Improved potassium nutrition retrieves phosphorus-induced decrease in zinc uptake and grain zinc concentration of wheat.

The negative effect of soil-applied phosphorus (P) on zinc (Zn) uptake by plants and its concentration in food grains could be a possible reason for low dietary intake of Zn. Likewise, owing to its critical role in plant tolerance to other abiotic stresses, potassium (K) was thought to retrieve P-induced decrease in grain Zn concentration of wheat. To test the above hypothesis, the effect of K application (50 mg kg-1 soil) on Zn concentration in shoot/grains and its shoot-to-grain translocation was studied in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Galaxy-2013) under low and optimal supply of both P (10 and 50 mg kg-1 ) and Zn (0 and 5 mg kg-1 ). The response of growth parameters and grain yield to optimal Zn, P and K applications indicated that all nutrients were limiting plant growth at low levels. Irrespective of P level, Zn application at optimal rate increased Zn concentration and uptake by straw and grains of wheat. Contrarily, optimal P application decreased Zn concentration but increased Zn uptake by wheat straw. More specifically, combined application of Zn and P at optimal levels decreased Zn concentration in grains from 43 to 32 mg kg-1 compared with optimal Zn application alone. Potassium application to optimal P- and Zn-supplied plants increased remobilization of pre-anthesis straw Zn store to grains by 50% and decreased Zn concentration in straw. Consequently, K application along with optimal Zn and P supply to plants completely retrieved P-induced loss in grain Zn concentration and also increased grain Zn uptake from 891 to 1249 µg per pot without significantly affecting grain yield. The K-induced increase in grain Zn concentration is attributed to K-driven higher post-anthesis Zn uptake and remobilization of pre-anthesis straw Zn store to grains. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Naeem A ，Aslam M ，Lodhi A 《-》

Phosphorus reduces the zinc concentration in cereals pot-grown on calcareous Vertisols from southern Spain.

Zinc deficiency, a major problem in crops grown on soils low in available Zn, is even more important in phosphorus-rich soils. This work aimed to elucidate the effects of soil P and Zn levels, and of fertilizer application, on yield and Zn concentration in cereal grains. Wheat and barley were successively pot-grown on 20 calcareous Vertisols low in available Zn and ranging widely in available P. Grain yield in the plants grown on the native soils was positively correlated with Olsen P but not with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Zn except for wheat on P-rich soils. Grain Zn concentration was negatively correlated with Olsen P. Grain Zn uptake differed little among soils. Application of P to the soils increased grain yield insignificantly and P concentration significantly; however, it reduced grain Zn concentration (particularly at low Olsen P values). Applying Zn alone only increased grain Zn concentration, whereas applying P and Zn in combination increased yield and grain Zn concentration at low and high Olsen P values, respectively. Applying P alone to plants grown on calcareous Vertisols low in available P and Zn may in practice reduce grain Zn concentrations while not increasing grain yield significantly. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sánchez-Rodríguez AR ，Del Campillo MC ，Torrent J 《-》

Effects of Zn, macronutrients, and their interactions through foliar applications on winter wheat grain nutritional quality.

Wang S ，Li M ，Liu K ，Tian X ，Li S ，Chen Y ，Jia Z ... -  《PLoS One》

Impacts of phosphorus and zinc levels on phosphorus and zinc nutrition and phytic acid concentration in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Zinc (Zn) and phytic acid content in grain crops are directly related to their nutritional quality and therefore human health. To investigate the nutritional influences of phosphorus (P) and Zn levels on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), plants were grown hydroponically to maturity in chelator-buffered solutions. Appropriate amounts of P, coupled with sufficient Zn, increased P and Zn concentrations in wheat grain. The Zn supply decreased both phytic acid and the molar ratios of phytic acid to Zn in wheat grain with respect to the Zn(0) treatment. Furthermore, proportions of Zn and P content in the grain relative to that of the whole plant were improved. With increasing P, the proportion of Zn and P content in the grain relative to the whole plant decreased. P and Zn acted antagonistically in roots. Excess P inhibited Zn uptake in roots, while Zn decreased the transfer of P from roots to shoots. For P that had been transported to the shoots, supplemental Zn facilitated its transfer to the grain. Excess P decreased the distribution of Zn in grain, while Zn enhanced the uptake of Zn and P in grain, The combined application of Zn fertilizer with the extensive use of P fertilizer can effectively increase the P and Zn concentration and Zn bioavailability of wheat grain, and hence Zn nutritional quality.

Yang XW ，Tian XH ，Lu XC ，Cao YX ，Chen ZH ... -  《-》

Overuse of Phosphorus Fertilizer Reduces the Grain and Flour Protein Contents and Zinc Bioavailability of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Zhang W ，Liu D ，Liu Y ，Chen X ，Zou C ... -  《-》