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Uptake and distribution of mineral nutrients in muskmelon seedlings under nitrogen and phosphorus stresses and during recovery

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Abstract

Muskmelon seedlings were grown hydroponically in a greenhouse and starved of nitrogen and/or phosphorus for 4 weeks. They were then transferred to an optimal N and P regime or to the opposite stress for an additional 3-week period. Nitrogen stress reduced markedly N, Ca, and chlorophyll contents of leaves and stems, but increased P content. Phosphorus stress reduced significantly P and K concentrations in stems and leaves but did not affect markedly chlorophyll content and did not result in N accumulation. Both stresses reduced significantly the area of the first leaf mainly by adversely affecting cell division. Repair of N and P concentrations in deficient seedlings by transfer to the optimal nutrition regime was more rapid in N- than in P-stressed seedlings.

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Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization. The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel, No. 2351-E, 1988 series, Pl. Soil.

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Nerson, H., Edelstein, M. & Angemar, Y. Uptake and distribution of mineral nutrients in muskmelon seedlings under nitrogen and phosphorus stresses and during recovery. Plant Soil 112, 273–278 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02140006

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02140006

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