Effects of potassium application rates on carbohydrate content and resistance to thrips (Thripidae) in alfalfa

doi:10.11686/cyxb2016144

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of potassium on alfalfa growth and its resistance to thrips. Two alfalfa varieties were chosen for the study; Gannong No.9 (thrip-resistant) and Gannong No.3 (thrip-susceptible). Potassium (K₂O) was applied to field-grown plants at five different levels (0, 6, 9, 12, and 15 g/m²) during the peak thrip damage period, and then the damage index, the potassium and carbohydrate contents in leaves, and yield were evaluated. The results showed that the yields of both alfalfa varieties increased significantly with increasing K₂O levels. The potassium, soluble sugars, starch, and lignin contents in old and heart leaves increased with increasing K₂O levels, and the thrip damage index decreased significantly. The lowest damage index values were in the 9 g/m² K₂O treatment (decreased 47.60% and 46.11% for Gannong No.9 and Gannong No.3 with the control, respectively). The damage index, yield, and potassium, soluble sugars, starch, and lignin contents at the second cutting showed similar trends to those at the third cutting. The damage index at the third cutting was decreased 30.78% and 23.27% for Gannong No.9 and Gannong No.3 with the control, respectively. Correlation analyses indicated that the potassium content of plants at the second and third cuttings was significantly negatively correlated with the damage index when the K₂O application rate was lower than 9 g/m², but not significantly correlated with the damage index when the K₂O application rate was higher than 12 g/m². The damage index was lower in Gannong No.3 treated with potassium than in Gannong No.9 without potassium application. These results indicate that potassium can enhance the resistance of alfalfa to thrips by promoting the synthesis of carbohydrates (especially soluble sugars and starch) and plant growth. Therefore, potassium management is an effective method to increase the tolerance of alfalfa to thrips in the field. The most economical fertilizer application rate was 9 g K₂O/m² in this experiment.

ZHANG Xiao-Yan, WANG Sen-Shan, LI Xiao-Long, LI Ya-Juan, HU Gui-Xin. Effects of potassium application rates on carbohydrate content and resistance to thrips (Thripidae) in alfalfa[J]. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2016, 25(10): 153-162.

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