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Tomato plants show great potassium (K) demand and good response to potassium fertilization, whose insufficiency leads to a drop in fruit production and quality. On the other hand, the association of growth-promoting fungi (GPF) with roots has been shown to be able to optimize the absorption of not only phosphorus, but either other nutrients, like K, which opens possibilities of better nutrient use efficiency and consequently reduces environmental risks of fertilization. Thus the present work aims evaluating the yield and nutritional status of hydroponic cherry type tomato inoculated with Piriformospora indica and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and subjected to K doses. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using drip irrigation system. The plants were conducted in recipients containing washed and sterilized sand. The minimum and maximum greenhouse temperatures, ranged between 10.8 and 16.5 °C and 28.2 and 35.4° C. Relative humidity ranged between 45% and 68% and between 25% and 50% in the morning and afternoon respectively. Colonization was found to be higher with P. indica and tended to reduce with increasing doses of K. Under nutritional stress, the P. indica inoculation reduced the number of fruits with green shoulder and increased fresh weight of commercial fruits. It also increased the concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients. This symbiotic association favors the yield performance of cherry type tomato under nutritional stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to identify the existence of root exudation of organic acid in Lotus corniculatus germplasms subjected to toxic aluminum (Al) levels and investigate the effect of this mechanism on the Al content in the root tissue and in morphological parameters of plant development. Two experiments were performed in nutrient solution to evaluate the Al accumulation and exudation of organic acids, using cultivars INIA Draco and São Gabriel and genotypes UFRGS and UF-T2. The plants were cultivated in Al-free solution, which was applied on the 45th day in half of the pots of each genotype. Root exudation was highly correlated with the reduced accumulation of Al in the root tissue (r2 = 0.75 at 72 h). Genotype UF-T2, selected for Al tolerance, extruded 80% more oxalic acid in the presence of Al compared with the other germplasms, indicating that this mechanism is involved with Al tolerance in L. corniculatus. This experiment showed strong evidence that L. corniculatus exhibits Type I tolerance, in which anionic channels are rapidly activated by Al exposure. Exudation of oxalic acid is likely a crucial mechanism that allows the maintenance of L. corniculatus growth when exposed to toxic Al conditions, and this characteristic should be used to identify tolerant genotypes in the future.

Obtaining a high yield of good quality fruits is one of the main challenges of the tomato crop. The enhancement in plant density promotes a reduction in the fruit fresh mass and an increase the yield per area. On the other hand, commercialization parameters take into account number and fresh mass of fruits. This study aimed at evaluating the yield and fruit quality of indeterminate growth hybrid tomato (Rebeca), cultivated in a hydroponic system, with different planting densities and number of bunches per plant. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions, in a sub-irrigation system containing expanded clay as substrate. A split-plot randomized block design, with three replications, was used. In the plots, four planting densities (11.1 plants m-2, 8.3 plants m-2, 6.6 plants m-2 and 5.5 plants m-2) were allocated and, in the subplots, the number of bunches per plant (one or two). The total yield was influenced by the interaction planting density x number of bunches per plant. The treatment that allowed the highest yield was 11.1 plants m-2 with two bunches, with 22.61 kg m-2 or 226.1 t ha-1, in a crop cycle of 134 days. The observed variations for the nutrient contents of leaves and fruits of tomato plants with one or two bunches, at densities of 5.5-11.1 plants m-2, do not compromise the fruit quality nor influence the production of tradable fruits, using the hydroponic system.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the most grown vegetable in greenhouse and hydroponics. For easy handling, open hydroponic systems (without recirculation of the nutrient solution) with substrate are the most commonly used in the world. Closed systems (with recirculation) save water and fertilizers, but their technical management is difficult, because over time, the ions less consumed by the plant accumulate, which, when recirculated, cause nutritional imbalances and increases in the EC to levels that affect growth and yield, in addition to the high risk of spreading diseases, especially with cultivation cycles as long as conventionally the tomato is managed. The objective was to compare three methods of recirculation of nutrient solution against an open system, in the agronomic behavior of tomato managed in high population density with cuts to harvest only three clusters per plant. The design was randomly complete blocks with four treatments and seven repetitions, with experimental unit of 20 m². Morphological variables, dry weight and yield were evaluated. Except for height and diameter of stem, no variable showed statistical difference between treatments. It is concluded that, with the management of the tomatoes plants to harvest three clusters, in a cycle as short as 110 days of transplantation at the end of harvest, it is feasible to use any nutrient solution recirculation system without nutritional imbalances, so that comparing these methods with an open system does not affect the growth or yield of the plants, saving water and fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In order to determine the effect and optimum dose of potassium in the production of minitubers of the Mexican clone of potato 99-39, experiments were established in July and September 2015, where concentrations of 0 (absolute control), 150, were tested. 250 (commercial control), 350, 450 and 550 mg L-1 in nutrient solution in hydroponic system. The results indicated that the highest plant height and leaf area index were found in the treatments with the highest concentration of K. The dose of 350 mg L-1 of K produced 19% more tubers with a diameter equal to or greater than 15 mm per plant. Than the commercial witness and 194% more than the absolute witness. The second order equation (R2= 0.94) allowed us to estimate that the optimal dose for potato clone 99- 39 was 400 mg L-1 potassium, which can produce up to 20.67 minitubers per plant. There was statistical significance in the interaction date x dose for tuber production per plant and for the harvest index, with higher production in july planting than in autumn winter season; conversely, it was found that the harvest index was higher in the autumn-winter season. High concentrations of potassium during the whole crop cycle promoted the production of a greater number of tubers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutrient requirements of the plants are different in their different phenological stages, so in the present experiment the Steiner solution was modified to adapt it to each stage of poinsettia (root growth, vegetative development and pigmentation). The Prestige cultivar was used the substrate was a mixture of leaf soil, coconut fiber and red tezontle in proportion 60:20:20 (%, v/v) and black polyethylene container of 15.24 cm in diameter. The experiment was carried out in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos. Morphological variables of the poinsettia plants were evaluated in response to the relative concentration between NO3 - and Ca2+ of the nutrient solution. The supply of nutrients according to the phenological stages of poinsettia affects the growth, extraction and concentration of nutrients, but depends on the nutritional regime. The regimen with the concentration (in meq L-1) NO3 -:Ca2+ 10:7 in radical growth, 10:9 in vegetative development and 12:9 in the pigmentation stage induced the poinsettias to present greater extraction of N, P, K, Ca and Mg, will increase the concentration of K and the morphological characteristics and the production of dry matter were outstanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroponics growing method has proven to be a very successful strategy for the production of pre-base seed potatoes. NIRDPSB Brasov applied this method in 2016, by using two types of culture: with circulating nutrient solution and with static layer of nutrient solution and for both cases the substrate used was perlite. As biological material plantlets of four cultivars (Braşovia, Castrum, Marvis and Sarmis) were used and grown hydroponically in a space "insect-proof" under controlled conditions. The number of minitubers/plant and weight of minitubers/plant were compared for the used cultivars. By using circulating nutrient solution in hydroponic system, Marvis variety (13.80 minitubers/plant) and Castrum variety (11 minitubers/plant) were the best performing of the four cultivars. The hydroponic system with circulating nutrient solution had a positive impact on the mean weight of minitubers/plant, with Marvis variety, recording the highest value (121.6 g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the foliar nutrient content in Eucalyptus benthamii mini-stumps treated with different Zn and B concentrations during successive shoot collections. Shoots were collected from mini-stumps fertigated with nutrient solutions containing different concentrations of Zn and B (S1 – free of Zn and B; S2 – 0.5 mg L-1 Zn; S3 – 0.5 mg L-1 B; S4 – 0.5 mg L-1 Zn and B; S5 – 1.0 mg L-1 Zn and B; S6 – 2.0 mg L-1 Zn and B). Eight shoot collections from the clonal mini-garden were performed. For each shoot collection, the nutritional content of the leaf was determined (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn). The experiment was conducted using a randomized design with a factorial arrangement (8x6) and a split plot in time and included three replications. The foliar macro and micronutrient contents varied significantly in relation to the treatments, and the S5 and S6 nutritive solutions presented the best responses.

Se realizó un experimento con el fin de evaluar la respuesta del cilantro cv. Unapal-Precoso a diferentes niveles de N y K. Se sembraron plantas en potes con 4 kg de arena de río, lavada, y se regaron con soluciones nutritivas (Testigo: solución completa de Hougland y Arnon; tratamientos restantes: concentraciones variables de N y K). Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con siete tratamientos y cinco repeticiones. Se realizaron cuatro muestreos cada nueve días hasta la cosecha final. Con la concentración alta de K se observó mayor acumulación de biomasa y menor pérdida de agua en poscosecha. El rango óptimo de concentración de N en la solución nutritiva se estimó entre 3.9 y 8.7 mM y el nivel crítico de deficiencia de K en 8.4 mM.To evaluate the response of coriander cv. Unapal-Precoso at different levels of N and K an experiment was carried out. Plants were sown in pots with 4 kg of river washed sand and irrigated with nutrient solutions (Control: solution of Hougland and Arnon, other treatments: different concentrations of N and K). A complete randomized design with seven treatments and five repetitions was used. Four sampling every nine days until the final harvest were taken. With the high concentration of K greater biomass accumulation and the lowest post-harvest loss of water was observed. The optimum range of N concentration in the nutrient solution was estimated between 3.9-8.7 mM and the critical level of K deficiency was 8.4 mM.

Se realizó un experimento con el fin de evaluar la respuesta del cilantro cv. Unapal-Precoso a diferentes niveles de N y K. Se sembraron plantas en potes con 4 kg de arena de río, lavada, y se regaron con soluciones nutritivas (Testigo: solución completa de Hougland y Arnon; tratamientos restantes: concentraciones variables de N y K). Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con siete tratamientos y cinco repeticiones. Se realizaron cuatro muestreos cada nueve días hasta la cosecha final. Con la concentración alta de K se observó mayor acumulación de biomasa y menor pérdida de agua en poscosecha. El rango óptimo de concentración de N en la solución nutritiva se estimó entre 3.9 y 8.7 mM y el nivel crítico de deficiencia de K en 8.4 mM.

O crisântemo ocupa lugar de destaque entre as flores de vaso comercializadas no Brasil. Adubação e nutrição mineral estão entre os fatores essenciais para promover o bom desenvolvimento das plantas e flores de boa qualidade. Avaliou-se o efeito de dois substratos e cinco concentrações de potássio na solução nutritiva no crescimento/desenvolvimento do crisântemo (Dendranthema grandiflorum cv. Puritan). Após 90 dias do enraizamento, foram feitas determinações de número de inflorescências, folhas e hastes vaso, o diâmetro médios de inflorescência (cm) e a altura de planta (cm), e determinação da massa seca de inflorescências, folhas, hastes e relações folha/haste e folha/inflorescência. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x5 e com quatro repetições, sendo dois substratos: comercial (para cultivo de crisântemo - Vida Verde®) (SC) e fibra de coco (Golden Mix Mixto, T-40, Amafibra®) (FC) lixiviada e cinco concentrações de potássio (25; 50; 100; 200 e 400 mg L -1). O uso de 400 mg L-1 de potássio na solução nutritiva proporcionou a maior produção em ambos os substratos, porém FC lixiviada se destacou proporcionando plantas de melhor qualidade em relação ao substrato comercial.The Chrysanthemum is one of the most important vase flowers in the Brazilian market. Fertilisation and mineral nutrition are amongst the essential factors for promoting plant development and good quality flowers. One evaluated the effect of two substrates and concentrations of potassium in nutritive solutions during the growth/development of chrysanthemums (Dendranthema grandiflorum cv. Puritan). After 90 days of rooting, the number of inflorescences, leaves, stems per plant and vase, inflorescences diameter and plant height (cm) and dry matter of inflorescences, leaves, stems and the ratios leaf/stem and leaf/inflorescence were determined. A completely randomized experimental outline in 2x5 factorial scheme with four replications was used with two substrates: Vida Verde® - commercial substrate for chrysanthemum growth (SC) and coconut fiber [Golden Mix Mixto, T-40, Amafibra®] (FC) lixiviate and five concentrations of K (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg L-1). The use of 400 mg L-1 of potassium in nutritive solution provided the highest production in both substrates however, the substrate FC lixiviate formed plants with better quality compared with the commercial substrate.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as posições de origem de estacas de tomateiro na planta matriz, e quantificar a produtividade e qualidade dos frutos do híbrido Carmen, propagado por estaquia, em quatro cultivos sucessivos, o primeiro proveniente de sementes e os demais de estacas. Avaliaram-se produção por planta, massa dos frutos, número de frutos por planta, teor de sólidos solúveis, porcentagem de ácido cítrico e nutrientes em folhas e frutos. Os cultivos foram propagados, vegetativamente, em esquema fatorial 3x2 (três cultivos sucessivos e duas posições de origem das estacas, ápice e base), em blocos ao acaso, e parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com seis repetições. Compararam-se os quatro cultivos sucessivos, com base no intervalo de confiança das médias obtidas para as características avaliadas. A propagação vegetativa não reduziu a produtividade e a qualidade dos frutos, independentemente da posição de origem das estacas usadas nos três cultivos sucessivos. Também não foram observadas diferenças na produção e qualidade dos frutos, quando comparados o cultivo proveniente de sementes e os três oriundos de propagação vegetativa.The objective of this work was to evaluate the origin positions of tomato plant cuttings in the main plant, and to quantify the production and quality of fruits of tomato plants vegetatively propagated, in four successive cultivations, the first one originated from seeds, and the three subsequent ones from cuttings. Data evaluated were: production of fruits per plant; fruit weight; number of fruits per plant; soluble solids; citric acid; and leave and fruit macro and micronutrients contents. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme 3x2 (three cuttings plants cultivations x 2 cuttings' origin positions), with splitplot in time, and six replicates. The cultivations were compared based on the confidence interval of the mean for each evaluated characteristic. The vegetative propagation did not reduce productivity and fruit quality, independently of the cuttings' origin positions used in the three subsequent cultivations. Either for plant production and fruit quality there were no significant differences among cultivations originated from seed or vegetatively propagated.

Comparativamente ao pé-franco, a combinação enxerto/porta-enxerto altera os complexos mecanismos de "feedback" entre parte aérea e raízes, afetando de maneira positiva ou negativa a eficiência nutricional da planta. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar, em cultivo hidropônico, a eficiência da absorção, translocação e utilização de Zn, Cu e Mn por mudas de Coffea arabica L., de acordo com o porta-enxerto utilizado. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, por um período de 170 dias, em vasos que continham areia como substrato, recebendo solução nutritiva circulante. Utilizaram-se, como enxerto, quatro genótipos de C. arabica: os cultivares Catuaí Vermelho IAC 15 e Oeiras MG 6851 e os híbridos 'H 419-10-3-1-5' e 'H 514-5-5-3' , e, como porta-enxerto, quatro genótipos, sendo três de Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froenher: Apoatã LC 2258, Conilon Muriaé-1 e RC EMCAPA 8141 (recombinação entre clones da variedade Robustão Capixaba - EMCAPA 8141) e uma linhagem de Coffea arabica L.: Mundo Novo IAC 376-4, além de quatro pés-francos. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados com 20 tratamentos, quatro repetições e uma planta por parcela. A eficiência nutricional das mudas quanto ao Zn, Cu e Mn variou de acordo com a combinação enxerto/porta-enxerto. A progênie 'H 514-5-5-3' foi mais eficiente quanto à utilização de Zn, Cu e Mn e produção de matéria seca, quando combinada com os porta-enxertos Apoatã LC 2258 e Mundo Novo IAC 376-4. O Catuaí Vermelho IAC 15 foi mais eficiente na utilização de Cu e Mn quando combinado com Apoatã LC 2258.There are complexes feedback mechanisms involving the relationship rootstock/scion, whick can positively or negatively affect the plant nutrient efficiency use. The goal of the present work was to evaluate the efficiency of uptake, translocation and utilization of Zn, Cu and Mn in coffee seedlings. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse over 170 days using circulating nutrient solution in pots with sand medium. Four Coffea arabica L. genotypes were used as grafts: Catuaí Vermelho IAC 15 and Oeiras MG 6851, and the hybrids 'H 419-10-3-1-5' and 'H 514-5-5-3' . Three genotypes of Coffea canephora Pierre et Froenher were used as rootstocks: Apoatã LC 2258, Conilon Muriaé-1 and RC EMCAPA 8141 (recombination among clones of the variety Robustão Capixaba - EMCAPA 8141), one line of C. arabica: Mundo Novo IAC 376-4, and four additional non-grafted plants. The experiment was in a randomized block design with 20 treatments, four replications and one plant per plot. The nutritional efficiency of the coffee seedlings for Zn, Cu and Mn varied according to the graft/rootstock combination. Progeny 'H 514-5-5-3' proved to be the most effective regarding Zn, Cu and Mn utilization and dry matter yield when combined with the rootstocks Apoatã LC 2258 and Mundo Novo IAC 376-4. Catuaí Vermelho IAC 15 was more effective for Cu and Mn utilization when combined with Apoatã LC 2258.

Neste estudo, foram avaliados os efeitos da supressão e do ressuprimento de fosfato (Pi) sobre a fotossíntese e eficiência fotoquímica de plantas de Medicago sativa cv. Flórida 77, em diferentes estádios do desenvolvimento vegetativo (V3, V4) e reprodutivo (R6, R8). O ensaio foi conduzido em casa de vegetação e as plantas cultivadas na solução nutritiva de HOAGLAND & ARNON (1950), contendo 0,14mmol L-1 de Pi. A supressão de Pi por dez dias reduziu os teores de fósforo nas folhas amostradas, em todos os estádios do desenvolvimento. Entretanto, com o ressuprimento, somente nos estádios vegetativos, os valores foram semelhantes ao tratamento controle. A fotossíntese por área foliar, em todos os estádios do desenvolvimento diminuiu com a supressão de Pi. De modo geral, o ressuprimento de Pi à solução nutritiva resultou em recuperação na fotossíntese, excetuando-se as plantas no estádio V3, uma indicação de que o período de supressão não causou danos permanentes no aparato fotossintético. Os teores dos pigmentos fotossintéticos e a eficiência fotoquímica do fotossistema II (FS II), avaliada pela relação Fv/Fm, não foram alterados quando as plantas foram submetidas à supressão de Pi. Esse resultado demonstra que o transporte de elétrons através do FS II não limitou a fotossíntese nas folhas amostradas, sob supressão de Pi, sugerindo que a supressão causou efeito mais pronunciado na etapa bioquímica da fotossíntese.This work evaluated the phosphate (Pi) suppression and ressupply on photosynthesis and photochemical efficiency from Medicago sativa plants cv. Florida 77, in different growth stages (V3 and V4) and reproductive (R6 and R8). The experiment was performed in a greenhouse, the plants being cultivated in HOAGLAND & ARMOND (1950) nutritive solution containing 0,14mmol L-1 of Pi. Pi suppression for ten days reduced Pi levels in sampled leaves, in all growth stages. However, with the re-supply only in the vegetative stages the values were similar to the control treatments. Photosynthesis per foliar area in all growth stages decreased with Pi suppression. In general, Pi ressupply into the nutritive solution resulted in recovery of photosynthesis, except for V3 plants, indicating that the suppression period did not cause permanent damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. Levels of photosynthetic pigments and the photosystem II (PS-II) photochemical efficiency evaluated as the Fv/Fm ratio were not altered when plants were submitted to Pi suppression. These results show that electons transport through PS-II did not limit photosynthesis in the sampled leaves under Pi supression, suggesting that Pi suppression caused a more pronunciated effect in the biochemical step of photosynthesis.

The increasing number of cases of soil contamination by heavy metals has affected crop yields, and represents an imminent risk to food. Some of these contaminants, such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), are very similar to micronutrients, and thus can be absorbed by plants. This study evaluated the translocation of increasing amounts of cadmium and lead and the effects of these metals in the production of beans. Bean plants were grown in nutrient solution Clark and subjected to increasing levels of Cd (from 0 to 0.5 mg L−1) and Pb (from 0 to 10 mg L−1). Cadmium concentration of 0.1 mg L−1translocated 39.8% to the shoot, and dry matter production was reduced by 45% in shoots and 80% in roots, compared to the control treatment. Lead showed impaired movement in the plant, however the concentration of 1.0 mg L−1was observed in 5.7% of metal translocation to the leaves. The concentration of 10 mg L−1Pb reduced dry matter production of roots and shoots in 83% and 76%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objetivando estudar a herança da tolerância à toxidez de alumínio (Al) em arroz (Oryza sativa L.) avaliaram-se três genótipos tolerantes (Guarani, Guaporé e IAC 25) e três sensíveis (CNA 5600, CNA 5615 e IAC 899) à toxidez de Al e seus respectivos cruzamentos F1 em um sistema de cruzamento dialélico, desconsiderando os recíprocos, na concentração de 20 mg/L de Al, em solução nutritiva. Os resultados encontrados evidenciaram que a herança da tolerância à toxidez de Al em arroz é oligogênica, com os alelos dominantes determinando essa tolerância. Os progenitores Guarani, Guaporé e IAC 25 apresentaram maior concentração de alelos dominantes, e CNA 5600, CNA 5615 e IAC 899 maior número de alelos recessivos.Three tolerant (Guarani, Guaporé e IAC 25) and three sensitive (CNA 5600, CNA 5615 e IAC 899) genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and their respective F1 crosses, obtained in a diallel cross system not accounting the reciprocal crosses, were evaluated to study the inheritance of toxicity aluminum (Al) tolerance. The Al concentration in nutritive solution was 20 mg/L. The results showed that the inheritance is oligogenic with the tolerance determined by the dominant alleles. The parents Guarani, Guaporé and IAC 25 showed greater dominant allele concentration and CNA 5600, CNA 5615 and IAC 899 more recessive alleles.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the foliar nutrient content in Eucalyptus benthamii mini-stumps treated with different Zn and B concentrations during successive shoot collections. Shoots were collected from mini-stumps fertigated with nutrient solutions containing different concentrations of Zn and B (S1 - free of Zn and B; S2 - 0.5 mg L-1 Zn; S3 - 0.5 mg L-1 B; S4 - 0.5 mg L-1 Zn and B; S5 - 1.0 mg L-1 Zn and B; S6 - 2.0 mg L-1 Zn and B). Eight shoot collections from the clonal mini-garden were performed. For each shoot collection, the nutritional content of the leaf was determined (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn). The experiment was conducted using a randomized design with a split plot and included three replications. The foliar macro and micronutrient contents varied significantly in relation to the treatments, and the S5 and S6 nutritive solutions presented the best responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of increasing dosages of cadmium (Cd) on the content, accumulation, and translocation of macronutrients and micronutrients in different parts of bean plant (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) are reported. Plants were cultivated in Clark's nutritive solution and submitted to 0 to 0.5 mg L−1of Cd. Experiments were built using an entirely randomized, statistical arrangement, and measurements were performed after 60 days of exposure to Cd. Inclusion of Cd in solution decreases the contents of nutrients in bean plants, except phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) in fruits, sulfur (S) in root, and copper (Cu) in fruits and root. Also, accumulation of nutrients in all parts of plant was reduced, as was the the translocation index for the following nutrients: potassium, calcium, and S in fruits and Cu in shoots. Overall, this work can serve as a template study to evaluate the effects of cadmium on bean plant nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For soilless vegetable production of the Southern Great Plain region in Hungary, there is enough water available, however, the origin and chemical composition of it are decisive from the point of view of practicability. The ground water is everywhere accessible, although its sodium and chloride content is almost always significant, moreover, human pollution may occur (e.g. nitrates and phosphates). A further unfavourable moment is the seasonal variation observed within the area of the same community. The abundant supply of water in the Quaternary strata are located in more than half of the cases within the upper 50 m region. As by the expected changes of the climate, a strategic increment of the importance of subsurface waters is anticipated. Their composition is relatively stable, and the prognoses are reliable for the same settlement. Salt content of the majority of water resources bearing hydrocarbonates is low, however, streaming of the subsurface waters tend to increase their sodium content and to diminish their calcium and magnesium, whereas the pH increases (mainly by ion-exchange). Water quality is decisive not only because of the interaction with the plants but also from the point of view of the distribution of water. Some micro-elements, mainly iron and secondarily manganese may cause problems, therefore, irrigation water ought to be prepared carefully. Production technology should be completed by a technical equipment using aeration for the elimination of ironinfluence of yields on rate of return of investment; (3) the role of increasing of added value content of products. Importance of the utilisation of alternative channels of distribution and the formation of producers' cooperatives are underlined, being based on calculation of return of investment.

Increasing contents of lead (Pb; from 0 to 10 mg L−1) as contaminant were added in Clark's nutritive solution to evaluate the effects on content, accumulation, and translocation of macronutrients [phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S)] and micronutrients [copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe)] in different parts of the bean plant (Phaseolus vulgarisL.). Experiments were built using an entirely randomized statistical arrangement and measurements were performed after 60 days of exposure to Pb. The contents of almost all nutrients decreased when Pb was added, except for P in root, Mg in fruits, and S in root and fruits. Reduction in accumulation of all nutrients in the three parts of plants was determined, and an increase in the translocation index was observed for the following nutrients: Mg and Zn in fruits and S in fruits and leaves. For the remaining nutrients, the translocation index diminished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of sulfate and phosphate at different sulfate concentrations, pH levels, and aluminum (Al) concentrations on aluminum phytotoxicity in ryegrass grown in mineral solution. The results demonstrated that, in general, both a high sulfate concentration and phosphate in the mineral solution had a positive effect on the detoxification of Al. Increased sulfate concentrations did not have a clear effect on the sulfur (S) or phosphorus (P) content within the shoot or root, because their uptake is regulated by Al uptake in the ryegrass, but a very good relationship was found between the P root content and Al root content ( r = 0.944**; p ≤ 0.01). The P and S root content and the aluminum:phosphorus molar ratio in roots were negatively correlated to shoot dry weight ( r = -0.747**, -0.619** and -0.816**, respectively; p ≤ 0.01), suggesting that Al tolerance is related to P nutrition. Relative root dry weight (RTI) measured at 90 d was a more sensitive indicator of Al toxicity than relative root or shoot length (RRL, RSL). This study showed that the most important Al detoxifying mechanisms in the ryegrass were apparently physiological Al-PO 4 precipitation inside the root and chemical AlSO 4 + complex formation in the nutritive solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]