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Effect of sulphur deficiency on the growth and metabolism of sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris cv Druid)
Author(s) -
Thomas Steven G,
Bilsborrow Paul E,
Hocking Trevor J,
Bennett Janet
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0010(200011)80:14<2057::aid-jsfa752>3.0.co;2-w
Subject(s) - sulfur , sugar beet , shoot , chemistry , sugar , sulfur metabolism , nitrogen , nitrate , chlorophyll , metabolism , nutrient , nitrogen deficiency , horticulture , botany , agronomy , zoology , food science , biochemistry , biology , organic chemistry
Sugar beet plants were grown in variations of a nutrient culture system to induce sulphur deficiency. The effect of sulphur deprivation on the growth and metabolism was investigated by measuring leaf area, chlorophyll content, fresh and dry weights, sulphur, nitrogen, sulphate and nitrate concentrations, glutathione and free amino acid concentrations. Both total sulphur and sulphate concentrations were markedly reduced in response to sulphur deficiency, while significant increases in arginine concentration in shoot tissue were observed. Increases were also observed in shoot nitrogen and nitrate concentrations and both shoot and root N/S ratios. These results demonstrate that total sulphur, sulphate S and sulphate as a percentage of total S are suitable indicators of sulphur deficiency in sugar beet. Arginine responds to sulphur deficiency, but its use as an indicator needs validation under field conditions. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry