2018 journal article
Source-sink interactions lead to atypical reproductive stage phosphorus deficiency symptoms on the upper foliage of Capsicum annuum and Chrysanthemum x morifolium
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE, 238, 288–294.
author keywords: Floriculture; Nutrition; Phosphate; Remobilization; Symptomology; Translocation
TL;DR:
The developing upper foliage was deprived of P, leading to P deficiency symptoms due to competition with the maturing flowers and fruit, indicating that large quantities of P were translocated from vegetative tissues to the developing reproductive tissues.
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Added: August 6, 2018
Phosphorus (P) restriction has become more prevalent in floriculture production to control growth and reduce fertilizer waste. With low P fertilization practices, growers are more likely to develop P deficiency in their crops. Symptoms of a reproductive stage P deficiency were reported in which symptomology occurs on the foliage directly below the flowers or fruit. To induce and describe these symptoms, ornamental peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) and chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum ×morifolium Ramat.) were grown initially with P fertilization, but half the plants were later restricted to 0 mg L−1 P upon floral initiation. Plants that were P restricted developed symptoms of chlorosis, olive green spotting, and necrosis on the upper foliage below the reproductive structures, while central foliage remained asymptomatic. ‘Crystal Misty Purple’ chrysanthemums developed unique symptoms of upper leaf purpling. Phosphorus movement within the plant was quantified via tissue division and analysis. The highest tissue P concentrations were in the flowers or fruit for both species, regardless of symptoms. Up to 80% of the total P in aboveground tissues was in the flowers and fruit of symptomatic plants. Vegetative tissue P concentrations were significantly lower in symptomatic plants compared to the asymptomatic controls, indicating that large quantities of P were translocated from vegetative tissues to the developing reproductive tissues. Remobilized P from the lower tissues appeared to bypass the upper foliage in favor of the flowers and fruit. Thus, the developing upper foliage was deprived of P, leading to P deficiency symptoms due to competition with the maturing flowers and fruit.