ISHS Acta Horticulturae 644: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
MANGANESE, ZINC AND SILICON STUDIES OF CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS) USING A MINIATURE HYDROPONIC SYSTEM |
| Authors: | A. Dominy, I. Bertling |
| Keywords: | plant nutrient interaction, nutrient deficiency |
| Abstract:
The understanding of plant nutrition, particularly the role of micronutrients, is receiving increasing attention with the rise in demand for plant products. A miniature hydroponic system was developed to study manganese, zinc and silicon requirements in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and the interactions of these nutrients from a deficient to a sufficient range of application. Addition of either manganese or zinc to the nutrient solution increased the uptake of all macro- and micronutrients investigated (calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, silicon and zinc) as their application reached a sufficient range. Plant growth was enhanced resulting in larger plants and a higher number of fruit being produced. An interaction of zinc with manganese resulted in an even further increase of nutrient uptake but also an increased level of fruit abortion. Application of silicon did not appear to have an effect on plant nutrition except for increased iron uptake, however, an interaction with zinc was observed in more mature leaves coinciding with reduced leaf damage. | |
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