Genotypic differences in bicarbonate‐induced iron chlorosis in sunflower

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Six sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) lines were grown in nutrient solution to characterize their sensitivity to bicarbonate‐induced Fe chlorosis. Sensitivity was evaluated by chlorosis score and growth reduction relative to the control without added bicarbonate. Chlorosis score was inversely correlated to chlorophyll and Fe concentrations in the uppermost leaves. This technique seems valuable for determining genotypic differences in sensitivity to Fe‐induced chlorosis in sunflower. Bicarbonate treatment resulted in an increase in the Ca, Mg, K and Mn and in a decrease in the Fe and P concentrations in leaves. In roots, bicarbonate treatment resulted in a decrease in the Fe and Mn concentrations. Some of the effects of bicarbonate on these elemental compositions were related to the degree of chlorosis.