Identification of dibutyl phthalate in the root exudate of Fe‐efficient (corchorus capsularis L.) subjected to Fe‐deficiency stress : Its action on Fe‐chlorosis recovery

Abstract

The jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) cv. 3RC‐212 which is Fe‐efficient, was subjected to Fe‐deficiency stress, and the nutrient medium was examined for chemicals, when the plants became chlorotic and the pH was lowered to about 4. While phenolic acids could not be detected, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) was identified in the extract by means of TLC and HPLC. The effect of DBP and caffeic acid was studied in JRC‐212 and DBP was found to cause recovery of the plants from chlorosis in 5 days. The chemicals, PA (phthalic acid), a derivative of DBP (50 mg/1) were supplied to chlorotic plants of JRO‐632, an Fe‐inefficient jute cultivar, and both the chemicals were effective in chlorosis recovery. PA application caused more rapid greening than DBP.

Jute is the second crop species in which DBP is identified in the root exudate. The detection of DBP was first recorded in sorghum CSH‐7.

Key words:

• Iron chlorosis
• jute
• root exudate
• dibutyl phthalate
• phthalic acid
• caffeic acid