The critical concentration of manganese in field-grown wheat

Abstract

The critical concentration of manganese (Mn) in wheat tissues for optimal growth was determined from field experiments. In the youngest emerged blade showing a ligule (YEB), the critical concentration was 11 ¦ 1 8g g-1 (DW). The critical concentrations for older blades and whole tops were: next leaf below YEB, 13 ¦ 1 8g g-1 DW; older leaves, 16 ¦ 1 8g g-1 DW; whole tops, 12 ¦ 1 8g g-1 DW. The older blades were less sensitive determinants of the growth response and are not recommended tissues for analysis. Diagnosis using whole tops was less sensitive than with YEB, but analysis of whole tops may give an integrated picture of Mn deficiency where availability varies rapidly with time. The critical concentration of 11 ¦ 1 8g g-1 in the YEB for growth is also the critical level for the appearance in that leaf of normal chlorophyll a fluorescence transients. The Fo/Fv ratio, a parameter of the leaf fluorescence transients, correlated well with the Mn concentration in the leaf and may prove suitable for the diagnosis of Mn deficiency in field-grown wheat. The critical level of Mn was the same for two genotypes differing in their ability to tolerate Mn deficiency in the soil. Grain yield responses and other relevant data collected over three years are presented. Analysis of grain was shown to be an unreliable method of diagnosing an earlier Mn deficiency in the crop.