Effects of K-deficiency stress on the root morphology and nutrient efficiency of sugarcane. (3rd July 2018) - Zeng, Qiaoying
ABSTRACT: Potassium (K) deficiency in soil restricts the production of sugarcane in major planting areas. To investigate the responses of sugarcane varieties to K-deficiency stress, the growth, root parameters, and nutrient-use efficiency of sugarcane varieties were compared using sand cultures. K deficiency inhibited the growth of sugarcane. Two hybrid sugarcane varieties, namely YC10–29 and YC10–65, exhibited greater tolerance to K-deficiency stress. The weight, length, surface area, and volume of root showed 30.49%, 15.91%, 20.02%, and 24.26% reductions, respectively, in ROC22 under K-deficiency stress, but increased in the other five varieties. YC10–65 accumulated 2.03 times more nitrogen (N) in the roots than did the plants under normal conditions. Significant increases for N and phosphorous (P) utilization efficiencies were detected in YC10–65 under K-deficiency stress. Correlations between nutrient efficiency and root morphology revealed that modifications to root morphology in response to K deficiency may help improve the nutrient efficiency and the K-deficiency tolerance of sugarcane.