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eISSN: 2083-5906
ISSN: 1230-1485
ISSN: 1230-1485
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
The Effect of Potassium Deficiency
on the Growth and Physiological
Characteristics of Walnut Seedlings
1
Chongqing Academy of Forestry Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Forest Ecological Restoration and
Utilization in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing 400036, China
2
Forestry Bureau of Wulong District, Chongqing 408500, China
Submission date: 2024-10-24
Final revision date: 2025-01-15
Acceptance date: 2025-03-24
Online publication date: 2025-06-05
Corresponding author
Dalan Feng
Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Forest Ecological Restoration and Utilization in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China
Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Forest Ecological Restoration and Utilization in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to explore the adaptability and mechanism of walnut seedlings under potassium
(K) deficiency stress. Potassium is a major nutrient element required for plant growth and development
and has an important impact on plant physiological processes. Understanding the response mechanism
of walnut seedlings under potassium deficiency conditions is of great significance for improving crop
stress resistance. In this study, different potassium deficiency treatments were designed, including the
control group (CK), moderate potassium deficiency (MK), and severe potassium deficiency (SP), to
explore the effects of potassium deficiency on the growth and physiological characteristics of walnut
seedlings. The effects of potassium deficiency on seedlings were evaluated by observing changes in plant
growth indicators, photosynthesis, hormone content, etc. Potassium deficiency significantly affected the
growth and physiological characteristics of walnut seedlings. With the increase in potassium deficiency,
the seedlings’ aboveground biomass, root biomass, and chlorophyll content decreased. At the same
time, the root activity and specific root area of the severe potassium deficiency group were significantly
higher than those of the control group. The photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductance were the
highest in the control group and gradually decreased in the potassium deficiency group. Hormone
analysis showed that potassium deficiency treatment led to increased levels of hormones such as IAA,
CTK, and ABA, and dynamic changes occurred with the extension of treatment time. Walnut seedlings
relieve physiological stress by regulating hormone and polyamine content under potassium deficiency
stress. However, long-term potassium deficiency interferes with hormone synthesis and plant growth
and development, which may eventually lead to plant senescence and growth stunting.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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| eISSN: | 2083-5906 |
| ISSN: | 1230-1485 |
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