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Elemental uptake and distribution of nutrients in avocado mesocarp and the impact of soil quality

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Abstract

The distribution of 14 elements (both essential and non-essential) in the Hass and Fuerte cultivars of avocados grown at six different sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was investigated. Soils from the different sites were concurrently analysed for elemental concentration (both total and exchangeable), pH, organic matter and cation exchange capacity. In both varieties of the fruit, concentrations of the elements Cd, Co, Cr, Pb and Se were extremely low with the other elements being in decreasing order of Mg > Ca > Fe > Al > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > As. Nutritionally, avocados were found to be a good dietary source of the micronutrients Cu and Mn. In soil, Pb concentrations indicated enrichment (positive geoaccumuluation indices) but this did not influence uptake of the metal by the plant. Statistical analysis was done to evaluate the impact of soil quality parameters on the nutrient composition of the fruits. This analysis indicated the prevalence of complex metal interactions at the soil–plant interface that influenced their uptake by the plant. However, the plant invariably controlled metal uptake according to metabolic needs as evidenced by their accumulation and exclusion.

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Acknowledgments

Authors thank the technical team in the School of Chemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville) for their assistance. Ms. Reddy acknowledges the help she received from Richard Saulez (Argyl Farm, Ixopo), Fred Kleyn and David Spence (Waterford Farm, Richmond), Athol Currie and Sibusiso Memela (Atherstone Farm, Thornville), Cecil Hackney and Lynton Freese (Everdon Estate, Howick), Phil Swan (Rozetta Avocadoes, Seven Oaks) and Philip Wouter Vermaak (Emseni farm, Kranskop), in collecting the avocado and soil samples from the different KZN locations. She is grateful to Sagren Moodley and Shaeen Chetty for transportation and assistance provided during sample collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemistry & Physics, Westville campus, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa

    Mageshni Reddy, Roshila Moodley & Sreekanth B. Jonnalagadda

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  1. Mageshni Reddy
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  2. Roshila Moodley
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  3. Sreekanth B. Jonnalagadda
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Correspondence to Sreekanth B. Jonnalagadda.

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Reddy, M., Moodley, R. & Jonnalagadda, S.B. Elemental uptake and distribution of nutrients in avocado mesocarp and the impact of soil quality. Environ Monit Assess 186, 4519–4529 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-014-3716-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-014-3716-7

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