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Physiology and Molecular Biology of Stress ... - KHAM PHA MOI

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Nutrient <strong>Stress</strong><br />

191<br />

Table 2. Effect <strong>of</strong> phosphorus <strong>and</strong> zinc (Kg/ha) on dry matter yield <strong>of</strong> tops <strong>and</strong> roots<br />

<strong>and</strong> fruit yield in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. (v. Pusa sawani)*<br />

Dry matter yield (g)/plant Fruit yield (q/ha)<br />

Tops Roots<br />

Zn 0<br />

Zn 5<br />

Zn 10<br />

Zn 25<br />

Zn 0<br />

Zn 5<br />

Zn 10<br />

Zn 25<br />

Zn 0<br />

Zn 5<br />

Zn 10<br />

Zn 25<br />

P 0<br />

2.06 2.30 1.86 1.20 1.08 1.92 1.34 0.60 44.30 62.16 56.47 40.62<br />

P 50<br />

2.88 2.18 2.58 1.62 1.52 1.24 1.48 0.75 89.20 55.80 68.65 54.62<br />

P 100<br />

3.16 3.68 4.01 1.85 1.81 2.00 2.20 0.88 106.1 109.0 121.1 58.84<br />

P 300<br />

1.25 2.61 2.04 1.40 0.68 0.95 0.83 0.66 39.51 59.77 56.05 50.18<br />

* Usha Kumari <strong>and</strong> Reddy (2000).<br />

4. POTASSIUM<br />

+<br />

Potassium (K ) is a monovalent cation <strong>and</strong> usually occurs in its hydrated form. Potasium<br />

content in the earth’s crust is around 2.3%. Soil K + can be divided in to three fractions<br />

1. K + as a structural element <strong>of</strong> soil minerals .<br />

2. K + adsorbed as exchangeable from soil to clay minerals <strong>and</strong> organic matter.<br />

+<br />

3. K present in the soil solution.<br />

Potassium plays a pivotal role in plant growth <strong>and</strong> development. Membrane K +<br />

channels are essential for the transport <strong>of</strong> K + between the cell compartments <strong>and</strong> cells<br />

with in a tissue. The channels open <strong>and</strong> close at different sequence <strong>and</strong> length in<br />

response to environmental signals <strong>and</strong> cause changes in the electro potential <strong>of</strong> the<br />

membrane <strong>and</strong> control entry <strong>of</strong> K + . A high affinity transporter, HKT1 responsible for K +<br />

transport <strong>and</strong> K + - Na + symport has been identified (Fox <strong>and</strong> Guerinot, 1998).<br />

Potassium promotes cell elongation <strong>and</strong> maintains osmoregulation. Potassium<br />

promotes photosynthetic rate <strong>and</strong> controls the rate <strong>of</strong> transport <strong>of</strong> photosynthates<br />

from source to sink. Potassium is also essential for protein synthesis <strong>and</strong> activates<br />

nearly 45 enzymes involved in various metabolic processes.<br />

Potassium is required in 2 to 5% <strong>of</strong> dry weight <strong>of</strong> plants. Potassium deficiency<br />

induces reduced growth, shortening <strong>of</strong> inter nodes followed by bushy appearance,<br />

chlorosis <strong>and</strong> necrosis. The symptoms first appear on older leaves. K + deficient plants<br />

are susceptible to lodging <strong>and</strong> drought (Lindhauer,1985). Abundant K + supply causes

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