Abstract
The effects of deficiencies of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Cl on accumulation of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in tissues of 3·5-month-old hydroponically cultured sugarcane were examined. Numerous synergistic and antagonistic interactions between nutrients were found in the blades and sheaths of immature elongating leaves, and also in the roots. The same interactions were generally observed in the blades and sheaths, but the roots frequently differed in both magnitude and direction of the interaction. Nitrogen accumulation in the leaf blade was decreased in plants deficient in Fe, Mn, and Zn, but was not affected by deficiencies of Cu, B, or Cl. Sheath P levels were higher in Fe-deficient plants, lower in those deficient in Cl, and unchanged in plants deficient in Mn, u, Zn and B. Accumulation of K in the heaths and blades was increased by omitting Fe, Mn, Cu, and B from the culture Solution, decreased by Cl deficiency, and unaffected by Zn deficiency. Sheath and blade Mg levels were lower in plants deficient in Cu, Zn, B, and Cl, but higher in Fe-deficient plants. Calcium accumulation was greater in Fe-deficient sheaths and blades, but was unaffected by deficiencies of Mn, Cu, Zn B and Cl. These interactions were always reciprocal.
