Effect of chelating agents on movement of trace metals into cut stems of bush bean plants

Abstract

The ability of the chelating agents EDTA and DTPA to facilitate transport from nutrient solutions at pH 5 of trace metals to leaves of bush bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Improved Tendergreen) through cut stems was measured. Both chelating agents resulted in increased transfer of Cu, Co and Ni to primary leaves and in Cu, Co, Ni to a lesser extent, to trifoliate leaves. Potassium in leaves decreased as result of the cutting.

Key words:

• Chelate
• toxicity
• copper
• cobalt
• nickel
• lithium
• primary leaves
• EDTA
• DTPA