Reactions of two xeric-congeneric species of Centaurea (Asteraceae) to soils with different pH values and iron availability

Abstract

Centaurea scabiosa L. and C. stoebe Tausch are known to co-exist naturally in two extremely different types of open dry habitats in the temperate zone, alkaline xerothermic grasslands and acidic dry grasslands. However, knowledge about their preferences to edaphic conditions, including soil acidity (pH), and iron (Fe) availability is scarce. Therefore, experimental comparison of soil requirements (acidic Podzol vs alkaline Rendzina) of these species was carried out. The study was designed as a pot experiment and conducted under field conditions. Fe availability was increased by application of Fe-HBED. Reactions of plants to edaphic conditions were determined using growth measurements, leaf morphometric measurements, chlorosis scoring, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) quantification as well as determination of element content (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu). Growth and leaf morphometrical traits of the studied congeneric species were affected similarly by the soil type and differently by the chelate treatment. Increased availability of Fe in Rendzina contrasted the species, as treatment with 25 µmol Fe-HBED kg−1 soil promoted growth only in C. stoebe. Both species turned out to be resistant to Fe-dependent chlorosis which was also reflected in only minor changes in chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. Both species showed relatively low nutritional demands. Surprisingly, Fe-HBED did not stimulate Fe acquisition in the studied species, nor its translocation along the root:shoot axis. Furthermore, contrary to expectations, C. scabiosa took up less Fe from the acidic than alkaline soil. C. scabiosa not only absorbed more Ca and Zn but also translocated greater amounts of these elements to shoots than C. stoebe. Both species acquired more Mg on Podzol than on Rendzina which suggests adaptation allowing avoidance of aluminum (Al) toxicity on acidic soils. Overall, it seems that C. scabiosa prefers alkaline soils, whilst C. stoebe prefers acidic ones.

Experimental investigation of the responses of meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris L.) to sodic salinity and its implications for habitat monitoring

“…Analysis of the elemental composition was conducted to determine the reason for the observed growth and morphological and functional impairments. The content of elements in the roots, shoots and leaves (from morphometrical leaf blade analyses) was determined as previously reported 63 . The samples were wet-digested at 140 °C in a HNO 3 and HClO 4 mixture (4:1 ratio, v/v).…”

Ethnobotanical Insights into Medicinal and Culinary Plant Use: The Dwindling Traditional Heritage of the Dard Ethnic Group in the Gurez Region of the Kashmir Valley, India

“…Asteraceae was the dominant family with n = 15 species, followed by Lamiaceae (n = 12), Fabaceae, Rosaceae (n = 4 each), Amaranthaceae, and Malvaceae (n = 3 each) (Figure 1). The dominance of Asteraceae can be attributed to their rapid acclimation and adaptation to dry sites due to their large ecological amplitude [25]. Based on growth habit, species were classified into trees, herbs, and shrubs, with herbs (n = 76) taking potential precedence, followed by trees (n = 7) and shrubs (n = 4) (Table 1).…”