The effect of simultaneous magnesium application on the biological effects of titanium

Abstract

Most of the works published since the beginning of the 20th century have brought interesting results about beneficial effects of titanium (Ti) on plants, but much less is known about its phytotoxic effects at higher doses. Here we demonstrate the influence of Mg treatment on the phytotoxic effects of Ti. Mg, Ti + Mg and two different concentrations of Ti leaf sprays were applied on oats (Avena sativa L. cv. Zlat'ák) grown on three different soil types (Fluvisol, Luvisol and Chernozem). Physiological parameters of oats as well as some essential elements contents were analyzed. The foliar applications of Ti caused significant toxic manifestations on oats at ≥ 10 mg/kg concentrations. Mg partially ammeliorates these toxic effects if applied together with Ti. The effect was strong on Fluvisol, but weaker on Chernozem and Luvisol. Ti effects are more significant the further the soil is from the nutritional optimum of the plants. This is most evident in the case of Fluvisol, which is deficient in Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn. It seems that Ti possesses a generally equalizing effect on the elements content in the plant.