Micro nutrient toxicity in French marigold

Abstract

The influence of elevated levels of micronutrients on the growth and flowering of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) was investigated. Plants were grown with nutrient solution containing 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 mM boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), or zinc (Zn) and toxicity development was monitored. The threshold micronutrient concentrations that induced visible foliar toxicity symptoms were 0.5 mM B, 4 mM Cu, 4 mM Fe, 2 mM Mn, 1 mM Mo, and 5 mM Zn. The dry matter yields during the 5 week experimental period were reduced when micronutrient concentrations exceeded 0.5 mM B, 3 mM Cu, 3 mM Fe, 6 mM Mn, 0.5 mM Mo, and 5 mM Zn in the fertilizer solution. Leaf chlorophyll contents decreased when the nutrient solution concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Mn were greater than 0.5 mM, 3 mM, and 2 mM, respectively. Visual toxicity symptoms of the six micronutrients were characterized.

Notes

This research was supported in part by funding from Bedding Plants Founcation.

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