Genotypic differences in response to boron deficiency in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) plants and the interaction of boron deficiency with deficiency of other nutrients in hydroponic medium

Subject Areas : Developmental biology of plants and animals , development and differentiation in microorganisms

zahra bahmani ¹ , Roghieh Hajiboland ²

1 - Department of Plant Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran,
2 - Department of Plant Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Received: 2022-02-13 Accepted : 2022-08-27 Published : 2023-02-20

Keywords: Calcium, Iron, Boron, Oilseed rape, genotypic differences,

Abstract :

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is one of the important economic plants cultivated in Iran. Boron (B) and iron (Fe) as micronutrients and calcium (Ca) as a macronutrient are essential for higher plants and inadequate supply of these nutrients causes nutritional disorders. Boron deficiency (–B) is a widespread nutritional deficiency in oilseed rape throughout the world and this species has been known as a susceptible species to B deficiency. In this study, the responses of six genotypes of oilseed rape plants to B deficiency were investigated in the hydroponic medium. In addition, the interaction between B deficiency and deficiency of Fe (–Fe–B) and Ca (–B–Ca) were examined in hydroponically grown oilseed rape (cv. Hayola) plants. Results showed that B deficiency decreased shoot and root biomass and root length, decreased B content, chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange parameters. 'Opera' was the most susceptible and 'Okapi' the most tolerant genotype to B deficiency. The simultaneous deficiency of B and Fe (–Fe–B), B and Ca (–B–Ca) strongly reduced shoot and root growth, enhanced the release of protons leading to acidification of the rhizosphere and caused higher K+ leakage from the roots and reduction of B content both in the roots and leaves. Our results showed a considerable genotypic difference in oilseed rape plants in response to B deficiency. Our data further demonstrated the intensifying effect of inadequate supply of Fe and Ca on B deficiency in oilseed rape plants