Effect of bicarbonate on growth and iron nutrition of pea

Two cultivars of pea with different sensitivity to bicarbonate (Merveille de Kelvedon, tolerant and PS210713, sensitive) were cultivated during one month on a nutrient solution containing or not bicarbonate (10 mM). The study indicated that bicarbonate increased the root to shoot ratio much more in the sensitive than in the tolerant one. Bicarbonate reduced iron translocation towards shoots of the two cultivars. This effect was more marked in the sensitive one. The study also showed that bicarbonate provoked a considerable accumulation of iron in roots of the two cultivars. This accumulation was due to iron accumulated in the extraplasm of roots.