Optimizing foliar N-fertilization in sugarcane depends on plant genotype and nitrogen concentration
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Foliar N-fertilization (FNf) has emerged as a promising approach to synchronize plant nitrogen (N) demands and application timing, reducing the N losses to the environment associated with traditional soil-based fertilization methods. However, limited information exists regarding the effectiveness of FNf in sugarcane. This study aimed to optimize FNf in sugarcane by evaluating N-fertilizer recovery by the plant (NRP) and assessing potential toxicity effects. Four sugarcane genotypes were subjected to FNf using 15N-urea at five nitrogen concentrations. NRP was assessed at five time points for roots, stalk, old leaves, 15N-urea-fertilized leaves (15NL), and unexpanded leaves (UEL). Leaf scorching, indicating FNf toxicity, was analyzed using morpho-anatomical and histochemical techniques. The results showed that FNf promoted high NRP, with an average recovery of 62.3%. Surprisingly, the redistribution of 15N-urea did not follow the nitrogen uptake rate by sugarcane leaves, with an average of 41.3% of the total-NRP. The stalk emerged as the primary sink for 15N-urea, followed by the UEL. Genotypes differed in the leaf scorching intensity, which increased with higher concentration of 15N-urea. Genotypes also differed in the 15N-urea uptake rate, down-regulated by the N content in the 15NL. These findings emphasize that by carefully choosing the appropriate genotype and nitrogen concentration, FNf can significantly enhance N-fertilizer uptake, resulting in potential environmental and economic benefits.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e14085 |
Journal | Physiologia Plantarum |
Volume | 175 |
Issue number | 6 |
Number of pages | 15 |
ISSN | 0031-9317 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.
- labeled nitrogen, leaf scorching, nitrogen recovery, sugarcane varieties, urea
Research areas
ID: 376457386