High pH Stress Affects Root Morphology and Nutritional Status of Hydroponically Grown Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.).

摘要: Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) are ornamental plants in the family Ericaceae that thrive acidic soils and challenged by neutral or alkaline soils. This soil requirement limits locations where rhododendrons can be grown causes chlorosis, diminished growth, low survival when high pH While growth impacts widely documented, little is known about how cause these symptoms rhododendrons. We hypothesized stress root form function, leading to nutrient deficiencies limit plant growth. tested this hypothesis a hydroponic experiment. “Mardi Gras” rhododendron liners were complete solution at 5.5 (optimum pH) 6.5 (high for 49 days. Biomass accumulation, uptake concentration, assessed. High solutions leaf Plants developed clusters of short, highly branched roots. optimum did not exhibit morphology. affected translocation most essential nutrients. S Mn likely limited had nuanced effect on oxidative status. These results suggest morphology directly aboveground might consequence impaired function.