The physiological and nutritional responses of seven different citrus rootstock seedlings to boron deficiency

Carrizo citrange was the most tolerant citrus rootstock to B-deficiency and some physiological performance could be attributed to the decreased mineral nutrient concentrations caused by B-deficiency. Boron (B) is an essential microelement for normal growth and development in vascular plants, and adequate B nutrition is crucial for agricultural production. Although citrus plants are not classified as the most sensitive species to B-deficiency, the occurrence of B-deficiency has been reported in the major citrus producing countries of the world, including the east and south of China. In this study, in order to evaluate the effects of B-deficiency on plant growth, root-morphological traits, B and other nutritional responses of citrus rootstock and to investigate the relationship between this physiological performance and mineral nutrients seven common rootstock seedlings, including Trifoliate orange (TO), Carrizo citrange (CC), Chongyi tangerine (CT), Red tangerine (RT), Cleopatra mandarin (CM), Fragrant citrus (FC), and Sour orange (SO), were treated by B-deficiency (0 mg L-1) or moderate B (0.25 mg L-1). All the seedlings were grown in hydroponics situation with modified 1/2-strength Hoagland's solution under greenhouse conditions for 10 weeks. The results showed that B-deficiency inhibited the growth and development of all tested citrus rootstocks, but substantial differences were observed among these rootstocks. Different visible symptoms were observed both in the leaf and root. Corking of the leaf veins and leaf yellowing symptoms were observed on all rootstock genotypes except on CC, which exhibited a little discoloration at the end of the experiment. In addition, root growth of the citrus seedlings were also decreased by B-deficiency, but the decreases were more obvious in TO and FC. It was worth noting that B-deficiency inhibited lateral root growth and development more significantly than tap root, but not in lateral root initiation. The different performance of these rootstock genotypes indicated that CC was the most tolerant while TO was the most sensitive to B-deficiency. In addition, under B-deficiency conditions, not only the B concentration, but also the other mineral nutrient concentrations were influenced, especially in Mg, Fe and Mn. This change in nutrient concentrations might partly contribute to the seedlings' physiological performances under B-deficiency.