Response of Over-summer Hydroponic Lettuce to Nutrient Solution Temperature Control

Temperature, as an important feature of hydroponic nutrient solution, is closely related to dissolved oxygen content of nutrient solution and growth status of plant roots. How to precisely adjust the temperature of nutrient solution is the key to obtain high quality and high yield of hydroponic vegetables over summer. With Lactuca sativa vat. crispa ＇Luosheng No.3＇ as the test material, the effect of chiller cooling technology on the temperature of nutrient solution, as well as on the yield and quality of Luosheng No.3, in over-summer hydroponic cultivation was studied. The results showed that the chiller cooling technology controlled the nutrient solution temperature in a reasonable range （（20 ± 1）℃） and promoted the growth and dry matter accumulation of Luosheng No.3, instead of affecting the quality. In short, the chiller cooling technology is applicable to the temperature regulation of nutrient solu- tion in hydroponics over summer.

Effect of Different K^+/Mg^(2+) Ration Nutrient Solutions on Soil Salinity

Using simulated soil column experiments, the effects of different dosages and ratios of KCI and MgCI2 mixture on salinization nutrient ions in the secondary salinization soil which had 3 years of planting were studied, with the aim to provide the theory basis for the remediation of secondary salinization soil. Results showed that the content of soil K-, Mg2＋, CI- and the total salinity were increased, with the increasing concentrations of nutrient solution, while Na＋, Ca2＋ and HCO3- contents were reduced. Compared with originals oil, soil K＋, Na＋, Ca2＋, Mg2＋, CI- and total soil salinity were decreased, and HCO3- and SO42 were increased. In terms of the variation of soil total charge, the change ranges in 1：1 treatment varied small, but the residual of soil cationic decreased with increasing application of K＋ in the 2：1 treatment. It could be concluded that balanced and low application fertilizer could alleviate the soil saline, decrease the soil nutrition leaching and improve the balance among ions, while excess fertilization could accelerate the imbalance of zwitterions.

Effects of Nutrient Solution pH on the Growth of Seedlings of Sugarcane

The impacts of pH on roots growth of sugarcane seedlings were explored by a pot test. The nutrient solution with three pH levels, Le., 5.0, 7.0 and 8.5 were applied to culture five combination seedlings, including A （RB85-5156 × YR05-407）, B （YR06-3501 ×Tolodo）, C （YT94-128 × GZ75-65）, D （ROC6 × YR05-733） and E （VMC87-95 ×YR05-171）. The result indicated that root length, root surface, root volume and root diameter were all in the largest in B combination with solution pH= 7.0, and the root length, root surface, root volume were in the largest in combination A, C, D and E with solution pH=8.5. Root activity in combination C, D and E were in the highest with solution pH=5.0, while it was in the highest for combination B when pH=7.0. In general, the root growth and morphology in all five combinations were better in the solutions with pH of 7.0 and 8.5.

Response of Lettuce to the Coupling Electrical Conductivity and Circulation Rate of the Nutrient Solution in Hydroponics

The coupling effect of nutrient solution EC （electrical conductivity） levels and CR （circulation rate） on the morphology and quality, in hydroponically grown lettuce was assessed. Lettuce was grown at 5 treatments fi＇om High EC ＆ Low CR to Low EC ＆ High CR. The environmental parameters were controlled in a 20 m^2 plant factory during the hydroponic cultivation with the following values： irradiated by blue and red light-emitting diode lighting with PPFD （photosynthetic photon flux density） value of 150 mol·m^-2·s^-1 for 16 hours per day; Temperature was maintained at 22.0 ℃ during the photoperiod and 16.0 ℃ in dark cycle. The results demonstrate that growing lettuce can be adopted using nutrient solution with lower EC levels and higher CR. The results also indicate that the effect of bi-directional coupled EC and CR resulted in expansion of root length but reducing the root biomass. Nitrate content was significantly reduced.

A Study of Multi-sensor Data Fusion System Based on MAS for Nutrient Solution Measurement

For complementarity and redundancy of multi-sensor data fusion (MSDF) system,it is an effective approach for multiple components measurement.In order to measure nutrient solution on-line,a dynamic and complex system under greenhouse environment,sensors should have intelligent properties including self-calibration and self-compensation. Meanwhile,it is necessary for multiple sensors to cooperate and interact for enhancing reliability of multi-sensor system. Because of the properties of multi-agent system (MAS),it is an appropriate tool to study MSDF system.This paper proposed an architecture of MSDF system based on MAS for the multiple components measurement of nutrient solution.The sensor agent's structure and function modules are analyzed and described in detail,the formal definitions are given,too.The relations of the sensors are modeled to implement reliability diagnosis of the multi-sensor system,so that the reliability of nutrient control system is enhanced.This study offers an effective approach for the study of MSDF.

Mode of Managing Nutrient Solution Based on N Use Efficiency for Lettuce （Lactuca sativa L.）

In aeroponic cultivation the nutrient solution is an essential component to achieve good production results. And nitrogen is the main constituent element of the nutrient solution and essential element in plant nutrition. Therefore, the management and monitoring nutrient solution and existing nitrogen is fundamental. The experiment shows that three modes of replacing the nutrient solution and three initial pH values and their interaction significantly influenced the fresh weight and dry matter of lettuce. The highest values of fresh and dry weight were recorded in the fifth treatment where there is an interaction between pH 6 and the mode of replacing half of the nutrient solution. The consumption rate of nitrate nitrogen （NOa-N）, ammonium nitrogen （NH4-N） and gross nitrogen （GN） was higher during stage 1 （10 days after transplanting）, especially for the mode of complete replacing nutrient solution.

Bicarbonate used as a buffer for controlling nutrient solution pH value during the growth of hydroponic lettuce

Unstable pH of nutrient solution in hydroponic systems is a major obstacle to production.To simplify the management of nutrient solution pH and attenuate negative effects of pH on plant growth,this study investigated the effect of different buffer salt additions on nutrient solution pH,ion uptake,growth and photosynthesis of Yamazaki lettuce,with the equivalent concentrations of macro-element unchanged.The results indicated that the pH of nutrient solution was buffered to varying degrees by the 2 mol/L HCO_(3)^(-),1 mol/L HCO_(3)^(-),and 0.33 mol/L HPO_(4)^(2-)The 0.33 mol/L HPO_(4)^(2-)treatment fluctuated most with a pH of 1.74 units,while the addition of HCO_(3)^(-)buffered nutrient solution pH was better,with higher pH values(7.2-7.7).The CK-pH control solution,1 mol/L HCO_(3)^(-)and 0.33 mol/L HPO_(4)^(2-)treatments all promoted the uptake of ion and then the growth of lettuce was better in comparison with the CK-pH no adjustment treatment,while the 2 mol/L HCO_(3)^(-)treatment inhibited K uptake and reduced the availability of Fe,the shoot and root fresh weight of lettuce decreased by 21.3%and 10.1%,respectively.In addition,although the chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate under 1 mol/L HCO_(3)^(-)and 0.33 mol/L HPO_(4)^(2-)treatments were significantly lower than the CK-pH control solution treatment,there were no significant differences in leaf length and leaf number of lettuce among them,and shoot fresh weight per plant was 83.09,82.95,and 78.92 g,respectively.In conclusion,adding 1 mol/L HCO_(3)^(-)to the nutrient solution in a single dosage not only buffered the pH of nutrient solution better but also promoted ion uptake,it had no negative effects on the growth,photosynthesis and ion uptake of hydroponic lettuce in comparison with the CK-pH control solution treatment.Therefore,1 mol/L HCO_(3)^(-)can be used as a buffer during the growth of hydroponic lettuce and reduce frequent addition of acids or alkalis,and then simplify the management of nutrient solution for hydroponic lettuce production.

Adjusting the nutrient solution formula based on growth stages to promote the yield and quality of strawberry in greenhouse

To optimize the nutrient supply of strawberry,fertilization was reduced as much as possible on the premise of satisfying the elements needed for strawberry growth.This study put forward a modified nutrient solution formula(NM)by adjusting the ratios of N/K,K/Ca,NO_(3)^(-)-N/NH_(4)^(+)-N in vegetative growth,flowering and fruiting,and fruit expanding stages based on Yamasaki strawberry nutrient solution formula(NY).Taking the NY as the control group,the NM was verified with elevated-grown‘Ssanta’strawberry using three different substrates(Vulcanics-added substrate,Horticultural substrate,Comme rcial substrate)in greenhouse.The results indicated that under the NM treatment,strawberry plants had better photosynthesis in the vegetative growth stage and flowering and fruiting stage,and the first crop yield and total crops yield per plant also increased by 20%.Although the vegetative growth stage was longer,it entered the full fruiting stage earlier so that the maturity stage was advanced one week.Compared to strawberries grown in horticultural substrate irrigated with NY,the fruit yield per plant of‘Ssanta’strawberry grown in horticultural substrate irrigated with NM increased by 26%,and the sugar-acid ratio and vitamin C content of primary fruits reached 10.6 and 74.1 mg/100g,improving by 41%and 34%respectively.The NM based on the growth stage can optimize the element needs of strawberry in all growth and development stages and maintain the substrate’s pH stability,improving the yield and quality of‘Ssanta’strawberry under substrate cultivation.Therefore,it is recommended to use the horticultural substrate irrigated with the modified nutrient solution for the‘Ssanta’strawberries cultivation elevated in greenhouse to improve the economic benefit of strawberry cultivation.

Experimental study of ultrasonic atomizer effects on values of EC and pH of nutrient solution

The objectives of this research were to reveal how main working parameters of ultrasonic atomizers would influence key properties of the atomized nutrient solution in an aeroponics system.The Yamazaki tomato nutrient solution was selected as a nutrient example.Uniform design(UD)method U_(12)(12^(2)×13)was adopted to arrange the test.In this test,spraying time and interval time were taken as quantitative factors with 12 levels(10,20,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,100,110,and 120 min,respectively),and ultrasonic atomizer frequency was taken as qualitative factor with 3 conditions(28 kHz,107 kHz,1.7 MHz).Based on test data,two regression formulations used to predict the values ofΔEC,andΔpH of atomized Yamazaki tomato nutrient solution was established and inspected.The spraying interval time of ultrasonic atomizers had no significant effect on EC and pH of the atomized Yamazaki tomato nutrient solution;the ultrasonic atomizer frequency was more effective than spraying time on the values of EC and pH;the values of EC and pH became maximum at(f_(3),T_(1))=(1.7 MHz,120 min)and minimum at(f_(1),T_(1))=(28 kHz,10 min).It was concluded that the effect of high-frequency(1.7 MHz)ultrasonic atomizer on EC and pH of the Yamazaki tomato nutrient solution was beyond the standard value for tomato growth.Therefore,the high-frequency(1.7 MHz)ultrasonic atomizer is not suitable for aeroponics cultivation when using the Yamazaki tomato nutrient solution as aeroponics nutrient solution.

Estimating EC and ionic EC contribution percentage of nutrient solution based on ionic activity

The dynamic monitoring technology of inorganic ions using ion selective electrodes has some problems such as low precision,vulnerability to other ions,short service life,and high price.Due to the difficulty of dynamic control based on ionic concentration of nutrient solution,EC and pH values of nutrient solution are often used as feedback control indexes in hydroponic system.In this study,estimation algorisms of EC and ionic EC contribution percentage based on ionic activity were proposed to understand the quantitative relationship between ionic concentration and EC.With a view to predicting the EC accurately by mean ionic activities of specific salts in nutrient solution based on a specific formula,ionic concentration could also be calculated by the actual measurement of EC combined with ionic EC contribution percentage.With Japanese horticultural experimental nutrient formula and Yamasaki tomato nutrient formula,significant linear correlations between estimated EC and measured EC were found with determination coefficients over 0.99.Ionic EC contribution percentage was not affected by different relative concentrations of nutrient solutions.However,ionic EC contribution percentage changed significantly when adding specific salts with different concentrations,and different changes were found in each anions and cations of specific salt added.When the same K+concentration was added in different forms of KNO_(3),K_(2_SO_(4),KCl,and KH_(2)PO_(4),the changes of ionic EC contribution percentage of K^(+)were similar,but those of other anions in potassium salts varied greatly.The relative errors of estimated EC of nutrient solutions based on ionic activities were only 1.3%in horticultural experimental nutrient solution and 1.8%in Yamasaki tomato nutrient solution with different relative concentrations compared to measured EC.The relative errors of estimated EC of nutrient solutions with specific salt added were only 0.1%-0.5%compared to measured EC in two nutrient solution.Therefore,the dynamic feedback control of ionic concentration of nutrient solution could be realized by using EC measurement combined with ionic EC contribution percentage to improve the ionic quantitative control in nutrient solution.The EC control of nutrient solution in automatic irrigation system might be upgraded to ionic concentration control by using algorisms above of ionic EC contribution percentage and EC estimation to meet dynamic demands of hydroponic crops for ionic concentration in different growth stages.

Effects of nutrient solution irrigation quantity and powdery mildew infection on the growth and physiological parameters of greenhouse cucumbers

For important economic crops such as cucumbers,abiotic and biotic stress conditions have had an adverse effect.This study aimed to observe the effects of water stress and powdery mildew stress on cucumber plants.Biotic stress at two levels,B0(no powdery mildew stress)and B1(powdery mildew stress)with three fertigation requirement levels(T1:Full fertigation,T2:Moderate nutrient solution deficit,T3:Severe nutrient solution deficit).Therefore,set up six treatments of B0T1,B1T2,B0T3,B1T1,B1T2,and B1T3.Leaf gas-exchange parameter first decreases and then increases under B1T1,B1T2,and B1T2.The leaf gas exchange parameter was significantly decreased under B0T2 and B0T3.Compared to the control experiment(CK,B0T1:no disease infestation and full irrigation),the plant height of cucumber decreased by 7.55%,10.62%,15.28%,23.27%,and 35.16%,respectively,under B0T2,B0T3,B1T1,B1T2 and B1T3;the stem diameter of cucumber decreased by 9.46%,15.74%,5.47%,13.45%,and 23.72%,respectively,under B0T2,B0T3,B1T1,B1T2,and B1T3;the leaf area of cucumber decreased by 13.76%,29.96%,13.43%,38.21%,and 66.83%,respectively,under B0T2,B0T3,B1T1,B1T2,and B1T3.The root-shoot ratio of cucumber was 3.92%,3.13%,3.63%,3.84%,4.41%,and 3.82%,respectively,under the B0T1,B0T2,B0T3,B1T1,B1T2,and B1T3.Therefore,this study can provide a basis for the research on greenhouse environmental control and cucumber cultivation management.

Effects of High Ammonium Concentration on Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Lettuce Plants with Solution Culture

A nutrition solution experiment was conducted over two months to investigate the response of vegetable crops to high concentrations of ammonium, using lettuce （Lactuca sativa L. cv. Angustana Irish） as a test crop. Ammonium concentrations were designed in 5 levels, ranging from 12 mmol N L^-1 to 22 mmol N L^-1 and local tap water was used as water source. At the first culture stage （0-9 days）, lettuce plants maintained normal growth while the lettuce roots were increasingly impaired. During the subsequent three stages the root structure was greatly damaged, and roots became brown or black through continuous supply of high concentration of ammonium. However, there was no obvious reduction of the aboveground biomass of the plants in the high ammonium treatments compared to those supplied with nitrate alone. In contrast to results obtained in another experiment from us with distilled water, the detrimental effect of high ammonium concentration on lettuce growth was greatly alleviated. Based on the results, it was postulated that the small amount of nitrate and the higher amount of bicarbonate existed in the tap water might mitigate the adverse effects of high ammonium N. The higher bicarbonate content in water and soil has usually been regarded as a major constraint factor limiting plant growth in calcareous soil areas. However, the reaction of bicarbonate to ammonium might produce positively interactive effect on reduction of both damages. The lettuce plants grown in ammonium solutions took up less P, K, Fe, Mn and Cu and more Ca than those grown in the nitrate nutrient solution. In conclusion, the results indicated that the N form imposed an obvious influence on absorption of cations and anions. Supplying ammonium-N stimulated transport of Ca, Mg and Mn to shoots of lettuce.

Implementation of the Acclimatization Process for Ginger Plantlets (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is an important culinary and medicinal spice but is rarely cultivated due to the unavailability of seeds. Given the difficulties in adapting to plantlets produced in natural environments, it is important to analyze the survival conditions of ginger plantlets. For this reason, we varied the incubation temperature and humidity as well as the substrate during the weaning phase. Then, we varied the nutrients contained in the watering solution during the hardening phase. The statistical analysis showed that physical factors and substrates significantly influenced (p < 0.0001) plantlet survival. Nutrient solutions significantly influenced the phylogenesis, rhizogenesis, and height growth of the plantlets. The suitable physical factors for good development of plantlets are a temperature of 26.54˚C and a humidity of 96.16%. The 1C2T2TC substrate (1 Compost + 2 Soil + 2 Coconut Peat) had a significant survival rate of approximately 92.5%. During hardening, the Plantzym solution promoted good growth in terms of plantlet height (0.6 cm) and good development of roots (30 roots) and leaves (03 leaves). This work will make it possible to develop a technical seed production sheet for better development of ginger cultivation in Benin.

Relationship between Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Nutrition and the Severity of the Vascular Fusariosis

The vascular fusariosis is one of the main obstacles in the tomato crop production. Currently, the management of the nutrient solution is presented as a control option for fusariosis, for such reason different nutrient solutions with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) modifications;in four saladette tomato varieties Bony Best (BB), Manapal (M), Walter (W) and FLA were evaluated in this research, in order to analyze the damage caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) severity. Tomato plants were inoculated with 3 FOL breeds, establishing a completely random design with a factorial arrangement with six repetitions. Disease’s severity was evaluated 30 days after the inoculation using levels of (0 - 4) of the methodology established by Marlatt and Correll (1988). Afterwards, a statistical analysis was done through the Kruskal Wallis test, in which it was observed that treatments 93 (Ca 207 mg∙L-1, R3, variety BB), 95 (207 mg∙L-1 Ca, R3, variety W), 81 (0Ca, R3, BB) showed less disease severity. In the foliar analysis, the best treatments were 22 (193 mg∙L-1 N, R3, M) for N, the greatest P content was treatment 94 (207 mg∙L-1 Ca, R3, M) for K treatment three and 93 (207 mg∙L-1 Ca, R3, variety BB) greatest Ca content.

Advances in Soilless Culture Research

Soilless culture refers to the technique by which crops are grown using nutrient solution or solid substrate along with nutrient solution without natural soil. This technique has developed for more than 150 years, and plays an essential role in promoting the development of horticultural, agricultural and forestal production, as well as agricultural modernization. Substrate and nutrient solution formulae and their application are the core of soilless culture technique. Based on the classification system of soilless culture, the types, advantages and scope of application of substrate formulae for growing vegetables and flowers in soilless culture, as well as the types, advantages and scope of application of nutrient solution formulae, and the regulation of nutrient solution ingredients are first systematically summarized in this paper; then, the advantages and disadvantages of the inorganic energy-intensive soilless culture and eco-organic soilless culture, and their scopes of application are analyzed; finally, research directions for further perfecting soilless culture technique are presented, and the outlook for the application of soilless culture is also provided.

Effects of Ca^(2+)concentrations on accumulations of mineral elements in the components of Pteroceltis tatarinowii

The bark of Pteroce/tis tatarinowii is a raw material for manufacturing XuanPaper. The effects of Ca^(2+) concentrations on the accumulation of mineral elements in the bark,leaf and root of Pteroceltis tatarinowii were studied under controlled conditions. The types ofHoagland nutrient solution with three Ca^(2+) concentrations levels (200, 400 and 600 μg·g^(-1))and a control (without Ca^(2+)) were designed to culture Pteroceltis tatarinowii. After 6 months,contents of seven mineral elements including Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu and Na in the root, leaf and barkwere analyzed. The results indicated that Ca accumulations content in the root, leaf and bark hadpositively relation with Ca^(2+) concentrations (200, 400, 600 μg · g^(-1)), and the order of theCa content in the three components was root>leaf>bark. Ca content in the root treated with 600 μg·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations was 5.5 times as high as that of the control, and about 1.4 times ashigh as that of the root treated in 200 and 400 μg/g Ca^(2+) concentrations respectively. On thecontrary, K and Mg contents in the root, leaf and bark were negatively related to Ca^(2+)concentrations, especially in the bark, and their accumulation trend followed the order ofleaf>root>bark. K content in the bark treated with 600 μg ·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations was 39.3%of that of the control, and was 79.0% and 91.8% of that of the bark treated with 200 μg ·g^(-1)and 400 μg ·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations respectively; Mg content in the bark treated with 600μg ·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations was 23.4% of that of the control, and was 27.1% and 35.4% ofthat of the bark treated with 200 and 400 μg·g^(-1) Ca^(2+) concentrations respectively. Comparedwith the control, the general tendency of Mn, Zn and Cu content decreased with increasing of Ca^(2+)concentrations and their contents were in the order: root>leaf>bark. Based on the results of thisstudy, the experiment has been useful for providing academic bases in improving the bark quality ofPteroceltis tatarinowii on non-limestone soil.

Effects of Exogenous Abscisic Acid and Water Stress on the Growth Response of Subterranean Clover of Different Genotypes

The response of subterranean clover ( Trifolium subterraneum L.) to different abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations (10 -6 , 10 -5 , 10 -4 mol/L) in nutrient solution and to water stress were studied in growth room. Six cultivars of contrasting yield capacity were compared. Plants remained growing in Hoagland solution or pots until at least four full_developed leaves appeared. The ABA was then applied and the fresh weight, leaf number and length of the largest root were measured at 1, 4, 7 and 11 d after ABA treatment. The above parameters were also measured at 15 d under water stress. In all the tested genotypes ABA caused similar reduction in these growth parameters, as well as a significant decrease of leaf water potential which was dependent on ABA concentration. The average growth reduction after 11 d under 10 -4 mol/L ABA coincided with the range of these crops under water stress in pot experiments. On average of the different genotypes, leaf number, area of full_developed leaf and the dry weight per plant decreased by about 50% whereas the root/shoot ratio increased by 80%.The genotype variation and ranking for this treatment were rather similar to the same genotypes in pot experiments. The genotypes, Clare, Nuba and Seaton Park, showed the best results under both control and ABA treated conditions and water stress conditions. The similarity between the response to ABA in nutrient solution and to water stress opens the possibility to use this approach as a way to quantify the drought resistance of subterranean clover genotypes.

Effects of Ca2+concentrations on accumulations of mineral elements in the components of Pteroceltis tatarinowii

The bark of Pteroceltis tatarinowii is a raw material for manufacturing Xuan Paper. The effects of Ca2+ concentrations on the accumulation of mineral elements in the bark, leaf and root of Pteroceltis tatarinowii were studied under controlled condi-tions. The types of Hoagland nutrient solution with three Ca2+ concentrations levels (200, 400 and 600 靏g-1) and a control (without Ca2+) were designed to culture Pteroceltis tatarinowii. After 6 months, contents of seven mineral elements including Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu and Na in the root, leaf and bark were analyzed. The results indicated that Ca accumulations content in the root, leaf and bark had positively relation with Ca2+ concentrations (200, 400, 600 靏g-1), and the order of the Ca content in the three components was root】leaf】bark. Ca content in the root treated with 600 靏g-1 Ca2+ concentrations was 5.5 times as high as that of the control, and about 1.4 times as high as that of the root treated in 200 and 400 靏/g Ca2+ concentrations respectively. On the contrary, K and Mg contents in the root, leaf and bark were negatively related to Ca2+ concentrations, especially in the bark, and their accumulation trend followed the order of leaf】root】bark. K content in the bark treated with 600 靏g-1 Ca2+ con-centrations was 39.3% of that of the control, and was 79.0% and 91.8% of that of the bark treated with 200 靏g-1 and 400靏g-1 Ca2+ concentrations respectively; Mg content in the bark treated with 600 靏g-1 Ca2+ concentrations was 23.4% of that of the control, and was 27.1% and 35.4% of that of the bark treated with 200 and 400 靏g-1 Ca2+ concentrations respectively. Com-pared with the control, the general tendency of Mn, Zn and Cu content decreased with increasing of Ca2+ concentrations and their contents were in the order: root】leaf】bark. Based on the results of this study, the experiment has been useful for providing academic bases in improving the bark quality of Pteroceltis tatarinowii on non-limestone soil.

Effects of NaCl stress on seed germination, leaf gas exchange and seedling growth of Pteroceltis tatarinowii

Effects of NaCI on seed germination, leaf gas exchange and seedling growth were investigated. The germination of P. tatarinowii seeds was delayed in the presence of NaCl, and was significantly inhibited when NaCl concentration exceeded 17 mM （1.0 g·L^-1）. NaCl treatments induced reductions of transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and net photosynthetic rate and their reductions were significant with the increasing of NaCl concentration. However, intercellular CO2 concentration in seedling leaves under salt stress was significantly higher than that of controls. There was a significant reduction in survival, basal diameter increment and height increment witl increasing NaCl concentration 50 days after NaCl treatment, and a significant reduction in the dry weight increment of roots, stems, and leaves was also observed in the NaCl treatments. The deleterious effect on the biomass increment was more evident in the case of stems and leaves. Results from this study suggest that P. tatarinowii is sensitive to salinity stress and the salinity threshold for seedling growth might be less 34 mM （2.0 g· L^-1）.

Effect of Partial Replacement of Nitrate by Amino Acid and Urea on Nitrate Content of Non-heading Chinese Cabbage and Lettuce in Hydroponic Condition

In this paper, the authors studied the effect of different mixtures of glycine (Gly), isoleucine (Iso), proline (Pro), and urea solutions used as a partial (20%) replacment of nitrate in the nitrate content and quality of non-heading Chinese cabbage and lettuce in hydroponice. Five treatments were done 12 d before harvest. Compared to the control group, Gly had the best effect in reducing the nitrate content of both vegetable leaves and petioles; the mixture of Gly, Iso and Pro ranked second and urea the least. Treatments with amino acid could also increase soluble sugar and protein contents and enhance total-N in leaves significantly. In contrast, amino acid enhanced NRA in non-heading Chinese cabbage, while they decreased it slightly in lettuce. The results showed that amino acids and urea could reduce the nitrate content of both vegetables, but they had almost the same effect on non-heading Chinese cabbage. Moreover, amino acids were more effective than urea in lettuce. As a result, it was concluded that partial replacement of nitrate with amino acids not only reduced the nitrate content but also improved the quality of vegetables.