Rhythmic iron stress reactions in sunflower at suboptimal iron supply

Uptake and translocation of labelled iron were studied in sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L. cv. Sobrid) grown in nutrient solution with low FeEDDHA concentrations during preculture. In contrast to conditions for plants adequately supplied with iron, suboptimal iron supply leads to temporary Fe stress with rhythmic rates of uptake and translocation of iron (period 2–4 days). This rhythmic behaviour of iron uptake is associated with corresponding changes in morphology (thickening of root tips) and physiology (increase in reducing capacity) of the roots. Iron stress is alleviated within less than one day if sufficient iron is available. This is indicated by normalisation of root morphology, reducing capacity and rate of iron uptake and translocation. This rhythm in iron uptake stresses the importance of rhythmic patterns of biochemical behaviour in complex biological systems. It is suggested that phytohormones are involved in the transformation of the iron nutritional status of the shoot apex into a “signal” for the uptake sites of iron in the roots. Preliminary experiments with sunflower in calcareous soil indicate an ecological importance of this fine regulation mechanism for plants on soil with a low iron availability, manifested in rhythmic iron stress reactions.