Absorption and Translocation of Foliar-Applied Iron

Abstract

,Summary. The absorption of 59Fe3+ by the leaves of various plant species was studied. Stomata were fotund to play a major role in foliar absorption when leaves were totally submerged in treatment solutions, and a correlation was found to exist between stomatal area and absorption. Day treated leaves absorbed much more than did night treated leaves. The use of a surfactant markedly increased absorption. Translocation from treated leaves was demonstrated and was found to vary with species.The application of various materials to plant foliage has become an everyday occuirrence in modern agriculture. Many of these materials exert their desired effect by remaining on the exterior of the foliage, but at least 2 of them, namely growth regulators ( including herbicides) and nutrients, are effective only when they penetrate into the leaf itself. Leaf cuticle presents a major barrier to the penetration of these materials, but appears to be slowly permeable to both polar and apolar substances (5). In reviewing the conflicting literatuire on cuticuilar and stomatal uptake of foliar applied materials, Currier and Dybing (5) conclude that '. . . both stomata and cuticle may be involved, with the stomatal component varying widely duie to a complex of factors influencing stomatal opening." The major problem remaining unanswered is the relative importance of each path under specified conditions.It is well established in the literature that surfactants increase the effectiveness of herbicides.The effect of surfactants on nutrient uptake is not so clear, however. Some investigators report no effect oIn uiptake due to the presence of a suirfactant (1), some report a decrease (7), and others report an increase (7,8). In reviewing the literature, one arrives at the concltusion that factors not always well explained or considered in specific articles play a major role in whether or not surfactants increase, decrease, or have no effect on nutrient uptake. Such factors are A) method of application, B) nature of the nutrient being sttudied,

Potential for foliar phosphorus fertilisation of dryland cereal crops: a review

“…Some of the main environmental factors that influence stomata opening are water stress, light and temperature (Currier and Dybing 1959;Sargent and Blackman 1965;Eddings and Brown 1967). Increases in foliar uptake rates have been documented after stomata have been opened by light.…”

Effect of nanoparticles suspension on the growth of mung (Vigna radiata) seedlings by foliar spray method

“…Iron activates several enzymes and contributes in RNA synthesis and improves the performance of photosystems. [18][19][20] Similarly, trace amount of Cu is a component of regulatory proteins, participates in electron transport in photosynthesis and respiratory chains. …”

Uptake and Distribution of Iron from Different Iron Sources Applied as Foliar Sprays to Chlorotic Leaves of Low-Chill Peach Cultivars

“…The distribution of Fe from the absorbed Fe sources ranged from 5.27 to 15.37 %. However, as much as 60 % of foliar-absorbed 59 Fe (from FeCl 3 ) was reported to be translocated within 50 h in sorghum [15]. In tomato and white beans, Fe transport was not found as efficient but involved at least 25 % of the leafabsorbed 59 Fe.…”

“…The acropetal translocation of Fe is dominant over basipetal movement as reported in broad bean when 59 Fe has been applied as droplet on the leaves [21]. Translocation of foliar applied Fe also varies widely in different plant species [15].…”