Brief characterisation of Fe chlorosis in chia (Salvia hispanica L.) plants grown in nutrient solution

TITLE
Brief characterisation of Fe chlorosis in chia (Salvia hispanica L.) plants grown in nutrient solution

JOURNAL
New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science

AUTHORS
João Vieira, Luna Džidić-Uzelac, Izabela Thais dos Santos, Marco Patrício, Florinda Gama, Teresa Saavedra, Pedro José Correia & Maribela Pestana

LINK
https://doi.org/10.1080/01140671.2023.2284280

ABSTRACT
Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) plant is a well-known plant due to the nutraceutical value of its seeds. The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the response of Chia plants to Fe deficiency. Chia plants were grown for 12 days in Hoagland’s nutrient solutions without Fe (Fe0) and with Fe (Fe10-10 µM Fe). Biomass parameters and root ferric chelate-reductase activity (FC-R; EC 1.16.1.17) were determined at the end of the experiment. Chlorophyll estimations (expressed as SPAD readings) decreased progressively, showing the typical symptoms of iron chlorosis. In addition, iron-deficient chia plants exhibit smaller biomass (number of leaves, root, and shoot growth reduction) compared to control plants. These plants also showed morphological changes in roots. Furthermore, root FC-R activity was significantly lower in Fe0 plants.