ISSN 2756-3790
International Journal of Horticulture and Floriculture ISSN 2167-0455 Vol. 3 (2), pp. 157-160, September, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full length Research Paper
Ferric chelate reductase activity under iron deficiency stress in Azalea
Sonia Demasi1, Takashi Handa2 and Valentina Scariot1*
1Department of Agricultural Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
2School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki, Japan.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 07 June, 2015
Abstract
Evergreen azaleas grow optimally in acidic soil (pH 4.5 - 6.0) with adequate iron (Fe) levels. To combat Fe deficiency chlorosis when cultivated in alkaline soil under Fe shortage, Fe-efficient Strategy I azalea plants exploit the response mechanism of Ferric Chelate Reductase (FCR) activity. In this study, the ferric (Fe3+) reduction capacity of two azaleas (Rhododendron x pulchrum 'Sen-e-oomurasaki' and Rhododendron obtusum 'Kirin') was evaluated during 10 days of cultivation in control (pH 6) and Fe-deficient (pH 9) nutrient solutions. At day 6, Fe deficiency tolerant and sensitive genotypes were distinguishable based on FCR activity. The survey of FCR response is suggested for rapid screening before visual symptoms occur in Fe deficiency tolerant azaleas.
Keywords: Alkalinity, chlorosis, hydroponics, iron efficient, Rhododendron, sodium hydrogen carbonate.