Studies on nitrate uptake by solution grown corn (Zea mays) L. genotypes

Abstract
Nitrate depletion from the media by intact corn seedlings grown under solution culture was measured over a period of time. Two methods were assessed to differentiate corn genotypes for nitrate uptake ability: (1) Nitrate uptake per day per plant basis. (2) Nitrate uptake per day per gram root dry matter basis. The former method was found to be superior as it gave significant and positive correlations with dry matter, nitrate, and reduced nitrogen accumulation in stem, leaf and roots. Nitrate uptake was found to vary with plant age. Root mass and efficiency of roots appear to contribute to the total nitrate uptake ability of the genotype. Corn genotypes studied exhibited marked differences in nitrate uptake ability.