Effects of Interaction of Calcium and Manganese on the Growth and Nutrition of Epilobium hirsutum L

Abstract

An investigation on the effects of calcium and manganese interaction on the growth and nutrition of Epilobium hirsutum L. was carried out. The plant showed both calcium deficiency at a level of 0.08 mg·liter−1(Ca as CaCl2·6H2O) and manganese toxicity symptoms at a level of 5 mg·liter−1(Mn as MnSO4·4H2O). An increase in the calcium level in the nutrient solution was effective in reducing manganese toxicity. The plant responded best to the conditions of the highest calcium level (40 mg·liter−1) and the lowest manganese level (0.05 mg·liter−1) in the nutrient solution. Uptake of manganese in the root decreased with increasing calcium level in the nutrient solution. In contrast, in shoots iron content decreased and accumulation of magnesium also decreased both in shoot and root with the increase of the manganese level in the nutrient solution. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.