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Nitrate accumulation by wheat (Triticum aestivum) in relation to growth and tissue N concentrations

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Abstract

The accumulation of nitrate in relation to total N concentrations ([N]i) in tissues of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv Sicco) grown in solution culture was investigated. Root, shoot and leaf tissues showed qualitatively similar relationships between internal nitrate concentrations and [N]i, both expressed on a tissue water basis. At low [N]i, no nitrate was detectable but once a particular [N]i was exceeded, nitrate accumulated as a linear function of [N]i. The threshold [N]i values for nitrate accumulation were 110, 450, and 550 mM for roots, total shoot and leaf 4, respectively. The slope of the relationship between nitrate and [N]i indicated that in all tissues nitrate accounted for 50–55% of the extra N accumulated above the threshold [N]i. All growth requirements for N were satisfied before nitrate accumulated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rothamsted Experimental Station, AFRC Institute of Arable Crops Research, AL5 2JQ, Harpenden, Herts, UK

    R. G. Zhen & R. A. Leigh

Authors
  1. R. G. Zhen
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  2. R. A. Leigh
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Zhen, R.G., Leigh, R.A. Nitrate accumulation by wheat (Triticum aestivum) in relation to growth and tissue N concentrations. Plant Soil 124, 157–160 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00009253

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00009253

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