Response of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) Plant at Early Growth Stage to Mutual Effects of Boron and Potassium

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As regards the interaction between boron (B) and potassium (K), there is a limited knowledge, and the nature of this complex interaction is still clearly unknown. The main objective of the present study was to assess the mutual effects of B and K on plant growth, membrane permeability and mineral nutrition of Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) in greenhouse natural light conditions. For this purpose, four levels of B (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg kg^-1) and three levels of K (0, 200, and 400 mg kg^-1) were treated to soil. However, whether K supply to the soil or not, plants withered within a few days at the highest B level caused by B toxicity. Supplied K to the soil had a significant positive effect on plant growth, indicating that K addition partially alleviated the reduction of shoot dry weight caused by B toxicity. Moreover, inhibitory effect of K on excess B appeared in shoot more than in roots. B and K applications increased significantly B and K contents in shoot of Cape gooseberry plants as well as B uptake. Also, the contents of K, phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), and B in shoot of Cape gooseberry increased with supplied B in the absence of K, but calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents decreased. The contents of P, Ca, and Mg decreased with supplied K in the absence of B, but Na content enhanced. It was concluded that there might be an accumulative effect due to plant growth reduction caused by B toxicity in Cape gooseberry plant and also synergism related to plant absorption of B and K.

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Boron toxicity , potassium , Physalis peruviana L. , growth , membrane permeability , mineral nutrition

Journal Of Agricultural Faculty Of Gaziosmanpasa University

193

Journal Of Agricultural Faculty Of Gaziosmanpasa University