Production of carboxylates (C-A) by young sugar-beet plants grown in nutrient solution.

Authors

  • F. van Egmond
  • V.J.G. Houba

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18174/njas.v18i3.17341

Abstract

In growth-chamber experiments, sugar beet seedlings were grown in nutrient solution. Plants were harvested 30, 36, 39, 43, 46 or 51 days after germination, leaf blades (including midribs), petioles and storage roots plus fibrous roots were analysed for Na, K, Ca, Mg, H2PO4, NO3, Cl, SOt, total N and 5 organic acids, and fresh and dry weights were recorded. The total content of carboxylates (C-A) was calculated by subtracting the sum of inorganic anions from the sum of inorganic cations. Amounts of C-A and organic N were about equal; there was no release of carboxylates resulting from NO3- and SO4- reduction in the leaves of sugar beet. Only a small amount of carboxylates reached the root system and no excess uptake of inorganic anions over inorganic cations accompanied by a decarboxylation of carboxylates occurred. In sugar beet plants the C-A content was not constant during the growth period studied. The NO3- reduction per g leaf/day decreased rapidly with time and was accompanied by a decrease in oxalate production. The high oxalate content in the leaves was thought to account for the decrease in NO3- reduction. GMC. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

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Published

1970-08-01

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Papers