
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Johnston, M 
A1  - Grof, CPL 
A1  - Brownell, PF 
T1  - Effect of Sodium Nutrition on Chlorophyll <I>a/b</I> Ratios in C<sub>4</sub> Plants
JF  - Functional Plant Biology
JO  - Functional Plant Biol.
Y1  - 1984
VL  - 11
IS  - 4
SP  - 325
EP  - 332
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/PP9840325 
N2  - Methods for the determination of chlorophyll were compared in Amaranthus tricolor, Kochia childsii and Chloris gayana. From sequential extraction data, 96% ethanol appeared to be more efficient than 80% acetone in extracting chlorophyll from these plants.    The chlorophyll a/b ratio was significantly lower in sodium-deficient compared to normal C4 plants. Of the group I elements, only sodium, irrespective of the salt supplied to deficient cultures, restored the chlorophyll a/b ratios to the value observed in normal plants. The concentration of sodium required to increase the chlorophyll a/b ratio in leaves of sodium-deficient plants was similar to that required to bring about the growth responses. The increase of the chlorophyll a/b ratio occurred at an early stage during recovery from sodium deficiency preceding the increase in chlorophyll concentration and the growth response. It is therefore likely that the low chlorophyll a/b ratio may be intrinsically associated with the condition of sodium deficiency. 
ER  -

