Excessive iron and aluminum uptake and nutritional stress in corn (Zea mays L.) plants

Abstract

Disorders of corn growth were observed at 6–9 leaf stage in the growing season of 1986. They were manifested as growth retardation and chlorosis. Chlorotic corn showed signs of either P, Zn or K deficiency. Excessive Fe and Al uptake in the leaves (4.7, 3.1, 1.9 and 2.2 times higher Fe concentrations than in normal plants for chlorosis induced by P, Zn and K deficiency and in the cases of atypical chlorosis, respectively). Depending on the form of chlorosis, the dry matter of chlorotic plants was 4.6 to 10 times lower than in normal plants.

Key words:

• Phosphorus zinc and potassium deficiency
• Corn
• Growth retardation
• Excess of iron and aluminium