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Influence of FeEDDHA on Growth and Manganese Accumulation in Flax¹

ABSTRACT

A lower leaf-scorch abnormality, resembling Mn toxicity, was observed in flax (Linum usitatissium L.) plants growing on certain calcareous soils. The cause of this problem was studied in greenhouse experiments using a naturally occurring, slightly calcareous (pH 8.1) soil. Above-ground parts, but not roots, of afflicted plants contained relatively high levels of Mn. Addition of 2 ppm FeEDDHA-Fe eliminated the appearance of brownish spots on the distal portions of older leaves and subsequent leaf necrosis, decreased Mn accumulation in above-ground plant parts, and increased yields. Ammonium molybdate (0.05 and 0.5 ppm Mo) had no effect on the severity of the abnormality or on Mn accumulation. Cytological examination of brown spots showed distortion of chloroplast membranes, absence of starch, decrease in grana membranes, absence of plastid ribosomes, and increase in plastoglobuli. It is hypothesized that the lower leaf scorch was caused by Mn toxicity. Flax, in the absence of FeEDDHA, was a Mn-accumulator plant even though the soil in question was calcareous. Available soil Fe level appeared to be a dominant factor influencing Mn accumulation by flax.

¹ Contribution from Departments of Soils and Botany, North Dakota State Univ., Fargo, ND 58102. Published with the approval of the Director as Journal Series no. 842.

² Professor of Soils and Assoc. Professor of Botany, respectively.

Received for publication August 8, 1977. Accepted for publication February 21, 1978.