Journal article

Publication year: 2009

Pages: 254-260

Journal: Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science

Volume number: 172

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 1436-8730

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.200800236

Publisher: Wiley-VCH Verlag

Abstract: 
Functions of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) are closely associated. In some crops, Na+ is able to prevent or reduce considerably the occurrence of K+ deficiency. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a natrophilic crop, and positive effects of Na+ applications on yield were observed when K+ was sufficiently supplied. However, it is not known which specific function of K+ can limit the growth of sugar beet when K+ is substituted by an equivalent amount of Na+. Therefore, K+ substitution by Na+ was investigated for sugar beet in hydroponics. Surprisingly, no K+-deficiency symptoms were observed. However, calcium (Ca2+) concentrations in the leaves were significantly decreased. Moreover, Ca2+ uptake and translocation through xylem sap were reduced in Na-treated plants. It is concluded that Ca2+ uptake by roots and its translocation via xylem sap primarily limit the possibility of K+ substitution by Na+ in sugar beet nutrition.

Harvard Citation style: Wakeel, A., Abd-El-Motagally, F., Steffens, D. and Schubert, S. (2009) Sodium-induced calcium deficiency in sugar beet during substitution of potassium by sodium, Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science = Zeitschrift für Pflanzenernährung und Bodenkunde, 172(2), pp. 254-260. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.200800236

APA Citation style: Wakeel, A., Abd-El-Motagally, F., Steffens, D., & Schubert, S. (2009). Sodium-induced calcium deficiency in sugar beet during substitution of potassium by sodium. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science = Zeitschrift für Pflanzenernährung und Bodenkunde. 172(2), 254-260. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.200800236