitute an integrative, pH-insensitive component of the reduction-based iron uptake strategy in plants.     

Effects of moderate and severe iron deficiency chlorosis on fruit yield, appearance and composition in pear (Pyrus communis L.) and peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch)

The effects of different levels of Fe-deficiency chlorosis on the fruit yield, appearance and composition of pear and peach trees grown in field orchards have been studied. The major effect of Fe deficiency in both species was a large yield reduction, even when chlorosis was moderate, associated to decreases in fruit tree load. Fruit size increased with moderate chlorosis in both species and decreased with severe chlorosis in peach. In peach, moderate or severe chlorosis affected uniformly all branches, leading to firmer fruits with higher acidity, total phenolics and carboxylates. This indicates a delayed maturity that can be attributed to a low C-availability for fruits. In Fe-deficient pear trees, the majority of fruits (98%) were on non-chlorotic or moderately chlorotic branches, and fruits were less green and firm with an increased sugars/acids ratio. This indicates an advanced fruit maturity that can be attributed to an increased C-availability for fruits. All chlorosis levels increased within-tree variation in fruit appearance.     

Mechanism of Fe uptake by the leaf symplast: Is Fe inactivation in leaf a cause of Fe deficiency chlorosis?

The mechanism of iron (Fe) uptake from the leaf apoplast into leaf mesophyll cells was studied to evaluate the putative Fe inactivation as a possible cause of Fe deficiency chlorosis. For this purpose, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and faba bean plants (Vicia faba L.) were precultured with varied Fe and bicarbonate (HCO ₃ ^- ) supply in nutrient solution. After 2–3 weeks preculture, Fe^III reduction and ⁵⁹Fe uptake by leaf discs were measured in solutions with Fe supplied as citrate or synthetic chelates in darkness. The data clearly indicate that Fe^III reduction is a prerequisite for Fe uptake into leaf cells and that the Fe nutritional status of plants does not affect either process. In addition, varied supply of Fe and HCO ₃ ^- to the root medium during preculture had no effect on pH of the xylem sap and leaf apoplastic fluid. A varied pH of the incubation solution had no significant effect on Fe^III reduction and Fe uptake by leaf discs in the physiologically relevant pH range of 5.0–6.0 as measured in the apoplastic leaf fluid. It is concluded that Fe inactivation in the leaf apoplast is not a primary cause of Fe deficiency chlorosis induced by bicarbonate. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Rhythmic iron stress reactions in sunflower at suboptimal iron supply

Uptake and translocation of labelled iron were studied in sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L. cv. Sobrid) grown in nutrient solution with low FeEDDHA concentrations during preculture. In contrast to conditions for plants adequately supplied with iron, suboptimal iron supply leads to temporary Fe stress with rhythmic rates of uptake and translocation of iron (period 2–4 days). This rhythmic behaviour of iron uptake is associated with corresponding changes in morphology (thickening of root tips) and physiology (increase in reducing capacity) of the roots. Iron stress is alleviated within less than one day if sufficient iron is available. This is indicated by normalisation of root morphology, reducing capacity and rate of iron uptake and translocation. This rhythm in iron uptake stresses the importance of rhythmic patterns of biochemical behaviour in complex biological systems. It is suggested that phytohormones are involved in the transformation of the iron nutritional status of the shoot apex into a "signal" for the uptake sites of iron in the roots. Preliminary experiments with sunflower in calcareous soil indicate an ecological importance of this fine regulation mechanism for plants on soil with a low iron availability, manifested in rhythmic iron stress reactions.     

Synthesis of Iron-Amino Acid Chelates and Evaluation of Their Efficacy as Iron Source and Growth Stimulator for Tomato in Nutrient Solution Culture

Supplying a sufficient amount of available iron (Fe) for plant growth in hydroponic nutrient solutions is a great challenge. The chelators commonly used to supply Fe in nutrient solutions have several disadvantages and may negatively affect plant growth. In this research study we have synthesized certain Fe-amino acid chelates, including Fe-arginine [Fe(Arg)₂], Fe-glycine [Fe(Gly)₂], and Fe-histidine [Fe(His)₂], and evaluated their efficacy as an Fe source for two tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cvs. ‘Rani’ and ‘Sarika’) grown in nutrient solution. Application of Fe-amino acid chelates significantly increased root and shoot dry matter yield of both tomato cultivars compared with Fe-EDTA. Tomato plants supplied with Fe-amino acid chelates also accumulated significantly higher levels of Fe, Zn, and N in their roots and shoots compared with those supplied with Fe-EDTA. In ‘Sarika’, the effect of Fe-amino acid chelates on shoot Fe content was in the order Fe(His)₂?>?Fe(Gly)₂?>?Fe(Arg)₂. In ‘Rani’, the addition of all synthesized Fe-amino acid chelates significantly increased activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in comparison with Fe-EDTA, whereas in ‘Sarika’, only Fe(His)₂ increased shoot APX activity. The results obtained indicated that using Fe-amino acid chelates in the nutrient solution could supply a sufficient amount of Fe for plant uptake and also improve root and shoot growth of tomato plants, although this increase was cultivar-dependent. According to the results, Fe-amino acid chelates can be used as an alternative for Fe-EDTA to supply Fe in nutrient solutions.     

Assessment of nutrient removal in bearing peach trees (Prunus persica L. Batsch) based on whole tree analysis

Background and Aims

The aim was to assess the amounts of macro- (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micro-elements (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) lost by peach trees (Prunus persica L. Batsch) in all the nutrient removal events (pruning, flower abscission, fruit thinning, fruit harvest and leaf fall), as well as those stored in the permanent structures of the tree (roots, trunk and main branches).

Methods

Three peach cultivars were used. The biomass and nutrient composition of materials lost by trees at the different events were measured during 3 years. The biomass and nutrient composition of permanent tree structures were also measured after full tree excavation.

Results

Winter pruning and leaf fall were the events where most nutrients were removed. Nutrient losses and total requirements are given as amounts of nutrients needed per tree and also as amounts necessary to produce a t of fresh fruit.

Conclusions

The allocation of all nutrients analyzed in the different plant parts was similar in different types of peach trees, with each element having a typical “fingerprint” allocation pattern. Peach tree materials removed at tree pruning and leaf fall include substantial amounts of nutrients that could be recycled to improve soil fertility and tree nutrition. Poorly known tree materials such as flowers and fruit stones contain measurable amounts of nutrients.     

Determination of available iron in mixtures of organic chelators secreted by scenedesmus incrassatulus

Summary Scenedesmus incrassatulus releases many organic chelators in inorganic medium which bind iron in two types of Fe species: hydroxylamine-stable and hydroxylamine-labile, as influenced by redox. Only hydroxylamine-stable Fe chelates are available for adsorption and uptake, independently of the transporting molecules.