Effect of molybdenum deficiency on the growth and metabolism of corn plants raised in sand culture

Abstract

Mo deficiency decreased the dry matter yield, tissue concentration of Mo, and chlorophyll content of corn (Zea mays L. cv. T.41) plants. Compared with the normal (control) plants, leaves of Mo-deficient plants had significantly lower activities of nitrate reductase, catalase, aldolase and alanine aminotransferase and higher activities of peroxidase, .beta.-glycerophosphatase and RNase. Within 72 h of supplying Mo (50 .mu.M) to Mo-deficient plants, chlorophyll concentration, soluble protein and activities of nitrate reductase, catalase and alanine aminotransferase showed considerable recovery but the increase in the peroxidase activity was further enhanced. Supply of Mo to Mo-deficient plants did not significantly affect the activity of aldolase, RNase and .beta.-glycerophosphatase.