Zinc, Iron, and Chlorophyll Metabolism in Zinc-toxic Corn

Abstract

Zinc toxicity and Zn-Fe interactions were studied in corn (Zea mays L. var. Barbecue hybrid) grown in hydroponic culture. High Zn greatly reduced the root and shoot fresh weights; increasing Fe largely, but not completely, restored normal growth. Correlation analyses of root and leaf Zn and Fe contents suggested that Zn may interfere with the translocation of Fe; however, Zn toxicity was not associated with a diminished leaf Fe content. Fe did appear to retard both the absorption and the translocation of Zn. The chlorosis of Zn-toxic plants is not attributable to diminshed total leaf Fe; however, this chlorosis is relieved by increasing nutrient Fe. Zn and Fe probably do interact at some site.