Influence of Manganese on Nutrient Uptake in Rice Plants under Saline Conditions

Abstract

Salinity-induced nutritional disorders adversely affect the performance of crops. The consequence of salinity disorders may result on nutrient availability, competitive uptake, transport or partitioning within the plants. Present study was aimed to investigate the effects of Mn application on nutrient uptake contributing to the salinity tolerance of the rice. A hydroponic experiment was carried out in National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan, on two rice varieties. Three NaCl salt concentrations, namely 0, 25, 50 mmol were used. Manganese sulphate was used for foliar and root application with four concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8 mg Mn L-1). Salinity decreased the uptake of P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn in both applications methods while application of Mn increased the uptake of almost all the investigated macro and micronutrients. Root applications of Mn and foliar application methods were compared where root application method was found better for most of the nutrient uptake. Interaction effect i.e salinity × Mn treatment × methods of application was significant. The results showed that Mn application can improve the nutrient uptake capability contributing to the salinity tolerance in rice.