Low-dose irradiation of vegetable seeds: the effects on N and P uptake

Seed irradiation resulted in a random, infrequent and irregular pattern of both increases and decreases in plant uptake of fertilizer N and P, but in general did not change any yield parameter. Root distribution of the four vegetable cultivars was unaffected by seed irradiation. The percent utilizat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of plant science 1975-01, Vol.55 (3), p.761-769
Main Authors: Rennie, D.A, Nelson, S.H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
nitrogen
phosphorus
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Summary:Seed irradiation resulted in a random, infrequent and irregular pattern of both increases and decreases in plant uptake of fertilizer N and P, but in general did not change any yield parameter. Root distribution of the four vegetable cultivars was unaffected by seed irradiation. The percent utilization of the applied fertilizer N ranged from approximately 40% for the corn (Zea mays L. var. rugosa Bonaf.) crop to a low of 6% for the onions (Allium cepa L.) and carrots (Daucus carota L. var. sativa, DC.). Corresponding values for fertilizer P were 10 and 2, respectively. The reasons for the low efficiency of fertilizer N and P uptake by onions and carrots require further study. The isotope composition was identical for the various plant parts of any one cultivar. It is therefore necessary to analyze only one plant part, preferably that containing the highest percent of the particular nutrient, in order to obtain a measure of the isotope dilution throughout the above-ground plant parts.
ISSN:0008-4220
1918-1833
DOI:10.4141/cjps75-119