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Comparison of diurnal changes in nitrate and potassium contents in lucerne shoots

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Biologia Plantarum

Abstract

During 195-min light exposure following 5 d in dark, nitrate content was studied in different organs of lucerne plants in early bud stage. Nitrate content varied considerably especially in stems. Rapid diurnal variations in nitrate content were found in lower and upper halves of stems, in petioles and in leaf blades. The results reflected discontinuous nitrate movement in lucerne shoots. The positive correlation between the diurnal course of the nitrate and potassium contents in different plant organs showed that the K+ transport followed the NO3 transport. Similar diurnal changes were found also in Na+ and Ca2+ contents. Discontinuous salt movements occurring in xylem sap flow were in contrary to continuous transpiration stream and could be a consequence of temporary adsorption or binding of salts in xylem vessels.

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Plhák, F. Comparison of diurnal changes in nitrate and potassium contents in lucerne shoots. Biol Plant 34, 101–107 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02925799

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02925799

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