In Vivo Evaluation of Zn Foliar Uptake and Transport in Soybean Using X-ray Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms of absorption and transport of foliar nutrition is a key step towards the development of advanced fertilization methods. This study employed X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) to trace the in vivo absorption and transport of ZnO and ZnSO4(aq) to soybean leaves (Glycine max). XRF maps monitored over 48 h showed a shape change of the dried ZnSO4(aq) droplet, indicating Zn2+ absorption. Conversely, these maps did not show short movement of Zn from ZnO. XRF measurements on petioles of leaves that received Zn2+ treatments clarified that the Zn absorption and transport in the form of ZnSO4(aq) was faster that of ZnO. Solubility was the major factor driving ZnSO4(aq) absorption. XANES speciation showed that in planta Zn is transported coordinated with organic acids. Because plants demand Zn during their entire lifecycle, the utilization of sources with different solubilities can increase Zn use efficiency.

A non-classical route of efficient plant uptake verified with fluorescent nanoparticles and root adhesion forces investigated using AFM

“…Classical plant uptake mechanism includes passive spontaneous diffusion, mass flow, ion exchange and active energy intensive carrier-assisted method [14]. In NPs uptake also, similar passive mechanisms were identified in metals (M) [15][16][17], metal oxides (MO) [18,19], chalcogenides (MS) [20], and carbon materials [2,5,21]. Even carrier mediated transport of NPs within the plant cell to different organelles were also documented [22].…”

Penetration of foliar-applied Zn and its impact on apple plant nutrition status: in vivo evaluation by synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy

“…The extent of Zn mobilization following absorption also influences the efficacy of Zn penetration. In previous research, XRF was also performed to compare the behavior of different forms of foliar-applied Zn fertilizers, and the results indicated that Zn fertilizer applied as ZnSO 4 was slightly more mobile than were other Zn forms, such as Zn-EDTA and ZnO 30 , 34 .…”

Understanding the chemistry of manganese fertilizers and glyphosate mixtures by using synchrotron X-ray spectrometry

“…2.5 h prior to the analysis, fitting to field conditions. Solid samples preparation was done according to Gomes et al [18] with modifications. From solid samples (precipitates and MnCO 3 ) previously dried in a laboratory oven at 60 °C and diluted in cellulose at 1.5 Mn wt.%, were then prepared 100 mg pellets using a 13 mm stainless steel die set pressed at 500 kg for 1 min (Carver 3912, USA).…”