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Do inorganic solutes limit growth of the facultative hemiparasite Rhinanthus minor L in the absence of a host?
Author(s) -
SEEL W. E.,
PARSONS A. N.,
PRESS M. C.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1993.tb03818.x
Subject(s) - facultative , photosynthesis , phosphorus , biology , botany , nitrogen , autotroph , ecophysiology , agronomy , chemistry , bacteria , genetics , organic chemistry
SUMMARY The response of the facultative hemiparasitic angiosperm Rhinanthus minor to inorganic solutes was investigated by supplying plants not attached to a host with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Solutes were supplied both individually (in pots) and in combination (under field conditions). Only phosphorus resulted in any significant stimulation of growth. The phosphorus treated plants also had higher rates of light saturated photosynthesis and higher water use efficiencies than control plants. In contrast to many autotrophic plants, nitrogen neither stimulated growth nor photosynthesis.