An intact plant assay for estimating nitrogenase activity (C2H2 reduction) of sorghum and millet plants grown in pots

Wani, S P and Upadhyaya, H D and Dart, P J (1984) An intact plant assay for estimating nitrogenase activity (C2H2 reduction) of sorghum and millet plants grown in pots. Plant and Soil, 82 (1). pp. 15-29. ISSN 0032-079X

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Abstract

A non destructive assay for estimating nitrogenase activity (C2H2 reduction) of pot-grown sorghum and millet is described. Plants with intact shoots sustained more activity than plants whose tops were removed prior to the assay. with this technique individual plants can be assayed several times during their life cycle. C2H2 reduction was linear up to 16 h of incubation. More rapid diffusion of C2H2 was achieved by injection into the bottom of the pot than into the top of the pot. The equilibration of injected C2H2 in the gas phase of pots filled with sand and sand:FYM media was complete within 1 h. Significantly greater nitrogenase activity and growth of sorghum and millet occurred when plants were grown in a mixture of sand and farmyard manure (FYM) than when grown in vermiculite, soil or sand + soil medium. Nitrogenase activity and plant growth were greater in a mixture of sand with 2 and 3% FYM than with 0.5 and 1% FYM. Activity was higher when plants were incubated at 33°C and 40°C than at 27°C, and increased with increasing soil moisture. There were significant differences among 15 sorghum cultivars screened for associated nitrogenase activity.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	C,H, reduction Intact-plant assay Millet Nitrogen fixation Nitrogenase activity Sorghum
Subjects:	Mandate crops > Millets Mandate crops > Sorghum
Depositing User:	Mr Sanat Kumar Behera
Date Deposited:	10 Nov 2011 07:30
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2011 07:30
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/3872
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02220766
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	UNSPECIFIED
Links:	Author

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