Pigment composition in Norway spruce needles suffering from different types of nutrient deficiency

• Published in: Trees (Berlin, West) Vol. 12; no. 5; pp. 289 - 292
• Main Authors: SOLBERG, S, RINDAL, T. K, OGNER, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.04.1998; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Bleaching; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Nutrient concentrations; Nutrient deficiency; Physiological diseases. Varia; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; Pigments; Pine needles; Pine trees; Trees; Norway; Scandinavia; Europe; Chlorophyll; Deficiency; Needle (conifer); Plant leaf; Nitrogen; Yellowing; Softwood forest tree; Gymnospermae; Pigments; Nutrient; Coniferales; Spermatophyta; Chemical composition; Carbohydrate; Magnesium; Carotenoid; Picea abies; Potassium
• ISSN: 0931-1890; 1432-2285
• DOI: 10.1007/s004680050153

Concentrations of pigments in needles of yellowish Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst] trees suffering from either N, Mg or K deficiency in field sites in southeast Norway are reported. The yellowish trees had a considerably lower (roughly 50%) pigment concentration, as well as a lower chlorophyll/carotenoid ratio, compared to green trees within the same sites. Yellowing was interpreted as a general bleaching of colour, as well as a slight turn from the green (chlorophylls) towards yellow (lutein). Concentrations of pigments were highly intercorrelated. N deficiency was especially associated with low α-carotene concentrations. This was interpreted as α-carotene being the most sensitive pigment to stress. However, this pigment might be specifically sensitive to N deficiency. Carbohydrate concentrations were slightly higher in yellowish trees.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]