Env Exp Biol (2013) 11: 151–157

Enhanced biomass production in sudangrass induced by co-treatment with copper and EDTA

Abstract

Three-month soil experiments were conducted to examine the effects of copper (Cu²⁺) treatment in combination with EDTA on biomass production of sudangrass [Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf cv. Akklimat]. Cu accumulation increased in the leaves at 10^–7 – 10^–6 M Cu²⁺ concentrations but it did not rise further in the presence of 200 or 300 μM EDTA. Treatment with 10^–7 M Cu²+ in the presence of 300 µM EDTA enhanced fresh mass accumulation and photosynthetic activity as well as increased the total sugar content in all parts of plants. The effect of higher Cu²⁺ supply (10^–6 M) in combination with 300 μM EDTA was not so obvious; the maximal rate of CO₂ fixation was lower than in plants exposed to 10^–7 M Cu²⁺ + 300 μM EDTA combination and the increases in stem and root biomass were not significant in these plants. Soluble sugar concentration increased with Cu²⁺ concentration and 300 μM EDTA in all plant parts. These results show that the application of Cu²⁺ fertilization in combination with suitable concentration of EDTA can be a useful strategy to increase the biomass production of sudangrass.