Genotypic differences in nitrogen efficacy of cucumber plants

Zorzona, P., González-Lorente, M. and Fernández-Herrera, M.

Ars Pharm.37;(1);73-81, (1996)

Key words:Ammonium, Nitrate, Variety, Yields

Abstract

Two cultivars of the cucumber plant (Marketmore and Pepino of China) supplied with two total N levels (14 and 7 mol m^-3) and a NO₃^-/ NH₄⁺ ratio of 60/40 were grown aeroponically in a glasshouse. In order to known the N efficacy differences between the cultivars, several parameters were chosen, such as dry matter production; the ratio of root/shoot weight; NR activity; commercial yields;NO₃^- , NH₄⁺ and total N consumptions; leaf and root concentration. The results obtained displayed that Marketmore produced higher yields and lower vegetative weight than Pepino of China, showing furthermore the highest ratios of fruit weight,NO₃^- , NH₄⁺ and total N consumptions for the treatment with 7 mol m^-3 of total N. The data obtained can be used for an adequate selection of cultivars characterized by a high N efficacy even for low N amounts.

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