Enzymatic methods for detection of mineral element deficiencies in citrus leaves: A mini-review

Ruth Lavon*, Eliezer E. Goldschmidt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

The identification of mineral element deficiencies by enzymatic methods was introduced by the late A. Bar-Akiva with citrus leaves. The level of specific enzyme activities was found to provide a rapid and sensitive indicator for deficiencies of the micronutrients iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and molybdenum (Mo) as well as the macronutrients nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Infiltration of the missing element into deficient leaf material reactivated the respective enzyme. The extent of reactivation of the enzyme was negatively correlated with the level of the element in the deficient leaves. The enzyme indicator concept has recently been extended to the characterization of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) deficiencies. Pyruvate kinase activity was found to reflect the K, Mg, and Ca balance. Amylase activity was inversely correlated with citrus leaf K levels. The level of RuBP carboxylase was reduced under Ca deficiency conditions. The significance of enzymatic methods for study of citrus mineral element nutrition is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)139-150
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Plant Nutrition
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

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