ANTAGONISM OF CERTAIN ELEMENTS ESSENTIAL TO PLANTS TOWARD CHEMICALLY RELATED TOXIC ELEMENTS

Abstract

Arsenic injury is a function of the available phosphate conc. with the protective As/P ratio in nutrient solns. near 1:5. Rb injury is a function of the available K conc. with the protective Rb/K ratio in nutrient solns. near 1:2. Sr injury is a function of the available Ca conc. with the protective Sr/Ca ratio in nutrient solns. near 1:1. The assumption is made that these effects are the result of some degree of unselectivity in absorption and utilization of chemically related elements, so that the chance of harmful substitution of the toxic element for the essential nutrient, as an organic molecule is synthesized, depends on the proportionate availability of the 2. If the assumption proves to be correct, this particular type of antagonism may appropriately be designated "mass antagonism.".