Scientific Publications by FDA Staff

J Plant Nutr 2015 Jun;38(7):1083-96

Biomass production and phosphorus use efficiency in two tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) gray genotypes.

Jorge-Mustonen PS, Oelbermann M, Kass DCL

Little information exists on the phosphorus (P) use efficiency of Tithonia diversifolia under varying levels of soil P availability. This study evaluated biomass production, changes in tissue P concentration, P uptake, and P uptake and utilization efficiencies in a Costa Rican and Colombian T. diversifolia genotype when 0, 0.3, 5, and 30mg P g(-1) were available. Biomass, root length and tissue P concentration increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of P availability and with time. Phosphorus uptake (mg plant(-1)) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 30mg P g(-1). Phosphorus uptake (mg P mg(-1) P-f) and utilization (mg mg(-1) P) efficiencies were greatest at 0.3 and 5mg P g(-1). Differences between genotypes showed that T. diversofilia from Colombia had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) biomass, tissue P concentration, root length, and a more effective uptake and utilization of P when availability of this nutrient was low.